The Best Work Hoodies for the Job: Are They Working as Hard as You?

A hooded sweatshirt is the kind of do-it-all garment that busy, hard working people love. Hoodies are comfy, stylish, versatile, durable — pretty much everything you want, in other words. They’re surprisingly old, too; the history of the hoodie goes all the way back to the 1930s when it first got popular among workers in cold storage warehouses. Hoodies picked up popularity throughout the 20th century until, by the new millennium, everyone was rocking one. Now, it’s one of our most versatile garments and one that workers often turn to when they need flexible warmth on the job. 

If you’re going to rely on your hoodie for work, though, you need a work hoodie that’s built to last — something that will stand up to your most demanding work conditions and come out smiling. You need something that won’t fall apart when you wash it, and often something with high visibility features that help you stand out in the visual field of a job site. That’s exactly what HiVis Supply is here to offer. So, if you’re here to learn more about the best work hoodies around, welcome — we’ve got a lot of awesome stuff to show you!

What Makes a Real Work Hoodie?

Any sweatshirt with a hood can be considered a hoodie. But that doesn’t mean that any old hoodie is a work hoodie. A random hoodie off the shelf won’t do when it comes to keeping you warm on the job. Instead, a work hoodie needs to be built for hard physical labor. It needs to have the normal features of a hoodie like a hood and a thick material, but it also needs to be designed for performance where it counts most on the job. In other words, a work hoodie needs to have the right stuff in all of these areas:

• Warmth: Work hoodies should give you enough insulation for a comfortable level of warmth in conditions at your job.
• Materials: Work hoodies need tougher materials than regular ones. Durable fabrics like polyester blends are the preferred choice, especially ones with anti-pill properties to prevent unraveling and maintain a clean appearance.
• Features: Work hoodies should include features that make working people’s lives safer and more comfortable, such as high visibility designs, zip-up fronts, and adjustable cuffs.
• Style: Work hoodies should always put function first over an aesthetic appeal. But many workwear brands now also offer hoodies that look as good as they wear, so you can enjoy rocking a fashionable hoodie without any compromise in performance. 
• Compliance: Work hoodies must be able to match up to your jobsite hazards - visibility, identification, exposure to fire/electric, etc.

Choosing the Right Work Hoodie for Your Work Zone

A hi vis hoodie, like any other kind of work gear, needs to be chosen carefully. The following set of questions will help you decide what you need out of your work hoodie: 

• What level of warmth and insulation does your work environment require? You might be looking for a light hoodie that’s just enough to break the chill or something heavier and warmer for continuous work outside in colder months.
• How much body flexibility do your job duties require? Hoodies are generally a good option for those who need flexibility, but there are some that are even more flexible than others, thanks to features like built-in stretch zones of elastic material.
• Does your job require an ANSI-rated high visibility garment? Many people in industries like construction, utilities and transportation have to wear high visibility garments with safety colors and reflective material that give them a specific ANSI 107 visibility rating. 
• Do you need extra pockets on your hoodie to carry essential tools or materials on the job? Work hoodies often come with extra pockets, including secure inside pockets designed for carrying sensitive devices like your smartphone while you’re working. 
• Will your job require you to work in wet conditions? If so, look into hoodies that zip into a waterproof outerwear garment like a jacket or parka. 
• There are even hoodies made for sun protection during warm weather - limiting your exposure to harmful UV rays and keeping you cool at the same time.

Work Ready Hoodies from HiVis Supply

We keep our customers equipped with the absolute best in work hoodies. HiVis Supply curates a huge collection of the best work hoodies around, many from the biggest names in hi vis workwear. Each and every one is built for rock-solid dependability on the job. Our selection is so extensive that we can truly say we have something for everyone when it comes to hoodies. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Read on to see ten of our top selections for high visibility workwear hoodies, each chosen for a quality build and perfectly tailored to its niche.

Best All-Around Hoodie

GSS Safety 7511 Onyx Series Class 3 HiVis Black Bottom Full-Zip Hoodie Sweatshirt

Versatility and everyday performance are the names of the game with hoodies, and that’s exactly what the GSS 7511 ANSI Class 3 hoodie brings to the table. The polyester fleece fabric is snug and comfortable even on long days, and the birdseye mesh inside offers plenty of breathability. 

What’s even cooler about this hoodie is that it serves as a zip-in liner for other GSS Safety jackets like the 8505 Parka and other Onyx series models. Just zip the hoodie in, and you’ve got an instant warmth boost for your favorite jacket. They’re even color-matched for perfect compatibility. 

Best Budget Hoodie

Radians SJ02B Class 3 Black Bottom Pull-Over Sweatshirt

Seeking something economical that still brings big-league features? The Radians SJO2B is an ANSI Class 3 hoodie with everything you’re looking for. Its price point makes it an ideal candidate whether you need everyday protection for yourself or your crew, and its materials and design make it a seriously good buy.

Highlights of the SJO2B include a low-pill polyester fleece and a hood lined with a soft and breathable birdseye polyester mesh. The hood also includes drawstring cords to help seal out drafts so you can work warm and work safe, and its Class 3 design with reflective tape makes sure you’ll be seen, too. 

