Sweats and hoodies for basketball players

Hoodie, zip, round neck: a sweatshirt for every occasion

The right sweatshirt depends on what you're doing in it. The pull-on hoodie, with its kangaroo pocket, is the warmest and most commonly worn in the city. The zip-up sweatshirt opens and comes off easily, making it great for the bench and warming up. The round neck, without a hood, fits nicely under a jacket without adding bulk around the neck.

Half-zip or quarter-zip models sit in between the two: they allow for breathability during exercise and can be closed up when you cool down.

Fleece, cotton, polyester: how material makes a difference

The material determines warmth, weight, and use. Brushed fleece, soft on the inside, retains heat well and is suitable for commutes and chilly days. French Terry, with unbrushed loops, is lighter and breathes better. Technical polyester, commonly used in club lines, dries quickly and is good for warming up without feeling heavy.

Many manufacturers now blend organic cotton with recycled polyester. Check the composition on the product page: a sweatshirt mostly made of cotton tends to shrink more easily in the wash.

Club sweat or franchise sweat

On this page, two families coexist. Club sweats, from the team ranges of sportswear brands, come in various colours to match your team. Franchise sweats feature the logos of MLB, NFL, or NBA teams and are usually worn in the city or in the stands.

A club that wants to outfit a whole group should opt for a line that also comes in children's sizes, so that both kids and seniors can wear the same model.

New Era, Project X Paris, and four other signatures

These brands are the most popular among customers on the site for their sweats.

• New Era offers sweats with the logos of franchises, from the New York Yankees to the Chicago White Sox, including some NBA models like the Knicks.
• Project X Paris provides streetwear sweats with loose fits designed for the city.
• Superdry focuses on thick hoodies with large embroidered or printed logos.
• adidas remains a safe bet with its Essentials sweats featuring the three stripes.
• Hummel offers the Go 2.0 hoodie made from organic cotton and recycled polyester, along with club sweats like the hmlLEAD.
• Mitchell & Ness adds a retro touch with sweats from American teams.

A discounted hoodie

For a cheaper sweatshirt, start with the deals pages on the site. The Black Friday textile event lowers prices just before winter, then the Christmas textile page gathers gift ideas to wear. After the holidays, the sales take over. Throughout the year, clearance and bargains offer up end-of-line sweats.

The rest of the wardrobe by category

The sweatshirt is just one layer of the outfit, and every other piece has its page.

• Underneath, the t-shirts and polos serve as the first layer.
• For the thermal layer, baselayers are worn close to the body.
• On top, jackets protect against wind and rain.
• For the lower half, trousers complement the sweatshirt for everyday wear.
• For a matching set, check out tracksuits.
• For play, move to jerseys and shorts.
• And for your feet, socks complete the look.

Frequently asked questions

Does a hoodie fit large?

It depends on the advertised cut. A regular model fits normally, while an oversized model is intentionally loose and should be taken in your usual size. Check the cut mention on the product page before going up or down a size.

How to wash a sweatshirt without it pilling?

Turn it inside out, wash it in cold or at a low temperature, and avoid mixing it with zip or velcro clothing. Friction in the wash can cause pilling. Flat drying also helps maintain the shape of the ribbing.

Can you warm up in a sweatshirt before a match?

Yes, as long as you take it off before you get too warm. A zip-up sweatshirt is more practical than a pull-on hoodie since it comes off without messing up your hair or taking off your headband. Avoid thick cotton sweats for a long warm-up.

What's the difference between a sweatshirt and a tracksuit jacket?

The sweatshirt is made of knit, softer and warmer, while the tracksuit jacket is often made of woven polyester, thinner and more wind-resistant. The sweatshirt is worn in the city, the jacket on the bench or while commuting. Many players wear one under the other.

What size sweatshirt should I choose for a child who is growing fast?

Take the size that corresponds to their age, or one size up if they're in a growth spurt. The ribbing at the wrists and waist keeps the sweatshirt in place even if it's a bit big. Check the height indicated in the size guide rather than just the age.