What Are the Different Types of Hoodies? A Friendly, Complete Guide

Whether you’re curled up on the couch watching Netflix, heading out for a jog, or styling a streetwear look for a night out, there’s one wardrobe staple that works for nearly every mood and moment: the hoodie.

But did you know there’s more than one kind of hoodie? And not just in colour or size. From zip-ups to cropped styles, each hoodie type offers a different vibe, function, and fit. In this easy-to-understand guide, we’ll walk you through the many types of hoodies, what makes each unique, and when to wear them. Plus, we’ll share some real-life experiences, expert quotes, and studies that show why hoodies are more than just a comfy choice – they’re a cultural icon.

1. Pullover Hoodies: The Cozy Classic

Let’s start with the most well-known kind: the pullover hoodie. This is the one you likely wore in high school or borrowed from your sibling. It doesn’t have a zipper. You simply pull it over your head, and boom, instant comfort.

Valerie Steele, a fashion historian and Director of The Museum at FIT, says:

“The pullover hoodie is the archetypal comfort garment. Its seamless front offers a blank canvas for graphics and a continuous warmth barrier, making it a timeless favorite for casual wear and lounging.” (Source: Valerie Steele, FIT)

Personal Note: I still wear my college pullover hoodie. It has faded a bit, but every time I wear it, it brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth that no new hoodie ever has.

Best for: Lazy days, chill nights, and when you want something soft and simple.

2. Zip-Up Hoodies: Your Layering Buddy

Unlike pullovers, zip-up hoodies have a front zipper. That makes them super easy to throw on or take off.

Chip Bergh, CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., explains:

“Zip-up hoodies offer unparalleled versatility. They’re perfect for layering, allowing for easy temperature regulation and quick style changes, seamlessly transitioning from activewear to a casual outer layer.”

Best for: Workouts, running errands, or changing temperatures.

Pro Tip: Keep a zip-up in your car or backpack. It’s the perfect emergency layer!

3. Oversized Hoodies: Big on Comfort

Oversized hoodies are trending, and for good reason. They’re big, roomy, and cozy – like a wearable blanket.

Esme Marsh, founder of streetwear brand “This Uniform,” notes:

“Oversized hoodies have become a defining silhouette in contemporary streetwear. It’s about a deliberate play on proportion, embracing comfort and a relaxed, effortless aesthetic that challenges traditional fit norms.” (Source: Hypebae)

Best for: Lounging, streetwear fashion, or layering over other clothes.

Personal Note: My oversized hoodie became my best friend during lockdown. It kept me warm, comfy, and even a little stylish on Zoom calls.

4. Cropped Hoodies: Short and Stylish

Cropped hoodies cut off around the waist, often paired with high-waisted jeans or leggings. They’re playful and trendy.

Lauren Sherman, senior fashion correspondent at Business of Fashion, says:

“The cropped hoodie, while a more recent trend, reflects a shift towards fashion-forward casual wear. It allows for intentional layering and pairing with high-waisted bottoms, creating a modern and often more feminine silhouette.”

Best for: Casual outings, fashion-forward looks, or warmer weather.

5. Performance Hoodies: Made to Move

Designed for athletes and active lifestyles, performance hoodies are made from materials that keep sweat away and move with your body.

A Nike innovation lead explains:

“When considering performance hoodies, the fabric is paramount. Technical blends with moisture-wicking properties like polyester or advanced synthetics are engineered to keep athletes dry and comfortable during high-exertion activities.” (Source: Nike Innovation)

Best for: Workouts, outdoor activities, or sports.

Pro Tip: Look for terms like “moisture-wicking,” “quick-dry,” or “4-way stretch.”

6. French Terry Hoodies: Soft and Breathable

French Terry is a fabric that’s soft on the outside and looped on the inside. It’s lighter than fleece but warmer than a regular T-shirt.

Textile scientist Dr. Karen H. Hatcher explains:

“French Terry hoodies strike an excellent balance between warmth and breathability. The looped inner texture provides comfort and absorption, making them ideal for transitional weather and versatile enough for year-round wear in many climates.” (Source: Gelato blog)

Best for: Spring/fall weather or layering.

Personal Note: I wear my French Terry hoodie when I travel. It keeps me warm on chilly flights but doesn’t make me overheat in airports.

7. Graphic Hoodies: Make a Statement

These hoodies showcase bold designs, logos, or messages. They often reflect personality, pop culture, or brand identity.

Best for: Expressing yourself or adding flair to your outfit.

Fun Fact: Graphic hoodies are popular in skate, hip-hop, and gaming communities.

8. Luxury or Designer Hoodies: High-End Comfort

Made from premium materials like cashmere or organic cotton, these hoodies blend comfort with sophistication.

Best for: Elevated casual looks or when you want to splurge on quality.

Case Study: Brands like Balenciaga, Fear of God, and Luca Faloni have redefined the hoodie as a luxury item.

How Hoodie Types Fit into Our Lives

Whether you’re a student, a gym rat, a parent, or a fashion enthusiast, there’s a hoodie type for you. Here are some real-life examples:

• Student: “I love my zip-up hoodie. I can throw it on between classes, and it works with everything.”
• Athlete: “My performance hoodie is essential for early morning runs. It’s lightweight and keeps sweat away.”
• Remote Worker: “My oversized hoodie is my go-to for comfort during long work-from-home days.”
• Fashion Blogger: “A cropped hoodie with high-waisted trousers is my easy street-style secret.”

Hoodies and Culture: A Quick History

The hoodie wasn’t always fashionable. It started as workwear for athletes and laborers. Over time, it became a symbol of rebellion, then a staple in hip-hop and skate culture.

Study Insight: Articles like “The Story of the Hoodie” by Asket and Luca Faloni explore how the hoodie shifted from sportswear to fashion.

Today, the hoodie is universal. It’s in classrooms, gyms, offices, and runways.

What Makes a Hoodie “Right” for You?

Consider these when choosing a hoodie:

• Purpose: Workout, lounge, fashion, warmth?
• Fit: Slim, oversized, cropped?
• Material: Fleece, French Terry, polyester blend?
• Style: Plain, graphic, zip-up, pullover?

Personal Tip: I keep at least four types in my closet—a zip-up for the gym, a French Terry for travel, an oversized one for lazy Sundays, and a designer hoodie for dinners with friends.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Comfort

Hoodies aren’t just about staying warm. They’re about how you feel when you wear them—comfort, confidence, coziness, and sometimes even courage. From lounging at home to leading a team meeting in a chic cropped hoodie, there’s a style for every moment.

So next time you slip one on, remember—you’re not just getting dressed. You’re stepping into a comfort zone that fits exactly how you want to feel.