Casual Comfort: The Best Knitted Hoodie Brands For Men

Image Credit: Luca Faloni

You might not think you need a knitted hoodie. What, after all, is wrong with regular cotton jersey hoodies that have served us well for the best part of 100 years? The real answer, of course, is nothing. However, a knitted hoodie takes this classic casualwear staple and elevates it into something altogether more comfortable and refined.

Often cut from merino wool or cashmere, a knitted hoodie is an indulgent garment that is lightweight, breathable and incredibly soft against the skin. For those times when you don’t want to sacrifice comfort but still want to appear put together, few garments can beat it.

If you’re looking to get in on the action, here’s a rundown of the brands that have quickly become specialists at this contemporary menswear icon.

Luca Faloni

 

Italian brand Luca Faloni specialises in smart-casual knitwear that is crafted from some of the finest yarns in the business. So it makes sense that they would produce an excellent line of knitted hoodies.

Offering one of the most extensive collections we’ve come across, you can expect both overhead and zip-through hoodies crafted in 100% cashmere or a silk-cashmere blend. Available in a range of versatile neutrals, the cut is slim and fitted for a sophisticated aesthetic.

Shop now at Luca Faloni

A Day’s March

A Day’s March is famous for its well-priced, minimal wardrobe staples, and its knitted hoodies are a case in point. Crafted from a luxurious wool-cashmere blend, they feature no obvious branding and simple ribbed detailing the the cuffs and hem, allowing them to be dressed up or down with ease.

Coming in grey and brown, each would slot seamlessly into a modern capsule wardrobe, whether you choose to wear them around the house on lazy weekends or throw them over the top of your shirt and dress pants for drinks after work.

Shop now at A Day’s March

Reiss

Reiss’ knitwear collection is always on point. The British brand regularly produces classic designs alongside more directional styles like button-through polos and cardigans. Its knitted hoodies are a regular feature in its seasonal collections, combining perfectly with the label’s tailored trousers as well as its comfortable loungewear.

Available in Reiss’ signature muted colour palette for ultimate versatility, if you’re after a pared-back, slim-fitting knitted hoodie, look no further.

Shop now at Reiss

Everlane

Everlane has built its brand around easy-to-style, everyday basics that are interchangeable. You could build a wardrobe full of Everlane clothing, get dressed in the dark and still look good, which is a testament to its minimal design ethos and attention to detail when it comes to fit.

Its knitted hoodies are no exception, working perfectly as part of a coordinating loungewear set or as a smart-casual alternative to a traditional cotton jersey version. Look out for its waffle-knit designs, which are ideal layering pieces in transitional weather.

Shop now at Everlane

Ted Baker

Ted Baker’s playfulness can regularly be found in the linings of its jackets, or in the occasional contrast stitching on its hems. The brand is well known for its eccentric British take on design, specifically within its tailoring collection, which is often cut from heritage fabrics but featuring modern slim fits and interesting design details.

For its knitted hoodies though, Ted has decided to pare things back, placing emphasis on high-end fabrics like cashmere as well as ultra-soft, breathable modal to create a range of pieces that are understated yet luxurious.

Shop now at Ted Baker

COS

COS’ minimal designs ensure its knitted hoodies, and its knitwear in general, is exceptionally easy to wear and incorporate into an existing wardrobe. As always with the high-street retailer, expect boxy fits and a wealth of contemporary details like flat-front pockets and raglan shoulders for an even more comfortable fit.

Although a garment designed for loungewear first and foremost, COS’ knitted hoodies are easy to dress up, so instead of combing them with sweatpants try a pair of pleated, tailored trousers for an interesting take on high/low dressing.

Shop now at COS

N.Peale

This historic British brand was founded in 1936, with the first store opened in London’s Burlington Arcade. Since its inception, N.Peale has specialised in fine quality knitwear, exclusively using responsibly-sourced fabrics from some of the world’s best mills. So it’s fair to say it knows a thing or two about how to craft a beautifully-made, perfectly-fitting hoodie.

It also boasts one of the most expansive collections on this entire list, from cable-knit versions through to zipped cashmere styles, which represent the finest in high-end loungewear.

Shop now at N.Peale

Pangaia

Speaking of elevated loungewear, Pangaia is up there with the very best. Making use of sustainable, ethically-sourced fabrics as well as comfortable, boxy cuts, the brand makes the definitive loungewear set consisting of sweatpants, sweatshirts and, of course, hoodies.

For the latter it’s ramped things up a notch recently, offering a wide range of knitted hoodies in premium fabrics like merino wool and cashmere, which are incredibly soft and kind to the skin.

Shop now at Pangaia

AllSaints

Although perhaps best known for its leather jackets, AllSaints’ mainline collection shouldn’t be slept on. Its denim and overshirt collections are particular highlights, but its knitwear offers something different to every other name on this list.

Channelling the brand’s signature rock ’n’ roll aesthetic, its knitted hoodies have an edge to them, which makes them the ideal partner to black jeans and boots. Available in a handful of dark and moody colourways, they are crafted from pure merino wool and feature AllSaints’ subtle ramskull branding to the chest.

Shop now at John Lewis

Charlie Thomas

Charlie Thomas is a writer and photographer, contributing to publications including The Independent, The Times, The Rake and Black + White Photography magazine. His photography has been exhibited by Photofusion, Central Saint Martins and Photo Co-Op.