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The 14 Best Sweatshirts for Women of 2024

Sweatshirts are more versatile than you might think, and can look just as stylish as they feel cozy — it’s really just a question of what you’re going for. There’s so much variety among sweatshirts — from fitted to oversized designs and hoodies to crew necks  — that we figured you could use a little help navigating what’s on offer. We did some extensive research and spoke to a number of style experts to help you find the best of the sweatshirt world, whether you’re after a lightweight layer or a fuzzy hoodie to bundle up in.

Our faves come in a whole lot of color options, with inclusive sizing, different lengths available, and top-notch sustainability credentials. These are the sweatshirts you’ll be layering all fall, winter and beyond.

Best Overall

Aritzia Crew Sweatshirt

Aritzia Cozy Fleece Boyfriend Crew Sweatshirt

Aritzia

What We Love
  • So. Many. Options.

What We Don’t Love

Aritzia really knows how to give the people what they want. This simple sweatshirt comes in a near mind-blowing number of options to suit every customer’s preferences: There are short, regular and tall lengths available, and each comes in a range of colorways — but the tall option truly takes the cake with a whopping 35 colors. We especially love the bright teal, the fig purple, and the grass green. That’s not it, though. On top of all this, sizes range from a 2XS to a 2XL, plus there are terry fleece and extra fleece versions of this one, which is made of “cozy fleece” for softness and medium warmth. Also, it’s garment-dyed rather than fabric-dyed to avoid wastage. Size down if you prefer a relaxed fit to the oversized look.

Size: 2XS-2XL, petite and tall | Colors: 30 | Fit: Relaxed | Material: Cotton, polyester

Best Budget

Gildan Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt

Gildan Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt

Amazon

What We Love What We Don’t Love

While us fashion editors are exposed to hundreds of products and trends, sometimes it's the simplest ones that make the biggest impression. Take this $13 sweatshirt from Amazon for example. Former InStyle fashion editor Samantha Sutton swears by this style as an essential building block of her closet. Made from cotton, this sweatshirt is lightweight and breathable, making it the perfect layering piece. Sutton layers the crew neck over sleeveless turtlenecks, under blazers, and even around her shoulders in the summer. With more than 50 color options to choose from, Sutton constantly buys shades more to add to her collection, though each sweatshirt holds up well over the years. Because this design is unisex, it's a bit oversized, so consider sizing down for a more fitted look.

Size: S-5X | Colors: 55 | Fit: Relaxed | Material: Cotton

Best Splurge

Anine Bing Tyler Sweatshirt

Anine Bing Tyler Sweatshirt

Revolve

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Style expert Katya Bychkova prefers her sweatshirts to be “roomy and super soft”, so it winds up being “your ultimate ‘New York City girl’ vibe sweatshirt that will make any outfit look cooler.” This is a cozy sweatshirt that you can easily dress up for a day out or even for work, meaning you get to be comfy and stylish at the same time. It’s 100 percent cotton with a raised chenille logo at the top. Because it can shrink, be to limit it's time in the dryer. We love the shape that will work well with biker shorts or jeans.

Size: XXS-XL | Colors: 4 | Fit: Relaxed | Material: Organic Cotton

Best Plus-Size

SOLY HUX Pullover Top Sweatshirt

SOLY HUX Women's Letter Print Long Sleeve Casual Pullover Top Sweatshirt

Amazon

What We Love What We Don't Love

“I love the look of this cozy casual pullover sweater for the perfect fall day out doing errands or at a pumpkin patch,” says Alex Stewart, founder of Sassy Confetti. “It's so versatile because you can wear it baggy with some dad jeans or tuck it into a sports bra to create a fun crop to go with leggings. It's giving an ‘I tried without trying’ vibe and we love that.” With its lower price tag, polyester fabric and lack of transparent production info, you can be sure that this isn’t a sustainable product. That said, reviews say it’s very soft inside, and lightweight enough to wear on warmer fall days or layer under a jacket.

