Hoodie & Sweatshirt Buying Guide
Buying the right sweat is about matching fabric, fit and style to how you will wear it. This hub walks through the decisions in order, so you choose well and buy once. Browse men's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/mens-sweatshirts-jumpers-hoodies).
Start with the use
Pick the Type
Hood or crew, pullover or zip.
How to decide
Choose a pullover hood for warmth and a clean front, a zip for easy layering, or a crew to dress smarter.
Quick tip
A plain crew is the most versatile first buy. Browse men's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/mens-sweatshirts-jumpers-hoodies).
Choose the Fabric
Match the weight to the season.
How to decide
Choose loopback or lighter jersey for warmer months, French terry for all year, and brushed fleece or heavyweight for cold days.
Quick tip
Around 280 to 320gsm is the all-year sweet spot.
Choose the Colour
Start neutral, then add colour.
How to decide
Choose grey, navy, black or an earth tone first, since neutrals layer with everything, then add bolder colours later.
Quick tip
Neutral sweats work harder in a wardrobe.
Get the fit right
Get the Fit Right
Fit the shoulders first.
How to decide
Choose a fit where a set-in shoulder seam sits at your shoulder edge, with room to layer a tee underneath.
Quick tip
For a loose look, pick a relaxed or oversized style, not a size up. Browse women's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/womens-sweatshirts-hoodies).
Check the Length
The hem should sit around the hip.
How to decide
Choose a length where the hem sits at the top of the hip and the cuffs reach the wrist bone.
Quick tip
Oversized and boxy cuts sit longer by design.
Check the Neckline
Match the neckline to the warmth you want.
How to decide
Choose a hood or funnel neck for warmth and a crew or mock neck for a cleaner, layer-friendly line.
Quick tip
A crew layers best under jackets.
Judge the quality
Judge the Make
Check seams, ribbing and weight.
How to decide
Check for tidy seams, firm springy ribbing, a dense knit and a reinforced back neck as signs of a lasting sweat.
Quick tip
A firm collar that springs back marks quality. Browse HUGO sweatshirts (/collections/mens-hugo-sweatshirts).
Build a Core
Buy staples before statement sweats.
How to decide
Start with a neutral crew and a neutral hood in a versatile weight, then add colours, prints and heavier styles.
Quick tip
A few good plain sweats beat many novelty ones. Browse Paul Smith sweatshirts (/collections/mens-paul-smith-sweatshirts).
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a good hoodie?
Start with how you will wear it, then match the fabric weight to the season and the fit to your build. A mid-weight loopback or French terry in a neutral colour is the most versatile first choice. Get the shoulders and length right, pick a hood or crew based on the warmth you want, and check the seams, ribbing and knit density as signs of quality before you buy.
How much should I spend on a sweatshirt?
Spend enough to get a good fabric weight, firm ribbing and tidy construction, since those decide how a sweat looks and lasts far more than the label. A well-made mid-weight sweat you wear constantly is better value than several cheap ones that pill and lose their shape. Buy fewer, better staples and add statement pieces sparingly.
What sweats should every wardrobe have?
A neutral crew sweat and a neutral pullover hoodie in a versatile mid-weight cover most needs, layering under jackets and pairing with jeans, joggers or chinos. From there, add a heavyweight hoodie for cold days, a lighter sweat for milder weather, and colours or prints to taste. Staples first, statements second.