Crewneck sweatshirts used to be my thing.
During high school I bought a crewneck from the skateboard brand Element and liked it so much that I bought it three more times in different colors.
From the medium-weight, stretchy fabric to the snug, cozy fit around the chest and optimal room at the waist, those crewnecks were hard to beat.
But of course, all good things come to an end.
The crewnecks were discontinued, I eventually grew out of them, and my wardrobe has been in a crewneck desert ever since.
Sure, I’ve had crewnecks over the years, but if they fit well at first, after a few washes, they stretch out and lose their classic silhouette.
I’ve tried on plenty, too. Most of these would fit well across the chest and shoulders, but be way too tight at the waist, creating an unintentional hourglass look. While getting a snug, warm fit from a crewneck is a good thing for guys, looking voluptuous is not.
Rather than continuing my fruitless in-store search for crewneck nirvana, I took to the internet to see if others had already passed through this fashion wasteland and successfully crossed to the other side.
My efforts were well-rewarded, and in this article I’ll break down the six best crewneck sweatshirts I’ve found so you can confidently add these fashion staples to your wardrobe.
My Recommendations
Best Overall: TRUWEAR Meridian Crewneck
TRUWEAR’s slogan, “Bridge the divide,” is aimed at reducing the gap between performance loungewear and luxurious, high-quality business attire.
Your first thought after reading that might involve a sweatsuit made to look like dress pants and a dress jacket, but rest assured that TRUWEAR has bridged “the divide” in less literal ways. For example, dress shirts and dress pants that are comfortable enough to feel like loungewear.
While a crewneck sweatshirt isn’t something you’d include in business attire outfit selections, TRUWEAR has taken the same mindset of making sharp, comfortable, performative clothing and applied it to the humble sweatshirt.
The Meridian Crewneck is made with a well-honed fabric blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane that’s super soft, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant. It’s cut to be slim across the chest and arms, which accentuates the upper torso, but has enough room at the waist to keep things comfy.
These crewnecks are also designed with hidden pockets on the side that maintain the classic pullover look, but add functionality. The slit pockets also have internal coin, key, and credit card pockets to keep your essentials organized.
What I Like
- The Meridian Crewneck is thoughtfully designed from top to bottom, with soft, breathable fabric and a modern, athletic fit.
- The fabric blend is breathable, wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, and moisture-wicking.
- Its hidden side pockets add a whole layer of functionality and convenience that put it a step above other crewnecks.
What I Don’t Like
- The fabric is slightly too light if you’re looking for a vintage, chunky crewneck.
What Other Reviewers Say
TRUWEAR’s sweatshirts don’t have a single bad review. They’re well-loved for their fit, affordability, sharp looks, and soft feel.
The Verdict
Apart from those who want a beefy, vintage-style crewneck sweatshirt, TRUWEAR’s Meridian Crewneck offers pretty much everything you could want in a quality crew, plus some.
The clean, modern fit, soft and breathable fabric, and affordable price point make for an easy choice when looking for a new, go-to crewneck sweatshirt.
Unless you're into beefy, vintage-style crewneck sweats, this one offers pretty much everything you could want in a quality crew, plus some. The clean, modern fit, soft and breathable fabric, and affordable price point make for an easy choice when looking for a new go-to.
Best on a Budget: True Classic Tees French Terry Pullover
If your budget is tight, but you still want a crewneck that has more to offer than that $10 sweatshirt from Walmart, I recommend True Classic Tees’ French Terry Pullover.
Despite what you might be assuming, this crewneck isn’t named after some French guy named Terry.
“French Terry” refers to a style of fabric construction that’s derived from the French word for pull, “tirer.” This method creates small loops of fabric on the interior of the garment that have been pulled through dense pieces of cloth to create a smooth, soft, medium-weight garment.
You’ve probably worn French Terry without knowing it at some point, but all you need to know is that it’s super comfortable and durable, which is what makes True Classic Tees’ Pullover a steal.
The fabric is also brushed on both sides for additional softness, and there’s double-stitching around the shoulder seams to provide extra durability at the common weak points.
These crewnecks are made with a cotton and polyester blend which will provide some stretch and breathability, and are cut with a modern, athletic fit that flatters the upper torso.
