23 Best Sweatshirts for Staying Warm and Cozy

Throwing on a sweatshirt is not only a great way to stay warm and comfy, it can also look effortlessly cool—just look at Zoe Kravitz shopping in SoHo or Ariana Grande, well, always. We haven’t crunched the numbers, but we’re pretty sure there are at least a zillion options when it comes to sweatshirts. Luckily, the SELF team has tried hundreds of hoodies, crewnecks, and quarter-zips over the years, and for this story we put some of the current fan-fave brands to the test to see how they stack up against the classics.

Thanks to 11 SELF editors—wearing sizes S to XXL—who put in the hours lounging, sleeping, shopping, and working out in these sweatshirts, we’re confident they’re the cream of the crop (top).

Our top picks

1. Best Overall: Lululemon Scuba Oversized Funnel-Neck Half Zip
2. Best Budget Pick: Champion Crewneck Sweatshirt
3. Best Oversized Hoodie: Abercrombie Essential Popover Hoodie
4. Best Half-Zip: Abercrombie Essential Sunday Half-Zip
5. Best Quarter Zip: Athleta Forever Fleece ¼ Zip Sweatshirt
6. Best Lightweight: Free People All Star Solid Pullover
7. Best Cropped: Lululemon Softstreme Perfectly Oversized Cropped Crew
8. Best for Travel: Spanx AirEssentials Half-Zip
9. Best Hoodie: Alo Accolade Hoodie
10. Best Crewneck: Everlane The Off-Duty Terry Crew
11. Best Full-Zip: Under Armour UA Essential Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie
12. Best Oversized Crewneck: Alo Accolade Crewneck Pullover
13. Best Maternity: Kindred Bravely Bamboo Nursing & Maternity Crew Pullover

What to consider when shopping for the best sweatshirt

To help you find a sweatshirt you’ll wear on repeat until it’s threadbare, we recommend keeping these factors in mind.

Best Overall: Lululemon Scuba Oversized Funnel-Neck Half Zip

Pros

• Flares out at waistband for a roomier fit around your hips
• Kangaroo pocket has a phone sleeve
• Metal zipper feels luxe

Cons

• May run large

“This is everything that a sweatshirt should be: soft, roomy, and warm,” one SELF editor says, adding that it’s designed with comfort in mind. “The waistband of this Lulu pullover is nice and loose—if you hold the sweatshirt up, you can see that its shape slightly flares at the bottom, rather than being a rectangle like most sweatshirts are (the culprit for dreaded tightness around my hips).”

Other small details really set this sweatshirt apart, like an upgraded metal zipper, ribbed panels under the arms that add stretch and texture, and a high collar that doesn’t feel too tight—even when it’s zipped all the way up (important!). Our tester also appreciates that the long sleeves have thumbholes to cover her wrists and that there’s a hidden opening for your phone inside the kangaroo pocket to keep it from slipping out.

One helpful hint: We noticed that the Scuba Half Zip runs large, so we recommend ordering your usual rather than sizing up. Our tester often wears a size large, so she ordered the XL/XXL for a cozy feel—turns out, it was a little too roomy.

Best Budget Pick: Champion Crewneck Sweatshirt

Pros

• Simple design goes with everything
• Comfortable weight
• Comes in a bunch of colors

Cons

• Amazon reviewers say some colors look different in person

This simple sweatshirt is a staple, according to one SELF editor: “I love how not-flashy it is. It’s a crewneck. It’s black. It’s boxy and roomy,” she says. (What more could you ask for?) “It’s not reinventing the wheel by any means, but it goes with everything I own, has a wonderfully heavy-weight feel, and has lasted me years,” she adds.

Although it’s basic, this pullover still has some nice details, like ribbed wrist cuffs and a wide waistband. And judging by our tester’s experience, it’s well worth the under-$50 price tag. “It honestly looks as good now as it did when I got it back in 2017 or 2018,” she says. “That’s another thing—Champion never goes out of style!”

Best Oversized Hoodie: Abercrombie Essential Popover Hoodie

Pros

• Lots of colors and designs to choose from
• Comes in tall sizes

Cons

• No drawstrings to adjust the hood

We also love this no-frills Abercrombie hoodie, which has an extra roomy fit that only adds to how effortlessly cool it looks. It has a kangaroo pocket that you can drop your phone into, solid wrist cuffs you can roll up, and a deep hood to throw on when you pass someone you know in the grocery store. “I can even wear the hood with my hair up!” our tester says, adding that the sweatshirt is “super warm and fleecy inside.”

