Tested: The Best Men’s Crewneck Sweatshirts with Undeniable Comfort

While countless sweatshirts and sweaters come in different shapes and sizes, one of the most timeless is the good old-fashioned crewneck sweatshirt. As one of the most common silhouettes on the market, every brand has provided its take on this loveable garment, as it’s long been the staple layer for everything from lazy Sundays on the couch to sweat sessions at your local boxing gym to running errands in chilly weather. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to seek out the best men’s crewneck sweatshirts on the market for this guide. Whether you’re looking to up your loungewear game or add a casual touch to your next outing, we’ve compiled a hands-on guide to the best of the best you can buy in adherence to any scenario.

How We Tested

With an abundance of both plain and design-clad options across the space, it’s no surprise that pinning down the right sweatshirt can seem like a tall task. Luckily, we scoured the web for you to simply sit back, keep warm, and not worry about diving into the miscellaneous specifications of an onslaught of picks. Crewneck sweatshirts come in all shapes and sizes, and considering how easy they are to make (and mess up), that means pretty much every label has its own take on the silhouette. That’s why we dove deep into research (both on and offline), talked with coworkers, and pulled from life experience to narrow things down. We were left with only the best, from brands that we personally trust and wear around the office.

Testing starts with inspecting each pick for loose threads and looking at the overall build quality. Then, I throw it on and give my first impressions about the fit and feel; where it hits on my wrists and waist, and whether it’s true to size or not. This is a sweatshirt guide, after all, so I made sure to head outside and test how warm each pick was (it was over/under 50°F here in Los Angeles during our testing), and stacked them up against the other picks.

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear 34×30 pants – although I’m somewhat in between sizes (L and XL), I prefer an XL fit for crewneck because they give me a relaxed fit without looking too puffy.

What to Look For

Material: While most crew neck sweatshirts have a generally agreed-upon style and similar materials, there can still be deviations. Since sweatshirts are built for warmth and comfort, cotton is the most popular choice of material. Followed by wool and synthetic materials, although the latter is mainly featured in crewneck sweatshirts meant for more active situations.

Fit: Considering that really any piece of clothing with a round neckline (and no collar) can be considered a crewneck, they can come in all shapes and sizes. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to sweatshirts for this guide, and much like hoodies, you want something that’s slightly bigger than you’d usually wear, with extra room in the arms and chest. Slimmer options are better for layering (over), and usually for working out as well.

Weight: Crewneck sweatshirts will often be advertised as midweight or lightweight, but to give you a better idea, the average crewneck sweatshirts weigh around 12oz to 24oz. Heavier picks will be warmer and more durable (16 oz. and up), while lighter hoodies (8oz to 12oz) are ideal mid-layers or year-round picks.

Style: Since crewnecks don’t vary that much, the differences between crewneck sweatshirts don’t change too much across picks. The main style difference will come down to patterns and different materials used.

Color: This is ultimately a personal preference, but the safest (and most versatile from a style perspective) will be monochromatic colors and earth tones.

Carhartt Loose Midweight Crewneck Sweatshirt

Best Starter Crewneck: Whether you’re a blue-collar nine-to-fiver or a workwear enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with Carhartt’s entry-level offering. The Detroit heritage brand‘s sweatshirt is extremely comfortable thanks to its loose-fitting makeup but still keeps the crisp winds away thanks to its rib-knit cuffs and its stretchy, spandex reinforcement.

For the price here, I really don’t think there’s a better crewneck for your buck, especially considering the build quality that Carhartt is known for. It’s made with a half-and-half blend of cotton and polyester and has a soft brushed interior that feels a lot like fleece. You get a rib-knit waist and cuffs to keep the wind at bay, and it’s finished with that iconic Carhartt patch just above the waist on the left. It was over/under 50°F here in Los Angeles at the time of testing, and this was more than capable of keeping me warm, and the loose fit gave me plenty of room to layer something like a flannel underneath for extra coverage. Although this is advertised as midweight, I’d say it leans more towards heavy. As for the style here, this crewneck was honestly one of my favorites – it has that classic V-stitch on the collar and fits in a baggy way that just feels super modern. It’s finished with a tagless neck that features a locker loop for convenience.

