Two Hoodie Brands We Compared — One Fit Us Both Perfectly

Finding clothes we both like is one thing. Finding something we both want to wear — and actually can wear — is another story. My boyfriend and I aren’t built the same (obviously), and our personal styles don’t always overlap. So when we started testing unisex basics, I wasn’t expecting a hoodie to be the piece we’d fight over.

We tried two minimalist brands that pride themselves on thoughtful design and inclusive fits: Kotn and Pangaia. Both promise comfort, sustainability, and that “you’ll reach for it constantly” vibe. But only one actually fit both of us in a way that felt right. Here’s everything we noticed — the good, the not-so-good, and the one that’s somehow always in the laundry basket.

First Impressions Matter

I always think the first five seconds in a piece tell you a lot — fabric feel, drape, weight, how the sleeves fall. And with hoodies, especially ones that are supposed to work across genders, the little things make or break it.

Kotn Felt Lived-In — In a Good Way

Right out of the package, the Kotn hoodie felt softer than I expected. The French Terry fabric had that slightly bouncy texture — the kind that doesn’t cling but still feels substantial. It didn’t slouch or stretch weirdly when I moved, and the neckline wasn’t too high or too loose. It felt like something I could nap in, but also wear out without looking like I gave up on the day.

On him, it skimmed the shoulders just enough to look tailored but casual. The relaxed fit didn’t drown his frame, and the color (a muted eucalyptus green) looked expensive without trying too hard. I didn’t have to “style” it — it just worked.

Pangaia Brought Structure

Pangaia’s hoodie came with more of a presence. It felt heavier and stiffer at first touch, like it had more opinions about how it wanted to sit. The color was rich and saturated (we went with a slate gray), and the inside was fleecier than Kotn’s — great for cold days, not so great under a coat.

When I put it on, I noticed the hem hugged more at the hips, which created a sort of bubble effect I didn’t love on my body. He, however, loved the more sculpted vibe. The sleeves hit him just right, and the chest fit leaned more structured than slouchy. In short: it looked more “styled” on him and more “intentional” on me — but not necessarily effortless.

Out in the Wild (Or, You Know, at the Coffee Shop)

We each wore both hoodies in real-life situations — to run errands, walk the dog, grab groceries, and one lazy Sunday that turned into three. Here’s what happened when the outfits stopped being curated and started being lived in.

Kotn Moved With Us

There’s something about a hoodie that you don’t have to think about once it’s on — and Kotn nailed that. It layered easily under a trench or denim jacket without bulking up. The fabric had a quiet stretch, which made reaching, bending, sitting cross-legged all feel… unremarkable in the best way.

I wore it with leggings and boots one day and didn’t feel underdressed. He wore it with black jeans and sneakers and looked intentionally relaxed. We even accidentally twinned one morning grabbing bagels, and I didn’t immediately try to swap mine for something else. That says a lot.

Pangaia\ Held Its Shape

Pangaia, on the other hand, looked great but felt a little fussy. The stiffness that gave it structure also meant it didn’t layer well. I tried it under my oversized wool coat and kept pulling at the sleeves. He wore it on its own with cargo trousers and said he liked the clean silhouette — it stayed crisp, even after sitting in the car or tossing it over a chair.

It had that elevated athleisure thing going on. If we were heading into the city or wanted to look like we planned our outfit (without trying too hard), this was the one. But if we needed comfort for long wear? Kotn won that round.

Wash Test: Softness vs Structure

Nothing ruins a good hoodie faster than a bad wash. And because I’m not about to hand-wash or baby a basic, this test mattered.

Kotn Got Softer

After the first wash, Kotn’s hoodie actually got better. The fabric softened a bit more, but it didn’t lose its shape. There was no pilling, no warping, and the neckline didn’t stretch out like some of my older sweatshirts tend to do.

Color-wise, it faded ever so slightly, but in a way that looked intentional. Think “washed vintage” instead of worn-out. Three washes in, it still feels like the kind of thing I’d reach for after a long day — which is exactly what I want from a piece like this.

Pangaia Stayed Strong

To its credit, Pangaia didn’t shrink or fade. The color stayed punchy, and it still looked expensive post-laundry. But that softness from the first wear? It dulled a bit. It felt slightly stiffer after each wash, like the inner fleece was slowly losing its plushness.

It’s not a dealbreaker, especially if you want a hoodie that keeps a sculpted look over time. But for me, it tipped the balance a bit more in Kotn’s favor for daily wear.

Price Check: Are They Worth It?

Neither of these hoodies is “cheap,” but they’re not designer-price either. They sit right in that thoughtful-basics category — where the cost needs to match the quality.

Kotn

For just under $100, Kotn delivers something I’d genuinely consider buying again in another color. The comfort, quality, and versatility make it feel like a solid closet investment — one of those pieces you don’t realize how much you’ll wear until you own it.

And for something ethically made with organic cotton? That’s a fair price. You feel like you’re getting what you paid for — not just a label.

Pangaia

Pangaia’s hoodie comes in at $110, and to be fair, it looks and feels like a statement piece. There’s something about the branding and structure that makes it feel a little more “fashion,” which might justify the price if that’s your vibe.

But compared to Kotn, it felt like something I’d wear occasionally, not constantly. Beautiful? Yes. Everyday staple? Not for me.

The One That Stayed Out of the Drawer

This is the part of the test that I didn’t plan — the one where I realized I hadn’t seen the Kotn hoodie folded in a week because one of us was always wearing it.

Kotn Won on Feel

It was just easy. Easy to style, easy to wear, easy to grab when we were running late or tired or just didn’t want to think about what to wear. That’s rare. Even more rare? The fact that it flattered both of us without needing “styling.”

The sleeves stayed put. The hem didn’t ride up. The neckline didn’t stretch out or lose shape. And that color — soft and neutral, but not boring — somehow went with everything we each wore it with. It’s the kind of hoodie you forget is technically unisex because it feels like it was made for you.

Pangaia Had a Role

Pangaia wasn’t a flop — far from it. It’s still the hoodie he reaches for when we’re heading out somewhere a little more elevated. It has a clean line, a more architectural fit, and enough visual interest to stand on its own.

But it didn’t earn “favorite” status the same way Kotn did. And for me, that’s the difference between a hoodie you wear twice a month and one you wear three times a week.

Final Take

If you’re after a hoodie that feels soft, fits well, and doesn’t need styling tricks to work — Kotn is the one. It handled everything from errands to Netflix binges and somehow managed to make both our bodies feel good in it. It didn’t try too hard. It didn’t need to.

Pangaia was beautiful, structured, and great for a slightly more styled look. But when comfort, ease, and wearability matter most? Kotn just did more — and looked better doing it.

Style is personal, but good taste speaks loud.