Hoodies

Hoodies – Where style meets comfort  

We’ve never met a hoodie that we didn’t like.

What’s not to like? Cozy fabric, long sleeves, a hood to hide a bad haircut. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day. And a way to show off the fact that you prioritize your comfort and wellbeing. 

And they’re not just great for the WFH outfits we’re all tired of (although hoodies are perfect for lounging around and fake smiling on Zoom calls). They’ve moved beyond loungewear and are now staples in streetwear. Plus, they’re the must-have piece of fashion for the gym. 

What are hoodies?

Let’s start at the beginning· A hoodie is a sweatshirt with a hood attached. 

Some come with a big pouch on the front (like a kangaroo, but without all the jumping). Some come with a zipper down the front. And some come with a drawstring to pull the hood tight around your face.  

What is hoodie short for? 

The word hoodie is short for ‘Hooded Sweatshirt’. Hoodie rolls off the tongue much better, eh?

Who invented the hoodie? 

According to Rolling Stone magazine, Champion Products created the first hoodie in the 1930s. It was then that hoods were first attached to sweatshirts to protect the wearer from the elements. 

What’s the difference between crewneck sweatshirts and hoodies?

The biggest difference between a crew neck sweatshirt and a hoodie is the neckline. Hoodies have hoods attached, sweatshirts do not. 

The crew neckline is a round neckline that fits close to your neck. 

Both sweatshirts and hoodies are made from the same material – usually something warm and soft like cotton and polyester. 

We often get asked, “what is a sweater hoodie?”. It’s the same thing as a hoodie – someone just took the extra effort to put the word sweater in front of it. Chances are, they don’t actually own one. If your friend says ‘sweater hoodie’, stop them. Please. 

When should you wear a hoodie?

Wear a hoodie anytime you want. For us, they're super versatile. We vote every hour of every day. But we know that isn't possible for everyone. We see you, President Biden. 

Whenever you decide to wear one, trust that the ShapeNation site carries the best hoodies and sweatshirts in a variety of styles, colors, and weights. You’ll find the best hoodie to suit every moment – from sports to going out for brunch on the weekends.

Lounging + Hoodies

The pandemic might be over, but avoiding outside and hanging out on the couch all day will always be in style. Pullover hoodies and zipped hoodies are just as comfortable as your favorite t-shirt. But can your t-shirt also keep you warm? We didn’t think so. 

Sports + Hoodies 

We’ll dive into why your workout arsenal needs a hoodie later, but know this for now… if hoodies made Rocky a better fighter, just imagine what they’ll do for you. Elliot even rescued E.T. in his iconic red hoodie. Maybe your next hoodie will get you in shape for the bike ride of your life, too. Anything is possible. 

Streetwear + Hoodies 

Treat a hoodie as the foundation for any stylish outfit. From a grey hoodie with denim jean shorts to a crisp pair of black jeans and a black hoodie, there’s nothing more urban than rocking a hooded sweatshirt. 

And the best part, if it’s a zip-up hoodie, you can take it off when the temperatures climb. 

To zip or not to zip – Are zipped up hoodies better?

There are 2 main types of hoodies: zip-up hoodies and pullover hoodies. 

• Zip-up hoodies: Close with a zipper
• Pullover hoodies: Pull over your head

The best style depends on you. If you know you’ll need to take your hoodie off (like when you start training and you get hot), then a zipped hoodie will work better. If it’s a warmer hoodie you’re after, a pullover can’t be beat. 

Are hoodies good for training?

Yes. Hoodies are great to wear while training, exercising, or playing your favorite sport. 

If you’re hoping that layering up with an extra-thick hoodie is going to make you sweat more and lose weight faster… that’s not true. That was a popular idea in the 1980s, but it’s not healthy, and it won’t give you the results you’re after. 

Top 4 benefits for wearing a hoodie while exercising 

1. Help you warm up. This is especially important at the beginning of a workout. 
2. Help keep your joints and muscles warm during your workout. This lowers your risk of injury and keeps your muscles ‘ready’ throughout the workout. 
3. Being warm increases blood flow to your muscles and limbs. And anyone who works out in the winter will agree… having cold hands and feet is a major problem. 
4. Help you cool down properly. When the gym (or if you’re outside) is cold, layering up with a pullover hoodie is a great way to bring your body temperature down slowly after an intense training session. This is true even with a lightweight hoodie.

Is it safe to work out in a hoodie? 

Exercise safety is ultimately your responsibility – not the clothes you put on. 

With that being said, hoodies are safe for most sports and training activities. If you’re worried that it's too bulky and may get trapped in a machine, then take it off. That’s the ultimate beauty of a hoodie – they go on and off easily. 