I will say that the length here is definitely long, falling pretty far past my waist, and while I personally like longer crewnecks, I understand that others might prefer a more true-to-size fit. This is also a very loose-fitting crewneck in general, so if you’re interested in something more form-fitting, then this might be a little too relaxed for you. 

Verdict: Even though this is a starter pick, Carhartt’s gear is always durable, reliable, and (more recently) stylish. This crewneck is certainly no exception and has that classic crewneck look with a V-stitch neck.

Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Crew

Best Crewneck Overall: Nike’s sportswear and casual gear are some of the best you can get, and it helps that they’re iconically stylish, too. This crewneck here is the perfect example, boasting a brushed-back fleece construction that’s incredibly soft, and finished with a classic Swoosh logo on the chest.

Nike crewnecks are some of the most classic in the style, with that instantly recognizable swoosh adorning the chest. This particular crewneck is made with an 80/20 blend of cotton and polyester and has a brushed-back fleece interior that’s extremely soft, making this a great pick for those of you who rock crewnecks solo. The fit here is honestly perfect, and exactly what you want out of crewneck; it’s true to size with just a bit of room in the chest and arms, with the ribbed hem falling just past the waist, and the cuffs hitting slightly past the wrist. Warmth is solid, too (especially for a lighter weight crewneck), but compared to heavier picks like Carhartt’s crewneck, I found I started to get a little cold (in 53°F weather), but when I think of a crewneck, I think of something like this, both fit and style-wise. 

The only downside here is that this more true-to-size fit doesn’t really allow for a lot of layering options underneath, other than a T-shirt or a thin overshirt, but that also makes this a great mid-layer, with a fit that lends itself to wearing under jackets and the like. The tags on the neck can also be a little annoying, especially if you’re moving around a lot.

Verdict: This crewneck has that classic ‘90s Nike style we all know and love, and makes for a perfect essential to expand your wardrobe.

L.L.Bean Quilted Sweatshirt Crewneck

Best Quilted Crewneck: L.L.Bean’s cozy Quilted Sweatshirt adds a textured touch to the quintessential garment. The Maine-bred clothiers crafted this neat piece from a blend of cotton and polyester, giving it a versatile weight that’s light enough to wear annually but still plush enough to keep you feeling cozy through the colder months. Plus, even though it’s been brushed to provide an even softer feel, it’s an incredibly rugged choice that’s sure to last.

L.L.Bean is somehow a brand everyone knows that’s still highly underrated, especially when it comes to basics. Made with an 80/20 blend of cotton and polyester, this quilted take on the crewneck offers something a little different, providing a textured look that you just don’t say in many crewnecks. Raglan sleeves offer more range of motion, and it’s finished with a ribbed hem and cuffs (and a heritage Mt. Katahdin L.L.Bean logo on the chest). Warmth here was on par with Nike’s crewneck, offering just enough to not feel cold in around 50​​°F weather, but this pick is definitely on the thinner side. However, given the relaxed fit, you can layer up underneath easily, or throw it on under a jacket. A big plus for this pick is the lack of a cumbersome tag on the neck, as L.L.Bean has opted for a printed logo, with a locker loop above it for added convenience.

The ribbed hem and cuffs could be a little tighter here (especially the cuffs), as they feel pretty loose. Also, the thinner construction here is meant to make this a year-round crewneck, which some may like, but others may want a more winter-oriented pick.

Verdict: This unique quilted crewneck offers something a little different, and has a weight designed for year-round wearing. It’s also surprisingly stylish, with a neat heritage Mt. Katahdin L.L.Bean logo to finish it off.