Best Tough as Nails Hoodie

Work King SJ16 Class 3 Thermal Lined Anti-Pill Polyester Hoodie

The Work King SJ16 handles it all with no complaints. This ANSI Class 3 hoodie is built for excellent visibility on the job, with multiple segmented reflective tape stripes across the chest, back and arms. But it’s equally built for warmth, thanks to the 180g polyester thermal knit material and rib-knit waist and cuffs that keep the heat in and the cold out. Toughness and versatility both come standard in the SJ16. The anti-pill finish on the shell creates a longer-lasting and more durable hoodie, and features like the snap on hood release make it an exceptionally adaptable addition to your job site kit.

Best Lightweight Hoodie

Utility Pro UHV829 Class 3 HiVis Birdseye Full Zip Safety Hoodie

Some workers need a lightweight hoodie that battles the sun while leaving them unencumbered and moving at full speed. Utility Pro has given us just that with the UHV829, an ANSI Class 3 hoodie built to be as tough as it is light. You won’t believe how much flexibility this hoodie’s ultra-breathable birdseye fabric offers until you try it on. What’s more, the Class 3 design gives enough visibility boost for the most demanding job sites. A Teflon protective coating helps protect the fabric from stains and dirt, and gray accents hide stains and provide a sharp visual contrast to the hi vis lime color. 

Best Catwalk Worthy Hoodie

Kishigo JS150 Black Series Class 3 Hooded Full-Zip Sweatshirt

Even when you’re doing the dirty work, you can still look your best on the job with the Kishigo JS150. First off, it’s a high-performance ANSI Class 3 work hoodie. But check out that black trim, too — it hides dirt to help your appearance stay sharper while just looking damn good on its own. The designers at Kishigo worked hard to ensure this work hoodie is no mere show pony. The soft jersey mesh lining means you can count on all-day comfort, and the ANSI Class 3 fluorescent colors and reflective piping make sure you’re operating at maximum visibility all the time. 

Best FR Hoodie

National Safety Apparel VIZABLE FR Class 3 CAT 3 Waffle Weave Segmented Zippered Sweatshirt 

Flame resistant (FR) workwear doesn’t have to be cumbersome. Just look at this sleek FR hoodie, which is built tough to the HRC 3/NFPA 70E standard (as well as ANSI Class 3). Its 10-ounce poly fleece blend is inherently flame resistant to prevent melting or igniting under open flame conditions without sacrificing any comfort or working ability. 

You’ll also find that this hoodie does an outstanding job of keeping you warm, thanks to its waffle lining. The tiny cavities in this fabric help trap warm air against your skin and keep you toasty for longer in chilly conditions. Its extra-large reinforced pockets are sized for convenient item storage, and its wide cut allows plenty of flexibility in critical moments. 

Best Fan Favorite Hoodie

GSS Safety 7005 Class 3 HiVis Contrast Black Bottom Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt

Some workwear just checks all the right boxes for many different people, and the GSS 7005 is a perfect example. It’s not hard to see why this hoodie hits the mark: an economical price point, ANSI Class 3 high visibility design and, of course, an anti-pill polyester fleece material that keeps its integrity and appearance for longer. Whatever industry you’re in, you’ll find something to love about the GSS 7005. With its reflective tape and high contrast three-color design, it’s designed for safety, comfort and visibility in a way that transcends particular sectors and applications. 

Best Knuckle Busting Hoodie

Radians SJ32 Class 3 Black Bottom Hooded Sweatshirt

If you’re a proud resident of the trenches where the hard work gets done, the SJ32 is just the hoodie you’re looking for. It’s designed to stand up to cold weather, long hours and constant motion. On top of that, it features an ANSI Class 3 design to ensure that you’re always visible to drivers and equipment operators. For heavier weather, the SJ32 zips easily into the RW32 rain jacket — a complete layering solution that’s ideal for situations where the weather might change often. Finally, a stand-up collar provides additional wind protection, and adjustable hook and loop sleeve cuffs make it easy to find the perfect fit. 

Best Enhanced Visibility Hoodie

Kishigo B310 Class 1 Premium Contrasting Heavyweight Sweatshirt

Sometimes, your job won’t require a specific level of ANSI 107 compliance, but you still need a little something extra to help keep you visible on the job. An enhanced visibility hoodie like the Kishigo B130 is ideal for this purpose. This hoodie is made from a warm and thick black polyester, but the addition of high contrast stripes and reflective tape makes it stand out. Like some other jackets on this list, the B310 has a waterproof big brother, the Kishigo B300. It’s available in the same stylish high contrast black design but includes all kinds of great waterproof features, and the B310 is designed to zip right into it. That’s a great example of the versatility that today’s best work hoodies are known for.

Best New Look Hoodie

Portwest PW370 HiVis Segmented Safety Sweatshirt

The workwear wizards at Portwest have done it again with the PW370, a work jacket that brings a dynamic style to the job site. If you don’t need a hood, but you do need a warm high visibility jacket that won’t break down on the job, the PW370 is a superb choice. What’s the PW370’s secret? Part of it is its polyester fabric with a brushed backing, which allows the jacket to provide total comfort while hanging tough in strenuous work conditions. And while you might come for its killer looks, you’ll stay when you put it on and discover that every element is crafted for working people — like the Ezee zip system that makes it easy to zip with work gloves on, or the ribbed collar and cuffs that keep the hoodie from shifting while you work.

Every hoodie here is now available from HiVis Supply — and so are dozens of others. Our curated selection of hi vis workwear includes a full range of hi vis hoodies and sweatshirts that working people rely on to keep them warm and visible all day.