Size: L-4X | Colors: 21 | Fit: Relaxed | Material: Polyester

Best Half-Zip

Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip

What We Love What We Don't Love
  • We wish it had pockets.

Lifehack: If you want a sweatshirt that can be worn like your favorite shacket, go with a half-zip, as the collar adds that formality to an otherwise comfy jacket. No wonder we see a sea of them every Friday on Wall Street!

The only thing that can make the half-zip better is Spanx's AirEssentials fabric, which Oprah Winfrey describes as a hug. InStyle editor Christina Butan is also obsessed, thanks to how the silky fabric is equally cooling and cozy. In other words, you can wear it in your chilly office and on your commute without feeling uncomfortable. Hitting right at the hips, the half-zip is easy to style with jeans, leggings, and even a dress, according to Butan. Plus, it comes in six rich shades like butterscotch and merlot for a fall fashion moment. Pair with the matching "light as air" pants, and you may never want to take this set off. The only thing that could make these pieces more functional? Pockets.

Size: XS-3X | Colors: 6 | Fit: Regular | Material: Modal, polyester, elastane

Best Tall

Old Navy Zip Hoodie for Women

Old Navy Dynamic Fleece Zip Hoodie for Women

Old Navy

What We Love What We Don't Love

Like sister brands Athleta, Gap, and Banana Republic, Old Navy also carries many items in petite, regular and tall versions, making it a great go-to for the longer-bodied among us. For a zip-up hoodie that doesn’t end up showing your belly button, look no further than this sporty sweater. Although some older reviews found the material a bit stiff and not that soft, more recent customers praised this piece for its soft, cozy feel, so it’s likely the brand introduces variations when they re-edit it — often for the better. People also find this sweatshirt very flattering, thanks to its semi-relaxed fit and medium-weight fabric.

Size: XS-4X, petite and tall | Colors: 4 | Fit: Relaxed | Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex

Best Petite

Gap Raglan Sweatshirt

Gap Vintage Soft Raglan Sweatshirt

Gap

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Like many Gap products, this crew neck is available in petite, regular and tall lengths to account for body diversity. The silhouette is somewhere between fitted and relaxed, which is the ideal middle ground for petite figures who want the relaxed look without drowning in fabric. Made from cotton and polyester, this crew neck is breathable with a touch of stretch. We also love how Gap uses a special washing technique to make the fabric ultra-soft and slightly faded, giving it that beloved vintage feel. While some may not want to wear the Gap logo on their chest, there are plenty of colors that are logo-free.

Size: XXS-XXL, petite and tall | Colors: 9 | Fit: Relaxed | Material: Cotton, polyester

Best Fleece

Girlfriend Collective Micro Fleece Cropped Hoodie

Girlfriend Collective Micro Fleece Cropped Hoodie

Girlfriend Collective

What We Love What We Don't Love

When it comes to size inclusivity, Girlfriend Collective is one of the best mainstream brands out there, which is part of why it’s quickly become a favorite for our basics shopping needs. As well as catering for more body types than many equivalent labels, the brand also prioritizes eco-friendly practices, as demonstrated by this amazing recycled fleece. Fleece fabric is necessarily made from synthetic fibers, so the use of recycled plastic bottles here is one of the best ways to make sure it’s as planet-friendly as possible. This slip-on hoodie is also recyclable via the ReGirlfriend program. The brand warns that the colors may bleed during the first washes, so be sure to wash the hoodie with like colors in cold water. People also love the adjustable waist detail.

Size: XXS-6XL | Colors: 2 | Fit: Relaxed, Adjustable | Material: Recycled plastic

Best Hoodie

Nike Sportswear Pullover Hoodie

Nike Sportswear Tech Fleece Essential Pullover Hoodie

Nike Sportswear

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Ideal for casually throwing on over a pair of biker shorts or high-waisted leggings, this hoodie was made for those who don’t love a loud logo but appreciate the craftsmanship of a quality brand. For a basic hoodie, we love this cropped, slightly oversized option from Nike, which looks a bit more fashion-forward because of the zipper pocket higher up on the body. It comes in four colors, but we’re fond of the black-on-black version. Just a note: anyone with a longer torso might find it looks extra cropped because it arches in the front. But with a pair of high-waist leggings, you won’t have any unwanted midriff.

