AUTOMET Half Zip Pullover Review: Worth it?

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You have probably seen this sweatshirt all over TikTok labeled as the “ultimate dupe” for the Lululemon Scuba hoodie. Whenever I see something go viral for being a cheaper alternative to a high-end staple, I get skeptical. Usually, the fabric pills after one wash, or the zipper gets stuck immediately.

I bought the AUTOMET Half Zip Cropped Pullover to see if it actually holds up to daily abuse or if it’s just another fast-fashion throwaway. I wore it for a week straight—working from home, running errands, and even sleeping in it once—to give you the real breakdown.

The ‘Truth’ Test

Let’s cut to the chase: Is it a perfect replica of the ~$30 version? No. But for the price, it is shockingly close. The silhouette is almost identical—boxy, cropped, and oversized in the sleeves. If you are buying this strictly for the aesthetic, you will be happy.

However, the difference is in the weight. The AUTOMET is lighter. It lacks that heavy, structured “scuba” feel that sucks you in. Instead, it feels like a standard, cozy fleece sweatshirt. It’s warm, but wind cuts right through it. If you want the look without spending triple digits, this works. If you want technical performance fabric, keep looking.

️ Build & Design Audit

When I first pulled it out of the vacuum-sealed bag (which always makes clothes look terrible initially), I noticed the fabric blend immediately. It’s a mix of rayon and polyester. It feels soft on the inside—very fuzzy fleece—but the outside has a matte, cotton-like touch.

The Zipper: This is usually where budget hoodies fail. The zipper here is plastic with a metal pull tab. It’s a bit stiff. It doesn’t glide seamlessly up and down; I had to use two hands to zip it past the collar seam. It hasn’t broken yet, but it doesn’t inspire total confidence.

The Thumbholes: Yes, it has them. They are reinforced with extra stitching, which is a nice touch. On some cheap tops, the thumbhole is just a raw slit in the fabric that frays instantly. These are properly hemmed. However, the placement is a little high, so if you have long arms, it might tug at the web of your hand.

The Hood: The hood is heavy. It’s double-lined, which makes it look expensive and hold its shape well. It doesn’t flop over flat; it stands up a bit, giving that structured look around the neck that people love.

⚙️ Real-World Performance

I put the sweatshirt through a few specific scenarios to see how it handled actual wear.

The “Reaching for Coffee” Test (Fit): Because this is cropped, lifting your arms is risky. I am 5’6″, and when I reached up to a high shelf, this pulley exposed my stomach completely. If you are wearing high-waisted leggings, you are fine. If you are wearing mid-rise jeans, be prepared for a draft. It sits right at the waistline, not below it.

The Wash Test: I washed it on cold and tumble dried it on low. I was worried about shrinkage given the cropped length. Good news: it didn’t shrink noticeably. Bad news: the fleece lining inside shed quite a bit. My black leggings were covered in little fuzzies after the first wear. You absolutely need to wash this inside out alone before wearing it over dark clothes.

Temperature Regulation: It traps heat well indoors. I found myself unzipping it halfway through the day because the fleece doesn’t breathe very well. It’s great for a chilly morning start, but if you are power walking or cleaning the house, you might overheat.

The Downsides (Critical)

It’s not all positive. Here are the issues that annoyed me during the week:

1. The “Choke” Effect: Because the hood is heavy and double-lined, it naturally pulls the collar backward. If you have the zipper down, it’s fine. If you zip it all the way up, the weight of the hood pulls the front collar against your throat. I found myself constantly pulling the sweatshirt forward to relieve the pressure.

2. Inconsistent Pocket Placement: The kangaroo pocket is placed quite high on the torso due to the cropped cut. It feels awkward to put your hands in them for long periods because your elbows end up bent at a sharp angle. It’s more decorative than functional.

3. Lint Magnet: The outer fabric attracts pet hair and dust like crazy. I have a cat, and within ten minutes of sitting on the couch, the black version of this hoodie looked gray. You will need a lint roller nearby if you buy a dark color.

Pros/Cons Table

Head-to-Head

AUTOMET vs. The “Big Brand”

The name-brand hoodie uses a dense, breathable cotton terry that feels heavy and substantial. It has distinct ribbing on the sides and back that helps with mobility. The AUTOMET lacks those side panels; it’s just a straight cut of fabric. The AUTOMET is also significantly warmer because of the fuzzy fleece lining, whereas the expensive version is loop-back terry (cooler). If you want warmth, pick AUTOMET. If you want fit and longevity, the expensive one wins.

AUTOMET vs. Generic H&M/Zara Basics

Compared to a standard store-bought hoodie, the AUTOMET has better structure. The collar actually stands up, whereas cheaper mall-brand hoodies tend to have floppy collars that look messy. For the price, the AUTOMET looks more “styled.”

Expert Verdict

The AUTOMET Half Zip Cropped Pullover is a solid win for anyone looking to update their casual wardrobe without spending a fortune. It looks trendy, feels cozy, and survived the wash test.

Who is this for? People who love high-waisted leggings, work from home, or want a warm layer for school runs. It fits the “clean girl aesthetic” perfectly.

Who should avoid it? If you have a long torso, you will find this too short. If you are sensitive to fabrics touching your neck (the heavy hood issue), skip this. And if you hate lint rolling your clothes, avoid the black colorway.