How to Choose a Men’s Sweatshirt + Our Favorites

When it comes to the spectrum of garments, a men’s sweatshirt tends to be unassuming. We picture something classic, likely in heathered gray with a crewneck and lined with fleece or French terry for warmth.

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Yet, for men, the sweatshirt has moved far beyond its underwear and athletic origins, and today, luxury versions abound. They’re also a quintessential aspect of ‘90s logomania, now revived: Sufficient surface area turns them into the perfect canvas for this graphic addition.

	TOP PICKS AT A GLANCE
Best Traditional	Purple Label Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt A mix of premium cotton and lyocell Super comfortable to wear Lightweight	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Best To Make a Statement	Burberry Thomas Bear Print Cotton Sweatshirt Unique and interesting design Classic Good for casual events	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Best Collegiate	Hugo Boss Logo Sweatshirt Subtle Versatile Made from French Terry cotton	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Best Short-Sleeve	Nike Dri-FIT Short-Sleeve Training Hoodie Suitable for everyday wear Moisture-wicking Dri-FIT technology Excellent material quality	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Best Hooded	Polo Ralph Lauren The RL Fleece Hoodie Simple yet impactful Available in different bright colors Perfect fit	VIEW LATEST PRICE →

If you’re thinking about revisiting the sweatshirt, here’s how you can get started.

Table of contents

Origins of Men’s Sweatshirts

Sweatshirts in their current form were invented in the 1920s as a mid-layer type of undergarment. Football players quickly adopted the cotton construction known to wick away perspiration, as it offered more breathability compared to the era’s wool garments.

Champion started manufacturing sweatshirts by the 1930s, opting to add a hood that offered protection from the elements.

Into the 1950s, Ivy League students began sporting these garments not just for playing sports but for showing campus pride. Reflecting that today, logo-emblazoned sweatshirts are a staple of collegiate or Ivy League preppy style.

While the 1960s and ‘70s gave it an effortless normcore makeover – transporting it into a tough-guy staple worn by Paul Newman and Steve McQueen – the ‘80s saw the hoodie diverge from the sweatshirt, preferred in urban subcultures for its ability to camouflage the wearer’s face.

For men and women, the sweatshirt soldiered on, turning into an athleisure staple and casual layering piece over the next few decades.

What to Look for in a Men’s Sweatshirt

Sweatshirt design borrows from T-shirt attributes: generally, the simpler, the better, but it’s also easy to appear big and bulky.

Traditional sweatshirts feature a long-sleeve form with ribbed cuffs and a similar hem.

A crewneck, often with a stitched V-notch, goes around your neck. Initially, the notch helped with controlling sweat in this area, but today, the element adds reinforcement to prevent the elastic going around the neck from stretching out.

Along with these basic elements:

Consider a men’s sweatshirt with raglan or baseball-style sleeves that allow for more natural movement.
Materials span traditional cotton and French terry to fully fleece, which tends to offer more warmth. 330g to 380g is standard for sweatshirt fabric. In between, a cotton-polyester blend produces that recognizable heathered appearance, while fleece lining holds onto more body heat. Luxury sweatshirts may incorporate cashmere for a softer feel.
Pay attention to fit: Avoid a tight sensation around the collar, shoulders, and wrists, as this can feel restrictive, but avoid something too loose, as this will envelope your frame with shapeless material. As well, look for something that hits right at the hips. The upper seams, meanwhile, should align with your shoulder, and the sleeve should fit right into your armpits.
Think about how it will layer with other garments. Based on the weather, sweatshirts are designed to be worn over T-shirts and base layers and, for more of an Ivy League look, over collared Oxfords. More for modern sensibilities, it’s relatively common to see a sweatshirt under a midweight denim jacket or bomber, as well as a heavier overcoat.

Styles of Men’s Sweatshirts & Recommendations

Traditional Sweatshirt

This is the gray heathered jersey sweatshirt your mind immediately pictures. Maybe you associate it with gym class or some retro athletic vibes, but the garment merges a degree of performance with style.

Typically, this sweatshirt includes a crewneck and minimal additions – maybe a hood or a logo across the front – and therefore, they’re the most versatile for loungewear, active use, and preppy ensembles.

Purple Label Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt

You can’t get any more traditional. This Purple Label sweatshirt keeps the silhouette standard and adaptable while elevating construction with smoother-feeling fleece and a mix of premium cotton and lyocell.

Origins of Men’s Sweatshirts

What to Look for in a Men’s Sweatshirt

Styles of Men’s Sweatshirts & Recommendations

Traditional Sweatshirt

Statement Sweatshirts

Short-Sleeve Sweatshirts

Collegiate Sweatshirts

Hoodies

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