In the fall or winter, you most likely grab a sweater or sweatshirt when you’re looking for a warm piece of apparel. Maybe on a cold winter’s day, you zip up a sweatshirt to go on a trek, or you throw on a cozy cardigan to sit around a campfire. However, what precisely distinguishes a sweater from a sweatshirt? You’ve probably worn both many times, but do you know the difference? It’s time to settle this age-old fashion debate once and for all.
Are sweaters and sweatshirts the same thing? Sweatshirts are made of jersey fleece, while sweaters are made of knitted material. This is the primary distinction between the two types of clothing. Sweaters and sweaters often have different aesthetics; this is another important distinction. Sweaters can also have a wider variety of textures and designs than sweatshirts.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between sweaters and sweatshirts. You’ll learn how these cozy clothes stack up against one another. Lastly, advice on knowing whether to choose a sweater over a sweatshirt is provided.
Sweatshirts
What is a sweatshirt? A sweatshirt is designed primarily for comfort and leisurewear. It’s usually made of fleece, cotton, or a cotton-polyester blend, giving it a soft, cozy feel. Sweatshirts often have loose, boxy fits, hoods, and elastic cuffs and waistbands. Because of their casual nature, sweatshirts are best for lounging around the house, exercising, or casual weekend wear.
Sweatshirt Origins and Evolution
Sweatshirts, as we know them today, have been around since the 1920s. Originally designed as athletic wear to keep athletes warm before and after practice, sweatshirts were usually made of cotton and featured crew necks and long sleeves. As their popularity grew, sweatshirts began to be produced in a wider range of styles, fabrics, and colors.
In the 1930s, Champion began heavily marketing himself as a custom sweatshirt maker to university athletic teams and students. This helped establish sweatshirts as a fashionable and comfortable casual wear choice for young people. The 1950s saw the rise of screen printing on sweatshirts, allowing for customization with team names, logos, and slogans. This further popularized sweatshirts and connected them to school spirit.
By the 1970s, sweatshirts had entered mainstream fashion. Designers started creating upscale versions made of high-quality materials. At the same time, sweatshirts featuring popular culture references and counterculture messages also became popular. This blend of fashion, comfort, and self-expression has allowed sweatshirts to endure as a wardrobe staple to this day.
Sweaters
A sweater is a garment that can span a range of styles, from casual to formal. Sweaters are often made of materials like wool, cashmere, or acrylic blends, which provide insulation and warmth. Sweaters typically have a more tailored fit and come in styles like crewneck, V-neck, turtleneck, or cardigan. The versatility of sweaters allows them to be dressed up for work with slacks or a skirt or dressed down for the weekends with jeans.
Origin and Evolution
Sweaters have come a long way from their humble beginnings as fishermen’s apparel in the early nineteenth century. Over time, they have developed into stylish garments that are a must-have for any wardrobe. We examine the development of sweaters into what they are today, along with their historical background.
Sweaters have their roots in the early 1800s, when fishermen in Scotland and Ireland wore them as a practical way to stay warm while sailing the high seas. Thick, heavy wool was used to make these early sweaters, which frequently had elaborate patterns and cable knit patterns. Additionally, oil was applied to the wool to help it become water-resistant—a vital need for fishermen venturing out into the weather.
Sweaters were a common fashion accessory for both men and women around the turn of the 20th century. With designs made for certain sports, like tennis or golf, they were nevertheless primarily functional. On the other hand, sweaters became more stylish due to the popularity of Hollywood movies and the development of casual wear. This was particularly true in the 1930s when the iconic V-neck sweater gained popularity thanks to the likes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Due to their usage in military outfits, sweaters remained useful during World War II.
As a result, the clothing gained even greater popularity, and soon after, people started wearing it in more informal situations. Sweaters were a staple of the Ivy League look in the 1950s and 1960s, when many young men’s ensembles included cardigans and V-neck sweaters.
Sweater history is an evolutionary tale. From their humble beginnings as useful clothes for fishermen, they have developed into indispensable articles of apparel that are cherished for their comfort, style, and adaptability. The STPL sweater will become a staple in your wardrobe for years to come, whether you’re dressing it up for a formal event or down for a toasty winter day.
What is the Difference Between a Sweatshirt and a Sweater?
What is the difference between a sweatshirt and a sweater? Sweatshirts and sweaters differ primarily in that the former have knit cotton fleece, while the latter have knitted material. Another significant distinction is that, although a sweater can occasionally be worn as outerwear, a sweatshirt is typically worn over a shirt as outerwear.
The final key difference between a sweatshirt and a sweater is that the former frequently has a more official appearance.