Size: XS-2X | Color: 4 | Fit: Oversized, cropped | Material: Cotton, polyester

Best Crew Neck

Alo Yoga Accolade Crew Neck Pullover

Alo Yoga Accolade Crew Neck Pullover

Alo

What We Love What We Don’t Love

While you don’t need any luck to snap up one of these babies in black or heather gray, you need it in spades if you’re hoping to get your hands on one in a limited colorway. Still, there’s a reason this Alo number sells like hotcakes. “The Accolade Crew Neck Pullover is constructed of incredibly soft diagonal French terry and is available in a variety of beautiful hues to match your taste,” says fashion writer Emerald Elitou. “If you want to take it up a notch, wear it with fitted jeans and boots for a completely street-chic look. You may even mix it up with matching sweats and your favorite Jordans.” It’s available in sizes up to a 2XL, which is a respectable range and features a relaxed fit that’s ideal for that model-off-duty look.

Size: XXS-2XL | Colors: 6 | Fit: Relaxed | Material: Cotton, polyester

Best Zip Up

Splendid Zip Up Hoodie

Splendid Supersoft Zip Up Hoodie

Splendid

What We Love What We Don't Love

This is undoubtedly a sweatshirt that’s designed for your lounging needs, but it’s tailored enough that you can also wear it as a cardigan for a more elevated look if you prefer. It’s made from Splendid’s signature “Super Soft” fabric, a triple brushed blend of modal and spandex that reviewers agree is more than aptly named, and also makes it feel like a high-quality product. We do have a complaint, though: although Splendid is dabbling in some early sustainability initiatives, it’s not really there yet. Still, modal is a plant-based fabric that, sourced and produced responsibly, is a much better choice than synthetics.

Size: XXS-XXL | Colors: 5 | Fit: Fitted | Material: Modal, spandex

Best Velour

Victoria's Secret Velour Hoodie

Victoria's Secret Velour Hoodie

Victoria's Secret

What We Love We We Don't Love

We may not be donning full velour tracksuits like we used to —though celebrities are making a strong case for it — but we still have a soft spot for a good velour hoodie like this one from Victoria's Secret. Not only is the fabric extremely plush and cozy, but it also elevates any loungewear look, especially when it comes in these muted color options. That's right — Victoria's Secret isn't making those bright, logo-embossed tracksuits from the early 2000s. Instead, this is a grown-up version with only a subtle monogram in the corner. The cropped pullover pairs perfectly with the matching high-rise joggers, though some may wish the hoodie was longer.

Size: XS-XXL | Colors: 7 | Fit: Relaxed | Material: Polyester, elastane

Best Oversized

lululemon Oversized Crew

Lululemon Perfectly Oversized Crew

Lululemon

What We Love What We Don’t Love

For those who want a little more room in their sweater, Lululemon has just the thing. “I love this sweatshirt because it's simple and on the oversized side, so you can style it both with athleisure and more everyday pieces,” Bychkova says. Unlike many others like it, this one is made from 100 percent cotton for better breathability, though this does mean you have to wash it cold (still, that’s better for the environment, right?). Also, it comes in up to a size 20, which is pretty decent for a mainstream brand. Bychkova’s conclusion? “Lululemon Perfectly Oversized Crew is the softest basic sweatshirt everyone needs in their collection.”

