The style showdown: Hoodies vs. sweatshirts

There are dozens of types of shirts men wear day in and day out. Our wardrobes are riddled with different options, and different events require a specific kind. Two of the choices we have are the sweatshirt and the hoodie. Of course, these are the more casual options we have at our disposal. Where the tee is the most casual option in warm weather, the hoodie and the sweatshirt are the more casual options when the weather turns cold. The only question is how to answer the question between a crewneck or hoodie.

The most significant difference is by far the most obvious. While the sweatshirt sports a crewneck, the hoodie is virtually the same, with the added benefit of a hood to shield your head from the elements. Here is a little more information on the two staples and what kind you should have in your closet.

Sweatshirt fabric guidance

The first thing to understand about what sets sweatshirts apart is fabric. Typically, sweatshirts are made of comfortable cotton, often with a bit of polyester or stretch fiber added for durability and comfort. Designer Norma Kamali elevated the fabric to runway status in the 1980s and continues to include pieces in her regular collection.

Champion probably has the most recognized fabric of all sweatshirt companies, and it’s trademarked “Reverse Weave.” It’s a little confusing because if you understand fabric structure, a sweatshirt is made of knit fabric (more like a sweater than a dress shirt). All you really need to know is that, because of the process that Champion patented back in the late 1930s, the brand’s sweatshirts are extra tough and resist shrinkage.

The next classic sweatshirt fabric is a soft cotton knit done in a luxuriously thick fabric with a fleece-like interior. Beyond that, more lightweight versions are more like T-shirts geared toward late spring days or used for layering. Other modern sweatshirt fabrics now include everything from performance features like moisture-wicking technology to winter’s best friend, Polartec fleece, as well as luxury fabrics and fibers like French Terry or even cashmere. 

The classic sweatshirt silhouette: Huckberry Flint and Tinder Midweight Terry Crew

The classic weathered gray crewneck sweatshirt is a wardrobe requirement. Buy one and wear it forever. The inset V-shaped panel just below the collar is a required detail: It was initially added in ribbed fabric to add some stretch to make it easier to pull on. Spandex takes care of that these days, but it’s an authentic throwback detail. Huckberry’s Flint and Tinder Midweight Terry is your workout’s best friend, pulling moisture away to keep you warm and dry, but we think you’ll appreciate this sweatshirt’s simplicity to wear every day. 

Styling this shirt is best in the most casual of situations, ideally when at the gym or going for a run.

The classic hoodie silhouette: Champion Reverse Weave Hoodie

Of course, the main difference between a sweatshirt and a hoodie is the addition of, well, a hood. At Champion, this classic hoodie shape is updated with a classic font in its classic Reverse Weave fabric. The Champion silhouette features heritage details like a double-layer hood to keep you extra warm, a kangaroo pocket, durable double-needle construction, and another Champion signature: stretch side panels for extra movement. 

One thing about hoodies versus their hoodless counterparts is that they sometimes work better as outerwear in the transition months. Wear this one as a top layer when the seasons are changing.

The luxury option: Todd Snyder Cotton-Camelhair Fleece Sweatshirt

Sweatshirts don’t have to be simple, cheap, or boring. They can be elevated and even become a statement piece in the right situation. This camelhair and cotton mixed sweatshirt from legendary designer Todd Snyder will elevate any outfit you have and make people think twice about their feelings about the wardrobe staple. Add to that the fleece, and this will be your go-to for the season.

When wearing this option, learn how to style it up with this handy guide.

The luxury hoodie: Paka The Vida Hoodie

Luxury is not about the price. In fact, the price is often a distraction from the fact that the quality is the same as things much more economical, and the name is what you pay for. Luxury is about the feel, the fit, and the fabric. Paka is the king of soft and luxurious fabric, thanks to its dedication to Peru’s highest-quality alpaca wool. The Vida hoodie is soft and warm enough to wear, whether on the couch or in the mountains.

When styling this hoodie, remember that the softness is the driving force behind it. So, we won’t say to wear it on the couch, but even if you pair it with jeans and boots, you won’t want to leave the couch.

The classic zip-front hoodie: Hanes Ultimate Full-Zip Fleece

Another absolute classic and perhaps the ultimate look for casual layering with a no-slacker-denied appeal. The full-zip hoodie is much easier to get on than a pull-over version, yet it offers all the comfort, warmth, and movement you’ll need for your workout warm-up or a day on the couch. Wear it like a cardigan with a dressier shirt and trousers for a clean, sporty look. It also has punk appeal layered with jeans, a graphic T-shirt, and denim. We particularly like this one from Hanes because it’s 50% cotton and 50% polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. 

Since this is the ultimate casual slacker attire, pair this with denim and sneakers for the perfect casual fit. Wear it open with a tee if you want that Eminem 8 Mile look.

So, should you wear a crewneck or a hoodie? The short answer is yes. However, each one has its own functions and fits perfectly in certain moments. You can’t go wrong with either, so the best rule of thumb is to pick up a crewneck for a midlayer when you need to prepare for the changing weather and a hoodie when you are looking for some light outerwear in the transition months. Either way, have fun in your cozy, laid-back style this fall.