What I Like
- The French Terry fabric is soft, durable, and high-quality.
- Its modern, athletic fit creates a flattering silhouette around the upper torso without being too tight at the waist.
- Considering the fit, fabric, and affordability, these crewnecks are a great addition to any guy’s wardrobe.
What I Don’t Like
- The polyester content percentage is a bit high, which means this may not last as many washes as a crewneck with higher cotton content.
What Other Reviewers Say
True Classic Tees’ French Terry Pullover has great reviews across the board. Many reviewers said these crewnecks are the best sweatshirt they’ve worn in years, and many others shared the feeling that the fit wasn’t too tight or too loose, but just right.
The only negative review I could find came from a guy who said the fabric began to pill after two weeks, but every other review was positive.
The Verdict
It’s simple—if you don’t want to break the bank but want quality fabric, a perfect fit, and something that won’t be unrecognizable after two washes, check out True Classic Tees’ French Terry Pullover.
If you're in the market for a new crewneck sweatshirt and want quality fabric, a perfect fit, and something that won’t be unrecognizable after two washes, check out this one from True Classic. It's a truly great everyday basic for those who don’t want to break the bank.
Great Value: Los Angeles Apparel Pullover Crewneck
When it comes to vintage-style, 100% cotton crewnecks, the price can get eye-watering quickly.
That’s why Los Angeles Apparel’s Pullover Crewneck gets our pick for great value—it offers all the quality markers of a heritage crewneck without cratering your wallet.
Made with 14 ounce heavy fleece cotton fabric, these bad boys are the equivalent of winter coats among zip hoodies. Warmth aside, though, the rigid, thick fabric has a distinct style that recalls the baggy outfits of the ‘90s.
These crewnecks are pre-washed to ensure a true fit and zero shrinkage, and feature an oversized fit that brings maximum comfort and style.
The fabric is made of 98% cotton and 2% polyester, which is a difficult ratio to find in these days of athleisure and performance wear.
What I Like
- The 14 ounce heavy fleece cotton brings serious warmth and a cozy, comfortable fit.
- These sweatshirts have been pre-washed to avoid shrinkage after purchase, which guarantees you get a true fit.
- The oversized fit is stylish, vintage, and great for putting over base layers.
What I Don’t Like
- It only comes in four neutral colors, which doesn’t leave much choice for those who have more adventurous color palettes.
What Other Reviewers Say
Customers only have good things to say about Los Angeles Apparel’s Pullover Crewneck, especially regarding the premium fabric and roomy fit. Multiple reviewers said that they bought the sweatshirt in several colors because they like it so much.
The Verdict
If you’re in the market for a crewneck with streetstyle or just want premium fabric and superior comfort, Los Angeles Apparel’s Pullover Crewneck is a great place to start. At just a touch over $50, these sweatshirts offer some serious bang for your buck.
Los Angeles Apparel’s Pullover Crewneck gives you a lot of bang for your buck. The premium fabric and roomy fit, coupled with superior comfort, make this pullover crewneck a great choice for anyone looking for street-style clothing with a comfortable, performance-wear feel.
Best Fit Options: Asket The Sweatshirt
If you value sustainability and transparency in the apparel you buy, you’ll be well-matched with Asket’s The Sweatshirt.
This inventively named crewneck takes as many risks with the construction, fabric, and details of the garment as it does with naming it. In other words, The Sweatshirt sticks to the tried and true principles of making a good crewneck pullover.
Let’s start with the fabric.
The Sweatshirt is made with 100% Loopback Cotton, which is a construction style that offers superior softness inside, with a surprisingly smooth exterior. The sleeves are set slightly in and the collar is kept slim to give an overall sleek, sophisticated look, which makes this sweatshirt a great choice for layering over button-down shirts.
As for the fit, Asket cuts these to have a classic silhouette, and also pre-shrinks them so that there aren’t any surprises after the first wash.
Best of all, The Sweatshirt comes in a short, regular, or long length for each of its five sizes, which means that you can find a good fit regardless of the obscure shape your body may resemble.
What I Like
- Full supply chain transparency is given so you know exactly where your garment came from, as well as the costs involved.
