Look, I know what you’re thinking. “It’s just a hoodie. How complicated can this be?” Well, friend, let me tell you about my very specific requirements and the surprisingly difficult journey they’ve taken me on.
Here’s what I need: heavy weight and 100% cotton. That’s it. Two things. But apparently, in the year 2025, finding a 100% cotton hoodie is like searching for a needle in a polyester-blend haystack.
I run an e-commerce shop with print on demand, and the only 100% cotton hoodies available there are cost prohibitive. For everyday wear, I prefer zip hoodies, but I also appreciate a good pullover for maximum comfort—as long as it’s cotton. No compromises.
The Journey So Far
Years ago, I struck gold with an insulated zip hoodie from J.Crew. That thing was amazing. I wore it until I literally couldn’t anymore. After that, I tried a Cotton Mill zip-up that they sell both on their site and Amazon. It wasn’t bad, actually. But it could have been heavier, the zipper quality left something to be desired, and it faded faster than most cotton sweatshirts I’ve owned. (Yes, cotton fades. It’s the price we pay for not wearing plastic.)
I held onto that Cotton Mill hoodie for a while, but eventually it got frayed and really faded. Time for another search.
The Duluth Discovery
This time around, I stumbled upon something at Duluth Trading Company (https://www.duluthtrading.com/s/DTC/mens-souped-up-sweats-full-zip-hoodie-30378.html?color=SKR). Pleasant surprise—I wasn’t expecting to find 100% cotton there. I ordered it, and the quality was genuinely impressive.
The only issue? It was SUPER long. Like, much longer than any other zip hoodie I’ve ever owned. I think they’re designing these for people with a bit more girth around the middle, which would make the length make sense. I’ve had this one for a while now, and I’ll probably need to start searching again soon. But Duluth is definitely at the top of my list for the price-to-quality ratio. Plus, bonus: it’ll still fit when I inevitably gain weight.
The Resources
I was also looking for a hoodie to replace one I had with embroidery (don’t think I can justify the cost), but I did find this helpful Reddit thread that did most of the legwork for me: https://www.reddit.com/r/PlasticFreeLiving/comments/1jfu3pk/affordable_100_cotton_hoodie/
Here’s my compiled list of options, in case you’re on the same journey:
Cotton Mill (https://www.cottonmill.com) – Been there, done that, got the faded hoodie.
Arborwear Cotton Double Thick (https://arborwear.com/product/400241/) – Pricey, but looks solid.
Arborwear Single (https://arborwear.com/product/400341/) – Same brand, less thick.
American Giant (https://www.american-giant.com/products/mens-classic-full-zip-true-navy) – Also pricey, but people swear by them.
LA Apparel – I think it’s 100% cotton (need to verify).
Uniqlo (https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E475380-000/00?colorDisplayCode=09&sizeDisplayCode=003) – Almost has one. So close, yet so far.
H&M (https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0852614029.html) – Actually does have them.
Duluth Trading Company (https://www.duluthtrading.com/s/DTC/mens-souped-up-sweats-full-zip-hoodie-30378.html?color=SKR) – Current winner.
Hanes (https://www.hanes.com/products/hanes-ultimate-reg-men-39-s-full-zip-hoodie/of280) – Only 90% cotton, but less than $35.
American Roots
https://americanrootswear.com/collections/american-made-union-made-clothing/products/all-american-zip-up-hoodie-heavyweight
The Takeaway
If you’re also particular about your hoodies and refuse to wear what is essentially wearable plastic, this list might save you some time. Duluth is currently my top recommendation for the balance of price, quality, and the fact that it will accommodate future Dad Bod™ expansion.
Is this ridiculous? Maybe. But we all have our things. Mine just happens to be refusing to compromise on cotton content in my sweatshirts.
Update:
a friend of mine set me this loopwheeler as an option. It’s really nice but a bit out of my price range.
Even that's Odd 
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