Best Half-Zip: Abercrombie Essential Sunday Half-Zip

Pros

• Runs true to size
• Comes in a lot of colors
• Cozy fleece lining

Cons

• Some colors have a larger zipper, which reviewers don’t love the look of

If Lululemon’s half-zip is a smidge out of your budget, consider this Abercrombie option that also impressed us. “I like polished sweats, and this sweatshirt looks elevated but is still super comfortable,” one SELF editor says. “The sleeves hit right at my wrists, and it’s slightly cropped in a way that’s super flattering without being too short.” Plus, it’s lined with cozy fleece that keeps you at the perfect temperature: “The inside is ridiculously soft, and I haven’t overheated once while wearing it (a common problem for me),” our tester adds. “This instantly earned a spot in my regular rotation!”

The fit is true-to-size, which takes some guesswork out of the ordering process. Worth noting: The zipper varies depending on the color you buy. According to reviewers, an older version of the sweatshirt (still available in some shades) has a smaller pull that matches the fabric, while newer iterations have a chunky silver zipper.

Best Quarter Zip: Athleta Forever Fleece ¼ Zip Sweatshirt

Pros

• Large kangaroo pocket
• Comes in regular, tall, and petite sizes

Cons

• Some Athleta reviewers say it runs large

“I literally lived in this all winter long and can’t recommend it enough,” one SELF editor confesses. “The quarter zip neckline looks presentable on Zoom calls, while the long length gives cozy vibes.” With regular, tall, and petite sizes available, this sweatshirt will cover your butt without drowning you in fabric.

While our tester loved wearing it around the house, she says it also comes in handy for running errands and walking her dog because it has a barely noticeable kangaroo pocket that’s large enough to hold her phone or keys. Plus, it’s “super fuzzy and warm, but doesn’t feel heavy,” so it can be your grab-and-go jacket before temps really drop.

Best Lightweight: Free People All Star Solid Pullover

Pros

• Lightweight
• Doesn’t hug your hips
• Comes in a lot of colors

Cons

• Not very warm
• May run large

This crewneck is the perfect blank canvas for any outfit. The interior is made of terry cloth instead of warm fleece, so it layers under a denim jacket without suffocating me in warmth. But it somehow manages to give that thick-n-cozy vibe with its loose fit. I really appreciate the relaxed waistband that has slits in it to make sure it doesn’t sit tight around my hips and the hidden pockets that blend in with the side seams.

I typically wear a medium or large in tops but Free People is known for oversized fits, so I went with a medium and it’s the exact amount of looseness I want. If I could change one thing, I’d make this pullover a little longer to cover more of my butt when I wear leggings, but that’s not the biggest deal to me.

Best Cropped: Lululemon Softstreme Perfectly Oversized Cropped Crew

Pros

• Super soft
• Loose, comfy fit

Cons

• Only comes in a few colors

Can’t get enough of the cropped look? This Lululemon pullover is for you. It has a boxy fit and a waistband that hits right at your hips. Simple and stylish, it’s great for grabbing coffee or meeting friends out at Sunday brunch. “I find myself reaching for this during WFH days almost as a little treat because the Softstreme material is just that comfy (and, um, soft),” one SELF editor says. “I really haven’t had anything like it before!”

Best for Travel: AirEssentials Half Zip

Pros

• Sleek design
• Breathable fabric
• Super soft, smooth feel

Cons

• Pricey

Not to be dramatic, but when I first tried this Spanx half-zip on, it blew my mind. The Tencel modal fabric is incredibly soft on the outside, but smooth and almost cool to the touch on the inside—perfect for anyone who runs hot. It also looks super sleek on, thanks to the long collar that folds over and seams that run up the sides to give the sweatshirt more structure. I’d wear it pretty much everywhere—to work, the airport, or a casual dinner.