Size: 0-20 | Colors: 2 | Fit: Oversized | Material: Cotton

Best Sustainable

Pangaia 365 Midweight Hoodie

What We Love What We Don't Love

“In terms of comfort and sustainable fashion, Pangaia is really popular, as modeled by Chiara Ferragni,” says Lisa Sanchez, in-house stylist for The Nines. “The company uses recycled cotton as well as cotton not treated with pesticides, so you can feel great about your circular purchase.” Sanchez is right: Pangaia is incredibly transparent about its many planet-conscious initiatives, and this classic hoodie is no exception to the brand’s ethical model. In fact, it’s upcycled from leftover materials to minimize waste, and every little detail is responsibly sourced. Plus, it has the perfect weight to wear all-year round, so you don't have to stock up on different hoodies for each season. We just wish it came in plus sizes for added inclusivity.

Size: XXS-XXL | Colors: 19 | Fit: Regular | Material: Recycled cotton, organic cotton

What to Keep in Mind

Fit

Sweatshirts come in variations of fitted, relaxed, and oversized, and which type of fit you go for is really up to you. As a general rule, you’ll want to balance out your silhouette, so a more oversized style will look fab over some leggings or bike shorts, while a more fitted design is great over a pair of jeans. At the end of the day, it just depends on what you’re more comfortable with. For those that are on the ends of the height spectrum, look for designs that come in either tall or petite sizes, like Gap Fleece Zip Hoodie.

Materials

Choosing the materials for a sweatshirt depends on your personal preferences, as well as what seasons you intend to wear your sweatshirt in and for which occasions. For example, a lightweight crew neck, like this one from Gildan, is great for an autumnal Starbucks run, while a velour hoodie makes the best companion for hibernating in the dead of winter.

“If you’re looking for warmth, go with fleece,” says fashion blogger and stylist AK Brown. If you plan to work out in your sweatshirt, look for a hoodie with breathable cotton and just a touch of stretch, like Nike's Tech Fleece Pullover.

Functionality

Just like with the materials, you want to consider when you'll be wearing your sweatshirt and how functional you need it to be. While a basic crew neck might be the right choice for lounging around, a design with special features like pockets and a hoodie is a better fit when exercising or running errands. Thanks to a roomy pocket, adjustable waist, and warm hood, Girlfriend Collective's Cropped Hoodie is ready for any kind of excursion.

Your Questions, Answered

What's the difference between a sweatshirt and hoodie?

“Sweatshirt” is really a catch-all for a sweater that’s not knitted or woven (though knitted and woven sweatshirts definitely also exist). Within the category, hoodies come with hoods while crew necks have a simple, round neckline. There's also zipped hoodies, half-zips, and pullovers, which come with their own advantages. While pullovers are effortless, some prefer having the flexibility of closing and opening a zip up, like Splendid Super Soft Hoodie. Bonus tip: Zip up hoodies are great to wear when getting ready, since they won't mess up your hair or makeup.

How do you style a sweatshirt to look more like a model off duty?

The most recognizable supermodels of our time have done us a huge favor: They’ve elevated the humble sweatshirt into a must-have piece for looking effortlessly cool and like you’re expecting to be papped on your way home from yoga. "Take it from Kendall Jenner, Kristin Cavallari, and J.Lo: Make sure your sweatshirt fits you like a glove and pair with leggings,” Sanchez suggests. “Also look for some cute footwear to make you go that extra stylish mile.” We love this combo with statement sneakers or slides.

Stewart offers another variation on this uniform. “If you want to go full model, the best way to style your sweatshirt is to buy it truly oversized and wear it more like a dress with biker shorts,” she says. “It's a true Princess Diana moment coming full circle.”

Last but not least, if you’re aiming for more street style and less athleisure, “sweatshirts over oversized white button-down shirts are always a hit,” Brown says. This look is “very elevated and layered but only two pieces of clothing are needed.”

Why Shop With Us

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based freelance journalist, author, and copywriter. She covers everything from celebrities and relationships to fashion and beauty for numerous publications, like InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Women’s Health, and many more. For this story, she interviewed style expert Katya Bychkova, fashion writer Emerald Elitou, fashion blogger and stylist AK Brown, Lisa Sanchez, in-house stylist for The Nines, and Alex Stewart, founder of Sassy Confetti.

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Reinaldo Massengill

Update: 2024-05-03