Anyone who has ever worked construction for any meaningful amount of time knows that once you’re well into fall, you’ve got about five or six months of pretty much not knowing what kind of conditions you’ll be facing on a given day at the jobsite.
These rugged conditions include: high winds, torrential downpours and wild variations in temperature.
Now look, everybody has their favorite work garb and ways to stay warm. Here at IronPros though, we have a strong affinity for the good ol’, no-frills hoodie. The hoodie is comfortable, warm, flexible in the right places and most importantly looks good in the process.
In short, we think hoodies are a staple in construction workwear. However, not every hoodie is created equally. In fact, most of them suck. So, we went through the trouble of putting together a list of hoodies you might actually consider buying for work.
Arborwear Tech Double Thick Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt
Arborwear Tech Double Thick Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt
Available in seven colors—including hi-vis yellow and orange—this heavyweight sweatshirt has two layers of 100% polyester stretch fleece for working on the coldest days. For further protection in cooler weather, the sweatshirt also has a three-piece, oversized hood, along with a handwarmer pouch.
Thirty-three percent lighter than the manufacturer’s previously released Double Thick Sweatshirt, it also features a Teflon fabric protector, which allows it to repel water, along with a majority of oil-based liquids. Able to hold its color after long-term usage in the elements, the sweatshirt can wick moisture too, offering you yet another means of protection from various weather conditions.
Price: $120.00 Amazon
Carhartt Loose Fit Midweight Sweatshirt
Carhartt Loose Fit Midweight Sweatshirt
Comprised of 50% cotton and 50% polyester blend—aside from the Carbon Heather color offering, which is 55% cotton and 45% polyester, and the Heather Gray color offering that’s 70% cotton and 30% polyester—this Carhartt hoodie is highly durable, yet also light enough that it can be used for most jobs.
Offered in seven colors, the sweatshirt will also protect you from varying weather conditions, due to its rib-knit cuffs and waist, along with its front handwarmer pocket. Featuring triple-stitched main seams, along with a three-piece hood that has a draw cord, the hoodie is also available in a wide array of sizes, from Regular (XS-4XL) to Tall (L-3XL).
Price: $30-$50 Amazon
Dickies Fleece Hoodie
Dickies Fleece Hoodie
Available in four colors and seven sizes, this hoodie is comprised of midweight fleece, which you can utilize as temperatures remain steadily cool or as they fluctuate (since it can also be worn underneath a large jacket).
Offering a relaxed fit, so that you’re able to move freely in a comfortable manner, the hoodie also has a kangaroo pocket that features a hidden spot, generally used for secure cell phone storage. In addition, it has a three-piece hood, along with a drawstring, enabling you to either have a loose or a tight fit, depending on your specific needs, especially as your job tasks change.
Price: $30 Amazon
Timberland Men’s PRO Wicking Good Hoodie
Timberland Men’s PRO Wicking Good Hoodie
Due to its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, which features WickWork technology, this hoodie has been designed to wick away moisture and dry quickly, as it actively draws perspiration away from your skin.
As a result, you’ll be able to remain dry for hours on end, whether you’re sweating or working in a steady rain. This hoodie will also protect your skin from the sun, as it features built-in, UPF 50+ sun protection. Featuring a three-piece hood, the hoodie also has fluorescent dyes that will improve your visibility and, in turn, safety as you work on various types of projects.
Price: $40-$50 Amazon
Wolverine Marauder Hoody
Wolverine Marauder Hoody
Similar to the Dickies Fleece Hoodie, this hoodie also has a kangaroo pocket that features a hidden mesh cell phone pocket. Comprised of 60% cotton and 40% polyester, the hoodie is weatherized as well, so that you’ll be able to use it even during the most unpredictable weather conditions. Offering a durable water repellant finish, the three-piece, mesh-lined hoodie ensures dryness and warmth at all times, leading to high comfortability as you encounter the elements. As a result of its contoured shoulders and side seams, the hoodie ensures an optimum fit for nearly every user too (sizes currently range from small to XXL).
Price: $25-$30 Amazon
