When it comes to the changing of the seasons, there seems to be two types of people: those that start drinking pumpkin spice lattes the minute a leaf hits the ground, and those who wish summer’s balmy temperatures would never end. No matter your preference, what might make it seem like less of a nightmare is the fact that you get to elevate your fashion game when you transition to fall pieces.
One piece that will see you through the early months of autumn is the lightweight hoodie. Appropriate to wear now and ideal for layering when the temperature starts to dip, this functionally cozy transition piece — in styles that range from boxy and oversized, to cropped and slim-fitting — in a plethora of colors, is a must-have for an updated and refreshed summer-to-autumn wardrobe.
Here are the ten best women’s lightweight hoodies to shop for the fall season.
Outdoor Voices All Day Hoodie
No clouds were harmed in the making of this insanely soft hoodie from fitness apparel brand Outdoor Voices. Slim fitting and slightly cropped, it’s made from the brand’s bestelling CloudKnit fabric, a lightweight, stretchy material that’s also breathable and ideal for low-sweat recreation — think running errands, or hanging in a log-front cabin. It’s available in four neutral color options from navy to heather grey.
- Price: $88
- Materials: 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex
Vuori Halo Essential Hoodie
Performance apparel brand, Vuori really understands proportions and silhouettes and how clothes should fit. This, combined with a dreamy California aesthetic makes for the perfect lightweight hoodie. Relaxed through the body, this classic pullover is made from the brand’s softest performance DreamKnit fabric and cropped to just the right length — skims just above the hip. Perfect for layering, it’s equipped with moisture wicking fabric to keep you cool, and four-way stretch so you can workout (or not) in total comfort.
- Price: $96
- Materials: 89% Recycled Polyester, 11% Elastane
Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Shore Hoody
If you’re still not convinced that you need some bamboo in your life, you obviously haven’t tried Charleston-based apparel brand Free Fall’s sustainable offerings. A great place to start is their lightweight Shore Hoody which strikes the perfect balance between breathability and sun protection especially in humid climates. Ultra-light and buttery soft, this relaxed crossover hoody feels luxurious against your skin, thanks to the ultra-fine yarn used in their fabrics.
- Price: Currently on sale for $50.99
- Materials: 70% Viscose from Bamboo, 30% Polyester
Patagonia Women’s Capilene Cool Daily Hoody
Earth-friend clothing brand Patagonia promises that their Capilene Cool Daily Hoody is so versatile, it will keep you comfortable while you’re working up a sweat or trying to stay warm in frigid temperatures. Featuring their HEiQ odor control technology, it’s also quick drying, constructed from a lightweight stretch fabric, and has a deep hood for added protection against the sun.
- Price: $59
- Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester Jersey
KÜHL Engineered Women’s Hoody
For days on the go, KÜHL’s Engineered Hoody is designed to stretch and flow with your every move. From morning hikes to evening bonfires, the addition of mesh venting increases airflow to keep you cool and dry, while a convenient side slit allows for better movement. Far roomier than most of the other hoodies on our list — which translates to a cut that’s fit to flatter — it’s got thumbholes to keep the sleeves in place and offers UPF 30+ sun protection.
- Price: $70
- Materials: 100% Polyester
Faherty Daybreak French Terry Hoodie
This oversized sweatshirt from sun-soaked lifestyle and apparel brand Faherty comes in not one but two super-fun colorways and features cheery stripes and practical surf-inspired details like a kangaroo-style pocket with snap closures and custom flecked drawcords. Made from a breathable cotton fabric, this beachy hoodie is the perfect transition piece for the shift into cooler weather.
- Price: $168
- Materials: 100% Cotton
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
So lightweight you’ll feel like you’re in a t-shirt, the Sahara Shade Hoodie from REI Co-op offers full sun protection thanks to UPF 50+ fabric, while wicking moisture away from your skin. It’s also got a 3-panel hood with an internal drawstring to seal out the elements, and a crossover style opening for sun coverage at the neck. Available in four colors, including Fresh Terra Cotta Heather and Sea Olive Heather.
- Price: Currently on sale for $34.89
- Materials: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
Outerknown Women’s Hightide Hoodie
If the inside of your hoodie is even softer than the outside, then you know you’ve hit the sweater jackpot. Outerknown’s Hightide Hoodie is cut from the brand’s terry toweling fabric — a plush blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester — with the added bonus of a brushed interior. A double-layered hood provides extra cozines, while a drop shoulder seam and roomy silhouette makes it ideal for layering.
- Price: $128
- Materials: 54% Organic Cotton, 46% Recycled Polyester
The North Face Women’s Canyonlands Hoodie
Despite its recent penchant for teaming up with luxury brands, The North Face has maintained its reputation for making quality outdoor gear for everyday folk. When a sweater is too thin but a jacket is too heavy, the Canyonlands Hoodie is the answer. Slim-fitting, it’s made with a stretchy 200-weight fleece and a brushed back for comfort, while thumholes at the cuffs offer additional warmth. A laundry-list of thoughtful details include zippered pockets, raglan sleeves for increased mobility, and a drop-tail hem when you need extra coverage.
- Price: $62.30-$99
- Materials: 96% Recycled Polyester, 4% Elastane
prAna Sol Protect Hoodie
Incorporating fabrics and practices that improve performance and lessen their impact on the planet, prAna makes comfy clothes that are as functional as they are stylish. Perfect for throwing on when you need an extra layer, the Henely-style Sol Protect Hoodie is made from a recycled polyester blend, with the added convenience of a front kangaroo pocket and an internal envelope pocket to keep your small essentials safe. Details like snaps at the neckline and thumbholes in the sleeves means you control just how warm you want to be, while UPF 30 + will help protect you from the sun.
- Price: Currently on sale for $39.50
- Materials: 85% Recycled Polyester, 10% Tencel Lyocell, 5% Elastane
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