Amp up your style without losing your comfort by getting to know the different types of hoodies based on style, material, and feature. Staying in style has never felt so good.
The hoodie comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “höd” although the term “hoodie” itself only came to use in the 1990s. The hooded sweatshirt traces its origins to 12th Century Medieval Europe. The first hooded garments were the cowls or tunics with hoods, which were worn by monks, and the chaperons or capes with hoods, which were worn by outdoor workers.
The American sports-drama movie “Rocky” in 1976 gave the hoodie an iconic status. Since then, the hoodie found its place on the catwalk, at universities, and even as a popular subculture.
The Best Hoodies for Men & Women (by FAR)
Best Hoodie Store Ever
Men’s Hoodies | Women’s Hoodies
This online store sells the very best hoodies ever. I like them so much I ended up buying 3 different types. One is a full-blown sweatshirt (looks awesome). Another is more of a lighter sweatshirt style (looks awesome). The third is a shirt-style hoodie (you guessed it… looks awesome).
What makes them so great? The fit, the feel, the quality and the style. Seriously, check them out. You will not be disappointed.
Types of Hoodies for Women and Men
1. Zip-Up Hoodie (for Women)
One main categorization of hoodies is zip-up vs. pullover. When you’re looking for a hoodie that may be your starting distinction. I prefer zip-up hoodies because I find they’re a pain to pull over my head (I wear glasses so I have to remove them etc.).
Beyond the zipper vs. pullover distinction, there are many types of hoodies so keep drilling down. Our aim with this article is to point out the many types of hoodies out there.
2. Zip-Up Hoodie (for Men)
This is a super cool, simple hoodie for men with a zipper. Like zip-ups for women, zip-up hoodies for men are easier to put on and take off.
This particular example comes in a ton of colors.
As you can see, it’s a fitted style (which I prefer big time – no more big, baggy hoodies for me… until they’re in style again if ever).
This is an example of a hoodie that would be useful in any male wardrobe.
3. Pullover Hoodie (for Women)
Pullover hoodies come in many styles and colors. This is one of many examples of a pullover hoodie for women. It’s a very basic style but I like it because it’s fitted and offers some stylish contrast with the thick pull strings all in white.
If back color isn’t your thing for a hoodie but you like this cut, fear not because it comes in a ton of colors. Like the pullover for men, any women’s wardrobe would do well to include something like this particular style… unless you’re like me and prefer zipper hoodies.
4. Pullover Hoodie (for Men)
You knew it was coming, right… the pullover hoodie option for men. Stands to reason. Can’t leave this obvious hoodie style out.
This particular style is more of a shirt-style hoodie than a jacket (which I like… in fact I have one such hoodie and love it).
There’s something cool about attaching a hood to a shirt. It gives it much different look than a long-sleeved shirt without the hood… don’t you think?
5. Fitted Hoodie (for Women)
It’s not surprising that this fitted, but casual-wear hoodie for women is so darn popular. It’s well-priced and is nicely cut to look great on women without being too tight.
The two-color tone and think pull strings add a nice style to it (at least I like it).
Speaking of color combinations, you can choose from many different color combinations.
It’s 60% cotton and 40% polyester. Easy to care for – machine washable and can put in dryer (on low).
I can tell just by looking at it that the thick zipper is easy to do up (I like bigger zippers with bigger teeth because they’re so much easier to pull up and down).
All in all, this is a real beaut that is wildly popular.
6. Athletic Hoodie (for Women)
There are hoodies designed specifically for athletics such as running. This particular example is a super popular option for staying warm outdoors (it’s fleece)
It comes in a variety of colors including black gray, blue, red, beige and white.
While warm, it’s not too bulky like some hoodies can be.
7. Athletic Hoodie (for Men)
I love this hoodie. I like them fitted like this, especially for hitting the gym or any athletic pursuit.
It’s a tad tight for general wear though so it definitely fits the “athletic” type of hoodie.
This is not a good option if you’re running in cold weather. It’s very lightweight – more of an indoor hoodie when you first hit the gym (and it’s cold unitl you’ve cranked out a bunch of sets).
As you can tell, it’s made with synthetic materials – 90% polyester and 10% spandex.
