The 9 Best Workout Hoodies of 2024
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Hoodies are one of the most classic staples when it comes to workout clothes—just look to the movies, and you will see pop culture icons from Rocky to Rudy rocking a good pullover. Incredibly versatile, they are great for everything from warming up to cozying up on the couch. But despite the simple design, there can be a surprising amount of variation between models. And whether you prefer an old fashioned cotton pullover, a wind resistant quarter-zip or a quick-drying athletic hoodie, we have an option for you.
To help narrow down your search, we gathered up nine of our favorite workout hoodies that are currently on the market in 2024. We highlighted features that made each one unique, and gave you all the info you need to make the purchase that is right for you. We also included some advice on what to look for in a hoodie, and why it might be just the piece to add to your workout wardrobe.
Looking to complete the look? Check out our favorite workout leggings and gym shoes.
Our Picks for the Best Workout Hoodies in 2024:
- Best Overall Workout Hoodie: adidas Train Essentials Made to Be Remade Hoodie
- Best Breathable Workout Hoodie: NoBull Hoodie
- Best Zip-Up Workout Hoodie: Lululemon City Sweat Full Zip Hoodie
- Best Men’s Workout Hoodie: NoBull Performance Pullover Hoodie
- Best Women’s Workout Hoodie: adidas Own The Run Hooded Running Windbreaker
- Best Workout Hoodie for Yoga: Lululemon Hooded Define Jacket Nulu
- Best Workout Hoodie for Running: Nike Trail Magic Hour
- Best Lightweight Workout Hoodie: Nike Dri-Fit Element
- Best Budget Workout Hoodie: Baleaf UPF50+ Sun Hoodie
Best Overall Workout Hoodie: adidas Train Essentials Made to Be Remade Hoodie
adidas
Key features:
- Price: $50
- Materials: Recycled polyester
- Sizes: XS–2XL
- Colors: 1
- Best for: Layering at the gym
This hoodie is thin, light and breathable. The breezy fabric is great for adding a bit of extra warmth without feeling like you will overheat. Plus it is moisture-wicking and quick drying so you won’t feel damp as you begin to sweat.
This hoodie also has a mesh panel in the back to allow for maximum airflow, and a kangaroo pocket in the front that allows you to hold your necessities. Though it only comes in one color, the basic but functional design makes it a gym staple.
Pros:
- Uses recycled fabric
- Super breathable
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- Only one color
Best Breathable Workout Hoodie: NoBull Hoodie
NoBull
Key features:
- Price: $89
- Materials: Polyester, lyocell
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Colors: 12
- Best for: Cozy workouts
This hoodie is an ideal blend of favorite sweatshirt coziness and super technical workout gear. While it is thick and soft to the touch, it is also surprisingly breathable and fast drying. The design is classic and it comes in 12 different color options which is great if you want to have a few to pair with different outfits.
It also uses flatlock seams which reduce chafing, and the branding on the front is reflective—a useful detail if you often run in the dark.
Pros:
- Super soft and comfy
- Reflective elements
- Quick-drying
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Zip-Up Workout Hoodie: Lululemon City Sweat Full Zip Hoodie
lululemon
Key features:
- Price: $128
- Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane
- Sizes: XS–XXXL
- Colors: 2
- Best for: Casual wear and light workouts
Comfortable and casual, this sweatshirt is definitely worth a buy if you can overcome the sticker shock. While the price is undeniably high, this sweatshirt is made with quality materials, and very well designed. It is mostly cotton which gives you the cushy relaxed feel, but it has some light stretch to it which is great if you decide to work out in it.
Besides the outside zippered pockets, it also has a hidden coin and media pocket on the inside which gives you a lot of extra carrying room. Plus this design has a closer fit than most other hoodies so you look a bit more put together if you choose to wear it out.
Pros:
- Flattering fit
- Lots of pockets
- Cozy feel
Cons:
- Very expensive
Best Men’s Workout Hoodie: NoBull Performance Pullover Hoodie
NOBULL
Key features:
- Price: $109
- Materials: Polyester, spandex
- Sizes: S-XXXL
- Colors: 6
- Best for: Training and weightlifting
The NoBull Performance Pullover Hoodie is a versatile hoodie for lifting, intense training sessions and more. It has a regular fit that allows you a full range of motion while moving, and it has a mesh-lined hood to enhance breathability and sweat-wicking through the most challenging and demanding workouts. It's 94 percent polyester, a durable, wrinkle-resistant fabric, and six percent spandex for movements that require stretch and elasticity.
