A waffle knit hoodie with a clean, drawstring-free hood
If you want a waffle knit heavyweight hoodie without drawstrings for men, this is the closest match we found. It is a hooded pullover in a waffle-grid knit, with a raised hood, long raglan-style sleeves and a contrast zip pocket on the chest.
One thing up front, because the name and the listing don't quite agree. The fabric is listed as a quick-dry waffle grid at 280g, but the maker describes the hoodie as lightweight and breathable. We would call it a spring and autumn layer, not a thick winter hoodie. If you want deep, fleecy warmth, this is not that. If you want texture, structure and a hood that stays out of your way, read on.
It comes in ten colors: Sand, Slate Blue, Grey, Brown, Purple, Olive Yellow, Navy, Camo Army Green, Camo Orange and Camo Purple. Sizes run S to XXL. The price is $119, with free shipping to the US.
Why it works for men who want a simpler hoodie
No drawstrings at the hood
In the photos, the hood opening is plain. There are no drawstrings or cords hanging at the front. That matters more than it sounds.
Drawstrings swing when you run, catch on gear straps, and get chewed in the dryer. They also end up uneven after a few washes. A hood with none gives you a tidier neckline and one less thing to adjust. The trade-off is that you can't cinch the hood tight in wind, so keep that in mind if you plan to wear it on exposed trails.
Waffle texture with a sporty cut
The waffle grid gives the fabric a raised, squared pattern you can see and feel. It looks more interesting than a flat jersey hoodie, and the texture helps keep the fabric from lying flat against your skin, which many people like when they are warm.
The raglan-style sleeves run from the collar to the underarm in a diagonal seam. That gives easy arm movement, which is useful if you are running, climbing over rocks or lifting a pack. The contrast zip chest pocket is a handy spot for keys, a card or a phone-sized item you want to keep closed in. We can't say how large the pocket is, so we wouldn't count on it for anything bulky.
A relaxed fit with a cinched hem
The body is relaxed, and the hem is cinched. That combination keeps the hoodie from riding up when you move, and it gives a slightly gathered shape at the waist rather than a boxy straight drop.
Fabric and feel
The material is polyester, in a knit the listing calls a quick-drying waffle grid at 280g. The listing also tags it as breathable, moisture wicking, quick dry, stretchable, lightweight and wrinkle free.
In plain terms, here is what that suggests. Polyester knits like this tend to dry fast after sweat or light rain, and they do not hold on to wrinkles the way cotton does. The listing says it stretches, though it does not say how much, so don't expect the give of a yoga top.
What we can't tell you is the exact blend, because no fabric percentages were supplied. We also can't say whether the inside is brushed or smooth, or whether the hood is lined. The photos show a textured outer face and nothing more, so we won't guess.
The listing describes the fabric as suited to spring and autumn. Our advice: wear it alone on mild days, and layer a jacket over it when it gets cold. It also works as a mid-layer under a shell.
The camo options are offered alongside the solid colors. Some colors will show the waffle grid more clearly than others, and darker shades tend to hide it in photos, so expect the texture to be easier to spot in lighter colors like Sand.
Care instructions
The listing says machine wash. We don't have a wash temperature or a tumble-dry rating, so check the care label sewn into your hoodie and follow it.
A few sensible habits for polyester knits:
- Wash with similar colors, especially with the darker camo shades.
- Zip the chest pocket before washing so the zipper doesn't snag the waffle texture.
- Skip fabric softener. It can coat polyester and make it hold odors.
- Hang to dry if you can. It is gentler on the fabric and the quick-dry finish.
Size guide
This hoodie is offered in S, M, L, XL and XXL, and the sizing follows Asian size labels.
How to measure
The maker's measurements are taken lying flat, and they say there can be a difference of 1 to 3 cm (about 0.4 to 1.2 inches) either way. Keep that in mind when you compare numbers.
To find your own numbers, grab a soft tape measure and a hoodie you already like.
- Lay your favorite hoodie flat and smooth it out.
- Measure straight across the chest, just under the armpits, then double it for the full chest.
- Measure from the highest point of the shoulder, next to the collar, down to the hem for length.
- Measure from the center of the back of the neck down the sleeve for sleeve length, if you have a long reach.
