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Introduction: The Hunt for the Perfect Dupe
We all know the specific silhouette that has taken over the athleisure world: the oversized, boxy, half-zip hoodie that sits perfectly at the waist. It’s the “off-duty model” uniform. The originator of this trend—the famous Lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-Zip—is iconic, but its price tag of nearly $120 is hard to swallow for a simple cotton sweatshirt.
Enter the AUTOMET Women’s Half Zip Cropped Pullover. This Amazon bestseller has gone viral on TikTok and Instagram as the ultimate budget-friendly alternative. It promises the same structured collar, the same cozy fleece lining, and that specific cropped-but-not-too-cropped length, all for a fraction of the cost.
But does it actually hold up? Is the zipper sturdy? Does the fleece stay soft after washing? In this review, we are swapping out our designer gear for this affordable contender to see if it truly earns its spot in your fall rotation.
Key Features and Design
1. The “Scuba” Silhouette
The defining feature of this sweatshirt is its shape. It features a dropped shoulder and a wide, boxy torso. This is intentional. The extra volume on top contrasts with the cropped hem, creating a waist-snatching effect when paired with high-waisted leggings or biker shorts. It gives you that effortless, sporty look without feeling restrictive.
2. Premium Fleece Lining
Unlike some “performance” hoodies that use cold, slick synthetic materials, the AUTOMET pullover is lined with a thick, brushed fleece. This creates an immediate sensation of warmth and coziness. It’s designed to trap body heat, making it an excellent layer for chilly morning walks, cold gyms, or drafty home offices.
3. The Quarter-Zip Collar
The zipper isn’t just functional; it’s a style element. The heavy-duty metal zipper allows you to customize the look.
- Zipped Up: Creates a funnel neck that keeps the wind out and looks structured (the “Steve Jobs but make it fashion” look).
- Unzipped: Creates a wide, flattering collar that frames the face and allows for necklace layering.
4. Thumb Holes
A small but crucial detail for any activewear enthusiast: thumb holes. The ribbed cuffs extend slightly over the hand and include slits for your thumbs. This keeps the sleeves from riding up when you put on a jacket and adds a bit of extra warmth to your hands on cold days.
Hands-On Experience
First Impressions: Touch and Quality
Out of the package, the sweatshirt feels substantial. It isn’t flimsy. The fabric blend (typically 50% cotton / 50% polyester) has a good weight to it. The exterior has a smooth, matte finish that resists pet hair reasonably well, while the interior is incredibly plush. The zipper moves smoothly without catching on the fabric, which is a common failure point in cheaper hoodies.
The Fit: How Cropped is “Cropped”?
This is the most common question. It is a modest crop. It sits right at the natural waistline.
Sizing Advice: If you are wearing high-waisted leggings (which cover the belly button), this pullover will meet the waistband perfectly, showing no skin. However, if you have a long torso or lift your arms straight up, you might get a peek of midriff. If you prefer an exaggerated, oversized look like the designer version, size up one size. The boxy fit ensures it won’t look sloppy, just cozier.
Styling Realities
We tested this in three scenarios:
- The Gym: It is the perfect pump cover. Easy to strip off once you’re warmed up, but cute enough to wear while stretching.
- Travel: The thick collar acts almost like a neck pillow on a plane. Plus, the thumb holes make it feel secure.
- Zoom Calls: Surprisingly, the collar structure makes it look polished enough for casual video meetings, hiding the fact that you are wearing sweatpants.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Value: Offers the viral “Scuba” look for ~25% of the price. | Hood Weight: The hood is heavy and can pull the neck back slightly if unzipped fully. |
| Warmth: Thick fleece lining is genuinely warm for fall/winter. | Drying: Thick cotton blend takes a long time to dry; do not high heat. |
| Structure: The collar stands up well and holds its shape. | Crop Length: Not adjustable; might be too short for tall torsos. |
| Details: Thumb holes and sturdy metal zipper elevate the feel. | Pilling: Fleece blends may eventually pill in high-friction areas (underarms). |
Comparison: The Battle of the Half-Zips
Is the AUTOMET really comparable to the Lululemon Scuba? Let’s break it down.
| Feature | AUTOMET Half Zip Pullover | Lululemon Scuba Oversized | Basic Target Sweatshirt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price 💰 | Budget ($) | Luxury ($$$) | Budget ($) |
| Interior ☁️ | Fuzzy Fleece (Warm) | Cotton Terry (Breathable) | Thin Fleece |
| Fit 👕 | Boxy / Cropped | Boxy / Cropped | Standard / Long |
| Structure 🏗️ | High (Stiff Collar) | High (Heavy Fabric) | Low (Floppy) |
| Details 🧵 | Thumb Holes, Metal Zip | Thumb Holes, Elastic Pull | Plastic Zip |
Verdict: The Ultimate Fall Essential
The AUTOMET Women’s Half Zip Cropped Pullover is one of those rare “dupes” that stands on its own merit. Even if the designer version didn’t exist, this would still be a fantastic sweatshirt. It solves the problem of finding a warm, stylish layer that flatters high-waisted bottoms.
We recommend this for:
- Active Lifestyle: Perfect for throwing on over a sports bra after yoga.
- Style on a Budget: You get the trending silhouette without the triple-digit investment.
- Comfort Seekers: The fleece lining makes it infinitely cozier than standard terry cloth hoodies.
If you want breathable cotton for summer, look elsewhere. But for a cozy, structured, and stylish layer for Fall 2025, the AUTOMET Half Zip is a must-have in every color.