The fact that these two styles of clothes keep you warm is, of course, their biggest commonality!
Kind of Material
Sweatshirts and sweaters differ primarily in that the former have hooded fleece and the latter have knitted or crotched material.
Sweaters can be made of a wide variety of materials. This covers a broad variety of wools, such as cashmere, angora, alpaca, or vicuna, in addition to sheep’s wool. However, they can also include inexpensive, insulating synthetics like acrylic or lightweight, breezy knit cotton yarns for a summery vibe.
Any type of fiber used to create the yarns for a sweater will result in a garment with a unique knit or crocheted structure. A close inspection of a sweater will reveal small loops that interlock to create the appearance of swirls or braids.
This classy kind of clothing can look very lovely and sophisticated! For a more laid-back look, it can also have a coarser, puffier structure composed of big yarns.
On the other hand, hoodies and sweatshirt fleece, also known as brushed cotton knit, are only made of one unique type of fabric—sweatshirt fleece. The process of making this type of fabric involves interlocking small loops of cotton yarn to create a jersey-knit fabric.
The knitted cloth is then run through a second machine that brushes one side of it with fine wire bristles, bringing out a lot of microscopic fibers to produce a soft, fluffy pelt. This indicates that while the exterior of a sweatshirt is similar to that of a t-shirt, the interior is velvety and fuzzy.
Sweatshirts made today mostly consist of polyester or cotton. Polyester is more resilient and less expensive than cotton, but cotton breathes better.
Formalism
Sweatshirts and sweaters differ from one another in another way as well: a sweater usually has a far more formal appearance.
To be more specific, sweatshirts have a limited and casual style, whereas sweaters offer a wide variety of formal and informal fashions.
Sweatshirts are perfect for dashing out to the grocery store, going for a morning hike, spending the day at home, or supporting your preferred high school sports team in the stands on a chilly fall evening.
When worn with trousers and loafers or other business casual pieces, sweaters can look fantastic. Or, for a chic and cozy business ensemble, team a cardigan with a sheath dress and shoes. However, you may also dress sloppily for running errands in a boyfriend sweater and leggings or a big thick-knit sweater and jeans for a night spent around a campfire!
A useful generalization for sweaters is that they will appear fancier if they are knit thinner and finer. Larger sweaters often have a cozier, more relaxed aesthetic.
Design
Sweaters are more adaptable garments that may be worn with a wider variety of outfits than sweatshirts since they have more design variance.
There are several ways to customize the style of sweatshirts. For example, you may make a hoodie by adding a hood or a front-opening sweatshirt by adding a zipper. Additionally, you might come across sweatshirts featuring all kinds of great prints or motifs, such as letters, photos, or emblems from sports teams. However, every sweatshirt still has the same style of hooded fleece material, as well as the same cuffs and ribbed hem.
Conversely, there are a wide variety of forms and styles available for sweaters. These include the classic short-button cardigan that falls at the waist and lengthy sweater dresses. Sweaters can dress up an ensemble like your boyfriend’s stunning business-casual lawyer outfit, grandma’s twinset, or your shabby at-home ensemble of an oversized sweater and leggings.
Collar
Since sweaters can have a variety of necklines and sweatshirts almost always have a crewneck collar, the two clothing items frequently have different collar styles.
Close-fitting neck openings provide a relaxed, informal design, and a crewneck collar resembles the ribbed cotton neck opening found on t-shirts.
Crewneck collars are another element of some fitted sweaters made of fine-knit fabric. However, there are a variety of collar styles available for sweaters, including V-shaped, off-the-shoulder, and turtleneck/mock turtleneck collars.
Hem
Almost all sweatshirts have a characteristic ribbed knit hem, but sweaters frequently have a hem that is sewn or rolled and made of the same material as the body of the garment. Compared to sweaters, this makes the hem of a sweatshirt more obvious.
Additionally, sweaters can be found in a wide range of lengths, including knee, hip, and waist. Unless you purposefully acquire an oversized hoodie look by wearing a bigger size, sweatshirts usually stop around the hips.
Closure
Pullover styles and a range of closures, such as buttons and zippers, are two styles available for sweatshirts and sweaters.
The two most popular styles of sweaters are open fronts with buttons to close them and pullover styles without closures. Additionally, it’s common to come across sweaters designed to be worn loosely in the boyfriend cardigan style, with an open front and no buttons. There are sweaters with zipper closures on occasion, but they are rare since the sweater’s looser yarns can catch in the zipper.
Sweatshirts typically have a full front opening with a zipper closing, a quarter-zip opening at the collar, or a pullover version with a crewneck and no closure.
