If you’re someone that makes it to the end of articles, you’ve seen ads or “reviews” for American Giant. So what? You can throw money at anything. But when our reader vote ends in two $90 cotton hoodies easily taking the win in 2017, we take that a little more personally.
I’ve worn the American Giant Classic Full Zip, along with their Storm Full Zip, Work Shirt, and Sweatpants, and the Flint & Tinder 10-Year Hoodie, and I don’t wear any of them anymore. These are all extremely well crafted, durable, American-made garments, but I’ve never had a moment where I said, “You know what I really want to throw on when I get home today? Rigid, heavyweight, slim fit, 100% cotton.” No one has.
For the record, I prefer the Flint & Tinder over the American Giant, and I actually prefer the American Giant Storm Full Zip over their Classic, even when it’s not raining.
On the technical side, these garments incorporate nothing to speak of. They aren’t moisture wicking, cooling, odor resistant, stain resistant, wrinkle resistant, lightweight, packable, antimicrobial... the list goes on.
They’re not the hoodies we’re looking for to lounge, run, hike, camp, or work in, because for the most part, we don’t want to do any of those things in cotton when we can help it.
If You Must Have Cotton
Everlane’s Cotton Street Fleece Zip Hoodie isn’t a technical marvel, but it is a hoodie that looks good enough to wear to work, which is a different kind of marvel. It’s also discounted as low as $42 right now.
Merino Perfection
Looking for one perfect 100% merino hoodie? Trew is it. Their NuYarn Hoodie is the heaviest of Trew’s merino garments, and fits flatteringly without being tight. It’s ridiculously comfortable, keeps you warm but will never overheat you, and doesn’t sacrifice any range of movement. This is the one hoodie I’d own if I could only own one hoodie.
Style and Substance
I want everything Nau makes, and can’t wait to test more of it. They offer several hoodie permutations, but their Randygoat Sweatshirt is a 49% merino super soft and stretchy sweatshirt that fits extremely well.
Minimalist
Ready for a hike or brunch, and its ultra-low profile makes it a great layering piece. Plus, secret cellphone pocket.
Ultralight
You won’t find anything lighter than the Voormi River Run Hoodie, which offers sun protection and the benefits of merino even in sweltering heat.