A zip-up top without a hood

Short answer: A zip-up top without a hood is easier to adjust than one you pull over your head. Without a hood it lies flat against the back of a chair, and it is quick to take on and off during the day.

The zip lets you adjust

If you get warm, you open the zip part of the way. That is quicker than taking a top off and on, and it makes it useful in rooms where the temperature changes, such as the office, the train or at home in the evening. Outside you can zip it all the way up.

No hood indoors

A hood bunches up between your back and the chair when you sit down, and after a while it presses on your neck. Without a hood the top lies flat, and you sit more comfortably at a desk or on the sofa. That makes the style good for long days indoors. See sweatwear.

For women

For women there are styles with and without a hood, and it is worth comparing the fit before choosing. A shorter style works well with high waisted trousers, while a longer one covers better over leggings. See bamboo sweatshirt for women and bamboo hoodies for women.

For men

For men, the zip-up top is often worn as a light layer at the office or over a T-shirt at the weekend. Choose a fit that ends just above the hip so it does not bunch over the waistband when you sit. See the matching styles in bamboo sweatshirt for men.

As a mid layer

A thin zip-up top works well under a jacket without adding bulk at the shoulders. It keeps you warm on cool days and can be unzipped when you come inside. Underneath, a long sleeve T-shirt adds an extra layer when it is really cold. See bamboo long sleeve T-shirt for women.

The zip in the wash

Always close the zip before washing. An open zip has sharp teeth that can catch other clothes in the machine and pull threads out of soft fabric. Turn the top inside out as well so the zip is protected. Read more about snags in bamboo clothing.

Fit and length

The sleeves should reach your wrists when you stretch your arms forward, and the top should zip all the way up without pulling across the chest. Measure a top you know and compare it with the product measurements. Between two sizes, the larger gives more room for a layer underneath.

Choosing a colour

A calm colour such as black, grey or navy is easy to combine with the rest of your wardrobe and hides lint and wear best. If you wear the top at the office, a plain style looks tidier than one with a print. Lighter colours work well for weekends and days at home.

Washing

Wash the top at 40 degrees inside out with the zip closed. Skip the tumble dryer and let it air dry so the fabric does not shrink and the zip does not twist. All the rules are in the washing guide.

How many tops

If you wear the top on most office days, two are practical so one can be in the wash. Tops used as a mid layer rarely get dirty and can often just be aired between washes. That saves the fabric and helps the top keep its shape for longer.

Frequently asked questions

Why choose one without a hood?

Because the hood gets in the way against the back of a chair when you sit, and it presses on your neck. Without a hood the top lies flat and is more comfortable indoors.