The inner Polartec Power Dry fleece lining is a bi-component fabric designed to remove moisture from the skin and transfer it to the outer layer. This helps keep you warm and dry throughout your workout. There are two zippered hand pockets for any essentials, and the front has reflective branding to increase visibility in low-light conditions.
Pros:
- Polartec Power Dry fleece is lightweight and can help regulate temperature
- Regular fit is more form-fitting and ideal for reducing fabric interference during training
- Self-fabric cuffs and waistband create a cohesive look
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not water-resistant
Best Women’s Workout Hoodie: adidas Own The Run Hooded Running Windbreaker
adidas
Key features:
- Price: $70
- Materials: Recycled polyester
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors: 2
- Best for: Running outdoors, trail running and hiking
The adidas Own The Run Hooded Running Windbreaker is excellent for keeping out the elements, including wind and moisture. It’s made with recycled polyester using a dobby weave pattern, enhancing breathability and durability. It has a zip-up design with a drawcord adjustable waistline and hood, so if the wind is really bad, you can tighten the bungee at the hem to keep the heat in and at the hood to keep it in place. The wrist cuffs are tapered to ensure the sleeves don't move.
This hoodie also has two outer zippered pockets and one inner pocket, which allows you to keep your belongings safe while also super accessible—great for carrying necessities like your phone or snacks during a day hike or run.
Pros:
- Adjustable drawcord on the waistline and hood to keep out wind and rain
- Lightweight
- Wind-resistant fabric
Cons:
- Not very cozy feeling
Best Workout Hoodie for Yoga: Lululemon Hooded Define Jacket Nulu
lululemon
Key features:
- Price: $128
- Materials: Polyester, elastane
- Sizes: 0-14
- Colors: 4
- Best for: Yoga and casual wear
Lululemon is known for its ultra-comfortable, quality yoga gear. The Hooded Define Jacket Nulu is made with the patented Nulu fabric, known for its softness, breathability and four-way stretch. It gently conforms to the body’s contours while providing moderate, everyday coverage just below the waistband, so you don’t have to worry about losing coverage as you flow. The understated design makes it great for wearing to your workout or out and about.
It has two zippered hand pockets and a cinchable hood, giving it that ‘favorite sweatshirt’ feel, and small features like the decorative stitching and drawstring tips elevate the look. This hoodie also has an elastic zipper pull that doubles as an emergency hair tie and a locker loop for easy storage.
Pros:
- Contoured look is flattering, and it provides coverage below the waistband
- Nulu fabric has a comfy, cozy feel
- Thumbholes keep the sleeve in place
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Workout Hoodie for Running: Nike Trail Magic Hour
Nike
Key features:
- Price: $80
- Materials: Cotton, polyester
- Sizes: XXS–XXL
- Colors: 4
- Best for: Outdoor activities and trail running
While a hoodie may not seem like the first choice for trail running, this one was actually designed specifically for it. It is comfy but lightweight, and it uses Nike's Dri-Fit technology to wick away moisture and get you feeling drier faster. It has a french terry cloth interior rather than fleece which often fairs better under heavy friction, and it feels more comfortable against the skin for long periods of wear.
The small pocket at the front is great for holding necessities post-run, and the extendable sleeves can serve as a little pocket for your hands in chilly weather. Plus it is made with at least 75 percent sustainable materials, so you can feel good about your purchase as well as feel good in it.
Pros:
- Sustainable product
- Extendable sleeves
- Cozy feel
Cons:
- Some colors are very limited on sizing
Best Lightweight Workout Hoodie: Nike Dri-Fit Element
Nike
Key features:
- Price: $80
- Materials: Polyester, spandex
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Colors: 3
- Best for: Running in sunny and/or cooler weather
The Nike Dri-Fit Element is a lightweight workout hoodie that has a relaxed fit. The fabric uses Nike's Dri-Fit technology, a super breathable and fast drying material that wicks away moisture. The sleeves and waistband do not have cuffs, offering ventilation and airflow. It has four-way stretch that allows for full range of motion and it’s designed for cool weather, so you won’t overheat or feel weighed down.
