The Softest, Coziest, Mid-Weight Hoodie in the Known World

November 14, 2018 6:24 PM

I'm on the hunt for a mid-weight hoodie or sweatshirt that will make me feel like I am wrapped in warm, fuzzy clouds made of fluffy kittens this winter. Fussy requirements below the cut!

I would like to be swaddled in a lovely soft sweatshirt-type garment as I work in my chilly office. I also plan on using it as a mid-layer during hiking/camping and travel.

Must Haves
- super soft, even after laundering
- soft, like for reals very soft and cozy
- pockets
- pretty warm (fall/winter weight)
- I don't like the fuzzy car-seat upholstery look of most fleeces (nope)


Nice-to-Haves
- full zipper
- range of colors besides black, navy, gray
- under $100-ish, but willing to go higher for something truly perfect
- good for travel
- machine washable


Don't Needs
- hood optional
- open to any fabric type
- can be either men's, women's, or even an XL in kid sizes

posted by forkisbetter to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (16 answers total)

We have these team hoodies at my employer, and they are grand:
AFX90UNZ
posted by nickggully at 6:49 PM on November 14, 2018 [7 favorites]

Just a tip: any hoodie can have the fresh-from-the-store fuzziness if you never, ever let it go in a dryer and instead line dry.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:23 PM on November 14, 2018 [2 favorites]

champion super hood

• good weight
• super soft inside after laundering
• inexpensive option - $75 not exactly high fashion
• it comes in red and green (in addition to navy/gray/black)
• the hood is cavernous

it's been a few years since it left my possession, but I remember it being impossibly soft.
posted by rye bread at 7:24 PM on November 14, 2018

It's above your budget, but strongly consider the Patagonia R2 TechFace jacket (mens/womens).

It's SUPER SOFT inside, by far the softest and coziest warm layer I have, but has a non-fuzzy face outside. I wear mine with just a t-shirt down to 48-50F, so it's warm too. The face fabric is even a little water repellent, so it can withstand a drizzle just fine. It's full zip, comes in light blue and wine red (depending on gender), GREAT for travel, and machine washable. And, it's ready-made for outdoor activities.

I love mine. I still have a couple of cotton hoodies, but they just don't get much use anymore.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 7:25 PM on November 14, 2018 [3 favorites]

I got a hoodie made of MERINO WOOL this year, and it is my new favorite thing.

There are several on the market; mine is from Chrome, a cycling clothing company, and lists at $180. I got mine on sale from REI for $100, but if something happened to it I would buy another at full price IMMEDIATELY.

Merino Cobra Hoodie at Chrome. BTW, since it's cycling-associated, the fit is slim but not crazy slim.
posted by uberchet at 6:24 AM on November 15, 2018 [1 favorite]

I used to have one of the Patagonia jackets that Special Agent Dale Cooper linked to and it was fabulous. And I got it as a factory second at the outlet (there was a slight mistake on the stitching of the sleeve zipper), so it only cost like $35 - on the off chance you're anywhere near a place that may have Patagonia seconds, have a look for it.
posted by olinerd at 7:35 AM on November 15, 2018

Also, if you've looked at Uniqlo, what about these? I have one I've laundered a lot and it stays nice and soft - would work if you are okay with inside fuzziness.
posted by olinerd at 7:41 AM on November 15, 2018

these Prana hoodies feel like they are made of baby kittens on the inside and a fluffy teddy bear on the outside.
posted by coppermoss at 7:50 AM on November 15, 2018

American Giant are kind of known as the gold standard for quality hoodies. Enormous caveat - I do not own one so cannot vouch for them personally. But they offer several weights, are around your price range, and apparently they wear like iron so it's a one-off buy.
posted by DSime at 8:39 AM on November 15, 2018 [1 favorite]

Seconding American Giant! You know how it could be extremely uncomfortable wearing a hoodie or sweatshirt over a button down shirt or business-appropriate dress? Well, I wear the Classic Zip over just about everything and it is so soft that even if it's not directly next to my skin it just feels luxurious.
posted by Everydayville at 8:46 AM on November 15, 2018

Thirding American Giant. Amazing hoodies, and their customer service is stellar. I've recommended them to multiple friends, all with no complaints.
posted by Vhanudux at 9:20 AM on November 15, 2018

This used to be my business. This is the one you want.
posted by Krazor at 9:26 AM on November 15, 2018 [1 favorite]

Thumbs down on American Giant--the hoody I got from them distended terribly and was never particularly soft. It's the lighter one; the heavier one was even more uncomfortable. I'm 100% convinced that their "gold standard" reputation is completely self-created with assistance from gullible tech reviewers.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 11:43 AM on November 15, 2018 [2 favorites]

seconding Krazor's recommendation of the Alternative Apparel Eco-Fleece. I don't have the zip-up, but I sleep in the pullover version and it is heavenly.
posted by dizziest at 12:28 PM on November 15, 2018

Came in to third Alternative Apparel Eco-Fleece. I've tried on the American Giant hoodie and was unimpressed by its softness, although it did seem sturdier. The Eco-Fleece will pill with wear, faster if you put it in the dryer; but it's also like 1/3 the price of an AG hoodie, and a LOT softer which implies more pilling tendencies anyway.
posted by serelliya at 7:31 PM on November 15, 2018 [1 favorite]

American Giant's classic zip hoodie is the best hoodie I have ever owned. I have bought 2. They are extremely durable and cozy as heck. bonus: elbow pads!
posted by evilmonk at 10:15 AM on November 17, 2018