Best Hoodie: Alo Accolade Hoodie

Pros

• Oversized, but not bulky
• Roomy waistband and wrist cuffs
• Hood has adjustable drawstrings

Cons

• Pricey

No sweatshirt collection is complete without a classic hoodie—the Accolade from Alo is a SELF staffer favorite. “I don’t usually opt for hoodies because I hate when they feel bulky and suffocating around my neck, but this one has plenty of breathing room and is so soft and stretchy,” one editor says. “It has a nice baggy, oversized feel without an excess of fabric, and the cuffs and waistband are just right.”

This sweatshirt is made with mid-weight French terry, so it’ll hang nicely and layer well over your gym clothes or favorite sweatpants. “It’s definitely cozy, but won’t make you hot, and the fleecy interior is dreamy!” our tester says. Not sure which size to get? Alo has a handy chart that shows what different options look like on the same model—genius.

Best Crewneck : Everlane The Off-Duty Terry Crew

Pros

• Lightweight
• Shoulder seams add structure
• Slightly loose fit

Cons

• Only comes in a few colors

Everlane is known for making elevated basics, like this French terry crewneck. Polished, but still comfy, it has V-shaped stitching at the neckline, shoulder seams that give it some structure, and wide ribbing on the collar, wrists, and waistband. One SELF editor attests that it’s a major upgrade from the sweatshirt you’ve lived in since college: “The cut is slightly loose, but far from sloppy, so I can wear it all weekend without feeling like I belong in a dorm room eating instant ramen.”

Best Full-Zip: Under Armour UA Essential Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie

Pros

• Breathable fabric
• Warm fleece lining
• Hood has adjustable drawstrings

Cons

• Not the most stylish design

A good zip-up hoodie is like a really strong coffee: You don’t know you need it until you have one. This 2023 Activewear Award–winning option from Under Armour is easy to take on and off in an air-conditioned office or on a chilly morning. Our testers loved the fleece lining because it kept them cozy, but also felt breathable enough to wear during runs or strength-training workouts.

Best Oversized: Alo Accolade Crewneck Pullover

Pros

• Roomy fit
• Great weight

Cons

• Limited color selection

Paired with biker shorts, Alo’s Accolade Crewneck is serving sporty casual vibes, a la Princess Diana. Another 2023 Activewear Award winner, it’s already oversized, but you can still size up for an even slouchier silhouette. Our testers loved the pre-worn feel that comes from its light French terry. “It’s the perfect weight to throw over a sports bra when you’re commuting to and from your workout,” one wrote. “The inside is soft, and it’s roomy, but not so much that it looks frumpy."

Best Maternity: Kindred Bravely Bamboo Nursing & Maternity Crew Pullover

Pros

• Side zippers for nursing
• Stretchy fabric

Cons

• Limited colors

If you’re currently nursing—or looking for a great gift for a new mom who is—we highly recommend this 2023 Activewear Award–winning crewneck. It has two subtle side zippers that open, allowing you to nurse or pump without taking it off. “The zippers make it so that you don’t have to leave both boobs hanging out while nursing, which is so much more comfortable, especially in public,” one tester said. The fabric also contains some spandex, which makes it super stretchy.

More great sweatshirts

Some of these sweatshirts have rave reviews, while we’re currently testing others to make sure they live up to the online hype. Either way, we still think they’re worth considering.

Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie 2.0

Pros

• Sweat-wicking
• Comes in a lot of colors

Cons

• May run large, according to REI reviewers

Plenty of SELF staffers swear by Vuori’s activewear (I live in the AllTheFeels Leggings and our fitness director loves the Performance Joggers), so we’re not surprised that the Halo Performance Hoodie 2.0 has so many fans. It’s made with polyester, a synthetic material that’ll wick moisture away from your body to keep you cool, and it’s thin and stretchy, making it a great layer for sweaty activities like hiking or playing tennis.

Skims Cotton Fleece Classic Zip Up Hoodie

Pros

• Zipper matches the fabric
• Wide size range

Cons

• Limited color range

Skims continues to recruit die-hard fans—including one SELF editor, who can’t get enough of the brand’s Fits Everybody Scoop Bralette—and you might be a convert, too, after trying this zip-up hoodie. We’re more impressed by what this sweatshirt doesn’t have: There are no weird seams, obnoxious branding, clunky zippers, or chunky drawstrings. It’s plain as can be, in a very chic way. “These hoodies are so worth the money,” one reviewer confirms. “So comfortable and cute on.”

