From popular brands—like Abercrombie & Fitch and Lululemon—to budget-friendly Amazon options, these editor-tested hoodies for women meet our high standards (I mean, we are activewear junkies after all) and are versatile enough for a wide range of activities.
What to consider
Materials
Material is everything and can really affect comfort level, says stylist Nina Vargas. Cotton, a natural material, is hefty and cozy, but breathable, which means you can wear it year-round. Synthetic blends, like cotton and polyester or cotton and elastane, are great for working out, since they offer stretch and pull sweat away from the body.
Style
Hoodies come in all shapes, crops/lengths, and zips, and each serves its moment.
- Pullover: Vargas says this zipper-free style is great for comfort and ease, plus gives major streetwear vibes when paired with joggers or leggings.
- Full-zip: The multitaskers of the hoodie world, these styles are great for layering during transitional weather.
- Quarter-zip: This style is a little more elevated and gives a sporty-chic edge that’s perfect for when you want to look put-together without trying too hard, says Vargas.
How We Chose
As a fashion writer and a professional who works from home, I basically live in leggings and hoodies. I’ve tested many of the most popular options over the years, and some of my wardrobe all-stars grace our list. I also reached out to two professional stylists for their insights on the top materials and styles available. Plus, I got the inside scoop on the brands they personally wear and recommend to their clients. During testing, we evaluated styles based on style, fit, materials, sizing, and color options.
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Best Overall
Abercrombie Essential Sunday Hoodie
Pros
- Suitable for year-round wear
- Stylish cropped design
- Versatile wardrobe staple
Cons
- Grouped sizing can make it tricky to find the perfect size
Crafted with a soft, plush fabric, Abercrombie & Fitch’s Essential Sunday Hoodie delivers on its name. It’s the epitome of what you want on a cozy Sunday, says Vargas. Plus, she says that it offers a relaxed fit that’s perfect for lounging or casual outings like a low-key brunch with friends. And, WH editors couldn’t agree more, which is why this pick made it to the top of our list.
I’ve recently returned to the brand after a long hiatus, and have been so impressed by the quality of everything from its denim to hoodies—including this one. The fabric, which is made from a cotton and polyester blend, is thick and has plenty of structure, but is still incredibly comfortable. I also like that it has a slightly cropped design and side slits that hit the latest trend: baggier on the bottom and tighter on top. I don’t feel like I’m swimming in an oversized garment—you can still see some shape to my body, perfect for wearing with both leggings and jeans.
If you only have room for one hoodie in your closet, this one is a great pick because of how vast styling possibilities are. It’s also suitable for year-round wear, since the cotton/polyester blend fabric is heavy and cozy yet breathable. Plus, it looks cool layered with a winter jacket when you really need a little bit more coverage. On the downside, I don’t love that the sweatshirt comes in grouped sizes (i.e. S/M), especially because it seems to run a bit large. With that in mind, we do recommend targeting a size down if you’re between sizes.
Read More: Best Sweatpants For Women
| Materials | 70% cotton, 30% polyester |
|---|---|
| Style | No-zip pullover |
| Sizes | XXS/XS-L/XL |
| Colors | 5 |
Best Lightweight
Lululemon Soft Jersey Classic-Fit Hoodie
Pros
- Sweat-wicking and quick-drying
- Lightweight enough to layer without adding bulk
- Holds up well over time
Cons
- Some may find the style too fitted, especially in the waist
We love this sweatshirt from Lululemon, as it’s incredibly soft and cozy but doesn’t have quite as much heft as our top overall pick—great for working out or warmer spring and summer days. The soft jersey fabric is on the thinner side and has tons of stretch to it, providing a comfortable and classic fit that you can layer with other cold weather knits and jackets, says Vargas, who adds that this option is an ideal pick for post-workout wear or running errands. You could even workout in the hoodie because the polyester and elastane material pulls sweat away from the body and dries quickly.
Overall, this option is more fitted than others on our list, so you’ll want to size up if you prefer a little bit more wiggle room, especially in the waist. It really hugs your body. On the upside, I’ve owned this hoodie for quite some time, and I haven’t experienced any shrinkage from the dryer. The item has held up well through many washes, proving to be just as durable as our other favorites from Lululemon.
| Materials | 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane |
|---|---|
| Style | No-zip pullover |
| Sizes | 0-14 |
| Colors | 3 options |
Best Value
Amazon Essentials French Terry Fleece Pullover Hoodie
Now 27% Off
Pros
- Great blend of affordability and quality
- Flattering body-skimming silhouette
- Comes in a wide range of colors
Cons
- Some colors may fade over time
I love that this is a midweight cotton and polyester sweatshirt that features a soft and fuzzy brushed interior. The fit is sleek, too—it skims the contours of the body, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by fabric. An adjustable drawstring hood, a roomy kangaroo front pocket, and soft rib detailing on the cuffs mirror that of a traditional sweatshirt, but the sleeker fit keeps things looking just a bit more elevated. It also comes in a wide range of colors and inclusive sizes up to 6X.
Overall, this hoodie offers a great marriage of quality and affordability. We found it to be very durable and didn’t notice any loose threads after multiple washes. We did, however, find that some of the colors—especially darker ones—were prone to fading after a few washes.
| Materials | 60% cotton, 40% polyester |
|---|---|
| Style | No-zip pullover |
| Sizes | XS-6X |
| Colors | 28 |
Best for the Gym
Alo Yoga Cropped In The Air Short Sleeve Hoodie
Pros
- Super soft and fleece-like material
- Very trendy, edgy design
- Hood provides great coverage
Cons
- Cropped style isn’t ideal for large busts
If you want a little bit of what a sweatshirt has to offer (namely, coverage and warmth) without wearing a style that restricts your range of movement or causes you to overheat, Vargas says this hoodie is “an absolute dream.” Why? Whether you’re heading to a yoga class or grabbing coffee with friends, this hoodie makes a statement. The short-sleeve, cropped design gives it a unique, edgy vibe that’s perfect for layering over a sports bra or high-waisted leggings, she says. Case in point: The raw-cut hemline and boxy, which exudes effortless cool.
