The best sweatshirts are both comfortable and durable. It’s a balance not every brand gets right. Thankfully, there are plenty that do make a good sweatshirt — enough to make a list out of it, anyway. We’re focusing on our favorite crewneck sweatshirts, the ones we’ve been living in. Options you can wear with every outfit, whether it’s jeans and a T-shirt or atop draw-string pants in your home office. (Kudos to you for kind of dressing up.)
Your favorite sweatshirt doesn’t have to be expensive, but it also doesn’t have to be cheap. Simply good, and sometimes even that can be a tall order. Trust this list, though. We’ve vetted every option for you and also have a guide on the best hoodies and the best zip-up hoodies.
Our tester put several crewneck sweatshirts to good use, wearing them as top layers when the weather peaked and as mid layers when it was, well, not so nice. They, a true size large, assessed how each fit and how they differed, but also what about each stood out most, whether it was the raglan sleeves, hefty cuffs or hidden hip pockets.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
Lightweight and made with an ultra-comfy blend of organic cotton and hemp
Cons
Runs slim, so not roomy enough for those who enjoy a relaxed feel
One user says the dye is sensitive and spotty
Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
Fit: Slim
Material(s): 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton
Colors: Faded black, admiral blue
Outerknown’s Sur Sweatshirt sticks out for good reason. The hemp and organic blend terry fabric make it a hefty-yet-soft option, not to mention one of the most eco-friendly on the market. It’s also one of the most comfortable, our tester found. The raglan sleeves offer a full range of motion, while the collar is neither too wide nor tight. It wraps comfortably around the neck, leaving little room for a T-shirt underneath to show through, all while avoiding being tight enough to have to stretch when pulling it over your head.
Evan Malachosky
It does run slightly slim through the body, though, our tester found. So if you like your hoodies hefty and oversized, you should size up with this crewneck to stay comfy.
Very flattering slightly oversized fit and coloring
Pre-shrunk to ensure size stays the same
Cons
Lengthy, causing the bottom hem to hit below the waist
Front logo a turnoff for those wanting a blank crewneck
Country of Manufacture: Canada
Fit: Classic
Material(s): 100% cotton
Colors: Green, black, navy, gray
Adsum’s simple Logo Crewneck is just how a sweatshirt should be: slightly oversized, soft and super-minimal — small chest text logo aside. It’s preshrunk, so it won’t seize up on that first wash, and it comes in four colors, each made from 400 GSM combed cotton heavyweight Canadian fleece. The fabric itself is the star of the show, but the fit proves nice, too, our tester found.
Evan Malachosky
It does run slightly long, though, not in the sleeves but in the body, which means the bottom hem hits well below the waist, a style some might find a little bit off, especially if they constantly layer their crewnecks under shorter trucker jackets, for example.
Despite its affordability, made with high-quality, plush organic cotton
Cons
Somewhat short in length
Not much color variety
Country of Manufacture: China
Fit: Relaxed
Material(s): 100% organic cotton
Colors: Black, gray
Quince’s Organic Heavyweight Fleece Crew is the best deal on this list, if not for its price, then for its generous free shipping and return policies. This sweater has roughly 13 ounces of heft and a slightly oversized fit, though many users say it’s short in length. Its raglan sleeves also allow for a wider range of motion. For quality, heavyweight organic cotton, sub-$50 is a steal.
Slightly oversized with extra room through the sleeves
Solid price for a blank basic from a heritage brand
Cons
Users say the elasticized cuffs and waistband wear out too quickly
Sizing is hard to nail down as the crewneck fits roomy
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
Fit: Relaxed
Material(s): 91% cotton, 9% polyester
Colors: Heather gray, black, navy, green
L.L. Bean doesn’t just make Boat and Totes. But you knew that, right? The brand’s classic crewneck sweatshirt isn’t anything to scoff at. It’s a comfortable, 91 percent cotton, 9 percent polyester option that clocks in under $60. That’s rare for a sweatshirt, especially considering most on this list cost upwards of $100. It’s also one of the only crewnecks available in tall sizes, plus up to 3XL.
It comes without super-noticeable logos or graphics, which is good, and mirrors the fit of more famous styles, which means it’s slightly oversized with plenty of room in the armpits and through the arms. Some users say the elasticized cuffs and waistband wear out quickly, though the overall construction is just fine. Others say it’s too roomy and that they had to size down for a better fit.