8. Knit-Hoodie (for Women)
Isn’t that cool? I like it. I like the knit material and color scheme. While I typically prefer fitted, this loose style totally works giving it a casual vibe. You can’t beat the price either.
If you don’t care for this color scheme, you can choose from a variety of color schemes.
Generally speaking, a knit hoodie is a great addition to any wardrobe. It’s different – kind of a cross between a Baja hoodie and a regular athletic hoodie.
9. Knit Hoodie (for Men)
Here’s an athletic-cut knit texture hoodie for men. It’s a thick knit comprised of 35% cotton and 65% plyester. With the high neck and textured front, it’s a stylish hoodie for going out. I think this could qualify for business casual (if jeans or dockers are permitted in the office). The company considers this a hipster hoodie – but I’m not sure this is hipster. You be the judge.
10. Baja Hoodie (for Women)
Baja hoodies started around 50 years ago and came from Mexico, where they were always made out of very soft materials. At first, they were shaped like basic pull-overs and ponchos, but nowadays they come in hoodie styles as well.
In fact, many Baja hoodies come sleeveless, which tends to make the wearer look more attractive. If you enjoy the hippie lifestyle, you can wear a Baja hoodie with glasses, a man bun, and traveling pants that are made out of loose-fitting cotton. Of course, even if you’re not going for a specific look, the Baja hoodie is a great choice when it comes to jackets.
One of the most unique characteristics of a Baja hoodie is the colorful designs they normally come in, including bright stripes of black, gold, green, and red, among others. They can be turquoise and black, purple and grey, and purple and black, and their unique and bold designs make them a favorite among a lot of people who wear hoodies.
11. Baja Hoodie (for Men)
The Baja or Boho style hoodie is one that is geared toward for men and women. This is an example that both could wear. The example at the top is styled for women with a low cut line.
I like this style of hoodie. I also like the ruggedness of the material – they last forever.
They look great in shorts and jeans. Definitely casual. A great travel or day at the beach garment.
12. Designer Hoodie (for Women)
Designer hoodies are those made by the higher class and more expensive brands, and they are usually purchased either online or at retail stores that are known to carry high quality, but expensive items.
This particular example is frightfully expensive.
They can be made by companies with fancy French names and they have distinct logos on them, and they are often made of extra thick or extra-soft materials as well.
Designer hoodies can be made for men and women, and they come in a variety of colors and designs. Much like other types of hoodies, they come with many different features, so if you want extra-deep pockets or a specific design on your hoodie, you are all but guaranteed to get it.
The sports luxe market has adopted these designer hoodies because it is made up of people who care what they look like and who often wish to present a certain image while out in public. Of course, anyone can wear one of these hoodies, because wearing one results in a sleek, suave look that everyone who sees you will appreciate.
13. Designer Hoodie (for Men)
Get a load of this hoodie – it has gold-plated hardware.
Is that cool?
I don’t know but if you’re into that sort of thing and enjoy paying hundreds for it, go to it.
If it weren’t inflated on account of the gold, it’s actually a very cool hoodie cut. I like how it’s striaght and sleek – slimming which many hoodies for men aren’t.
14. Sleeveless Hoodie (for Women)
For a different style altogether there’s the sleeveless hoodie (aka tank top hoodie).
I’m not a fan but they can be good for working out. I wouldn’t be too keen for wearing this out unless it’s to the beach.
This particular example has a mesh hood. The fabric is super lightweight designed for running or something active.
15. Sleeveless Hoodie (for Men)
Again, sleeveless style isn’t for me but they are kind of popular for men as a workout shirt. Most are designed for working out which includes lightweight, sweat-wicking material like the examples shown here.
That said, there are some tank-style hoodies for men that are made with a thicker material if that’s your thing.
16. Fleece Hoodie (for Women)
Now that looks soft. Welcome to the fuzzy fleece style hoodie for women. It’s robe-like. It’s warm. It looks great with jeans.
This is your bomb around doing errands, stay warm hoodie yet look good in Spring and Fall.
17. Fleece Hoodie (for Men)
Not nearly as sumptuous as the fleece version for women, but this fleece-style hoodie for men will keep you warm. You don’t notice the fleece from the exterior, but you feel it as the entire hoodie is lined with fleece.
