The best luxury hoodies are not defined by a logo or a price tag. They are defined by what you feel the first time you put one on and how it still looks after years of wear: the fabric, the weight, the construction, the fit and the finishing. This guide sets out what to look for, then explains which of our hoodies suits which need.

What makes a hoodie luxury?

1. The fabric

Fabric is everything. A luxury hoodie should be cut from a cloth that is smooth, dense and consistent, ideally from a mill with a long track record. Long fibres and a tight knit mean less pilling and a fabric that softens with wear. Ours come from Italian mills; see why we source our fabrics from Italian mills.

2. The weight

Weight, measured in GSM, shapes how a hoodie hangs and how warm it is. Above roughly 300 GSM, a hoodie feels substantial and structured. Read what GSM means in clothing to compare pieces.

3. The knit

Loopback keeps loops on the inside for a breathable, structured fabric; fleece brushes them for a plush, warmer feel. Neither is better in absolute terms, but the choice changes the hoodie. Our guide to loopback cotton versus fleece explains the difference.

4. The construction

Look at the ribbing on the cuffs and hem: it should recover its shape after stretching. Check the seams, the way the hood is built and how the pocket is attached. Heavy fabrics need construction designed for their weight.

5. The fit

A luxury hoodie should have a considered cut: shoulders that sit right, sleeves of the right length and a body that drapes rather than balloons. Our size guide gives full measurements.

6. The finishing and details

Linings, embroidery and finishing distinguish a hoodie made with care. These details are also what make a piece worth keeping.

7. Where and how it is made

Knowing where a garment is made, and how, tells you a lot about its quality. Every Parhela garment is crafted in London; read made in London: inside our craftsmanship.

A quick checklist before you buy

• Is the fabric's origin and composition clear?
• Is the weight stated, and does it suit how you will wear it?
• Does the ribbing feel firm and recover its shape?
• Are the seams neat and flat?
• Will the colour work with the rest of your wardrobe?
• Can you picture wearing it for several years?

Which Parhela hoodie is right for you?

For everyday wear: the Staple Hoodie

The Staple Hoodie is cut from our flagship 345 GSM Italian loopback cotton, which balances softness and strength. It comes in Oatmeal, Onyx Black and Fern Green and pairs with the matching sweatshirt and bottoms in the Staple Collection.

For maximum warmth: the Lined Hoodie

The Lined Hoodie is our heaviest piece at 580 GSM, weighing over a kilo, with a silky lining made from recycled plastic bottles and ribbing created specifically for its thickness. Read more in heavyweight hoodies.

For a statement: the Wild Window Hoodie

The Wild Window Hoodie carries a watering hole scene embroidered on the back with 227,000 threads, over 11 hours of embroidery per piece. It is made to order.

For something unique: the Celestial Hoodie

The Celestial Hoodie uses a needle punched Italian wool blend in which the pattern is randomly generated, so no two pieces are the same, with a 100% silk lining throughout. Discover the fabric in needle punch fabric explained.

For the coldest days: the Snoodie

The Snoodie is our interpretation of a roll neck and a hoodie, cut from a 375 GSM Italian loopback. See what is a snoodie.

Compare every style in our hoodies, or browse by shade in black hoodies.

Is a luxury hoodie worth it?

A hoodie is often the most worn piece in a wardrobe. If a well-made one lasts for years while a cheaper one loses its shape in a season, the better hoodie costs less per wear. We look at where the money goes in what a £15 T-shirt and a £400 hoodie are really paying for.

How to make it last

Wash inside out at low temperatures, dry flat and avoid the tumble dryer. Fewer, gentler washes keep the fabric and ribbing in shape for longer.

In short

The best luxury hoodies combine an exceptional fabric, a weight that suits how you wear them, the right knit, construction built for that fabric, a considered fit and careful finishing. Our range covers every need: the Staple for everyday wear, the 580 GSM Lined Hoodie for warmth, the embroidered Wild Window for a statement, the unique Celestial and the Snoodie for the coldest days. Explore them in our jumpers and hoodies.