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Full-Zip Hoodie

Pros

• Very warm
• Lightweight
• Comes in a lot of colors

Cons

• Limited size range

Cashmere—for a hoodie? Very demure. My Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan from Quince has become a staple in my wardrobe because it’s super soft and keeps me warm, even when the office feels more like an igloo. This sweatshirt version trades buttons for a zipper and adds a hood with adjustable drawstrings. Reviewers say it’s luxurious and warm without feeling too heavy. At around $100, it’s also a great value.

Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Sweatshirt

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Wide size range
• Comes in a lot of colors

Cons

• Some Amazon reviewers say it fits snug

Consider this comfy Hanes crewneck your go-to when you have messy chores or yard work to do. It costs less than $25, so it’s not the biggest deal if it gets stained or chewed up—and as you get down to business, it’ll keep you warm, with a soft, fleece-lined interior.

Aerie Aerie Prep Rally Rugby Sweatshirt

Pros

• Lightweight
• Cute design

Cons

• Some Aerie reviewers say it’s too long

Sporty chic rugby stripes and a preppy collar help this retro sweatshirt fit in on or off the field. The fuzzy fleece interior is lightweight enough to keep you at a comfy temperature, according to reviewers—plus, it has side slits to give your hips more wiggle room and buttons that go about halfway down the front for more styling options.

Aritzia Sweatfleece Cozy Fleece Mega Raglan Hoodie

Pros

• Comes in a bunch of colors
• Loose waistband
• Deep hood

Cons

• Runs very large
• On the pricey side

This is the gray hoodie I’ve been wanting my whole life—yes, it’s actually that deep. I love that it has raglan sleeves, meaning the seams run from the armpit up to the collar bone rather than off the shoulder, because it gives the sweatshirt a much better shape than ones I’ve tried in the past. Also, it runs large and the waistband is relaxed, so it sits on my hips without digging into them. It’s the ultimate cozy hoodie if you ask me.

Rhone DreamGlow Mock Neck

Pros

• Sleek and versatile design
• Cooling fabric
• Great for layering

Cons

• Pricey

This toes the line between being a sweatshirt and a sweater beautifully. “The silhouette is so chic—since it has a high mock neck and no pockets, it looks very polished (I’d totally wear it to the office),” one SELF editor says. “And the fabric is amazing! It stays cool to the touch and isn’t brushed or lined on the inside, so I don’t overheat in it when I layer a jacket or coat on top. I’ve lived in it for two weeks, and I’m already eyeing other colors.”

Offline By Aerie Cloud Fleece Oversized Hoodie

Pros

• Cute design
• Drawstring hood
• Relaxed waistband

Cons

• Limited color selection

This sweatshirt immediately stood out to me for one reason: the contrasting white drawstrings on the hood. It’s a tiny detail, but it makes the hoodie a little cuter—my boyfriend even pointed it out. I also like that this sweatshirt runs long and has a looser waistband, so I can pull it down past my hips for a little more coverage when I’m wearing leggings. This might just be my new travel hoodie.

Uniqlo Sweatshirt

Pros

• Versatile
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Limited color selection

After having a baby, one SELF editor found that her clothes were too stiff to throw on and wear comfortably all day. Then this crew neck entered the chat: “It has the perfect lived-in fit without being too oversized or baggy,” she says . “I like that it has a loose underarm and isn’t narrow but it doesn’t completely swallow me up either. (Especially because my goal is to not look like I’m wearing pajamas, even though I am.)”

Athleta Cozy Karma ½ Zip Sweatshirt

Pros

• Supersoft fabric
• Side zippers help you customize the fit
• Select colors are currently on sale

Cons

• Some Athleta reviewers say it runs narrower than expected
• Has side pockets but not a kangaroo pouch in front

SELF’s commerce director gave this sweatshirt to her mom for Christmas and it blew her mind. “I’m not exaggerating: My mom just kept saying, ‘I’ve never owned anything so soft in my life!'” she says. That’s thanks to a blend of recycled polyester, cotton, and spandex that not only feels teddy-bear fluffy but allows for airflow and stretch. Our favorite thing about this sweatshirt, though, is that you can zip or unzip the sides of its hem for a little more room in the hips.

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