Buck Mason Interloop Crew Sweatshirt

Best Vintage-Inspired Crewneck: Anything Buck Mason produces is worthy of a spot in your wardrobe; ergo, it’s no surprise that this midweight crewneck serves as a great mid-tier option. To prevent the Interloop Sweatshirt from getting smaller with every laundry day, the L.A. clothiers cut this piece’s fabric against the grain, which assists in bringing vertical shrinkage to a screeching halt. The fabric at hand is a dense, formidable French terry that’s guaranteed to keep you warm when needed on a breezy day.

Buck Mason has perfected the intersection between modern and vintage, crafting high-quality essentials that will always be timeless. This crewneck here is the definition of classic, made entirely with a mid-weight cotton French terry that’s been washed and yarn-dyed to feel like a piece you’ve owned for years. Taking inspiration from vintage crewnecks, the fit here is very flattering and mostly true to size, with extra room in the chest and arms. The French terry cotton also feels incredible against the skin and helps bolster the warmth (which was perfect in 50​​°F weather). Speaking of, I felt this did a better job of keeping me warm compared to picks with a similar weight (like L.L.Bean’s quilted crewneck), and offers enough room underneath for layering a tee or an overshirt. Additionally, the sewn-in tag on the neck is nice to avoid any annoying feelings that looser tags have (something Nike crewneck was a bit guilty of).

I truly can’t think of anything bad to say about this crewneck; it’s classic, well-made, fits perfectly, and has all the hallmarks of a quality crewneck. Also, it looks a little sheer in the picture above, but I didn’t experience any see-through-ness while wearing. I really like the lack of branding on the outside as well, making this a great minimal all-arounder.

Verdict: Buck Mason comes through again with a tastefully vintage take on an iconic silhouette. Using high-quality French terry cotton that’s washed and yarn-dyed, you’re getting a supremely comfy crewneck that will always look good.

Todd Snyder + Champion Midweight Pocket Sweatshirt

Best Collab Crewneck: Todd Snyder is another name that’s made its living off of reimagining American essentials with its personal touch. The New York fashion label’s garment-dyed Midweight Pocket Sweatshirt serves as part of its collaborative effort with Champion, another name that knows its way around a sweatshirt. Composed of 18-oz. French terry, it is finished off with raglan sleeves and a V-stitch, making for a blend of warmth and style that the brand has consistently provided since hitting the scene a decade ago. The shirt comes available in as many colors as there are in the rainbow, so you can rest assured that it will go hand-in-hand with whatever outfit you may have in mind.

We’re huge fans of Todd Snyder over here, and the label’s Champion collabs are some of the best we’ve seen. This time around, the dynamic duo offers up a midweight crewneck made with triple-layered French terry cotton, and a super soft loopback interior for warmth and moisture-wicking. What sets this pick apart is the chest pocket on the left, which is cut and pressed using a special mold (bolstering durability and giving the sweatshirt a cleaner look). In an effort to capture that classic Champion style, you get raglan sleeves and a V-stitch on the collar. Regarding warmth, French terry cotton is perfect for insulation without overheating, something I really appreciate as I transition from outside to inside during the winter. The fit here is advertised as tailored, but I would say it feels more true to size, and it fits a lot like Buck Mason’s crewneck, allowing you to layer it under a jacket but still having enough of a relaxed fit to feel like a classic crewneck. It’s finished with this really cool vintage cobranded tag on the neck, and a classic Champion logo on the sleeve to capture that classic sportswear style.

Similarly to L.L.Bean’s crewneck, the ribbing around the cuffs felt a little too loose for me, and a bit long as well. But other than that, this is a personal favorite for me and another great collab from Todd Snyder and Champion. Also, the tailored fit here is definitely on the tighter side, so you may want to size up if you want a roomier fit.

