Choosing heated clothing: vest, hoodie or zip-up hoodie?

When choosing heated clothing, start with your activity and the clothing layers you already wear. Choose a heated vest to keep your arms free, a hoodie for soft coverage with sleeves or a heated zip-up hoodie if you want to ventilate quickly. No style is always best: the right choice depends on how, where and for how long you wear it.

Which heated clothing should you choose for each activity?

The best choice mainly depends on the freedom of movement and coverage you want, and whether you need to adjust the garment while wearing it.

Activity or preference	Best starting point	Why?
Outdoor work involving frequent arm movements	Heated vest	It keeps your arms free and fits easily under a work jacket or windproof jacket.
Walking or leisurely cycling	Heated vest	It provides warmth around your torso without extra fabric around your arms.
Everyday wear and cold indoor spaces	Heated hoodie	The sleeves and closed neckline provide extra coverage, while the style is casual.
Travelling, camping or sitting outdoors	Heated hoodie	It works as a soft, complete clothing layer, optionally beneath an outdoor jacket.
Moving between indoors and outdoors	Heated zip-up hoodie	The full-length zip makes it easy to open, close and ventilate.
Rapidly changing temperatures	Heated zip-up hoodie	You can wear it open without taking it off completely.

When should you choose a heated vest?

Choose a heated vest when keeping your arms free and combining it with other clothing layers matter most.

A heated vest is a sleeveless layer that warms the torso. The KingsPower version has three heating zones: at the neck, on the back and at the front near the pockets. Its fleece lining and polyester filling also provide insulation when the heating is switched off.

The water-repellent and windproof nylon and polyester outer makes the vest practical for light outdoor use. A suitable outer layer is still necessary during persistent rain or severe weather. Because it has no sleeves, you can also wear it easily beneath an existing jacket.

• Choose the vest for walking, commuting and outdoor work involving frequent arm movements.
• Choose it if you already have a good outdoor jacket and mainly need a heated mid-layer.
• Choose another style if you also want to cover your arms with a soft clothing layer.

View the grey and black heated vest in sizes M to XXXXL or the pink and black women’s heated vest in sizes M to XXXL. For help with the women’s fit, also read the guide to choosing the right size for a women’s heated vest.

When is a heated hoodie more suitable?

A heated hoodie is more suitable if you want sleeves, a closed neckline and a soft layer for everyday wear.

The black unisex hoodie is made from cotton and polyester and has five heating zones with carbon-fibre heating: two at the front and three on the back. It is available in sizes M to XXXL. The combination of sleeves and a closed neckline provides more coverage than a heated vest.

The hoodie is suitable for travelling, camping, gentle walks and cold indoor spaces. It is less suitable if you need maximum freedom around your arms during physical work. In wind or rain, you may need a suitable outer layer because a hoodie does not perform the same function as a weather-resistant jacket.

View the black unisex heated hoodie if you are looking for a casual heated layer with sleeves.

When is a heated zip-up hoodie the best choice?

The heated zip-up hoodie is the best choice if you want the same coverage as a hoodie but also want to open your clothing layer and ventilate quickly.

The black unisex zip-up hoodie is the zipped version of the hoodie. It has the same five heating zones and uses the same included power bank. The zip runs the full length, allowing you to wear it open or closed. The style is available in sizes M to XL.

This adjustability is useful if you frequently move between a cold outdoor environment, a vehicle and a heated indoor space. A zip may also be more comfortable if you prefer not to pull a garment over your head. Choose the hoodie if a closed front and closed neckline are more important.

View the black unisex heated full-zip hoodie for a layer you can adjust easily while on the move.

Which size do you need?

As a general rule, choose one size larger than your usual clothing size for these styles because they run small.

Style	Available sizes	Practical sizing advice
Men’s/unisex heated vest	M to XXXXL	Generally choose one size larger.
Women’s heated vest	M to XXXL	Generally choose one size larger and try it with your usual base layer.
Heated hoodie	M to XXXL	Generally choose one size larger and allow for any layers underneath.
Heated zip-up hoodie	M to XL	Generally choose one size larger and check that the zip closes smoothly.

The garment should fit closely enough for you to feel the warmth properly, but it should not be restrictive. If you wear a thick top or several layers underneath, take these into account when choosing your size. You can assess the fit at home within the 30-day money-back guarantee period.

How do you use and care for heated clothing safely?

Use heated clothing during gentle activities and follow the washing and power bank instructions to operate the system correctly.

All three styles have three settings of 45, 55 and 65 °C. With the included 10,000 mAh power bank, the operating time is approximately 8, 6 or 4 hours. This still depends on the conditions, selected setting and condition of the power bank. Only use the included power bank.

Do not wear heated clothing during intense physical activity. Lower the heat setting or switch it off if you become too warm. At work, heated clothing never replaces prescribed protective equipment or a risk assessment.

The heated vests can be washed by hand or at 30 °C. Always follow the instructions for your chosen product, remove the power bank before washing and check the connection before using the heating again.

Heated vest or hoodie: how do you make the final choice?

Make your final choice by selecting the style that already suits your everyday clothing and activity when the heating is switched off.

1. Decide whether keeping your arms free or having full coverage is more important.
2. Check whether you want to wear the garment beneath an existing outer layer.
3. Choose a zip if ventilating quickly is important.
4. Check the available size range and generally allow for one size larger.
5. Do not choose heated clothing for intense physical activity or if the style restricts the freedom of movement you need.

Ready to choose heated clothing? Compare the heated vest, the heated hoodie and the heated zip-up hoodie, then choose the style that suits how you plan to use it.

Frequently asked questions

Which is warmer: a heated vest or a hoodie?

That depends on your clothing layers and how you use it. A hoodie also covers your arms and neck, while a heated vest combines targeted warmth around the torso with greater freedom of movement. A heated vest can be a practical mid-layer beneath a good outdoor jacket. Without an outer layer, a hoodie provides more coverage.

What is the difference between a heated hoodie and a heated zip-up hoodie?

The heated zip-up hoodie is the version with a full-length zip. Both styles have five heating zones and use the same power bank. The hoodie has a closed front and closed neckline. You can open the zip-up hoodie for faster ventilation or wear it open when temperatures change.

How long does heated clothing stay warm?

With the included power bank, the operating time is approximately 8 hours at 45 °C, 6 hours at 55 °C and 4 hours at 65 °C. The actual operating time depends on the conditions, selected heat setting and condition of the power bank.

Can I wear heated clothing while exercising?

Do not use this heated clothing during intense physical activity. Your body then produces plenty of heat itself, so additional heating may become uncomfortable. It may be suitable for gentle walking, waiting, travelling or light work. Lower the heat setting or switch it off as soon as you become too warm.

Should heated clothing fit tightly?

Heated clothing should fit closely, but it should not feel restrictive or limit your movement. Too much space reduces the direct sensation of warmth. Because these styles run small, one size larger is generally the best choice. Also allow for tops or other clothing layers you want to wear underneath.