This guide to the best hoodies of 2018 covers both pullover and zip-up styles, showcasing French terry, fleece-back and double-faced fabrics.

Introduction

The hoodie is a pillar of the casual wardrobe. It has transcended its roots as a sportswear staple and is an essential garment regardless of social class or aesthetic taste. Though the design hasn’t changed much over the years, brands are offering versions of the hoodie in a range of quality fabrics not present in previous decades. Still comfortable and durable, these sweatshirts show the depth of quality fabrics available in French terry, fleece-back and double-face constructions. Whether you’re a fan of pullover or zip-up styles, quality fabric is what makes the garment. So explore the range of options below and invest in a hoodie worth wearing for years.

Important Fabric Terms

French Terry: Sometimes referred to as loopback cotton, this fabric is warp knitted with a flat face and loops on the underside, which serve the same purpose as the loops on a towel: to absorb moisture and sweat. Most commonly offered in 100 percent cotton, French terry can also include added elastane for stretch.

Fleece-Back: To create fleece-back fabrics, the underside of a knitted fabric is brushed with sandpaper or wire brushes until the yarn becomes soft and fleecy. This technique can be applied to a large range of knitted cotton fabrics and is utilized for its velvety hand feel.

Double-Face: This material is made up of two interlocking knitted fabrics. A double-knitted jersey, for example, is made up of two single jerseys knitted together so that both the underside and outside of the fabric are flat. Domestically, the Northwestern Knitting Co. has a proprietary knitted fabric made of two distinct layers, while internationally, brands like Norse Projects utilize this material.

Buying Guide

Best Pullover Hoodies

Alternative Apparel Challenger Eco-Fleece Hoodie

This incredibly soft sweatshirt is made with American fabric, a blend of polyester, cotton and rayon. It features a slim fit, a kangaroo pocket and no external branding.

American Giant Classic Pullover

Made in America from heavyweight fleece-back botton, this hoodie has a double-lined hood and custom metal grommets. It features double-needle straddle-stitching with high-strength thread for extra durability.

J.Crew Wallace & Barnes Hoodie

Made from loopback cotton, this hoodie features ribbed trims and a drawstring hood. The unique front pouch pockets set it apart from others at this price point.

Norse Projects Ketel Classic Hoodie

This minimalist hoodie is cut from soft loopback cotton and features a double-layered drawstring hood. Other features include a kangaroo pouch pocket, ribbed cuffs and ribbed hem.

Velva Sheen Pullover Hoodie

Established in 1932, Velva Sheen originally produced tees, sweatshirts and other basics for schools, camps and the military. This American-made hoodie is cut from loopback cotton, and features flatlock stitching, ribbed cuffs and a lined hood.

Freemans Sporting Club Fleece-Back Hoodie

This faded-navy hoodie is made in Canada with fleece-back cotton. It features a drawstring hood, ribbed trims and a front pouch pocket.

National Athletic Goods Pullover Hoodie

Made in Canada, this sweatshirt pays homage to traditional American sportswear designs. Cut from an exclusive marl-knit fabric, the shirt has a relaxed silhouette, a kangaroo pocket and ribbing around the hood.

Simon Miller Mazunte Hoodie

Cut from hefty Japanese loopback cotton fabric, this hoodie will get has raw edges around the kangaroo pocket. Other details include a lined hood, ribbed trims and a relaxed fit.

The Elder Statesman Hoodie

Mineral-dyed to create a unique uneven color, this faded blue hoodie is cut from fleece-back cotton fabric. The kangaroo pocket and cuffs are simple and unaffected, and the fit is classic.

Best Zip-Up Hoodies

Patagonia P-6 Zip Hoodie

Made from a recycled cotton-poly blend, this hoodie has a soft fleece back and a split pouch pocket. The drawstring hood is lined and the hem and cuffs are ribbed.

Champion Reverse Weave Classsic Zip Hoodie

This hoodie is made from a reverse-weave fabric with an absorbant looped back. Other features include a drawcord hood, and a split pouch pocket.

Outerknown Carry On Hoodie

Made from a soft blend of recycled polyester and hemp, this hoodie features peaked cuffs, a two-way zipper and curved hand pockets. The raglan-sleeve design ensures a comfortable fit and under-arm vent help regulate temperature.

Northwestern Knitting Co. Hooded Zip

This raglan-sleeve sweatshirt is made in the USA from the brand’s trademark dual-face Merino Dual Cloth. Other details include a blackened brass Riri two-way zipper, cover stitched seams and a rib inset at the waist.

Officine Generale Full Zip Hoodie

This minimalist hoodie is cut from durable loopback cotton fabric. It features a two-way zipper, a split kangaroo pocket and a traditional fit.

John Elliott Loopback Hoodie

Utilizing loopback cotton fabric, this hoodie features raglan-sleeve construction. The split-kangaroo pouch is larger than most, and the fit is comfortable without being baggy.

Remi Relief Zip-Up Hoodie

Made in Japan, this loopback cotton hoodie features both a drawstring hood and a drawstring hem. It has light distressing around the edges, a two-way zipper and custom zipper pulls with beads and leather.

Volleback 100 Year Hoodie

Made from Kevlar fleece, this hoodie is at once very soft and incredibly durable. It has a relaxed fit, a half-zipper and a front kangaroo pocket with cover-stitch detailing

Arc’Teryx Veilance Dyadic Comp Hoodie

Made from a blend of merino wool and nylon with stretch overlays, this hoodie is both weather resistant and durabe. The design features hand pockets with hidden zippers, a brimmed hood and a slim fit.