The Best Zip-Up Hoodies for Men in 2023

Let’s get one thing clear: there are few pieces of attire more integral to any wardrobe than the hoodie. Whether it’s simple or clad with graphics, there is practically no extra layer more capable of taking on the day than an easy-wearing garment that offers a bit of elemental protection. Some hoodies from certain brands may go for dubious amounts on the resale market, and others boast a parallel price tag on the shelves, and these are merely signs of just how coveted these pieces can be. Some pricey may offer superior composition, but there are certain elements that they don’t feature — like a zipper. With that in mind, we’ve put together the following list to narrow down the absolute best zip-up hoodies from across the fashion world.

Zip-ups vs. pullovers

No matter how chic your favorite pullover hoodie might be, it’s bound to get a little suffocating. Ergo, there aren’t many garments that have proven to be as ideal and convenient as a zip-up hoodie. While there is an abundance of other jackets that can be classified into this particular bracket, there is a countless number of brands that take immense pride in the fact that their zipped hoodies are debatably the best you can find, bridging that gap between a comfy sweatshirt and protective outer layer.

When should you wear a zip-up hoodie?

Given the convenience of hoodies, they work well on their own, but make sure it’s a style you enjoy and a fit that’s a little more (or a lot more) relaxed. Zip-ups also make for solid layers, and if that’s what you plan on wearing one for, then a standard fit is best (not too big or small). So your favorite tee (or a warm shirt in cold weather) is the perfect inner layer if you’re wearing it solo, and a thicker jacket (like denim or leather) works as an outer layer.

What to look for

Material: Light and midweight hoodies made with a majority cotton blend are solid year-round and layer choices, and heavyweight zip-ups with a material like cashmere or wool are good for cold weather.

Style: Your choice should come down to a mix of your style preferences and if you’re going to be using the hoodie as a layer or not. If you just want a casual and comfy zip-up to wear around the house or for quick trips to the store, something a little baggier with big pockets can be useful.

Uniqlo Sweat Full-Zip Hoodie

The Budget Pick: Anything from Uniqlo tends to serve as an ideal entry-level piece, and this is no exception. The brand’s full-zip hoodie is crafted from shedding-resistant yarn and a hood with added fabric that dries quickly. Its exterior is crafted from nothing but cotton, which seeps its way into a comfortable rib and hood lining of cotton and polyester. You always know what to expect from the Japanese giant, and it offers more of the same here.

Carhartt Men’s Loose Fit Midweight Full-Zip Sweatshirt

The Starter: The trusted workwear brand and fashion industry darling Carhartt always meet the mark when it comes to reasonably priced garments that are built to last. Just like this midweight hoodie that’s made with a half cotton and half polyester blend, for the right amount of breathable durability. And it has two large handwarmer pockets on the front for storage and chilly days.

Los Angeles Apparel 14oz. Heavy Fleece Zip Up

The Best Heavyweight Hoodie: Los Angeles Apparel is a current-day SoCal staple, and in case you didn’t know, now you do. This heavyweight fleece hoodie is practically built for a mild California winter, as it is intended to combat weather as low as 50 degrees. While the humble brand’s quintessential garment is great on its own, its backstory makes it an even more formidable option. The 14-ounce piece was meticulously crafted in the heart of South Central L.A. by top-notch seamstresses who receive fair wages, making this a brand you’ll feel proud to wear on your back.

Flint and Tinder 10-Year Full Zip Hoodie

The Best Hoodie Overall: Flint and Tinder’s 10-Year Hoodie is intended to last, you guessed it, one whole decade, and you can even tack on a couple more years if you play your cards right. Thanks to the Huckberry house brand’s 10-Year Guarantee, any signs of wear and tear can be repaired if you’re looking to rid the hoodie of its presumably distressed look. Plus, as a result of its intercontinental composition, the 10-Year Hoodie is composed of elements from all around the country, featuring zippers from Georgia, twill tape from Philadelphia, and a heavyset 23-ounce fleece from South Carolina, practically deeming it a wearable traveler’s guide.

Taylor Stitch The Après Zip Hoodie

The All-Arounder: Taylor Stitch’s slight twist on American classics often makes you reminisce on a simpler time, back when the majority of clothes weren’t clad with a variety of branding. As simple as they come, that is only from a cosmetic approach, as this 12oz. hoodie’s terry fabric construction makes for an ideal everyday garment that boasts a bevy of natural performance properties. This hoodie works great on its own or as a soft layer in colder climates.

