Bamboo hoodie for men and what the hood actually does

Short answer: The hood is an extra layer at the neck and over the shoulders. That makes a hoodie warmer than an ordinary sweatshirt in the same fabric, even when the hood is down. In return, it adds bulk under a jacket.

The hood warms even when it hangs

When the hood hangs down, the fabric lies double over the neck and upper spine. That is where you often feel the cold first when sitting still or stepping out into the wind. So a hoodie feels warmer than a sweatshirt in the same fabric. See the range in bamboo hoodies for men.

When the hood goes up

On your head, the hood works like a thin hat that also covers the ears and the sides of the neck. It does not keep out rain and is not windproof, but it takes the edge off the cold on a short walk. For longer trips in bad weather, a proper hat and jacket are still best.

Under a jacket

A hoodie under a jacket adds bulk at the neck and can push the collar up so the jacket sits crooked. Some pull the hood out over the jacket, which works fine day to day. As a mid layer under a close-fitting jacket, a round neck is better. See bamboo sweatshirts for men.

Zip or closed

A zip turns the top into a layer you can adjust, because you can open it when you get warm. A closed style holds heat better but cannot be aired without taking it off. If you wear it a lot indoors where the temperature changes, the zip is practical. For cold days, the closed style is simplest.

Fit and length

A hoodie should end around the hips, so it covers the waistband of your trousers when you raise your arms. The sleeves benefit from a ribbed cuff at the wrist so they stay in place. If it is too big, fabric hangs around the stomach. Choose your usual size and measure one you like.

For everyday and training

A hoodie is easy to wear after training, because it keeps the neck warm while the body cools down. For the training itself, it is too warm for most people. Day to day it works for everything from shopping to an evening on the sofa, and it can go over a T-shirt all year.

Washing without losing the drawstring

Tie the drawstring in a loose knot before washing, so it is not pulled into the channel in the hood. Wash the top at 40 degrees with a mild detergent and close any zip so it does not catch on the fabric. The rest of the instructions are in washing and care.

Drying the hood

The hood is where the fabric lies in the most layers, so it dries slowest. Hang the top on a wide hanger or lay it flat with the hood spread out. Tumble dry on low heat if you are in a hurry. That way both the hood and the drawstring keep their shape for longer.

When a sweatshirt is better

If you are mostly indoors, or wear the top under jackets with a high collar, a sweatshirt is often better because it adds no bulk. A hoodie gives the most when you are outside for a short time or feel the cold at your neck. Many people own both and choose by the day.

Frequently asked questions

Is a hoodie warmer than a sweatshirt?

Yes, because the hood puts a double layer of fabric over the neck and shoulders, even when it hangs down. You notice the difference most when sitting still.