I like fleece when it’s cold but I’m not wild about this particular style. It reminds me of a varsity jacket – if you like varsity-style jackets, this hoodie is for you.
18. Button-Up Cardigan Sweater Hoodie (for Women)
Here’s a real hybrid hoodie that’s a hoodie, cardigan and button-up variety garment.
It’s an item that can be dressed up or dressed down. It’s more fashionable than practical (typically the case of cardigans).
It’s definitely something that could be worn to a casual office or out for dinner.
Includes a couple of side pockets (but they’re not deep so don’t put anything valuable in them like your phone or keys or a roll of hundred dollar bills.
19. Flannel Button-Up Hoodie (for Men)
The men’s button-up variety is a heck of a lot different than the women’s cardigan style.
Here’s a true work hoodie that’s really just a thick flannel work jacket (or shirt) with a hood attached.
I’m not sure Iike the concept. I think the hood being such a different color and seemingly different texture from the rest of the garment detracts from what could have been somethin g decent.
However, the flannel style hood wouldn’t work either (too much flannel). Not sure this is a great idea but if you’re working outdoors, the hood could definitely come in handy.
20. Tunic-Style Hoodie (for Women)
If you like long, aka the tunic-style garment, here’s a hoodie for you.
This is definitely falling on the more elegant side of the spectrum without beign formal.
I actually really like this style of hoodie… it’s different.
I’m not the only one. Many (and I mean many) women bought this and gave rave reviews.
In fact, while it’s the tunic style, my favorite aspect is the cowl neck design. A very nice touch that turned this hoodie into something special.
21. Our Favorite Hoodies for Women: Lululemon
Hoodies for Women at Lululemon
When it comes to hoodies for women, our favorite brand and store is Lululemon.
They have a wide variety of hoodies – athletic, fitted, oversized, fleece, shirt, outerwear and everything in between.
Lululemon is one of the most popular apparel brands in the world because it uses superior materials and the attention to design, style and cut is unsurpassed. I know because I own a ton of apparel from Lululemon. It’s my go-to casual wear store (brick and mortar and online).
Seriously, if it’s a hoodie you want and you have a few extra bucks to spend, check out the hoodies at Lululemon. Better yet, buy one and try it on. You will immediately tell the difference in quality, comfort and style. I wasn’t convinced at all until I tried something on and now I buy copious amounts of Lululemon wear.
22. Our Favorite Hoodies for Men: Lululemon
I own 3 hoodies from Lululemon plus a variety of hoodies from other brands and Lululemon hoodies are my favorite by far.
This specific hoodie above (the Surge) can be worn as a shirt or an outer layer. I tend to wear it as a shirt with t-shirt underneath during Fall and Winter.
It offers some nice stretch, is nicely fitted without being too tight and the arm length is perfect for me.
Yes, you pay more for hoodies by other brands but without a doubt paying extra if you can for Lululemon apparel is worth it.
While it looks tight, I’d say it’s fitted. There’s sufficient room to wear a thin layer or two underneath without it bulking up.
It’s a zip-up style hoodie (my preferred style) and includes two zip-up side pockets. The pockets are fairly deep so you can store a phone, keys, etc.
You can also buy hoodies that are designed as shirts plus a variety of other styles for men. In fact, when it comes to hoodies, Lululemon has you covered – by far my favorite hoodie brand.
Related: Types jackets for men and women
Hoodie Materials
Depending on the company that makes them, hoodies can be made out of a variety of materials, including:
- Cotton
- Cotton/polyamide
- Cotton/polyester
- Cotton/polyester fleece
- Fleece
- Polyester
- Polyester/acrylic/cotton
- Polyester/spandex
Features
Drawstrings
On a hoodie, drawstrings are often found at the neck and hood area, and they are there to make sure the hoodie fits you right and isn’t uncomfortable. During inclement weather, these drawstrings are particularly important, because they can make your hoodie tight enough to prevent rain and snow from creeping into the jacket and exposing you to the elements. Drawstrings can also be a fun feature, and they often add to the design that is printed on the front of the hoodie, allowing you to enjoy it more.
