The Best Zip-Up Hoodies for Men, Tested by Style Editors

When I want a hoodie that feels like a soft pillow, I grab Lululemon's full-zip. The cotton French Terry fabric is smooth, weighty, and has that brushed, slightly looped interior that makes it feel almost like a lightweight bathrobe. It drapes nicely, and it’s breathable enough that I’m never overheating. The fit is loose through the chest and waist, giving me room to move and making it easy to layer a T-shirt underneath.

The zipper pocket is perfect for stashing my phone when I run out to the store. I throw it on for lounging, running errands, or picking up dry cleaning. It’s comfortable enough to feel like I’m lounging, but sharp enough that I don’t feel sloppy when it’s time for me to step outside. At $128, it sits in the mid-range, but for plush, high-quality fabric that holds up wash after wash, it’s worth the money—you won’t be replacing it in a year.

If you want a cropped zip hoodie that hits where it should and not like it shrank in the wash, consider this one from Abercrombie & Fitch. It hits right at my waist, not above it or boxy. That shorter cut cleans up the whole look and makes it feel sharper. I’ll wear it with trousers, a tucked-in button-down, and loafers and I don't feel out of place. Or I’ll throw it on with jeans and sneakers and go fully casual. It swings both ways. The cotton-poly blend feels soft but substantial and structured. It’s got real weight to it without feeling stiff. The fabric has that slightly faded, lived-in wash that gives it a subtle vintage vibe, like I’ve owned it for years (in a good way). It doesn’t feel overly precious.

If you’re used to longer, drapier hoodies, this will feel shorter, but that’s the point. However, Abercrombie lets you choose regular or tall. Regular gives you that true waist-length crop. Tall adds a bit more length through the body and sleeves, so if you’re over six feet or just don’t want it sitting as high, you’ve got options. It’s still cropped in spirit, just adjusted for proportions. The length doesn’t ride up or sit weird when I move. It looks clean from every angle. This cropped zip-up lands on the lower end of the price spectrum, but you’re getting your money’s worth. The fit is true to the waist, the fabric feels substantial, and this cropped style is unlike the other classic lengths. And it comes in more colors than anything else on this list, so whether I want a safe neutral or something with more personality, I have options.

When I want a zip hoodie that fits perfectly, I grab this one from Uniqlo. The Japanese brand has built a reputation on dialing in premium-feeling basics without wrecking your wallet, and this is a perfect example. The mid-weight cotton feels substantial but easy—soft, sturdy, and well-constructed. I’ve worn it a ton, and it still holds its shape.

A lot of brands cut their hoodies too long and lanky, but this one lands exactly at my hips. It’s relaxed through the body (more forgiving than most hoodies I’ve tested), but it still looks put-together. It’s got that Goldilocks, regular fit with enough room to move and layer, but still polished. And the shoulders sit naturally without drooping.

I layer it over tees, thermals, even a polo, and it never makes me feel stuffed or bulky. The color has that slightly faded, broken-in look I prefer, and the inner fabric doesn’t attract lint the way some fleeces do. So I’m not walking around picking fuzz off my shirts all day. It’s also one of the most affordable picks on this list, but the price tag doesn’t mean it's cheaply made. I can wash this hoodie ten more times, and it still won’t become dingy or frumpy the next I go to wear it.

I throw on this hoodie from Vuori on long-haul flights because it’s ridiculously cozy and stretchy. It’s made from the brand’s proprietary DreamKnit fabric, which is a brushed jersey that feels smooth on the outside and soft as butter on the inside. Think broken-in tee meets performance stretch. When I’m lifting my carry-on into the overhead bin or reaching down to grab my backpack, the fabric just goes with my movement without any pulling at the shoulders or resistance in the arms. The sleeves are cut a little closer, but the body has a classic, straight fit. It drapes cleanly without clinging, and it’s not tight or restrictive.

I can wear it over a T-shirt easily, and it never feels like I’m stacking a pile of clothes. It’s lighter than most of the other hoodies I own including the Uniqlo hoodie. That said, I wouldn’t wear this in real winter weather. Once temps drop below 50 degrees, I’m grabbing something thicker. This isn’t built for freezing mornings, but perfect for planes, road trips, and running through terminals. At $128, it’s not cheap. But I’m paying for comfort I can sit in for six hours straight. The stretch, the softness, the lightweight feel makes a difference when I’m stuck in a cramped seat. I usually pair it with sweatpants or joggers and sneakers, and I’m set from TSA to touchdown.

