best hoodies for men in 2024

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What is the history of the hoodie?

First produced by Champion during the 1930s, the hooded sweatshirt had practical origins. Like selvedge denim, trench coats and other clothing that once served a specific purpose, the hoodie was originally intended for labourers working in freezing wardrobes in Upstate New York. It was then co-opted by athletes, as cooly demonstrated by Sly Stallone’s Rocky Balboa on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. By the 1990s, the garment had developed negative connotations in the UK, having been regularly and unfairly conflated with criminal youths. Today, the unisex athletic wear hasn’t quite shaken off all of its bad reputation, but the garment — whether full zip, french terry, oversized or even tie-dye à la Barbie‘s I Am Kenough model — can be found in almost every closet around the world.

When is the right time to wear a hoodie?

Ever since Norma Kamali and other designers first welcomed the hoodie onto the catwalk, designers have been all in on the ready-to-wear stalwart. That is in part because it’s so hard to get wrong. As long as it’s cosy, roomy and has long sleeves (even Ryan Gosling failed to make sleeveless hoodies a thing) then you should be good to go, with only a few occasions unacceptable for hoodie-wearing: weddings, tea at The Ritz, that kind of thing. For relaxed meet-ups, a midweight model with matching sweatpants is as good a ‘fit as any, but for something more smart-casual you may want to pair yours with dress pants or jeans. Just don’t do a Bieber and wear a sweatsuit if your partner’s out in a showstopper of a look…

How do we select our favourite hoodies?

So, how exactly do we choose what constitutes the best hoodies for men in 2024? Simple. We know our stuff, we do our research, and we get out there to experience as much product as possible.

Our section head of menswear for GQ Recommends, Heidi Quill, is obsessed with clothes. Joining British GQ in 2021, Heidi might primarily look after clothing content, but she spends a healthy amount of time up to her neck in samples, checking product for the very best quality, price and design, all before recommending it to you. That includes knowing everything there is to know about an excellent linen suit.

Hoodies are evergreen these days. Everyone needs a hoodie, be it as part of your loungewear collection or for full-blown integration into your wardrobe, a banging hooded sweatshirt goes a hell of a long way. Pulling products from what we’ve worn, tried, tested and loved, Heidi and our team of contributing writers (Jessie Atkinson, Faye Fearon et al) have brought you the best hoodies out there to choose from. Get stuck in.

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