Modern hoodies come with an array of features—some genuinely useful, others more about marketing than function. Understanding what each feature actually does helps you choose hoodies with the features you'll use and skip those you'll ignore. This comprehensive guide breaks down every common hoodie feature, explaining its purpose, who benefits most, and whether it's worth seeking out.
Hood Features
The Hood Itself
The defining feature of any hoodie, hoods serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. A well-designed hood should cover your head adequately without falling off during movement. It should have enough depth to stay in place and provide genuine protection from wind and light rain.
Hood quality varies significantly. Cheap hoodies often have shallow, poorly structured hoods that look decorative but don't function well. Better hoodies use double-layer hoods that hold shape and provide more coverage. Consider how you actually use hoods—if purely aesthetic, any hood suffices; if functional, pay attention to construction.
Drawstrings
Drawstrings allow you to adjust hood tightness around your face. In windy conditions or cold weather, cinching the hood creates a more protective seal. Most casual wearers rarely use drawstrings, but outdoor enthusiasts and those in genuinely cold climates appreciate them.
Drawstring quality matters for longevity. Flat drawstrings tend to stay tied better than round ones. Metal aglets (the tips) last longer than plastic. Some high-fashion hoodies omit drawstrings entirely for a cleaner aesthetic.
The Washing Machine Problem
Drawstrings frequently disappear into their channels during washing. Before washing, either tie the ends together or use safety pins to secure them. Retrieving lost drawstrings is possible but tedious.
Lined vs Unlined Hoods
Some hoodies line the hood with the same fleece used in the body, providing extra warmth. Others leave hoods unlined, matching only the outer fabric. Lined hoods are warmer but can feel bulky; unlined hoods are lighter but offer less insulation. Your climate and use case determine which you need.
Pocket Styles
Kangaroo Pocket
The classic single front pocket spanning the lower front of the hoodie remains the most common design. Named for its resemblance to a kangaroo's pouch, this pocket provides convenient hand warming and casual storage. The open design means items can fall out if you bend over or sit certain ways.
Kangaroo pockets suit casual use perfectly. They're less ideal for activities where you move vigorously or need secure storage. The pocket's position also varies—lower placement works better for hand warming; higher placement provides easier access.
Split Pockets
Zip-up hoodies typically feature separate pockets on each side. These provide more secure storage than kangaroo pockets, especially when zippered. The trade-off is less space for hand warming, as each pocket accommodates only one hand at a time.
Zippered Pockets
Internal or external zipper pockets secure valuables during activity. Essential for athletic hoodies worn while running or cycling, they're also valuable for travel or crowded environments. The zipper adds bulk but provides peace of mind that your phone or keys won't fall out.
Hidden/Internal Pockets
Some hoodies include hidden pockets inside the kangaroo pocket or on the interior. These secure small valuables while keeping them invisible. Useful for travel or urban environments where pickpocketing concerns exist. Check reviews to confirm internal pockets are actually useful size—some are too small for phones.
Media Pockets
Technical hoodies may include dedicated pockets sized for phones with cord routing for earbuds. These were more relevant when wired earphones dominated; with wireless audio now common, their utility has diminished. Still useful for dedicated music players or wired audio users.
Closure Systems
Pullover vs Zip-Up
The fundamental choice in hoodie style. Pullovers offer a cleaner front silhouette with no zipper breaking the visual line. They're typically warmer (no zipper gap) but less adjustable—you can't partially open them for temperature regulation.
Zip-ups provide versatility through adjustable openness. They work better for layering under jackets and allow quick temperature adjustment. The zipper does create a potential weak point and can feel cold against bare skin.
Full Zip
Standard zip-up hoodies open completely from hem to collar. This allows wearing them fully open like a jacket, fully closed for warmth, or anywhere in between. The most versatile closure option.
Half-Zip/Quarter-Zip
Zippers that extend only partway down provide ventilation adjustment without the full open option. Popular in athletic hoodies where complete front opening isn't needed but some ventilation helps. Creates a cleaner look than full zip when closed.
Zipper Quality
YKK zippers remain the industry standard for durability. They run smoothly and withstand years of use. Off-brand zippers save manufacturers money but often fail prematurely—catching, separating, or jamming. If zipper quality isn't specified, reviews often mention problems. Metal zippers typically outlast plastic.
Zipper Failure
A failed zipper often ruins an otherwise functional hoodie. While zipper replacement is possible, it's typically not cost-effective for mid-range hoodies. Paying more initially for quality zippers usually saves money long-term.