While the body of the hoodie is very light, the scuba hood helps keep in heat in cool conditions without feeling suffocated. The fabric also provides UVA and UVB protection, making it an ideal option for outdoor use.
Pros:
- Dri-Fit technology is sweat-wicking
- Reflective details for visibility in low light conditions
- Thumbholes keep the sleeve in place
Cons:
- No pockets
Best Budget Workout Hoodie: Baleaf UPF50+ Sun Hoodie
Baleaf
Key features:
- Price: $23
- Materials: Polyester
- Sizes: XS–XXXL
- Colors: 4
- Best for: Runs and outdoor adventures
At only $23, this is easily the most affordable hoodie on the list. But despite being affordably priced, it has all the makings of a great hoodie. It is super lightweight, stretchy, and has a closer, more flattering fit than some similar models. The fabric has 50 UPF+ protection which is great for preventing sunburns and damage—plus the thumbholes in the sleeves help to keep it in place.
This hoodie also has flat locked seams which prevent chafing, and extra long sleeves which helps it fit a range of heights.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Sun protection
- Stretchy and comfortable
Cons:
- Limited color options
Are There Benefits To Working Out in a Hoodie?
Hoodies afford you a couple benefits that a crewneck may not. The biggest feature is that it—obviously—has a hood. This is great for keeping in your heat, and whether you are just trying to stay warm on a chilly day, or you are looking to sweat it out, it keeps you much warmer than even a hat can because it covers your neck as well as your head. Since it is attached, you also don’t have to carry anything with you, and if you get hot, all you need do is flip it off.
Hoodies also generally have a front pocket which serves two purposes—holding stuff, and keeping your hands warm. This makes it a great option to use for a warmup as once again, you won’t need to worry about carrying around gloves when you can quickly stick your hands in the hot pocket.
How To Choose the Best Workout Hoodie for You
When looking for a hoodie, the most important thing to consider will be what activity you plan on doing. If you are lifting, walking or hiking—generally for things with less intense cardio and quick movements, you can opt for something on the heavier side—think a cotton or fleece hoodie.
If you are going to be running, doing HIIT workouts or doing yoga, you may want something lighter, faster drying and a bit more stretchy.
Also consider features that you would like—do you want a zipper in the front or a pullover; do you want thumbholes; do you want a drawstring on the hood? These are all important questions to ask yourself to determine what exactly you are looking for so that you can meet the needs of both your activity, and get all the features you desire.
How We Chose the Best Workout Hoodies
To choose the best workout hoodies on the market, we gathered up some from the most popular brands. We looked at models that had overwhelmingly positive reviews left by customers that bought and loved the products, and we used our own expertise with testing athletic clothing to look for features that would help these hoodies excel in the field. Ultimately we came up with nine different hoodies that span a range of prices, preferences, activities and aesthetics to come up with our top picks for workout hoodies.
Workout Hoodies FAQs
When should I wear a hoodie to the gym?
Hoodies make great warmups, and they can also help keep you cozy on chilly days.
What’s the best material for a workout hoodie?
Hoodies are generally either made with cotton or a synthetic like polyester. Both work great but if you want something more moisture-wicking, the synthetic is the way to go.
Why do people wear hoodies after a workout?
After you finish your workout, you will begin to cool down pretty quickly. Wearing a hoodie can help prevent you from getting too cool too fast.
Is it better to workout with a hoodie or without?
Hoodies can be great for warmups but are also pretty heavy so you may find yourself overheating. It really depends on how your body temperature runs, and what you feel comfortable working out in.
Final Thoughts: Is a Workout Hoodie Right for You?
Whether you are looking for a training hoodie that will hold up to your highest intensity workouts, or just something to cozy up with on your couch, this staple apparel is great to have on hand. We gathered up some of the best options on the market, but if this isn’t exactly what you are looking for, check out our favorite workout clothes like running jackets, fleece jackets, running pants, and more!
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
