Men’s hoodies (also known as hoodys) have been around for quite some time, however only recently have they made their mark in the world of men’s fashion. The unique style of the hood is as functional as it is fashionable, making the hoodie a powerful piece of clothing that will remain popular for many years to come. Below we’ve compiled a simple guide to one of the most popular items in a mans closet.

The Fit – The fit of your hoodie is as important as the style and color when selecting which one you would like to bring home. Some prefer a slim fit, while others want their hoodie to be oversized. Whatever style you prefer, you must think in terms of how you’re going to wear it on a day-to-day basis. For example, if you live in a cold climate and want to wear your hoodie under a jacket, the oversized fit is not going to look flattering if you have six inches hanging under the bottom of your coat. On the other hand, a slim-fit hoodie is only going to be good for situations where the hoodie is your shirt if you plan on wearing layers underneath, you’re going to find a hard time feeling comfortable.

The Style – Although hooded sweatshirts are one of the most popular pieces of clothing for teenagers and adults alike, there are only two mainstream styles to choose from…

The Zip-Up : The most functional option for a mans hoodie is the zip-up style, which offers a few different options for wear. You can either leave it unzipped to act as an open coat of sorts, or zip it up half way to still show off your shirt underneath but also keep it in control from flapping about. For men, the zipper can prove to be an issue if you plan on wearing it without a shirt underneath the zippers can easily become entangled with your chest hairs which can prove to be a painful experience. Also, the zipper just generally does not feel comfortable against bare skin, so this may not be the style for you if you plan on wearing your hoodie as a shirt.

The Pull-Over : Your other hoodie option would be the popular pull-over style, which has been noted as being the more comfortable option for lounging around your dorm or house. The lack of a zipper not only makes it a bit cozier, but allows for the front pockets to unite into a pouch rather than the two side pockets of a zip-up hoodie. Combine that with the softness of your hood and you have one very warm and comfortable sweatshirt for lounging and napping.

Caring for Your Hoodie – Most hoodies are not an inexpensive purchase, so you’ll want to get a lot of wear time before they are thrown in the trash. The biggest problem with hooded sweatshirts is that they shrink to unbearably small sizes when washed too many times. The best way to avoid this is to always wash in cold water and dry on low heat since hot water and air will shrink your hoodie in no time. Another trick is to stretch out the arms and length of your hoodie after the wash but before you switch it into the dryer if your hoodie does shrink, it will revert back to its original size.

Men’s hooded sweatshirts have made a prominent mark in the world of men’s fashion, making them both a comfortable and stylish fashion statement. Whether you wear them to be fashionable or to keep warm, a high-quality hoodie can last you for several years of wear if properly cared for.