Cuff and Hem Features
Ribbed Cuffs
Most hoodies feature ribbed cuffs that stretch to fit over hands, then contract to hold at the wrist. This prevents sleeves from riding up and traps warmth inside the sleeves. Quality ribbing maintains its elasticity over time; cheap ribbing stretches out and loses shape.
Thumbholes
Holes in the cuffs allow thumbs to pass through, effectively extending sleeves over hands. Originally an athletic feature for keeping sleeves in place during workouts, thumbholes have become fashionable in casual hoodies too.
For athletes, thumbholes genuinely improve functionality. For casual wear, they're a style choice. Consider that thumbholes make pushing sleeves up less convenient and may look out of place in non-athletic contexts.
Ribbed Hem
Like ribbed cuffs, a ribbed hem helps the hoodie maintain shape and stay in place. Wide ribbing provides more hold; narrow ribbing offers a cleaner look with less grip. Some fashion-forward hoodies skip the ribbed hem entirely for a raw or cropped aesthetic.
Dropped/Extended Hem
Some hoodies feature longer backs than fronts, providing coverage when bending or for a particular aesthetic. Common in streetwear-influenced designs. Consider whether extended hems suit your proportions and style preferences.
Specialised Features
Built-in Masks/Neck Gaiters
Some outdoor and athletic hoodies include integrated neck coverage that can pull up over the face. Useful for cold-weather activities, dusty environments, or when additional face coverage is desired. Most casual wearers don't need this feature.
Headphone Cord Channels
Internal routing for headphone cables from pocket to hood. Less relevant in the wireless audio era but still useful for those preferring wired connections. Check that the channel actually accommodates modern cable widths—some older designs fit only thin cords.
Reflective Elements
Reflective strips or logos increase visibility in low light. Essential for runners, cyclists, and others active near traffic after dark. For purely casual use, reflective elements are unnecessary and may look out of place.
Water-Resistant Coating
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatments cause water to bead on the fabric surface rather than soaking in. Useful for outdoor activities or unpredictable weather but adds cost. The treatment wears off over time and with washing, requiring reapplication for maintained effectiveness.
Anti-Odour Treatment
Some athletic hoodies incorporate silver ions or other antimicrobial treatments to reduce odour-causing bacteria. Genuinely useful for workout hoodies worn multiple times between washes. Less necessary for casual hoodies washed after every wear or two.
Construction Features
Raglan Sleeves
Raglan sleeves extend in one piece from collar to wrist, rather than having a seam at the shoulder. This construction provides greater range of motion and a distinctive look. Common in athletic and casual hoodies, raglan sleeves suit active use well.
Set-in Sleeves
Traditional sleeve construction with a seam at the shoulder. Creates a more structured silhouette that some prefer aesthetically. May restrict movement slightly compared to raglan construction but generally adequate for casual wear.
Flatlock Seams
Seams sewn flat against the fabric rather than raised. Reduces chafing against skin, making flatlock construction valuable for athletic hoodies worn during vigorous activity. For casual wear, standard seaming causes no issues.
Lined vs Unlined
Fleece lining provides warmth; unlined hoodies suit warmer conditions or layering. Heavier fleece means more warmth but more bulk. Consider your climate and use case when evaluating lining weight.
Which Features Matter Most?
For most casual wearers: quality zipper (if zip-up), well-constructed hood, kangaroo pocket, and properly ribbed cuffs and hem. Athletic users should add: thumbholes, zippered pockets, and moisture-wicking fabric. Outdoor enthusiasts benefit from: water resistance, reflective elements, and lined hoods. Skip features you won't use—they add cost without value.
Marketing Features vs Real Features
Not everything marketed as a feature provides genuine benefit. Be sceptical of vague claims like "premium feel" or "advanced technology" without specific explanation. Features with real utility can be described precisely; marketing fluff cannot.
Similarly, some features that sound impressive matter little in practice. Extremely technical moisture-wicking for casual hoodies worn walking to the coffee shop adds cost without value. Match features to your actual use rather than buying features that sound good but you'll never need.
Building Your Feature Priorities
Before shopping, list the features you genuinely need based on how you'll wear the hoodie. A casual weekend hoodie needs different features than a running hoodie or a work layering piece. Shopping with clear priorities prevents being upsold on unnecessary features while ensuring you get what actually matters for your use.
Features exist to serve function. When each feature genuinely improves your experience with the hoodie, you've made a smart purchase. When features are present but unused, you've paid for nothing.