Hutts were a massive slug-like species who had large mouths and stubby arms. They had three lungs. They were tough and muscular with thick leathery skin, which was wrinkled and slimy. Hutts often had watery eyes and slack facial expressions. Their tails were supported by a skeletal spine and allowed Hutts to propel themselves through muck which legs would sink into. Despite their legendary adult size, Hutts started out as tiny Huttlets less than half a meter in height.

Their homeworld of Nal Hutta had a hot atmosphere and was frequently streaked by greasy rains, creating a fetid sauna in which Hutts were most comfortable. Hutts could live for centuries—Jabba was 604 when he was killed—and could grow to enormous sizes.

Hutts were not known for being healthy. Some Hutts suffered from a genetic defect that caused their skin to be bereft of pigment and prone to cracking.

In the very early days of the Hutt species, their tribal warriors would wear Hutt battle armor into combat against their foes. This armor increased their strength, dexterity and speed, and provided protection from most light blaster fire. The Hutts also added micro repulsors to make it lighter and easier to maneuver, and armed with two wrist mounted blasters as well as an A-Web heavy repeating blaster. Unfortunately, as the Hutts evolved and became larger, they could no longer use this type of armor.