Buck Mason’s dense, midweight fleece sweatshirt eschews modern flair in favor of a more timeless look. It’s tailored, the right tone and the cotton was cut on the cross-grain to prevent shrinkage. (Plus, it looks pretty damn good with the sleeves rolled up.) Similar to a towel, its French terry cotton wicks moisture away and adds some extra warmth and comfort for the wearer.
Sizes skew on the smaller side and users advise ordering a size up
Country of Manufacture: Imported
Fit: Classic
Material(s): 50% cotton, 50% polyster
Colors: 20+
The basics brand makes sweatshirts in several different weights — this one is dubbed the Heavy Blend — and 26 colors. Sure, the sweatshirt will feel a little thin, and wear significantly less warm than most others on this list, but that’s to be expected for a sub-$30 sweatshirt. If you’re buying crewnecks for the least amount of money possible, your best bet is Gildan.
Flatlock stitching and semi-raglan sleeves add comfort in the torso and arms
Very flattering form-fitting crewneck for those with athletic and slim builds
Cons
Patch logo is distracting and attracts attention on darker colors
Sizing skews on the smaller side
Country of Manufacture: Canada
Fit: Slim
Material(s): 100% cotton
Colors: 10+
Reigning Champ’s Midweight Terry Sweatshirt is what the company was built upon. It’s made in Canada — where some of the best sweats are made; see: Adsum — and designed with quality details like inset-raglan sleeves and flatlock stitching for seams flush against the skin. It also has ribbed side panels for added stretch.
The style does run slim, though, our tester found, both in the arms and through the body. That’s not a bad thing for folks who wish to pair their favorite crewneck with form-fitting trousers, but for others who prefer to work in theirs or wear them with baggy sweat bottoms, this is going to be an issue.
Best Crewneck Sweatshirt for Layering
Richer Poorer
Works well as a top layer or tucked underneath an overshirt or jacket
Very soft interior fleece
Cons
Users say shoulders are weirdly pointy and unflattering
Not as relaxed as dropped shoulders would indicate
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
Fit: Classic
Material(s): 60% cotton, 40% recycled polyester
Colors: Heather gray, dark oak, black
This eco-conscious sweatshirt comes by way of California clothing company Richer Poorer. Constructed from a near-even mix of cotton and recycled polyester, this option prevents roughly 40 water bottles from reaching landfills. Righteousness aside, it’s a solid sweatshirt with an added incentive.
This one works well as a top layer or something tucked underneath a jacket, thanks to its relatively straight fit. It does have slightly dropped shoulders, though, a feature often saved for graphic streetwear iterations, like options from Supreme or Off-White. It’s not all that noticeable, but it’ll be different from true-blue vintage designs.
Solid thickness and weight, made better with worn-in cotton
Hidden side seam pockets offer elegant storage
Cons
May be too loose for some and require sizing down
Added insulation, while a good thing, makes it too warm to wear on mildly cool days
Country of Manufacture: Japan
Fit: Oversized
Material(s): 100% recycled cotton
Colors: Gray, black, sand
Japanese minimal outdoor brand Snow Peak excels in understated apparel, and its Recycled Cotton Sweat Crewneck is no exception. Available in black, gray and sand, this crewneck is made with recycled cotton, resulting in a worn-in feel that doesn’t require multiple wash cycles to find. In true outdoor nature, this crewneck is also well-insulated and extremely thick, so it’s best for cold days of fall and the harsh winter ahead.
Our tester loves the thickness of this crewneck and how oversized and roomy it is, which provides ample space for layering and a streetwear-forward look. It’s very flattering on the body and super soft, plus it has side pockets that add to its practicalness. A downfall of its functionality, however, is its insulation –– because it’s super warm, it’s too hot for milder cool days and best reserved for harsher temps.
Sunspel’s lightweight Loopback Sweatshirt is luxe. It fits well in the sleeves and the torso while breaking in nicely with routine wear. It stands up to the wash, too, our tester says, though it’s also thin, which is a bummer considering its price–– almost double (or triple) that of options from Buck Mason or Champion. It’s a great sweatshirt, they say — don’t get them wrong — but there are better options at better prices.
