We're in the Golden Age of Hoodies. Make Sure Yours Rises to the Occasion.

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Buckle in for a quick history lesson, folks. Before it took over the runways of the world, the modern iteration of the hoodie came from relatively humble beginnings. In the 1930s, Champion began producing sweatshirts in a thicker material with hoods to protect athletes and men in the workforce who had to cope with chilly environments. Its purpose was purely practical. At the same time, the brand started reaching out to high schools across America, offering merch for sports teams. It gained steam with the kids, and the hoodie took on some personality. By the ’70s and ’80s, the style had assimilated into the mass market, from music artists to engineers to athletes to mall-goers.

Today, the humble hooded sweatshirt has transcended its title. It not only packs personality—available in every conceivable color, fabric, size, and print—it also has gone fully mainstream. Indeed, you can buy a hoodie for $30 or $3,000, and at every price in between. From breathable, workout-oriented options done up in the best technical fabrics to beefy, ultra-comfortable takes for serious lounging to ones that are office-ready, there's a hoodie out there for everyone—a comfortable, cozy style that can be anything from athletic to elegant, a laundry-day fallback to a thousand-dollar luxury piece. And remember: The astute foresight of Champion is never as cherished as it is in winter. So, pay your respects to the humble sweatshirt and commence the hoodie harvest.

Powerblend Fleece Hoodie

Champion remains the, well, champion of cranking out solid hooded sweatshirts.

Pullover Fleece Hoodie

Warm, soft fleece is best appreciated in hoodie form. This one is a basic staple you'll wear time and time again.

City Sweat Pullover Hoodie French Terry

The sleek, aerodynamic layer you'll want to keep on long after you've cooled down.

Heritage Fleece Hoodie

As classic as they come, courtesy of the Crew. It also comes in tall sizes if you're looking for the perfect fit.

Pullover EcoSmart Hoodie

A fantastic color, a perfect-for-right-now fit, and a price that's almost impossible to beat.

Rain Defender Paxton Heavyweight Hoodie

Pro tip: Carhartt makes a hoodie more durable than almost any of its designer counterparts. If you're looking for a solid option that'll stand up to pretty much everything you throw at it, start here.

Lightweight French Terry Hooded Sweatshirt

A French terry hoodie in an eye-catching shade of French blue that's a definite oui oui.

Ace Pullover Hoodie

From the soft micro-brushed French terry to the roomy cut to the perfectly situated pockets, Mack Weldon once again serves an ace.

Essential Popover Hoodie

Doesn't this just look soft and cozy as hell? Well, it is. Good luck wearing anything but this.

Fleece Hoodie

The brand behind the blanks for most of your favorite concert tees also happens to make a damn-fine hoodie at a price that'll let you stock up.

Sweat Pullover Long-Sleeve Hoodie

Uniqlo's collection of basics is not only foolproof, but affordable. Its hoodies, which come in an array of colors, are the perfect top layer for pretty much any season.

Vintage Soft Hoodie

The hoodie so roomy, warm, and cozy, you'll never want to take it off.

Midweight Terry Pullover Hoodie

Literally crafted by Reigning Champ, the brand says it all.

Core Hoodie

Just so you know, this is the exact kind of hoodie your girlfriend is going to want to steal, so you might want to get two. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Heavyweight Hoodie

For a hoodie that's ready for winter, TNF has you covered. This thick, durable style is perfect for layering, or for wearing on its own.

Relaxed-Fit Hoodie

Layer it under a coat or jacket, or just wear it by itself—the black hoodie's options are limitless.

Raglan Hoodie

When it comes to super-elevated sweats, it's tough to beat Jerry Lorenzo and the team at Fear of God Essentials.

Zip-Front Zebra Logo Hoodie

This roundup wouldn't be complete without a chic and cozy zip-up, and this one from Paul Smith is worth every penny.

Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Jersey Hoodie

The best way to make a hoodie look chic and intentional instead of lazy and cozy—slap that AMI Paris logo right on the chest.

Check Hood Cotton Blend Hoodie

From the streamlined cut to the striking tan hue to the use of the label's iconic check, this hoodie has everything that we'd expect from Burberry.

4-Bar Tonal Fun-Mix Hoodie

Thom Browne, the modern-day master of shrunken suiting, also happens to make a bestselling hoodie—cut from Japanese cotton, of course.

Eversoft Fleece Sweatshirt

Casual, cozy, and oh-so soft, all for under 20 bucks.

Ditch Miller Standard Hoodie

A perfect Saturday afternoon hoodie, really. Simple, sleek, and minimal, but comfy as hell.

Cipresso Cashmere Hoodie

With ribbed details, a front pocket to hold all your essentials, and soft cashmere, this hoodie has everything you could want.

What to Look For

When it comes to a hoodie, comfort reigns supreme. Pay attention to the fit and fabric of your hoodie, because it can make all the difference—something fitted and fleece won't feel the same as something baggy and cashmere.

It's also important to pay attention to the versatility of the hoodie, which can be chalked down to its style. Some hoodies—like, say, the ones from Banana Republic and Burberry—are easy enough to dress up and wear into the office. But others, like the picks from The North Face and Reigning Champ, have a distinctively dressed-down look.

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