The best kids' hoodie is one that is warm enough for the school run, tough enough for the playground and easy to wash on a Sunday night. In this kids' hoodie guide we cover the three things that matter most when you buy one: fabric blend, fabric weight and fit, plus how to read a size chart so you buy once and get a full season (or two) of wear out of it.
What makes a good kids' hoodie?
Children are hard on clothes. Hoodies get dragged across grass, stuffed into school bags and washed far more often than an adult's would. That changes what you should look for. A beautiful hoodie that bobbles after five washes or shrinks a size is poor value, however soft it felt in the shop.
Look for four things:
- A hard-wearing blend. Cotton feels soft and breathes well; polyester adds strength, helps the garment keep its shape and dries faster. Most practical kids' hoodies mix the two.
- Sensible fabric weight. Heavier fabric is warmer and more structured; lighter fabric is better for layering and active days.
- Ribbed cuffs and hem. Rib that recovers its shape stops sleeves from sliding over hands and keeps out draughts.
- Safe, simple details. A pouch pocket and a hood without drawcords are ideal for younger children.
Cotton, polyester or a blend?
Here is how the common options compare for children's hoodies:
| Fabric | Feel | Durability | Drying time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mostly cotton | Soft, breathable | Good, but can lose shape if washed hot | Slower | Everyday wear, sensitive days |
| 50/50 cotton-polyester | Soft with a little structure | Very good | Medium | School, play, frequent washing |
| Mostly polyester | Smooth, lighter hand-feel | Excellent shape retention | Fast | Sport, outdoor clubs, quick turnarounds |
Our Youth Heavy Blend Hoodie is a good example of the middle option. It is made from 50% cotton and 50% polyester in a 2-end midweight fleece, with 1x1 rib and spandex at the cuffs and hem for stretch and recovery. It uses air jet yarn for a softer feel and reduced pilling, has a double-lined hood and a front pouch pocket, and comes with no drawcords for child safety.
If your child runs warm or you want something quicker to dry, the Essential Kids' Fleece Hoodie leans the other way: 69% polyester and 31% cotton with a cosy fleece interior and a roomy pocket.
How heavy should a kids' hoodie be?
Fabric weight is usually given in grams per square metre (GSM). If the term is new to you, our guide What Does GSM Mean in Clothing? explains it in plain English. For children, a simple rule works well:
- Around 250–300 GSM: a midweight that suits most of the year and layers easily under a coat. The Youth Heavy Blend Hoodie sits here at 8 oz/yd² (271.25 g/m²).
- Around 350 GSM and above: thick and warm, ideal for autumn and winter. The Essential Kids' Fleece Hoodie is 365 GSM and described as thick.
Heavier is not always better. A very thick hoodie under a winter coat can be bulky in a car seat or classroom, so many parents keep one midweight and one heavyweight in rotation.
Choosing the right fit
Kids' hoodies come in two broad fits:
- Regular fit follows the body more closely. It is neat under a school blazer or coat.
- Loose or drop-shoulder fit has a relaxed body and the shoulder seam sits lower on the arm. It looks current, allows free movement and leaves a little room to grow. The Essential Kids' Fleece Hoodie has a loose fit with drop shoulders.
Drop-shoulder styles can look bigger on the hanger than they wear, so always check the chest measurement rather than judging by eye.
How to size a kids' hoodie: 5 steps
- Measure a hoodie that fits now. Lay it flat and measure across the chest from armpit to armpit, then the length from the top of the shoulder to the hem.
- Compare with the size chart. Check the measurements listed on the product page. For example, the Youth Heavy Blend Hoodie runs XS to XL, with chest ranges from 29–33 inches (XS) up to 41–43 inches (XL).
- Check whether the chart shows body or garment measurements. Garment measurements taken flat need doubling to compare with a body chest measurement.
- Allow a little growing room, not a lot. One size up is usually the limit. Too much extra length means sleeves end up permanently pushed up and cuffs stretched.
- Look at sleeve length separately. Arm length varies a lot between children of the same height. If sleeves are borderline, ribbed cuffs that can be folded back give you more wear.
Some of our kids' pieces, such as the Essential Kids' Fleece Hoodie, are labelled 130 to 180. Use the length, chest, shoulder and sleeve measurements on the product page to choose, rather than relying on age alone.
Build an easy kids' set
A hoodie works hardest when it pairs with everything else in the drawer. Keep colours simple (grey, black, green) and add one matching bottom. The Kids' Fleece Jogged Sweatpants have a soft fleece lining, cuffed ankles and an elastic waist, and come in Flower Gray and Black to match the hoodies above. For days when a hood is not allowed, the Essential Fleece Kids' Crewneck Sweatshirt offers the same 365 GSM weight in a loose, drop-shoulder crewneck.
Want the whole family to coordinate? Our guide to matching family outfits shows how to do it without looking like a uniform.
Caring for kids' hoodies so they last
- Wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle, as the care labels on our kids' hoodies recommend.
- Turn hoodies inside out before washing to protect the outer surface and any print.
- Do not bleach, and tumble dry on low only.
- Iron at a low temperature if needed, avoiding any print.
- Empty the pocket first. Tissues and crayons are the classic hoodie disasters.
Frequently asked questions
Should I size up in kids' hoodies?
Sizing up by one is fine if the current size is close to snug, especially in a regular fit. With loose, drop-shoulder styles, buy the true size, because the cut already gives extra room.
Are drawcords safe on children's hoodies?
Many parents prefer hoods without drawcords for younger children because cords can catch on play equipment. Our Youth Heavy Blend Hoodie is made with no drawcords for child safety.
What is the warmest type of kids' hoodie?
Look for a higher fabric weight and a fleece interior. A thick fleece hoodie around 350 GSM or more, worn with a matching fleece-lined jogger, is a warm combination for autumn and winter.
Ready to shop? Browse our kids' clothing collection or find matching grown-up styles in men's hoodies.
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