While it’s true that the pandemic urged fashionable folk to look at the crewneck sweatshirt and all things loungewear in greater detail, its easy-going style, and youthful demeanor made it a staple of every man’s wardrobe even in the before-times. It has always been ubiquitous and it has always been loved.

Why is the crewneck sweatshirt so fabulous, we hear you ask? It finely balances warmth with lightweight breathability, ease of movement, and stylishness. While it is still firmly in the athletic/casual realm, innovative designers have been setting their creativity free and have elevated the style with embroidery, luxurious materials, and dramatic colors.

This has splintered the style towards refined smart-casual, but the baggier fits have ironically made them perfect for doing absolutely no exercise. 

Below, we have expertly curated and joyfully collated the best bundle of crewneck sweatshirts the market currently has to offer. Get ready to enjoy. 

History of the Crewneck Sweatshirt 

Let’s take you into an alternate fictional reality where the sweatshirt does not exist. There are winter joggers sweating in heavy cable knit jumpers, fell runners huffing and puffing in chore jackets, and soccer players tripping over their trench coats while training. Utterly ridiculous. The crewneck sweatshirt answers the question of: what to wear when exercising outside in the cold? 

Benjamin Russel Jr was a football player with a burning sartorial dream. He went to his father, owner of Russell Athletic, in 1926 with the idea to replace the current scratchy wool jerseys with softer cotton versions. With this simple origin story, the crewneck sweatshirt was born, helping to explain its inherently American, sporty, and collegiate feel.

Our Top 10 Picks Best Overall:

Sunspel Crewneck Sweatshirt at Mr. Porter Best Pastel Tone:

Shaw Sturdy Fleece Sweat at A Day’s March Best Chic Branding:

Uniform Sweater at Unrecorded Best Basic:

Organic Cotton Crewneck at Closed Best Faded Crew Sweatshirt:

Zen Oversized Sweatshirt at Wax London Best Embroidered Collaboration:

Percival x Champion Gemstones at Percival Best Unique Option:

Champion Reverse Weave Crew-Print at Amazon Best Budget:

Sports Logo Sweatshirt at GAP Best Crewneck Sweatshirt With Pockets:

Track Crewneck at Everlane Best Splurge:

Gucci Logo Print at Mr Porter

In This Article

1. Our Picks
2. What To Look For
3. Crewneck Sweatshirts FAQs

The Best Crewneck Sweatshirts

1. Best Overall: Sunspel Crewneck Sweatshirt

Sunspel is a brand that is wholly relied upon when it comes to your wardrobe essentials. Since a gray sweatshirt is a foundational piece, it’s unsurprising that Sunspel has scored so highly in all parameters of a good sweatshirt. Its loopback cotton construction means it is as soft on the inside as it is sleek on the outside and its gray shade makes it a dream to style day-to-day.