How to Style a Hoodie or Sweatshirt

A styled hoodie outfit

How to Style a Hoodie or Sweatshirt

Layering, pairing and dressing a sweat up or down

OD's Designer Clothing · Knowledge Hubs

A sweat can look scruffy or sharp depending on how you wear it. This hub sets out simple ways to layer, pair and dress a hoodie or sweatshirt, so you get more from every piece. Browse men's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/mens-sweatshirts-jumpers-hoodies).

Layering

Under a Jacket

Wear a sweat as a mid-layer.

How to wear it

Layer a slim crew or hood under an overshirt, denim jacket or coat, keeping the sweat trim so it sits neatly underneath.

Quick tip

A crew neck layers cleaner than a hood. Browse men's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/mens-sweatshirts-jumpers-hoodies).

Hood Over a Collar

Let a hood sit over a shirt or jacket collar.

How to wear it

Wear a hoodie under a jacket with the hood left out over the collar for a relaxed, layered streetwear look.

Quick tip

Keep the rest of the outfit simple to balance it.

Tonal Layering

Match a sweat to nearby colours.

How to wear it

Layer a sweat in a shade close to your jacket or trousers for a considered, tonal outfit that looks put together.

Quick tip

Greys, navys and earth tones mix easily.

Smartening up

Sweat and Chinos

Pair a crew with smart trousers.

How to wear it

Pair a plain crew sweat with chinos or tailored trousers and clean trainers or loafers for smart-casual wear.

Quick tip

A crew neck dresses up better than a hood.

Sweat Under a Blazer

Swap a shirt for a fine sweat.

How to wear it

Wear a slim crew or mock neck under an unstructured blazer for a modern, smart-casual take on the jacket-and-shirt look.

Quick tip

Keep the sweat plain and well-fitted. Browse women's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/womens-sweatshirts-hoodies).

One Colour Pop

Use a bright sweat as the focus.

How to wear it

Let a single bold-coloured sweat carry the outfit and keep everything else neutral so it reads deliberate, not loud.

Quick tip

One statement piece per outfit is plenty.

Keeping it casual

Sweat and Joggers

Match a sweat to joggers for an easy set.

How to wear it

Pair a hoodie or crew with matching or tonal joggers for a comfortable co-ord, finished with clean trainers.

Quick tip

Matching tones look sharper than a clash.

Sweat and Denim

The classic hoodie-and-jeans pairing.

How to wear it

Pair a hoodie with straight or tapered jeans and trainers for the everyday casual staple that always works.

Quick tip

Match the hood colour to your trainers to tie it together.

Frequently asked questions

How do you dress up a hoodie or sweatshirt?

Start with a plain, well-fitted crew sweat rather than a graphic hoodie, then pair it with chinos or tailored trousers and clean footwear. Layering a slim crew or mock neck under an unstructured blazer or a smart overcoat lifts it further. Keep the colours neutral and the fit trim, and a sweat can look genuinely smart-casual.

Can you wear a hoodie under a blazer?

Yes, a slim, plain hoodie or a crew sweat works under an unstructured blazer for a modern smart-casual look, as long as the sweat is trim and not too thick. A crew or mock neck sits cleaner than a hood under a jacket. Stick to plain colours and avoid heavy logos so the layering looks intentional.

What goes with a hoodie?

The everyday pairing is a hoodie with jeans or joggers and clean trainers. For a sharper look, choose a crew sweat with chinos, or layer a slim sweat under a jacket or overshirt. Keeping colours tonal, matching your footwear to the sweat, and keeping the fit right does more for the outfit than any single item.

Get the next guide first
New hoodie guides, restocks and the occasional buyer's tip -- straight to your inbox. No spam.
Unsubscribe any time. We never share your details.