Compare those numbers with the chart above. If you are between sizes, the next section will help.
Which size should I choose?
Asian sizing often runs smaller than US sizing, so a size you wear in US brands may come up snug here. We don't have a complete garment chart from the maker, so we would rather say that plainly than guess at a conversion.
Here is how we would think about it:
- If you like a relaxed fit, pick the size you would normally choose in a US hoodie, and check it against the chart.
- If you want it roomier, or plan to layer a shirt under it, size up once.
- If you are broad in the shoulders or chest, lean toward the larger size. The hem is cinched, so extra length and body room will not make it look sloppy.
- If you are between two sizes, go up. A relaxed hoodie that is slightly roomy is easier to wear than one that pulls across the chest.
Remember that all sales are final, so take a few minutes with the chart and a tape measure before you order.
How to style it
The waffle knit gives this hoodie enough character to stand on its own, so keep what you wear with it simple.
For everyday wear, pair the Grey, Navy or Brown with straight jeans and clean white sneakers. The textured fabric adds interest without needing a graphic or a logo.
For a sportier look, wear it with jogger-style pants or running shorts and trail shoes. The Slate Blue and Olive Yellow colors look natural next to outdoor gear.
For a cooler day, put a light jacket or shell over it. The hood sits at the neck, so a jacket with a standard collar is easier to layer than one with a big hood of its own.
The Sand and Purple colors are softer and lighter. They suit chinos or dark denim, and they look best when the rest of your outfit is plain.
The camo versions are bolder. Keep the rest of the outfit in solid neutrals, such as black pants and plain shoes, and let the hoodie do the talking.
Where else you can wear it
The listing mentions running, exercise and outdoor camping, and those are good fits for a quick-dry, breathable knit. Here are some other places it works:
- Running and workouts. The moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric is made for sweat. No drawstrings means nothing bouncing against your chest.
- Camping and hiking. Wear it around the campsite in the evening or as a mid-layer on cool mornings.
- Travel days. Wrinkle-free fabric, a zip pocket for small items and an easy pullover shape make it comfortable on a plane or in a car.
- Casual weekends. Errands, coffee, a walk with the dog. It's an easy piece to grab.
- Cool-weather layering. Under a jacket, it adds a textured layer without too much bulk.
Shipping
Free standard shipping to all 50 US states. Orders are made to order and ship from our production partner within 1 to 3 business days, then arrive in about 7 to 14 business days. You get a tracking link by email as soon as your order ships.
All sales are final
All sales are final. Because every item is made to order, we do not accept returns or exchanges for change of mind or fit, so please check the size information before ordering. If your order arrives damaged, defective or not as described, email us within 14 days of delivery with a photo and we will send a replacement or a refund.
Contact us
Email hello@hoodiesummit.com. A real person replies within one business day.
Why shop with Hoodie Summit
We only sell hoodies, so we spend our time looking closely at them. When a listing doesn't give us a detail, such as the fabric blend or the exact size chart, we tell you instead of filling it in.
That is why this page says the hoodie is lightweight even though the name says heavyweight. You should know what you are buying before you pay for it.
We ship free to the US, and if something arrives damaged, defective or wrong, we replace it or refund you within 14 days of delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Does this hoodie have drawstrings?
No drawstrings are visible at the hood opening in the product photos. The hood is plain, which is why we chose this one for the search for a waffle knit heavyweight hoodie without drawstrings for men.
Is it really heavyweight?
Not in the way a thick winter hoodie is. The fabric is listed as a 280g waffle grid, but the maker describes the hoodie as lightweight, quick-dry and breathable. We think of it as a spring and autumn hoodie.
Is it warm enough for cold weather?
On its own, it is better for mild weather. In cold weather, wear it as a mid-layer under a jacket. We can't say it has any lining or insulation, because none was listed.
Is it a men's hoodie or unisex?
It is listed for men and as unisex, so anyone can wear it. The cut is relaxed, with a cinched hem.
What if it doesn't fit?
All sales are final, with no returns or exchanges for fit or change of mind. That is why we suggest measuring a hoodie you already own and checking the size guide before you order. If your item arrives damaged, defective or wrong, contact us within 14 days of delivery and we will replace or refund it.
