DeWalt Men's French Terry Hoodie (Shirt Only)

First impressions and setup

Cold mornings on the jobsite are where this heated hoodie earns its keep. Out of the box, it looks and wears like a standard midweight sweatshirt, but with a few telltale signs that it’s built for work: a durable cotton/poly outer, ribbed cuffs and hem to seal in warmth, and a surprisingly roomy hood. The gray color is neutral enough for everyday wear, and sizing runs from S to 3X. I went with my usual size and found the fit true-to-size with a slightly fitted waist—snug enough to trap heat, but not restrictive.

This is a “shirt only” package, so you’ll need your own 20V MAX battery and charger. The battery stows in a dedicated pocket, and that’s where the hoodie’s value becomes clearer if you’re already in the DeWalt 20V ecosystem. Snap in a pack, connect the cable, and the LED controller gives you high/medium/low options and a pre-heat mode.

Build and materials

The outer shell mixes cotton and polyester, which keeps the hand-feel soft while handling abrasion better than a typical cotton hoodie. The torso is lined with a thermal waffle-knit fleece that adds loft and traps air—it’s noticeably warmer than an unlined sweatshirt even with the heat off. The sleeves are not lined in the same way, which keeps bulk down and helps mobility, but it also means your arms won’t retain heat as long as your core unless you layer.

The cuffs and waist are ribbed and hold their shape; after several weeks of use, mine didn’t bag out. Stitching at stress points (pocket edges, shoulders) held up to daily wear, including carrying materials and the occasional scrape on framing. I wouldn’t call it a heavy-duty outer layer for harsh environments, but it’s solidly built for a hoodie and withstands typical site abuse.

Heating system and controls

The LED controller is simple: three temperature settings and a pre-heat function that spikes the output briefly to warm up quickly. The heat coverage focuses on the core—across the chest and back—so you feel warmth where it matters most. In practice, pre-heat brings the hoodie up to a comfortable temperature within a couple of minutes, and I rarely needed to keep it on high once I was moving.

Button presses are positive and the indicator is easy to read. The controller is accessible even with light gloves. If you’re wearing a shell over it, you can still reach the button without too much fishing around.

Battery pocket and ergonomics

The battery pocket accepts standard 20V MAX packs. A compact pack keeps weight down and feels the most natural; you’ll notice a 5Ah pack, but it’s not a dealbreaker if runtime is your priority. The pocket keeps the battery out of the way, and cable routing doesn’t interfere with bending or reaching. If you plan to kneel a lot or wear a tight harness, a compact battery makes the hoodie feel less bulky.

One practical note: there’s no battery or charger included, so factor that in if you’re new to the platform. If you’re already running DeWalt 20V MAX tools, this hoodie slots neatly into your kit.

Pockets and daily usability

The pocket layout is genuinely useful:

• Two large front pouch pockets for hands or quick-grab items.
• One internal zip pocket that secures a phone or wallet—big enough for larger phones with a slim case.
• One additional pocket with a hook-and-loop closure for small accessories.

Zippers, stitching, and pocket openings are robust. I appreciate the internal zip pocket in particular; it keeps the phone from smashing against hard surfaces while you work and stays accessible even with a shell jacket over the top.

Field performance

As an outer layer in calm, cool conditions, the hoodie is excellent. The outer fabric is wind-resistant enough for light breezes, but it’s not windproof. In a stiff wind, you’ll feel some penetration, which is expected for a sweatshirt-weight garment. Where it shines is as a heated mid-layer: throw a lightweight wind shell or jobsite jacket over it and the heat is retained dramatically better. The waffle-knit lining and fitted hem/cuffs help trap warmth, and the heating elements do most of the heavy lifting so you don’t need bulky layers.

Breathability is good. I never felt clammy during moderate activity, which is often a complaint with heavier heated jackets. The hood is generous and sits comfortably over a cap or beanie without feeling tight. Drawstrings would have been a nice add for cinching in heavier wind, but the cut offers decent coverage as-is.

Range of motion is unrestricted—no tugging in the shoulders when reaching overhead, and the cuffs stay put without digging into your wrists. The sleeves remain comfortable because they’re not overbuilt; just keep in mind they won’t stay as warm as the torso in sustained cold unless you add a shell or base layer.

Heat output and runtime

On high, heat output is strong enough to knock the chill off fast during standstill tasks or long drives to site. Medium is the sweet spot for me while moving around, with low reserved for maintenance warmth once I’ve built up a little body heat.

Runtime depends on your battery. With a compact 2Ah pack, I typically get a couple of hours on high, and noticeably longer on medium/low. Swapping to a higher-capacity pack extends things substantially, though you’ll feel the added weight. For most workdays, I either carry a spare compact pack or run a larger battery when I know I’ll be stationary. The pre-heat mode helps conserve power by letting you start hot and then drop to a lower setting.

Durability and care

After several washes and steady use, seams stayed tight, the fleece lining didn’t mat down, and the ribbing kept its elasticity. The outer face fabric resists pilling better than a pure cotton sweatshirt. I spot-cleaned most jobsite grime and washed on a gentle cycle with the power system disconnected. As with any heated garment, take care to follow the care instructions and disconnect the battery before laundering.

The 1-year limited warranty is standard for apparel in this category and gives a bit of peace of mind on the electronics.

Comfort and fit notes

The cut strikes a good balance between trim and accommodating. I could layer a base tee and a lightweight long-sleeve underneath without feeling stuffed, and the fitted waist helps hold heat without riding up. If you like generous layers underneath, consider sizing up; otherwise, stick with your usual size.

Weight is slightly above a standard hoodie due to the heating system and battery, but it never felt fatiguing. With a compact battery, I often forgot I was wearing a heated garment until I pressed the controller and felt the warmth kick in.

Where it shines and where it falls short

Strengths:
- Practical heat across the chest and back with a quick pre-heat that works as advertised.
- Comfortable, durable materials with a lining that adds warmth even with the heat off.
- Thoughtful pocket layout, especially the internal zip pocket.
- Excellent as a mid-layer under a windproof shell.

Trade-offs:
- Wind resistance is moderate; it’s not a jacket and shouldn’t be treated like one in harsh wind.
- Runtime on high with compact batteries is limited; plan on spare packs or using medium/low settings for longer stretches.
- Battery and charger are not included, which is fine if you’re already on 20V MAX, less ideal if you’re not.

The bottom line

This heated hoodie is a smart, work-focused layer that makes cold starts and low-activity tasks far more comfortable. It’s best used as a mid-layer under a light shell on windy days, and as an outer layer when conditions are calm and cool. The materials are durable without feeling stiff, the heat is effective and simple to control, and the pocket setup suits real-world jobsite needs. If you already own 20V MAX batteries, it integrates seamlessly into your kit.

Recommendation: I recommend this hoodie to anyone in the DeWalt 20V ecosystem who wants reliable, targeted warmth without the bulk of a heated jacket. It’s not the most windproof option, and you’ll need to manage battery choice to balance weight and runtime, but as a comfortable, durable heated mid-layer, it delivers day after day. If you need full weather protection or don’t have 20V MAX batteries, a heated jacket or a bundle that includes power might serve you better.