These crewnecks are so sleek and clean that they could pass for sweaters. - They’re made with 100% Loopback Cotton, which offers exceptional softness and a flattering drape.
- In total, there are 15 different sizes to choose from when you factor in their very handy short, regular, and long options for length.
What I Don’t Like
- The price may be out of reach for some, but after all, it’s a premium sweatshirt.
What Other Reviewers Say
It’s hard to find a review that doesn’t rave about the premium fabric material and perfect fit. Happy customers also loved having 15 sizes to choose from, and several others mentioned replacing their sweaters with these since they were better quality.
Of the few negative reviews I found, several mentioned that the fit is slightly tight, which is important to keep in mind if you’re heavyset or want a loose fit.
If you don’t mind making an investment, your money will be well-compensated by the premium construction, fabric, and style of ASKET’s The Sweatshirt. Between the decent array of color choices and a wide number of sizes, finding a crewneck that fits and looks just the way you want will be a breeze.
Best Athletic: Mott & Bow French Terry Hooper
Featuring more of the popular French Terry fabric, Mott & Bow’s Hooper pullover is perfect for actually doing what the name “sweatshirt” implies.
Made with 100% Peruvian cotton, these casual crewnecks are cut to be slim around the chest but roomy at the hems to allow for unhindered movement. The cotton fabric blend is lightweight and breathable enough to provide warmth when you need it, but not be stifling when you break a sweat.
The French Terry Hooper also features double-stitched side panels, which adds extra durability to the construction and allows the waist to stay loose and unrestrictive.
What I Like
- It’s cut with a classic fit, which will be slightly looser than an athletic cut, but more trim than an oversized crewneck.
- The 100% Peruvian cotton is soft, light, and breathable, which is ideal for active lifestyles.
- The double-stitched side panels add durability to the construction and greater freedom of movement while wearing it.
What I Don’t Like
- While the cut is classic, the fabric weight isn’t heavy enough to drape like an oversized sweatshirt would, which can make the French Terry Hooper unflattering on certain body types.
What Other Reviewers Say
Mott & Bow’s classic crewneck has great reviews overall, with satisfied customers loving the fit and feel of the Peruvian cotton fabric.
The only negative review I could find had to do with the sweatshirt being more bulky than expected, which the reviewer didn’t find flattering.
The Verdict
Mott & Bow’s classic cut French Terry Hooper pullover is roomy enough to take to the gym or basketball court and not feel like you’re wearing a straight jacket. The Peruvian cotton fabric breathes well and will keep you from getting drenched, which makes this crewneck a great choice for athletic outings.
Mott & Bow’s classic cut French Terry Hooper pullover is roomy enough to take to the gym or basketball court and not feel like you’re wearing a straight jacket. The Peruvian cotton fabric breathes well and will keep you from getting drenched, which makes this crewneck a great choice for athletic outings.
Best Sustainable Pick: Outerknown Hightide Crew
If you’re in the market for a crewneck that’s made from organic and sustainable materials, you can’t do better than Outerknown’s Hightide Crew sweatshirt.
This towel-turned-sweatshirt is made from organic cotton and recycled polyester, the latter of which is made from 100% post-consumer waste. This effort cuts down on CO2 emissions compared to virgin polyester, and keeps a valuable material in circulation, rather than in the landfill.
The fabric itself is terry toweling, which has the little fabric loops you’re used to seeing on beach towels. It may seem odd to make a garment out of this material, but the plush, soft feel makes the Hightide Crew stand out from the competition.
The interior has been brushed for an added layer of comfortable indulgence, and the sweatshirt comes in six, earth-tone colors so you can blend in with the environment while you protect it.
What I Like
- The terry toweling fabric is super cozy, soft, and comfortable.
- Outerknown’s efforts to use only organic cotton and recycled polyester gives me peace of mind about not supporting fast fashion.
- The fit is the perfect balance of trim and flattering but not too tight.
What I Don’t Like
- Sustainable garments like this unfortunately aren’t cheap, but they’re likely to last longer than cheaper alternatives.
What Other Reviewers Say
There isn’t a single negative review for these crewneck sweatshirts. Of the many things that reviewers raved about, they especially loved the perfect, balanced fit, tasteful color options, and sustainable materials used in production.
