Style
Let’s get cozy
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Hoodies have long since moved beyond gym bags and lazy days at home. Sure, their functionality earns them a spot in any cold-weather by acting as a buffer against the chill. But over the past decade, they’ve also become statement-making staples in the fashion world too. Call it anti-fashion or a return to reality, but the fashion set seems to be dressing like real people again. Take it from them: to style a hoodie for the outside world, pair it with more structured pieces like wool coats and wide-leg jeans—or, if you’re trying to turn a more casual look, layer it with sweatpants and white sneakers.
I know my way around a hoodie—I’ve worn them across every part of the day, from luxe cashmere styles in the office to relaxed layers for workouts, weekends, and nights out. Ahead, I’ve zeroed in on the three types that deserve a spot in your fall capsule wardrobe—and my favorites for each category.
Our top picks for women’s hoodies
- A pullover for everyday layering: Alo Accolade Hoodie, $148
- An oversized hoodie for lounging: Free People A Cut Above Hoodie, $128
- A zip-up hoodie for the gym: Quince Flowknit Full-Zip Hoodie, $45
The best pullovers for everyday layering
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The pullover is the OG hoodie, and arguably the most versatile. With no zipper breaking up the front, it has a clean, classic silhouette that layers easily without adding too much bulk. My favorites span the spectrum, from Alo’s just-right fit and elevated finish to Gap’s looser, washed-in aesthetic. Abercrombie’s lands somewhere in between, while Lululemon’s fleecy hoodie offers more substantial warmth. For weekends, lean into the sporty feel with sneakers and a trench thrown over; to dress it up for work, try cropped jeans or trousers with kitten heels.
Alo Accolade Hoodie
Abercrombie & Fitch Sunday Pullover Hoodie
Lululemon Steady State SuperLoft Hoodie Wider Cuff
Gap VintageSoft Relaxed Hoodie
The best oversized hoodies for lounging at home
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For some of us, the ideal hoodie is one you can practically disappear into—the kind with enough room for thick layers underneath and enough extra fabric to pull over your legs on a long flight. I editors especially love styles that deliver that cocooning volume without just feeling bulky. Free People’s hoodie is a standout for its drop shoulders, kangaroo pocket, and extra-roomy hood. I like to burrow deep into it while working from home or reading in bed. It’s like an exceptionally soft blanket, but is lightweight enough that I’m not left sweating.
Free People A Cut Above Hoodie
Trendy Queen Oversized Hoodie
Nike Oversized Pullover Hoodie
H&M Hoodie
The best zip-up hoodies for running to the gym
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Not everyone loves pulling a sweatshirt over their head (especially on a good hair day), which is where a full-zip hoodie is clutch. It’s simple to slip on and off as you warm up, and for trips to the gym, I generally prefer a lighter, less bulky layer. Vuori and Quince make especially soft, stretchy, lightweight options, while Skims offers cozy warmth with its breathable cotton fleece. Aritzia’s subtly cropped silhouette, meanwhile, lets you still show off your cute workout set.
Vuori Halo Modern Full Zip Hoodie
Skims Cotton Fleece Zip Up Hoodie
Aritzia Cozy Sweatfleece Boyfriend Boxy Zip Hoodie
Quince Flowknit Full-Zip Hoodie
How I tested
I worked with five Glamour editors and writers of varying heights and body types – and together, we tried more than 20 hoodies, including classic pullovers, oversized sweatshirts, and full-zip styles. We wore them across the diversity of activities in our daily lives: commuting, working, running errands, going out with friends, sleeping, assessing each for softness, warmth, fit, and ease of layering. We also washed each hoodie repeatedly to see how well the fabric, shape, and color held up over time.
Malia Griggs is the commerce editor at Glamour, where she writes about gifting, fashion, beauty, and sales. She joined the Glamour team in 2023 with more than five years of experience covering Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other major shopping events. She has worked in media for over 15 years, ... Read More
