Off-duty means different things to different people.

For some, it’s a pair of joggers worn with a baggy gym top.

For those more discerning men, however, the ambassador of all things off-duty is a classic combination of selvedge denim and grey crewneck sweatshirt.

The term “wardrobe essential” is one you’ll see in abundance if you frequent the GQ style pages, but along with the plain white tee, a grey sweatshirt is truly deserving of the title.

Treading that fine line between cozy enough to lounge around the house in while wearable to brunch (layered over a T-shirt) or date night (over a pale-blue Oxford shirt), it's an unapologetically basic piece with major styling versatility.

Don’t believe us? Just look to men’s style icons through the ages.

From Steve McQueen’s turn in The Great Escape to Eddie Murphy’s in Beverly Hills Cop, to more contemporary dressers such as the two best-dressed Ryans in Hollywood (Gosling and Reynolds), the grey sweatshirt has more than proved its worth.

That being said, not all are created equal.

Whether you’re looking for a plain grey sweatshirt or an elevated, logo-adorned option, we’ve rounded up our pick of the very best you can buy. Welcome to the club…

Arket

A high-street label known for nailing the basics, Arket's grey sweatshirt is a pin-up among its many wardrobe essentials.

While its French terry sweatshirt is a bestseller, our pick is this slightly heavier option for an extra cozy feel.

The relaxed fit and dropped shoulders make it all the chicer. 

Officine Générale

From the brand behind some of this season's most memorable tailoring, this Officine Générale sweatshirt is the cream of the crop.

Influenced by its chic French hometown, references to Paris don't merely come from the chest logo but the contemporary cut and the refined details.  

Cos

For an out-and-out laid-back sweatshirt, Cos takes the staple to the next level in a waffle knit.

A mainstay of leisurewear, it gives this piece particularly strong work-from-home appeal, yet is sure to inject an effortless sense of cool when layered beneath a sweeping wool overcoat.  

Thom Brown

No one can elevate a staple quite like Thom Browne.

Extremely comfortable with a neutral colour palette, this Japanese-made grey sweatshirt is given the high-end treatment with its signature four stripes to the sleeve and stitched label to the body.

Undo the mother-of-pearl buttons and you'll even catch a glimpse of the red, white and blue accents the designer is known for.

Just excellent. 

Ami

The Ami de Coeur logo is leaving just as strong a mark on menswear these days as the classic chest emblems of Fred Perry and Ralph Lauren.

Embroidered on this heavyweight cotton jersey sweatshirt, it's a motif that's sure to boast the same playful impact for many years to come.  

Reiss

Reiss' move into more relaxed, athleisure-inspired apparel has been one most welcome in a year when, let's face it, there's much less need for tailoring.

Case in point: this uber-soft grey sweatshirt.

Soft on the skin and in its shade of choice, there's even a pair of coordinating joggers should you want to add some luxe appeal to your loungewear.  

Nike

Nike's large Futura chest logo gives this grey sweatshirt some unapologetic 1990s appeal, crying out to be worn with some stone-wash jeans and chunky trainers.

Fittingly, 90 is a number of considerable note here.

The sportswear label's eco-conscious approach to its essentials line means that 90 percent of the materialization here comes from recycled, organic fibres.  

Sunspel

A stand-out product among its elevated basics, Sunspel's grey melange sweater is about as refined as it gets.

It boasts every feature you could ask for on a perfect grey sweatshirt, from the neat fit to the V-stitch insert.

The traditional loopback construction means it's soft and insulating without feeling stuffy, making it a go-to for all seasons.  

Casablanca

If you're going to opt for a graphic motif on your wardrobe staple, look no further than Casablanca.

We're particularly fond of this Dalmatian graphic.

Inspired by après sport style, it's sure to be your go-to sweater through the winter season. 

Moncler Genius

Far be it for us to say there's anything wrong with plain old grey, but if it all feels a bit too monochromatic look to Moncler to liven things up with all the colours of the rainbow.

Applied to its appliquéd chest logo, on a mid-weight melange cotton jersey, it offers a bolder take on the classic without compromising coziness.