Sleeves
While sweatshirts typically have the same sleeve style, sweaters can have a wide variety of sleeve styles.
Typically, the sleeves of sweatshirts have a loose cut that tapers to a fitting cotton cuff with ribs at the wrist. There is a lot of flexibility for movement and a spacious vibe to this loose design.
There are countless ways to style the sleeves of sweaters. Some oversized or boyfriend-style sweaters have loose raglan sleeves or even sleeveless vests. There are sweaters with ribbed cuffs and sweaters with fold-over cuffs.
Dressy crewneck sweaters made of a fine kit material come with somewhat looser sweater sleeves, or you can find turtleneck sweaters with sleeves that fit securely and wrap around your arm.
Warmth
When deciding the difference between a sweater and a sweatshirt, think about the level of warmth and casualness you want. Sweaters are typically made of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers and are meant to be layered under jackets for extra warmth. Sweatshirts are more casual, made of cotton, fleece, or a cotton-polyester blend, and are meant as stand-alone tops or light jackets.
If you’re looking for something to layer under a coat in chillier weather, a sweater is probably your best bet. Sweaters come in different thicknesses, from lightweight to chunky cable knit, so you can choose one appropriate for your climate. Slip a sweater under your favorite jacket and you’ll stay cozy no matter what the thermometer says. Sweaters in neutral colors like grey, navy, or camel also make versatile layering pieces that you can mix and match with lots of outfits.
For a comfy top, you can lounge in or wear out running errands; a sweatshirt fits the bill. Sweatshirts are made of softer, more pliant fabrics than most sweaters, so they feel like you’re wearing your favorite blanket. Hooded sweatshirts are ideal for casual wear and keeping your head and neck warm. Sweatshirts also come in trendier styles with graphics, patches, or vintage-inspired details for when you want to look stylish but still be comfortable.
Density
There are a wide variety of thicknesses and weights available for both sweaters and hoodies.
The diameter of the yarn used to knit the material determines the thickness or weight of the garment.
Check the product description for the weight in ounces when purchasing hoodies. Typically, sweatshirt fleece weighs 10 oz, 14 oz for midweight, or 20 oz for very heavy weight. This indicates that the cloth weighs 10, 14, or 20 ounces per square yard.
Price
Sweatshirts and sweaters can range widely in price depending on the brand, fabric type, and design features.
Sweatshirts typically cost around $50, yet this is a little misleading. Sweatshirts from well-known labels can often cost $100 to $200, whereas off-brand or inexpensive sweatshirts are often just $20. Additionally, adding stylish screen printing or other design features can raise the cost.
The average price of a sweater is roughly $50, but this again does not tell the whole story because costs for sweaters vary greatly as well. The price range for inexpensive sweaters made of synthetic materials, such as acrylic, is probably $20 to $30. Conversely, sweaters made of cashmere or alpaca sometimes cost between $300 and $400!
Ideal For
Both sweatshirts and sweaters keep you warm, but sweatshirts are more appropriate for casual settings and sweaters are better for dressier events.
Sweatshirts are appropriate for informal outdoor activities, including hiking, athletic events, and household tasks.
Your sweater can be dressed up or down for church, a family gathering, or even a business-casual look at the office, depending on its style. For relaxing activities at home, you can also opt for more relaxed types of sweaters with their names.
Other Differences
There are a few other diff between sweaters and sweatshirts:
- Sweatshirts typically have pockets, while sweaters usually do not.
- Sweatshirts are usually cheaper to produce and purchase compared to sweaters.
- Sweatshirts are often branded with logos and team names, whereas sweaters typically have minimal branding or logos.
- Sweatshirts are usually machine washable but may shrink, while sweaters often require dry cleaning or hand washing to avoid damage.
While sweatshirts and sweaters are quite similar in their purpose to provide insulation and warmth, there are enough differences in their styling, fit, and materials to distinguish them as separate types of clothing. Both certainly have their place in a comfortable and versatile wardrobe.
What to Look for in a Sweater and Sweatshirt?
Several factors determine whether it’s right for you when shopping for a sweater or sweatshirt. Comfort and quality should be at the top of your list, but style, fit, and versatility also matter.
- Look for natural, breathable fibers like cotton, wool, or cashmere in a sweater. These materials insulate while still allowing airflow. For sweatshirts, cotton and cotton blends will keep you cozy without overheating. Polyester fleece is also a popular choice for sweatshirts. Avoid acrylic, which can feel scratchy against your skin.
