In 2012, San Francisco apparel shop American Giant launched its very first product: a zip-up hooded sweatshirt that quickly gained fame. Officially named the Classic Full Zip, it’s often referred to as “the greatest hoodie ever made,” a title made popular by a Slate article praising its quality. Following that buzz, American Giant took off, selling 1 million hoodies over the last 13 years. The company has expanded its lineup, adding various casual tops and bottoms, all sourced and manufactured in the US. However, the design of the Classic Full Zip hoodie remained relatively unchanged—until now.
The Classic Full Zip has just been relaunched, now featuring a softer and more breathable material, thanks to a new cotton fleece construction. The signature elements, like the double-lined hood, stretchy side panels, and elbow patches, are still intact. But try it on, and you’ll notice it offers a looser fit around the waist and shoulders.
As someone with broad shoulders, I used to find the cut a bit restrictive. While I always appreciated the overall design, the fit often felt stiff, even after years of wear. The revamped version offers much more room to move, and the slightly more flexible elastic at the cuffs is definitely a step forward.
American Giant has built a reputation as a success in US-based manufacturing.
The most significant improvement is in the cotton fleece itself. This new fabric is not only softer but also more breathable. The difference comes from the type of cotton fibers used in the hoodie. If you’ve ever owned a heavy, cheap cotton T-shirt—perhaps one with a band logo—you know they tend to feel a bit rough and aren’t very breathable. That’s because those shirts often use short staple cotton fibers. In contrast, the new fleece utilizes longer-staple cotton fibers found in high-quality dress shirts and luxurious bedsheets. And yes, all the cotton used is grown, spun, and dyed right here in the US.
When it first launched, the original Classic Full Zip Hoodie was priced at $138. Last year, the price increased to $168 due to changes in American Giant’s supply chain, primarily because its key supplier, Carolina Cotton Works, closed in May 2024. The good news? The new hoodie maintains the same price of $168 and is available now.
Currently, the original hoodie is a staff favorite and holds the title of “best overall” in WIRED’s Best Hoodies guide. We’ll be putting the new version to the test to see if it can maintain that top position.
