Women's lifestyle sweats and hoodies

Hoodie, zip-up, crew neck: three sweatshirts, three ways to wear them

The hooded sweatshirt protects your head from the wind on the way and layers well under a jacket. The zip-up sweatshirt can be opened when it’s warm in the room or on public transport; it’s the most versatile. The crew neck, more understated, can be worn over a shirt or a round neck t-shirt and is better suited for the office.

Brushed fleece or loopback: what the inside of the sweatshirt changes

The inside provides warmth. Brushed fleece, soft and fluffy, keeps you warm in cold gyms and winter mornings. Loopback fleece, with its visible small loops, is more breathable and suitable for mid-season. A thinner sweatshirt, made of lightweight cotton, can be tucked into a bag and is handy for summer evenings.

Cima XK, Essentials Linear, Dynamic: the sweatshirts on this page

• Hummel offers the Cima XK hooded sweatshirt in women's fit, in grey, black, gold or blue, along with the boxy Mai sweatshirt from the Legacy line.
• adidas presents the Essentials Linear zip-up hooded sweatshirt, featuring an elongated logo, in white, pink or black.
• Errea goes for the Dynamic sweatshirt in black, red, blue or navy, with touches of white.
• Erima provides its Evo Star hooded sweatshirts in women's fit.
• Rigorer and Converse complete the selection with more urban styles.

Boxy or fitted: finding the right size sweatshirt

A boxy sweatshirt is intentionally short and wide: choose your usual size for the intended fit. A fitted sweatshirt should allow your shoulders to move without straining your back when you lift your arms. Measure your chest circumference and compare it to the size guide on the product page, which is more reliable than a usual size across different brands.

Trousers, t-shirts, jackets: the whole look around the sweatshirt

A sweatshirt calls for matching bottoms. The women's trousers gather joggers from the same brand for a coordinated outfit. The women's t-shirts can be layered underneath, the women's shorts are worn with a light hoodie on warm days, and the women's jackets go over it when it's cold.

A women's hoodie on sale

The sweatshirt is one of the pieces that often goes on sale when the colours change. The special offers lifestyle are the first place to look, then the women's sales and the Black Friday women's during their period.

Frequently asked questions

How can I prevent a hoodie from losing its shape?

Don’t hang it by the hood, as it stretches under the weight of the sweatshirt. Wash it zipped up or with the cords tied to prevent them from getting lost in the drum. Dry it flat, with the hood well spread out.

Does a zip-up sweatshirt keep you as warm as a hoodie?

Yes, as long as it's closed all the way up. The zip-up allows a bit more air through the collar if it doesn't have a hood. Its advantage is elsewhere: it opens and closes without messing up your hair.

Can you wear a lifestyle sweatshirt for warm-up?

For a few minutes before playing, yes. But cotton retains sweat and becomes heavy and cold over a long session. For a proper warm-up, a training sweatshirt made of polyester is more practical.

Why does my sweatshirt shrink in the wash?

Cotton tightens in the heat, especially in the tumble dryer. Wash at no more than thirty degrees, inside out, and air dry. A sweatshirt that has already shrunk may regain some length if gently stretched while still damp.

What sweatshirt to give to a handball player?

A hoodie from a brand that outfits handball clubs is appreciated, especially in a neutral colour that’s easy to wear. If you’re unsure about the size, a boxy cut is more forgiving than a fitted cut. A matching sweatshirt and jogger set makes a complete gift.