- Consider the fit and cut. Do you want something loose and roomy or fitted? Crew neck, v-neck, or hoodie? Long sleeve or short sleeve? The options are endless. Think about how you’ll wear the top to determine the right silhouette. A fitted v-neck sweater pairs nicely with slacks for work, while an oversized hoodie is ideal for lounging.
- Versatile pieces in solid colors or simple patterns will get the most use in your wardrobe. A charcoal grey crew neck sweatshirt or navy v-neck sweater can be dressed up or down and worn with nearly everything in your closet. Stick to neutral, muted shades for maximum versatility.
- High-quality tops may cost a bit more upfront but they will last longer and hold their shape better after repeated wear and washing. Check the stitching and construction for durability. Natural fibers will also age well and may get softer over time.
With the right styling, you can dress either way up or down to suit any occasion. Focus on comfort, quality, fit, and versatility when making your selection.
What is the Difference Between a Wool Sweater and a Sweatshirt?
A wool sweater and a sweatshirt may seem quite similar at first glance, but there are some key differences between a sweater and a sweatshirt.
A traditional sweater is made of wool, cotton, or a wool-cotton blend. Wool sweaters in particular are knitted from sheep’s wool, so they tend to be thicker, warmer, and able to insulate better. Wool is also naturally breathable, so a wool sweater will keep you warm without causing you to overheat. Sweaters typically have a more fitted, tailored look and come in a variety of knitted patterns, like cable knit, fisherman knit, or argyle.
A sweatshirt, on the other hand, is made of a soft, knitted cotton fabric called fleece. Sweatshirts are more casual and loose-fitting, designed primarily for comfort and warmth during physical activity or exercise. The fleece material is lightweight, absorbent, and helps wick moisture away from the body, yet it provides good insulation for its thickness. Sweatshirts often have raglan sleeves for mobility and a loose, boxy cut. They frequently feature sports team logos, school names, or other casual prints.
In summary, the main differences between a wool sweater and a sweatshirt are:
- Material: wool vs. cotton fleece
- Fit: tailored vs. loose and casual
- Purpose: Everyday wear vs. physical activity
- Pattern: Various knitted patterns vs. sports team logos or prints
- Warmth: Thicker wool provides more insulation.
While sweater and sweatshirt differences can serve some of the same purposes, there are distinct attributes to each that make them suited for different situations.
Does a Sweatshirt Count as a Sweater?
Are sweatshirts and sweaters the same thing? A sweatshirt and a sweater are similar types of clothing, but there are a few differences between sweatshirts and sweaters that are good to know. In short, while all sweatshirts can be considered sweaters, not all sweaters are sweatshirts.
A sweatshirt, also known as a hoodie, is a casual, loose-fitting pullover typically made of cotton or a cotton blend. Sweatshirts are designed to be comfortable and cozy. Many sweatshirts feature a hood with drawstrings, a pocket in front, ribbed cuffs, and a waistband to help retain heat. The fabric is usually thicker to provide insulation. Sweatshirts are very casual and meant for lounging, exercise, or outdoor activities.
On the other hand, a sweater refers to a wider range of knitted garments, including sweatshirts, as well as dressier options like cardigans, pullovers, turtlenecks, and vests. Sweaters can be made of not only cotton but also wool, cashmere, and synthetic fabrics. Sweaters vary from lightweight to heavy and from casual to formal in style. You’ll find sweaters suitable for both exercise and professional office attire.
So while a sweatshirt can be considered a type of sweater due to their similarities, not all sweaters meet the definition of a sweatshirt. The key distinguishing factors are:
- Fabric: Sweatshirts typically use heavier, thermal fabrics, while sweaters have a wider range.
- Style: Sweatshirts have a very casual, sporty style, while sweaters include both casual and formal options.
- Features: Sweatshirts often have details like hoods, pockets, and ribbed trim, while sweaters may lack these.
- Fit: Sweatshirts usually have a loose, boxy fit for comfort, while sweaters can be form-fitting or loose.
- Use: Sweatshirts are ideal for exercise and lounging, while sweaters have a wider range of uses, from casual to professional.
While sweatshirts can be considered a cozy type of sweater, not all sweaters can be classified as sweatshirts. The specific features and intended use are what truly set these two wardrobe staples apart.
Conclusion
What is the difference between a sweater and a sweatshirt? Sweaters and sweatshirts may seem similar at first glance, but now you know they’re quite different in their materials, construction, fit, and purposes. Both can have their place in your wardrobe, depending on the weather, the occasion, and your style. Whether you prefer the tailored look of a fine wool sweater or the casual comfort of a fleece sweatshirt, understanding the distinction can help you pick the perfect piece for the moment. Whatever you choose, stay comfy and stylish!