Loose Versus Tight Design
The bottom of your hoodie and the bottom of your sleeves can be loose or tight, and which one you choose depends on your personal tastes and preferences. Many hoodies are made to be loose-fitting, while others are made to fit you a little closer to the skin, and the sleeve and jacket bottoms give you the feeling you were hoping for.
All hoodies are made to keep you warm, and all of them come in hundreds of colors and designs, so it is good to know that you have a choice when it comes to the overall comfort level of your hoodie.
Pockets
Everyone loves pockets, and hoodies can come with or without pockets. If you enjoy pockets in your hoodie, you also have a choice in the number of pockets available. Some people prefer two simple pockets located near the bottom of the jacket, which is just enough for you to stick your hands in those pockets when they get cold.
Other people, however, like a lot of pockets on their hoodies, so many of these jackets are made with pockets on the upper area of the front part of the jacket, as well as pockets on the sleeves. These pockets are made to carry things such as your wallet, pens, and even a water bottle, so when it comes to your hoodie’s pockets, you have a lot of selections available to you.
Reflective Tape
If you are exercising or attending an activity and wearing your hoodie after dark, it is good to choose one that has reflective tape on it so that it is easier for the cars to see you. The tape is usually found on both the front and back of the hoodie, and they are usually in bright neon-like colors that are sure to catch people’s attention. If you’re jogging at night, hoodies with reflective tape on them are a must, because they can keep you safe from start to finish.
Shiny Images and Bling
The designs on hoodies are more unique than ever, and this includes shiny, 3D-like images that make your imagination come alive. Regardless of what the design is, companies can make it in a shiny fabric that is almost metallic looking in nature.
They can also put bling on your hoodie, usually consisting of rhinestones of various colors. When it comes to the designs found on today’s hoodies, the sky is the limit, because if you can think it up in your head, it is all but guaranteed that there is a company that has created that design.
Advantages of Wearing a Hoodie
There Are Dozens of Styles and Designs
Whatever you’re looking for in a hoodie, you can easily find it. Every day, different designs come out that offer something unique and different, so you will never be disappointed in the selection that is available.
You might prefer a basic grey hoodie that is solid colored or a bright-pink hoodie with sparkling designs on it, but whatever you’re looking for, you can find it in today’s selection. Whether the look you’re going for is basic and conservative or bright and bold, you can easily find a hoodie that can accommodate you.
They Are Extremely Comfortable
Because they are usually made out of cotton or a cotton-polyester blend, hoodies are extremely comfortable. In fact, this is often the reason people choose to purchase a hoodie because they want something that feels good against their skin.
If you’re headed to a shopping mall or to run your errands, it is easy to slip on a comfortable hoodie before you leave, because regardless of the season, you are guaranteed to be comfortable. Comfort is their most common and most popular characteristic.
They Are Great for Both Men and Women
Like a few other clothing items, hoodies are made for both men and women, and they are often interchangeable. Women wear men’s hoodies all the time, and whether the jacket is made for a man or a woman, it is going to have the same great quality and style.
Hoodies do have designs and colors that specific men and women tend to be interested in, but for the most part, hoodies are made for both sexes and therefore, you can always find something you’ll love.
They Are Perfect When You’re Exercising
Hoodies are great for exercising, especially when it’s chilly outside because they keep you warm without letting you get too warm. They are the perfect accompaniment when you’re exercising, and because they fit loosely, but comfortably, they never restrict your movement so you can perform any type of exercise you like. In addition, the pockets are perfect because if you head out for a jog, you can keep your keys and maybe even a wallet there for more convenience.
They Can Be Used All Year Long
Even in the summer months, it can get cool or rainy, and hoodies are great because, with the exception of very cold weather, you can wear them all year long. Because the material they are made of is not too thick and not too thin, they are perfect for cool Fall or Spring days, cooler or rainy Summer days, and all but the coldest of days during the winter months.
They are versatile and practical, and because their color choices are so extensive, you can even wear dark colors during the colder temperatures and lighter colors when it’s warm. Hoodies also come in various fashionable and attractive designs, so whether you’re going out to a formal occasion or a very casual one, it is easy to take your hoodie along so that you are guaranteed to be both comfortable and attractive once you get there.