Great form-fitting crewneck for the modest menswear crowd
Excellent fabric and build quality
Cons
Sizing is inconsistent between colors
Length is too long and extends past the waist
Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
Fit: Slim
Material(s): 100% cotton
Colors: Black, gray, navy, oak, sage, green
Basic, at least according to the Internet, is not a complimentary adjective. But there’s no better way to describe American Giant’s classic crewneck. It comes in one signature color, black, but a few limited edition iterations, too. It wears well, is 99 percent cotton and is handmade in LA.
The fit is fairly standard — tight but not too tight, our tester says, flattering without feeling overly tailored. It’s still a sweatshirt after all, but it’s better fitting than the voluminous ones you wore in high school. Users say sizing varies between colors, so be wary of buying your true size.
Excellent selection of color options, including vivid pastels and seasonals
Treated with proprietary peppermint oil to minimize washing
Cons
Front logo text is distracting for those who want a basic blank
Sustainable messaging is overbearing
Country of Manufacture:
Fit: Unisex Relaxed
Material(s): 100% organic cotton
Colors: 10+
Available in over two dozen colors, Pangaia’s 365 Sweatshirt is a piece I could wear every single day — hence the name. There’s a small text logo printed onto the chest that reads: “This sweatshirt is colored with an environmentally friendly dye, created using a recycled water system. The fabric is made from organic cotton.”
The tagline might read a little too cliche for some folks, who prefer their sweatshirts to say nothing at all, but reviewers found the sweatshirt to be soft and the perfect size almost every time. It also boasts PPRMINT, a proprietary oil treatment that helps keep fabrics fresh to minimize washing, thus, saving water.
Inconsistent sizing across colors, according to users
Country of Manufacture: China
Fit: Unisex Relaxed
Material(s): 82% cotton, 18% polyester
Colors: 8+
An icon. What more is there to say about Champion’s category-defining crewneck? Sure, other brands have surpassed them stylistically, but the venerable Reverse Weave still does its job: It fits nicely and will never shrink. Plus, it’s oversized enough to offer a space to escape, whether you’re wearing matching sweatpants (and snacking on the couch) or trying it on with trousers and wearing it to work. Users say it’s inconsistent with sizing, depending on color, so beware.
The addition of a chest pocket is a welcome upgrade
Cons
Neckline is too wide and shows a lot of what’s underneath
Short hem isn’t flattering
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
Fit: Tailored
Material(s): Garment-dyed 18-ounce french terry
Colors: 10
This one is a modern-day classic. Todd Snyder’s Pocket Sweatshirt is one of the best designs to come out of his ongoing partnership with Champion, which is nearing its 10th anniversary. It’s substantial, it’s super cozy and it can hold your wallet, thanks to its single chest pocket.
The primary complaint comes at the neckline and waist, which are too wide and too short, respectively. That leaves a lot showing underneath at both ends, since the wider neck lets a T-shirt poke through, and the shorter hem rides up, revealing whatever you have on underneath.
Users say this heritage crewneck feels like a return to form for J.Crew
Cons
Some say the fabric is rough
High collar borders mockneck height
Country of Manufacture: China
Fit: Classic
Material(s): 84% cotton, 16% polyester.
Colors: Black, navy, forest, gray
J.Crew’s Heritage Fleece Sweatshirt weighs 14 ounces and is made from a cotton-polyester blend. The sleeves are nice and long; there’s a V-insert at the neck and the cuffs can actually be, well, cuffed. And in true, J.Crew fashion, the cross-grain cut sweatshirt is neither too slim nor too oversized, leaving the style somewhere in the middle — a perfect fit from the first wear, reviewers say. Some say the cotton-poly blend is too rough, however, and the crewneck’s high collar is similar to that of a mockneck.
An amalgamation of some of the best crewnecks of the past
Excellent colors and dye
Cons
Sizing skews very large and loose
Wide collar
Country of Manufacture: Portugal
Fit: Relaxed
Material(s): 100% cotton
Colors: Green, navy, black, brown, coal, milk
These take after vintage sweatshirts of the midcentury, featuring a year-round fleece, a classic V insert and a mounted collar. They come in a handful of colors and graphics, and they’re made with premium fabrics that Knickerbocker is best known for, plus a brushed fleece interior for a soft, plush feel
Sturdy and holds up well over multiple years of wash
Cons
Some users say the collar is too high
Unisex sizing is hard to nail down
Country of Manufacture: China
Fit: Unisex Classic
Material(s): 100% cotton
Colors: 8+
Better basics at a solid price Uniqlo’s thing. So it’s no surprise that its Long-Sleeve Sweatshirt made it to our list. It’s inspired by vintage designs and features a sturdy but soft all-cotton fabric design.
