Last Updated: February 23, 2024
Hoodies are a comfortable and versatile casual wear that keep us men warm on those colder days. But how many hoodies does a man really need?
Most men should only need 4 to 5 hoodies in their wardrobe. With a few basic colors, hoodies can work with almost any outfit, and can be worn again and again.
In this article you will find out what kinds of hoodies you should definitely have, and what to consider when buying a new hoodie.
The Only Three Hoodies You Really Need
Talk to anyone with a sense of fashion and they will tell you there are three colors everyone needs in their wardrobe:
- Black
- Navy
- Gray
The same is true for hoodies. You can make it through many hoodie seasons with at least two of these colors in your wardrobe. Just make sure they are plain so you can wear them on any occasion: no logos or designs.
The average person has five or six hoodies, so it’s totally normal to want a few more than the essential colors. Though it might be tempting to get one for every sports team, band and brand you love, it’s important to think sustainably about the amount of clothes we collect over time.
If you are going to buy a new hoodie, you should consider what you need it for. Do you need it to exercise, to lounge, to work? If you have a specific use in mind, that’s a good reason to buy it.
How to Find the Right Hoodie for You
It’s important to think about these factors when buying a new hoodie:
- Budget
- Fabric
- Color
- Fit
- Sustainability
Budget
First of all, how much are you willing to spend? Hoodies pack a lot of bang for their buck, so it’s reasonable to have a small budget when buying: $60 – $80 per hoodie.
Here’s some good news – the essential colors are cheap and widely available. Don’t spend more than you need to, $30 per hoodie.
Fabric
What should a hoodie be made of? This is a personal preference that ultimately you decide. However, you can’t go wrong with a hoodie made of cotton. Hoodies made mostly or entirely of cotton are soft, durable, and easy to clean. If you have a (mostly) cotton hoodie, you can comfortably wear it up to seven times before washing it.
Color
The color you buy is also up to your own personal preference. The three essential colors are a must, and you should absolutely get one in your favorite color.
Recommended: How Zip Up and Pullover Hoodies Differ
Beyond that, you should consider what colors work best for your skin tone. Most men aren’t aware that our skin tone affects how we look in clothes, but it plays a big role.
If this is new to you, check out this article. It will help you find your skin tone and what colors would complement your skin tone best.
Fit
Hoodies should be loose but not baggy. They definitely shouldn’t be tight – wearing a hoodie should be comfortable after all.
If you are ordering online, check if there is a sizing chart. If you can’t find one, it’s usually safe to buy your normal t-shirt size.
Sustainability
Finally, you should consider the environmental impact of buying new clothes. It’s no secret that the clothing industry has become an environmental problem over the years. The EPA estimates that most clothes ultimately end up in a landfill. That’s terribly wasteful.
When buying any sort of clothes, you should consider if you are contributing to this waste. Do you really need this hoodie? Or will it ultimately end up in a landfill, barely worn?
Thinking with sustainability in mind isn’t just better for the world, it’s also better for your wallet: you will save money by buying less clothes.
FAQs
How Should a Hoodie Fit?
A hoodie should be easy to move around in, so it needs to be practical and comfortable. It shouldn’t be too baggy or too tight; and big enough to allow for airflow in summer and to accommodate an undershirt when wearing in the winter days.
Make sure your hoodie doesn’t sit below your pants fly, because when it is too long your legs might look shorter.
How Many Hoodies is Too Many?
It depends a lot on how often you wear them. You might have a thick, thin, zip, no zip, dark and bright colored one.
But I would say, in general, if you have more than one hoodie for every day of the week, it is time to reduce the size of your closet. Seriously, that might even be too much for your laundry.
How Many Times Should You Wear a Hoodie Before Washing?
A hoodie is usually worn as a jacket, which is part of its appeal. There is hardly any contact with the skin and sweat, which is the main cause for smell. So unless there are visible stains, it’s perfectly acceptable to wash it after 5 to 7 wears. It does not have to be washed after each use.
Related: How to Rock a Hoodie at Any Age
Final Thoughts
Hoodies are essential to every man’s wardrobe, but there is no need to go overboard. Be mindful of why you are buying a new hoodie, and if your purchase may have a negative effect on the environment (or your wallet).
If you have a few essential colors, and some extras you love to wear, four or five hoodies should cover all your needs.