Hoodie vs Sweatshirt vs Tee: Which Fit Is Right?

The short answer

A tee is the easiest gift and the lightest layer. A sweatshirt is the everyday favorite. A hoodie is the warmest and most casual. All three come in unisex sizes S to 3XL, and some Inkida designs let you switch between them on the product page. Here is how to choose.

Tee: light, easy, year-round

Tees start at $29.99 and are the lowest-priced way to give a funny gift. They are cut narrower than sweatshirts: a medium is 20 inches across and 29 inches long, and a 2XL is 26 inches across and 32 inches long. The tee pages we checked list combed cotton, with heather colors as cotton blends. Wear one alone in warm weather, or under a sweatshirt when it is cold. Good picks include the Christmas Starts When I Say So tee and the Cabin Mode: Out of Office tee.

Sweatshirt: the everyday winner

Sweatshirts start at $44.99 and sit in the middle for warmth and price. The product pages we checked describe the crewneck as a heavy blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester in a unisex relaxed fit. A medium is 22 inches across and 28 inches long, and a 3XL is 30 inches across and 32 inches long. The Napping Through Game Two sweatshirt is a good example of a cozy design with a clear joke.

Hoodie: warm and casual

Hoodies start at $49.99. They use the same measurement chart as sweatshirts, with the extra warmth of a hood. They suit people who run cold, who like layering or who want an easy throw-on layer for the dog walk. Try the Napping Through Game Two hoodie, the Five Layers Minimum hoodie or the Latke Security hoodie.

Use the style switcher

On some product pages, mostly the seasonal designs, you will see a Style option with Tee, Sweatshirt and Hoodie, each with its own price. That means you can find a design you love and then pick the cut that suits the person or the season. Browse every option in the hoodies and sweatshirts collection and the T-shirts collection.

Layering tips

• Tee under sweatshirt: the classic combination. Keep both at your normal size.
• Hoodie over a tee: a roomier size gives space for the layer underneath.
• Sweatshirt over a collared shirt: works for dinners and parties, and avoids the itch of a knit sweater.

Sizing advice

The size guide describes everything as unisex and true to size. Garment measurements are taken flat and can vary by about 1 inch. For a relaxed or oversized look, size up one. The best way to check is to lay a favorite piece flat and measure across the chest one inch below the armpits. If you need extended sizes, read our plus size fit guide.

Care

The care instructions on product pages are simple: machine wash cold, inside out, with like colors, then tumble dry low or hang dry. Do not iron directly on the print. Following that routine helps the design last through the winter.

Ordering

Everything is printed to order in the US and usually arrives in 6 to 11 business days. Size exchanges are not available, so measure first. US orders over $50 ship free, so a hoodie plus a tee clears the line easily.