There are some things in the menswear world, that, although seemingly simple, a guy just can’t live without. And that goes for casual style picks as well as tailored essentials, and one of the best sweatshirts qualifies as a casual style must-have.
With classic roots in American sportswear, specifically outdoor pursuits like track and field and even the boxing gym, the crewneck and hooded sweatshirt of days gone by has gotten a modern update over the years.
The best sweatshirt brands specialize in ultra-soft yet durable fabric, as useful for frigid early morning training sessions as for layering underneath a denim jacket for days in the yard.
Add in the fact that the right sweatshirt is simple & downright useful – layer a crewneck over an Oxford shirt, throw on a hoodie for a weekend coffee run – and you’re going to want to dive into the world of the best sweatshirt brands.
Brands don’t do things the way they used to, at least not when it comes to the business of crafting all-American sweatshirts in, well, America. But not every brand is American Giant, and it shows: Its hoodies come with a surefire guarantee and can handle yard work, dive bar nights and more – for years to come.
Champion is perhaps the first word among the best sweatshirt brands on the market, with heritage that stretches back decades.
The brand brought gym training wear to the masses, but now takes a more fashion-forward approach with streetwear and designer collabs.
Flint and Tinder burst onto the scene via Kickstarter about a decade ago with its wildly popular 10-Year Hoodie, and the brand has only grown since Huckberry acquired them not long thereafter.
Flint and Tinder’s hoodie remains a fan favorite and feels softer (yet stronger) with each wear.
Carhartt gear has a reputation for being durable as can be, which is part of what makes its sweatshirt line – in hard-wearing, warm fabric – such an essential complement to the rest of its workwear line.
A Carhartt hoodie offers dependable performance, room to layer and exceptionally strong fabric at low, low prices.
Best known for: Some of the toughest yet most lightweight sweatshirt designs on the market, the kind that are as comfortable for weekend lounging as they are fit for foggy morning jogging sessions.
Vuori’s sweatshirts go far beyond the gym, but it doesn’t hurt that they function at a high level on the treadmill or squat rack, too.
Using proprietary performance fabric that’s ultra-soft and moisture-wicking across many of its designs, you might end up wanting a Vuori sweatshirt for every day of the week.
From French Terry fabric to sturdy fleece to performance materials, Reigning Champ covers all the proper bases in terms of sportswear, including handsome cardigans, zip bomber sweatshirts and of course, sporting-minded hoodies.
They use a rich range of tasteful, neutral colors and deliver high-quality, made-in-Canada production.
If you want an affordable sweatshirt with a simple, no-frills design and a high level of durability for the price, look no further than Hanes.
The company delivers quality on all fronts, making options from garment-dyed fabric, sustainable fibers and heavyweight fleece (among others).
You know the hoodie, chambray shirt or pair of jeans that fit perfectly and get better with every wear? J.Crew specializes in those kinds of heritage-minded pieces, ones that feel like they were pulled from an old closet and fit like a glove – its new line of Heritage Fleece Sweatshirts is of particular interest.
Best known for: A range of sweatshirt styles made for the modern man, using performance fabrics, innovative designs and offerings that you’re going to want to wear to work from home or head out on weekend morning runs.
Once best known for its women’s apparel line, Lululemon has set out to take over the wardrobes of guys everywhere.
They’ve succeeded by fusing sporty designs and soft, stretchy fabrics with clean, modern silhouettes that work well at a casual office or a post-work gym session.
Todd Snyder’s take on the fashion world runs the gamut from rugged chambray shirts to tasteful men’s blazers, but it’s his Todd Snyder x Champion line that first took the industry by storm.
Snyder uses heritage designs in a range of sturdy fabrics, then puts his own spin on icons with cool logos, colorblocking and more.