The Verdict
If you’re a warrior of the environment but like to be comfy while waging battle against plastic, Outerknown’s Hightide Crew should be your top pick. The terry toweling fabric is unique and supremely soft, and the sustainable materials used in production help reduce CO2 emissions.
If you’re a warrior of the environment but like to be comfy while waging battle against plastic, Outerknown’s Hightide Crew should be your top pick. The terry toweling fabric is unique and supremely soft, and the sustainable materials used in production help reduce CO2 emissions.
3 Key Things to Consider When Shopping for a Crewneck Sweatshirt
1. The Weight
Crewneck sweatshirts come in a wide array of fabric weights. Some are thin enough to be mistaken for a long-sleeve tee, while others are heavy and rigid enough to replace your winter coat.
If you’re shopping online, you can usually tell visually by how the sweatshirt drapes how thick it is. In lots of cases, the brands will even tell you whether it’s light, medium, or heavyweight fabric.
Heavyweight crewnecks usually have a chunky style and are great for lounging at home or street style outfits, while light and medium weight crewnecks are great for layering over other clothes and creating a trim, comfortable silhouette.
How should a crewneck sweatshirt fit?
Snug across the chest and shoulder with some room at the waist. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, it should have drop shoulders, loose arms, and a loose torso.
2. Your Budget
If you're in the market for a new crewneck sweatshirt and want quality fabric, a perfect fit, and something that won’t be unrecognizable after two washes, check out this one from True Classic. It's a truly great everyday basic for those who don’t want to break the bank.
Similar to the range of fabric weights, crewnecks can be found at a huge array of price points. If you’re looking to keep costs down, you may not get the most impressive fabric or construction, but you can still find a great sweatshirt with classic style and plenty of warmth.
On the other hand, if you’ve got an open budget and want some quality threads, you can find crewnecks that will be mistaken for sweaters because they’re just that sleek and well-fitted.
3. Your Use Case
It’s also worth considering what you’re dressing for. A crewneck sweatshirt is great for lots of things, but you also have jackets, sweaters, and hoodies to choose from. While all of these garments’ Venn Diagrams overlap somewhat, they also each have their distinct use cases.
Take a look at this guide for an in-depth exploration of when to wear each, but in the meantime the most important thing to remember is the formality of your intended destination.
What’s the difference between sweatshirts and sweaters?
The difference between sweatshirts and sweaters largely comes down to the material used in construction. Sweatshirts are generally a blend of cotton and polyester, while sweaters are wool.
Got dinner with your in-laws?
Ditch the sweatshirts, grab a nice sweater or jacket.
Heading to the gym?
Stick with the crewnecks and hoodies.
Never leaving the couch?
Sweatshirts all the way.
Which Is Best for You?
With the six best crewnecks across a variety of categories at your fingertips, you shouldn’t have any issues finding one that fits your budget, lifestyle, and use cases.
If you want an all-around winning crewneck with thoughtful design details, quality fabric, and secret pockets, check out TRUWEAR’s Meridian Crewneck.
Unless you're into beefy, vintage-style crewneck sweats, this one offers pretty much everything you could want in a quality crew, plus some. The clean, modern fit, soft and breathable fabric, and affordable price point make for an easy choice when looking for a new go-to.
Guys who don’t want to break the bank but also don’t want stretchy, formless trash will do well with True Classic Tees’ French Terry Pullover.
If you’re the kind of guy who always goes for the value play, get your mitts on Los Angeles Apparel’s Pullover Crewneck.
Want to hone in on the perfect fit? Enjoy the premium threads and size selection offered by Asket’s The Sweatshirt.
If you lead an active lifestyle but need a top layer for those chilly mornings, Mott & Bow’s French Terry Hooper is great for athletic endeavors.
Lastly, if you want to protect the earth and cut down on CO2 emissions, or just want a really cozy, comfortable crewneck, check out Outerknown’s Hightide Crew.
If you know a guy who’s in the crewneck desert, searching in vain for that perfect, comfortable fit, share this article with him! He’ll thank you when he owns six versions of the same crewneck.