American Giant Classic Full Zip

The Best American-Made Hoodie: American Giant touts its simple zip-up hoodie as the “greatest hoodie of all time,” which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise from a brand with such a grandiose name. Be that as it may, we can’t blame the Carolinas-based band of traditionalists for their lofty claim because this lowkey piece serves as a durable, quintessential layer. It’s composed of a custom heavyweight fleece and rounded out with a pair of reinforced elbow pads. Indeed, there’s no need to go around searching for other hoodies once this one’s in your closet.

Polo Ralph Lauren Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie

The Best Fleece Hoodie: There are not many names more ubiquitous with American fashion than Ralph Lauren — after all, the man’s threads have represented the U.S. in every Olympic Ceremony dating back to 2008. But you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to appreciate this fleece hoodie that’s made with a cotton blend and features split kangaroo pockets, and a soft, waffle-knit hood lining. The body features a cotton/polyester blend, and the hood lining, side panels, and cuffs are made with 100% cotton.

Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Full Zip Hoodie

The Best Terry Hoodie: One would be remiss to overlook the prominence of performance brands that make their way from the Great North, with Reigning Champ serving as an ideal example to pick from a surfeit of them. Its Midweight Terry Hoodie is made by hand in Canada and makes for an excellent choice, which shouldn’t come as a surprise knowing that the brand is tailored to crafting top-notch essentials. The fully cotton-crafted piece comes equipped with a pair of semi-raglan sleeves for additional warmth and style, and on top of that, it is rounded out with durable flatlock seams, resulting in a lack of abrasions.

James Perse Loopback Supima Cotton-Jersey Zip-Up Hoodie

The Best Lightweight Hoodie: Supima cotton is one of the most coveted textiles around, revered for its softness, and James Perse is a West Coast-centric brand that makes immaculate use of it. This loopback hoodie is pre-washed for an enviously soft feel, so there’s no need to worry about having to break this piece in. It also comes available in a trio of subdued colors, ensuring the flashiest asset it has to offer is its optimized comfort.

C.P. Company Light Fleece Zipped Hoodie

The Best Garment Dyed Hoodie: C.P. Company has been around for quite some time, so we trust the brand with anything it crafts. The Italian brand’s lightweight hoodie is so easy to throw on that it may as well be considered a windbreaker, but don’t get it mistaken, as this piece is far more lush. Composed of flexible cotton fleece, each of the hoodies is garment-dyed for the sake of a robust look, and it comes available in nine distinct colors to make the most of this process. Of course, it wouldn’t be C.P. Company if it wasn’t embellished with a patented Lens sleeve pocket.

Vollebak 100 Year Hoodie

The Most Durable Hoodie: Vollebak’s 100 Year Hoodie is meant to stay intact for as long as its name claims. Such a high feat would be hard to believe coming from any other brand, but the British band of innovators is well ahead of its time. Built for the most unpredictable scenarios, the abrasion-resistant 100 Year Hoodie is composed of three distinct layers: a snug fleece lining, a water-repellent membrane, and, most impressively, a flexible fireproof — yes, fireproof — soft-shell courtesy of Polartec. Elemental protection is one thing, but the ability to endure all four of them is a marvel unto itself, and this indestructible piece pulls it off with flying colors.

Todd Snyder Italian Heather Grey Cashmere Full Zip Hoodie

The Best Cashmere Hoodie: There’s no shortage of cashmere hoodies on the market — however, there is a solid handful of them that outweigh the rest, with Todd Snyder’s high-end entry at the top of the list. The New York designer’s hoodie is uncannily cozy and crafted from nothing but the finest cashmere. Plus, if that doesn’t sound luxurious enough, it is rounded out with suede elbow patches and a flattering tailored fit. The brand labels this one of its “luxe essentials,” going to show that even the simple things in life are warranted a high-end makeover now and again.

The Best Men’s Hoodies Right Now

As we said, no matter what type of hoodie you have, they are always incredibly convenient and essential. As a matter of fact, they are so essential that having another one could never hurt. Therefore, we scoured the web to compile the best overall hoodies — with zippers and without — in our helpful guide.