Best hoodie material for training 

With the ShapeNation brand, most of our hoodies are made from cotton and polyester – perfect fabrics for training.

When looking for a hoodie to wear to the gym, consider 2 factors about the fabrics: breathability and moisture-wicking ability.  

Breathability 

Breathability refers to how easily air moves through the material. If your hoodie is made from breathable fabrics, it’ll let hot air escape and keep your body cool. 

Avoid any hoodie or sweatshirt made from rubber or plastic materials (like latex). They aren’t designed to breathe, and you’ll end up trapping heat and risking serious injury. 

Moisture-wicking ability 

The ability of a fabric to wick moisture away from your skin is not the same as breathability. This concept is more about what happens to a hoodie’s fabric when it gets wet or damp (from sweat or something like rain). 

If the hoodie is absorptive, it’ll get heavy when it’s wet, and you’ll be super uncomfortable and gross. If it doesn’t absorb sweat (it wicks the sweat away), you’ll stay dry, comfortable, and be able to workout harder for longer. Plus, it won't smell as bad. 

The combination of these factors makes a cotton/polyester blend your best choice. Cotton alone would absorb sweat. Adding polyester keeps it light and fresh.

How to find the right size hoodie

When it comes to hoodies for training, make sure you get one that won’t ride up when you raise your arms. 

There’s nothing more uncomfortable than flashing your navel every time you do an overhead press. Or maybe you have a stunning navel and want to show off. In that case, you do you. 

To choose the correct hoodie and sweatshirt size, measure your chest like this:

• Chest – Measure around the fullest part of your chest. Place a measuring tape close under your arms and keep it flat across your back. 

How to wash and care for your hoodie 

​​Whether you exercise in your hoodie or not, you’ll eventually need to wash it. 

How often can you wear a hoodie before washing it? 

If you’re wearing your hoodie as a pullover, you can easily wear it 5-6 times before washing. If you’re wearing it for some tough workouts, you’ll need to wash it more often. 

Since the planet is getting low on resources, make sure that your hoodie is actually dirty before washing it. You can always let it air out between washes and save water. 

How to wash a hoodie without it pilling

You know what we’re talking about, right? Those little balls of fabric that appear on a low-quality hoodie when you wash it or wear it often? Those are pills. 

Most of ShapeNation’s hoodies are made to not pill (you’re welcome). But if it happens, follow these steps to ensure your pullover looks just as good tomorrow as it does today. 

1. Turn your hoodie inside out. If it’s a zip-up hoodie, zip it up first, then turn it inside out.  
2. Wash it on a delicate cycle with cold water (30-40 degrees Celsius).
3. Don’t put it in the dryer or hang it on a wire hanger to dry. Instead, lay it flat to air dry. 

How to remove pills from a hoodie 

If the steps above didn’t work for you – or if you were in a rush and skipped one of the steps – here’s how to remove any stubborn pills from your favorite hoodie. 

• Lay the hoodie on a table and gently comb out the pills with a fine-toothed comb.  
• Cut off the pills without cutting the hoodie. You’ll need tiny scissors for this. 
• Pull out the duct tape and stick it to each pill. 

Fold or Hang? Which one is better for hoodies 

To decide, think about the weight of your hoodie. If it’s a super heavy one, hanging it on a hanger will pull and stretch the material. It can affect the way the neck fits – especially if it’s a crew neck. 

To avoid the risk of an overstretched neck or saggy shoulders, fold your hoodies. 

How to fold your hoodie in 4 steps (and no wrinkles) 

1. Fold the hoodie in half (arm to arm) and smooth out the wrinkles.
2. Next, fold the sleeves into the middle of the hoodie. The sleeves should point downwards. 
3. Fold the hood down on top of the arms you just folded. 
4. Fold the hoodie in half by bringing the bottom up to meet the top. 

No matter how well you take care of your hoodie, nothing lasts forever. When your pullover hoodie reaches the end of its life, find a way to recycle it. 

Shop the best hoodies at ShapeNation 

Whether you’re looking for an extra layer when you’re hanging out, or something to keep you warm at the gym, you’ll find a wide range of pullovers and zipped hoodies with us. 

And not just your classic grey hoodies and sweatshirts, either. We’re taking everything from oranges and blues to purples and reds. Men's hoodies and ones for women, too.

We’ve even taken the classic hoodie and added a zipper pocket. Why? Because we know how easy it is to lose your keys or your earbuds. And sometimes you just need a place to stash an extra protein bar. Are we right? 

We’re glad to be a part of your exercise journey. From kettlebells and dumbbells to the comfy fitness garment that'll keep you looking and feeling good, we’ve got you covered.