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.)
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Adsum Logo Crewneck Read More
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Quince Organic Heavyweight Fleece Crew Read More
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Buck Mason Interloop Crew Sweatshirt Read More
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.
How We Tested
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.
Best Overall Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
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.
Best Upgrade Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
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.
Best Affordable Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
Best Crewneck Sweatshirt with Tall Sizes
- 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.
Best French Terry Crewneck Sweatshirt
- Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
- Fit: Classic
- Material(s): 100% cotton
- Colors: Green, black, faded black, white, navy, gray, cream, birch
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.
Best Bargain Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
Best Slim Fit Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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
- 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.
Best Oversized Fit Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
Best Lightweight Crewneck Sweatshirt
- Country of Manufacture: Portugal
- Fit: Classic
- Material(s): 100% cotton
- Colors: 15+
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.
Best Tailored Fit Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
Best Color Variety Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
Best Reverse Weave Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
Learn more about Champion sweatshirts.
Best Pocket Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
Best Classic Fit Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
Best Vintage Inspired Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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
Most Durable Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
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.
Best Anti-Odor Crewneck Sweatshirt
- 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.
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.
Learn more about David Gandy Wellwear.
Best Organic Cotton Crewneck Sweatshirt
- Country of Manufacture: Portugal
- Fit: Classic
- Material(s): 100% organic cotton
- Colors: Black, navy
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.
Best Crewneck Sweatshirt for Milder Days
- 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.
Learn more about terry, fleece-back, loopback and double-face in our guide to sweatshirt fabrics.
V-Insert
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.
Learn more about this inconspicuous addition in our guide to V-inserts.
How to Style a Crewneck Sweatshirt
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.