Verdict: Whenever Todd Snyder and Champion link up, vintage style and modern design come together to make something great. This pocket crewneck is yet another homerun, and a great choice if you want something classic with a little twist.

lululemon Textured Knit Crewneck Sweater

Best Textured Crewneck: Serving as part of the Canadian label’s On the Move collection, lululemon’s Textured Knit Crewneck is a naturally breathable choice that is sure to bode well even if it’s getting a bit too tepid outside. Plus, thanks to its pair of underarm gussets, it somehow proves to become even more comfortable with every added element.

lululemon’s blend of luxury and athleisure shines through in everything they drop, and this crewneck is certainly no exception. Using a blend of Coolmax polyester (a material that’s designed for moisture-wicking and breathability), organic cotton, and nylon, the cotton-blend yarns come together in a textured crewneck that’s designed for movement, with a unique look that sets it apart from the pack. Don’t let the thinner construction here fool you, though; this was definitely a warm crewneck, and I was surprised by how well it kept me insulated outside. That said, anything under ~50​​°F calls for extra layers, and I found this was super easy to layer with (both under and over). Also, since this is designed for getting active, it makes for a solid choice for a day trip that’s going to require a lot of walking/activity. While it may look like there’s no branding here, you get a small lululemon patch on the back (which is pretty hard to spot from far away).

This was definitely the tightest-fitting crewneck in the guide, and while it’s advertised as having room in the chest and the waist, it felt very tight in the arms and shoulders. This is good for layering on top of the crewneck, but layering anything besides a tee underneath this one was difficult. Additionally, the tag on the neck is a little long, and doesn’t feel very comfortable when wearing it without a tee.

Verdict: lululemon’s apparel always strikes the perfect balance between style and utility, and this crewneck is no exception. It also has this unique texture look that sets it apart from the pack, with a special material blend designed for movement.

Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt

Best Crewneck with Patches: Billy Reid’s Southern roots may serve as a solid reason as to why it sticks to American classics so well – however, being based in a city named Florence is bound to result in a luxury touch, be it Italy or Alabama. While the brand came to fruition in the latter, its handsome Dover Terry Crew is composed in Canada and serves as an ideal addition to anybody’s wardrobe. It is rounded out with a stylish, herringbone twill design and a pair of distressed leather patches on both sleeves.

Lived-in luxury is perhaps the best way to describe how this crewneck feels, and it’s clear why the Dover Sweatshirt has been such an important piece for Billy Reid and a fan favorite for over a decade. It’s made with a midweight, 75/25 blend of cotton and polyester, and has a true-to-size fit. You get herringbone ribbon detailing around the neck and piping details on the armholes, but the real star of the show here is the distressed leather elbow patches. Not only do they add to the classed-up look of the piece, but you also get some added utility/protection, as elbows are usually a high-abrasion area. They’re also incredibly supple and don’t restrict movement whatsoever, with a soft hand feel and decent flexibility. Warmth was really solid here, with a brushed interior that felt very soft against the skin, and a slimmer fit that’s easy to layer a jacket over. 

My only complaint here is that the shoulders felt a bit tight on me, but I have broad shoulders, so this shouldn’t be a problem for most people. If you’re a fellow broad-shoulder-haver like myself, I recommend going a size up for more room. Also, considering the tighter fit here, I recommend using it as a mid-layer with a tee underneath or rocking it on its own. 

Verdict: I really didn’t think a crewneck could be classy, but if any label could pull it off, it’s Billy Reid. Complete with distressed leather elbow patches and herringbone twill detailing, this is by far the most luxurious piece in the guide. 

Reigning Champ Merino Terry Crewneck

Best Wool Crewneck: When it comes to getting a workout in, there are few names more notable nowadays than Reigning Champ. The Canadian athleisure brand crafts an immaculate crewneck composed of nothing but Merino wool and just a tad of elastane for some certified stretchiness. Then, for added comfort, it’s finished off with a pair of loose semi-raglan sleeves. As a result of its merino makeup, this is a moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and standard-fitting sweatshirt that is sure to treat you right whether you’re on a morning jog or simply working from home.