Beyond style, we appreciate the soft, breathable cotton and polyester blend of the fabric. It’s soft and fleecy to make you feel cozy, despite the cropped style. The hood is a puffer design, too, which means it is roomier and has a little more structure for better coverage when you need it—like on a windy day. Just keep in mind: This style may not be the best choice for those with large chests, as it is very cropped and may not provide enough coverage.
| Materials | 65% cotton, 35% polyester |
|---|---|
| Style | No-zip pullover |
| Sizes | XS-L |
| Colors | 3 |
Best Graphic
Spiritual Gangster Gratitude Harper Crop Hoodie
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Midweight option suitable for year-round wear
- Flattering fitted style
- Soft and cozy fabric
Cons
- Only comes in one color
I don’t normally go for phrases and graphics, but I happen to love Spiritual Gangster, known for exactly those kinds of designs. Any lettering and images are subtle but uplifting, the colors are typically warm, muted, and flattering, and the fabrics the brand uses are super soft and high-quality. This cotton and modal cropped hoodie is no exception. The pretty tangerine shade features a text-forward design that simply says “gratitude” on both the front and the back.
We also like the more fitted style, which makes the midweight option a good choice for pretty much anything your day brings, whether that’s a workout class and brunch or hours of binge-watching. I particularly like to wear it styled under a jean jacket. As a nice little bonus, for every item sold, Spiritual Gangster provides one meal to a person in need through a partnership with Feed America.
| Materials | 75% cotton, 25% modal |
|---|---|
| Style | No-zip pullover |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Colors | 1 option |
Best Oversized
Free People Sprint To The Finish Hoodie
Pros
- Hip-length style provides lots of coverage
- Comes in a wide range of colors
Cons
- Some may find the style too baggy
Oversized ‘fits are back in style, but it can be tricky to pull off the trend without looking sloppy (sorry, but it’s true!). FP answers that style problem with this slouchy-chic hoodie, says stylist and fashion writer Vanessa Powell. But it’s not just a big, oversized thing that overwhelms your body. The adjustable drawstrings and drop-shoulder sleeves (sits mid-arm rather than at the shoulder) with banded hemlines help elongate the look for a more flattering fit, she says. This hip-length pick is also properly soft, thanks to the performance blend of cotton and polyester.
Wear it pre- or post-workout with leggings, or pair it with your favorite lounge bottoms. You could even wear it with a cool pair of wide leg jeans for an overall edgier vibe. Either way, we’re confident you’ll be as comfortable as can be all day long. Just note: While this sweatshirt does run true-to-size, it’s a baggy style, so you may want to size down for a little less fabric. Did we mention it comes in 13 different colors to suit your personal preferences?
| Materials | 70% cotton, 30% polyester |
|---|---|
| Style | No-zip pullover |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Colors | 13 |
Best Midweight
Athleta Easy Fleece 1/2 Zip Hoodie
Now 50% Off
Pros
- Holds up well throughout many washes
- Very soft and cozy interior
- Comes in a wide range of colors
Cons
- Runs a little small
This hoodie gets Vargas’ stamp of approval as a comfortable yet stylish layering piece that combines the warmth of fleece with the convenience and breathability of a half-zip design. And, I can vouch for just how comfortable it is. I own more than one hoodie from Athleta—this one included—and have been impressed by the soft, fleecy interior since day one. It provides just enough structure to keep me warm, but isn’t so hefty that it looks bulky or feels too hot. It’s the ideal piece for transitional weather, and one I consistently reach for.
I’ve also been impressed with how well this hoodie has held up. I’m constantly washing it, but haven’t experienced any piling or diminished softness. I do find Athleta’s sweatshirts run small. I’m typically a small or a medium, and I liked the way the large fits me. I do, however, prefer a slightly oversized look.
| Materials | 75% cotton, 19% polyester, 6% spandex |
|---|---|
| Style | Half-zip |
| Sizes | XXS-XL |
| Colors | 12 |
Best for Lounging
Skims Classic Hoodie
Pros
- Brand makes many complementary pieces to complete the look
- Inclusive sizing
- Soft, buttery fabric
Cons
- Neck opening is on the smaller side
“The fit of this style is pristine, updated with a roomier neck, longer length, and the brand’s softest fleece yet.” The cotton and polyester blend is silky smooth, has just enough heft to keep you warm, and has a touch of stretch so you won’t feel restricted while lounging. Still, it’s stylish enough to wear with your everyday ‘fit, thanks to elevating details like front kangaroo pockets, a double-lined hood, and a ribbed waistband and cuffs.
The sweatshirt comes in three classic shades and four limited edition shades that rotate depending on the season. I love how versatile the styling possibilities are, too, especially since Skims sells so many matching garments, including joggers, boxers, and even socks. The sizing is inclusive, as well—the hoodie comes in sizes XXS-4X. It largely fits true to size, but some reviewers say the neck opening is tighter than other styles they’ve tried.
| Materials | 70% cotton, 30% polyester |
|---|---|
| Style | No-zip pullover |
| Sizes | XXS-4X |
| Colors | 7 |
Meet The Experts
- Nina Vargas is a stylist and beauty and fashion consultant in New York City.
- Vanessa Powell is a stylist and fashion writer in Los Angeles.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
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