Flint and Tinder's zip hoodie offers a wonderfully thick feel (3 oz extra soft fleece) and sturdy design that gets better with each wash. It has the kind of weight that makes it feel closer to workwear than loungewear. As the name suggests, this hoodie is meant to be in your closet for 10 years (and then some) because that’s how durable it is. And it's backed by a 10-year guarantee, so if it wears out, Flint and Tinder will repair or replace it.

Our editor Tim Kohut ran through the washer a dozen times, and no seam seam has come loose, no stretched-out cuffs or warped zipper. He’s had it for two years now, and noted the material has become softer over time. The cotton fabric is blended with a touch of spandex, so it’s not some rigid brick. When Kohut reaches overhead, swings on a jacket, or hauls groceries out of the trunk, it stretches instead of pulling across the shoulders.

Our style director, Christian Gollayan, swears by this hoodie for morning walks with his corgis, because it’s sturdy, comfortable, and looks sharp with the matching pants. Reigning Champ chose a midweight cotton Terry at 390 GSM (grams per square meter), so the hoodie is burly without feeling like a brick. It’s heavy enough to feel durable and structured but still comfortable and flexible. The hood is dual-layered, meaning it’s two layers of fabric for extra shape and warmth without bulk.

Gollayan says after five washes, the two-way YKK zipper doesn’t get jammed, whether he’s zipping it from the top or bottom. The fit lands between slim and relaxed, contouring the body without being tight and gives plenty of room for a T-shirt or long sleeve underneath. He also loves that it keeps its form and feels fresh even after a ton of washes. This one sits on the higher end, but the premium price is justified. Plus, it’s universally flattering on all body types.

Cos makes a stylish zip-up hoodie that feels dressier and sharper than your average zip-up hoodie for the gym. First thing I notice: the pockets which add a uniqueness to it. They’re wide, almost patch-style, and sit flat against the body. I can stuff my phone, wallet, keys—whatever—and they don’t sag or bunch up. The fabric is made from a wool and Tencel Lyocell blend that’s double-faced, meaning there are two bonded layers of fabric, so it feels smooth on the outside and soft on the inside. That double-faced build gives it structure and drape at the same time. It hangs clean, doesn’t cling, and doesn’t look slouchy. It feels closer to a lightweight jacket than a sweatshirt.

The fit is relaxed and slightly loose, which makes layering easy. I’ll wear it over a tee or a fine knit with nice jeans and boots, and it instantly looks more put-together than a standard fleece hoodie. The shape is laid-back, but the fabric does the heavy lifting, so it never reads lazy. Yeah, $279 is steep for a hoodie. But this isn’t just cotton fleece with a zipper. The wool blend adds polish and warmth, the double-faced construction gives it that premium weight and clean finish, and the minimal aesthetic makes it something I can wear over and over again with a bunch of different outfits. Plus, it bridges that gap between sweatshirt and outerwear.

For our outdoorsmen, Arc’teryx designs a hoodie that will keep you warm and dry in the wild. The nylon shell is tough enough to offer wind- and water-resistant, so it keeps you protected whether you’re hiking, camping, or scrambling up a trail. The fit is classic—roomy through the chest, waist, hips, and thighs—so you can layer underneath without feeling trapped. Unlike the casual zip-ups, this one is built for performance. The hem cinches, the hood locks in heat, and it stays put under a hat or climbing helmet.

It stretches where you need it, so ducking under low branches or reaching overhead won’t tear the fabric. It’s not insulated, but that’s the point. You can layer a midweight fleece or base layer underneath depending on how cold it is. This is the most expensive option on the list, but it’s worth it. Compared to the other hoodies, it’s weather-resistant and traps heat at the hem and hood, so it keeps you warm and dry, no matter what the forecast throws your way.

Alo designed this zip-up hoodie with details necessary for winter: soft and heavyweight French terry, laying potential, enough versatility to pair with all of your favorite jeans and sweats. Yes, it comes in an oversized fit, but that's convenient for days of brisk temperatures. Plus, there's a split kangaroo pocket that makes smaller essentials like your phone or Airpods, readily accessible.