Evan Malachosky
Our tester found it fit well and survived the wash. It quickly became a staple in their closet, they say, despite being, now, several years old. As evidenced by how it’s held up, Uniqlo is more than fast fashion, as similar options from Zara or H&M would’ve faltered long ago.
Extremely flattering silhouette with hidden side pockets
Anti-odor treatment actually works and wards off stench
Cons
Ribbed wrist cuffs may be too lengthy for some
Not enough color variety
Country of Manufacture: Portugal
Fit: Classic
Material(s): 100% cotton
Colors: Gray, black, navy
With hidden pockets at both hips, David Gandy Wellwear’s super-soft Ultimate Crewneck Sweatshirt runs slightly oversized, but in the right way — the way a sweatshirt should fit.
Evan Malachosky
It has raglan sleeves so you can comfortably raise your arms above your head, our tester found, and two treatments (anti-microbial and anti-odor) help it stay fresh for longer. And it actually works, as our tester wore this one non-stop for a week without stench.
The Sweatshirt is one of London company Lestrange’s best core basics, with a clean silhouette that smartens up any look, from chinos to jeans to shorts. It’s made with luxurious organic cotton and comes in black and navy. As simple and modern as this piece is, it may not be enough to warrant its cost — that absence of raglan sleeves or even pockets feels like it’d be more worth its price. Still, if you can swing it and consider yourself a uniform dresser, this is the smartest option on our list.
Fabric is comparatively not as soft as other Jungmaven clothes
Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
Fit: Unisex Relaxed
Material(s): 55% hemp, 45% merino wool
Colors: 15+
Jungmaven’s Bonfire Raglan Sweater is best for those days that call for less layering and more breeze. Made with a blend of hemp and merino wool, this sweatshirt has temperature-regulating properties and wicks moisture away as needed. It fits like a good crewneck should — very roomy — yet still has a slightly cropped length to prevent it from looking baggy. You can grab it in over a dozen colors. Although users love it, the fabric is reportedly not as soft as other Jungmaven pieces. Its short length may also not be for everyone.
Sweatshirt Terms to Know
French Terry
Sometimes referred to as loopback cotton, this fabric is warp knitted with a flat face and loops on the underside, which serve the same purpose as the loops on a towel: to absorb moisture and sweat.
Fleece-Back
To create fleece-back fabrics, the underside of a knitted fabric is brushed with sandpaper or wire brushes until the yarn becomes soft and fleecy.
Loopback
Loopback sweatshirts are flat on the front, while the loops are on the underside. This means the fabric won’t pill or, if made well, shrink.
Double-Face
This material is made up of two interlocking knitted fabrics. A double-knitted jersey, for example, comprises two single jerseys knitted together so that both the underside and outside of the fabric are flat.
Early sweatshirts saw the V-insert at both the front and the back of the collar, while others would just have one at the front. It was used to wick sweat and keep the neck from stretching. Eventually, the detail became merely decorative as companies began to stitch a V at the collar without the ribbed material.
American Trench owner Jacob Hurwitz says he doesn’t like wearing hoodies in formal settings, but a crewneck proves more versatile. That’s because crewnecks should be both thinner and more form-fitting than hoodies, he says.
“When I am going to a nice restaurant, I want to wear tailored clothing,” he explains. “I want to wear a blazer. But that doesn’t mean I have to abandon comfortable knits — [the] hoodie’s cousin, the crewneck, can look great in a setting like that.”
It does well just about everywhere else, too — it’s an easy match for blue jeans and basic chinos, whether the outfit is topped off with your trusty boots or brand-new sneakers.
Evan Malachosky
Outerknown
Evan Malachosky
Adsum
Evan Malachosky
Quince
L.L.Bean
Buck Mason
Walmart
Reigning Champ
Richer Poorer
Snow Peak
Sunspel
YOUR GO-TO EVERYDAY CREW
Pangaia
Courtesy
Todd Snyder
J Crew
Courtesy
Uniqlo
Evan Malachosky
David Gandy
Evan Malachosky
Le Strange
Jungmaven