Leave it to Reigning Champ to elevate a casual staple into something stylish, modern, and incredibly comfy. Made with a lightweight Merino terry, you get the natural temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties from the wool, with Merino ribbing around the cuffs and hem. Flatlock seams and stitched side gussets add to the streamlined look, and the stitchwork here is just absolutely immaculate. As for the warmth provided, considering that this is wool, I felt it did a good job keeping me insulated inside, but it’s also a little thin, so I felt a bit colder taking it outside. Thankfully, you’re getting a slim fit here, so it makes for a perfect base layer, and the wool isn’t itchy at all. That said, it was hard for me to layer anything besides a tee under this one, but I could see a thin button-up working as well. It’s finished with a minimal logo patch on the front, well in line with the label’s stripped-back approach to basics.

I will say that the sleeves are a bit too long, but not long enough to be annoying, and the ribbed cuffs keep them from going too far past the wrist. The slim fit is also an acquired taste, which I liked here (especially with the Merino terry fabric), but I get that’s it not for everyone. Also, this pick feels a lot more like a heavy long-sleeve tee rather than a sweater/sweatshirt, which may be what you’re looking for, but others may prefer something thicker. It’s also a little translucent when held up to the light, but I didn’t find that it was sheer enough to see any skin.

Verdict: Handcrafted in Canada with soft Merino terry fabric, Reigning Champ has elevated the crewneck into something special. It also makes for a great base layer because you get the moisture-wicking properties of the wool, and it comes in a slim fit.

Crewneck Comparison Chart

Crewneck or Sweatshirt (or Both?)

Crewneck styles of clothes are characterized by a rounded and collarless neckline. Recently, with the rise of athleisure, crewneck sweatshirts, in particular, have seen a boost in popularity. To make things simple, when the neckline looks and acts like a crewneck, you can likely call it one. This goes for sweatshirts (without a hood), shirts, sweaters, etc., so keep an eye out for these features. Especially since labels will sometimes omit “crewneck” from the name of the sweatshirt (or other garments), which doesn’t make them any less of a crewneck, but it helps to know what to look for if this is the case.

How to Style a Crewneck

The beauty of crewneck (especially compared to hoodies) is the surprising versatility they have when it comes to styling options. Sure, you can dress it down easily with a pair of sweats and slides, but they’re easily elevated with some nice jeans and sneakers. On top of that, they’re perfect mid-layers as well (depending on the thickness), and offer something casual yet minimal to wear under a jacket.

Honorable Mentions

We covered Outerknown’s Sur Snap Hoodie in our best hoodies guide, and the Outerknown Sur Sweatshirt is equally comfy, using the same French terry knit. This French terry is made with a blend of hemp and cotton, too, so it’s extra durable.

Sunspel may be best known for its premium tees, but the label’s Loopback Sweatshirt is just as luxurious, with a vintage-inspired design that always looks good. It’s made from a plush cotton loopback and comes in 15 colors for a custom look.

Pangaia’s 365 Signature Sweatshirt is made from heavyweight cotton and features the label’s signature PPRMINT treatment, a process that involves treating the garment with plant-based peppermint oil to prevent bacteria/odor. Brushed on the inside and finished with a message from the brand, it’s quite modern, too.

Los Angeles Apparel is based here in our hometown, and places just as much importance on quality garments as they do on sustainability and their workers. The 14oz. Garment Dye Heavy Fleece Pullover Crewneck Sweatshirt is another modern piece from the label, made with a heavyweight fleece that can handle temperatures down to 50°F.

THE BEST MEN’S SLIPPERS FOR COMPLETE COMFORT

Whether you’re headed to the corner store or chilling at home with your new crewneck, an equally comfy pair of slippers is the perfect sidekick. So check out our best men’s slippers guide to complete your comfortable ensemble.