Sweater vs. Hoodie: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 13, 2023
A "Sweater" is a knitted garment worn over the upper body, while a "Hoodie" is a pullover or zip-up sweatshirt with a hood.
Key Differences
Both the Sweater and the Hoodie are popular clothing items designed to provide warmth. The primary purpose of a Sweater is to insulate against the cold, often crafted from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. The Hoodie, while also offering warmth, frequently comes with a more casual or sporty connotation, often made from materials like fleece or a cotton-polyester blend.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
The defining characteristic of a Sweater is its knit construction. Whether it's a cardigan, v-neck, or crew neck, the Sweater is versatile in style and can range from casual to formal. In contrast, the Hoodie, characterized by its hood, usually has a more relaxed and casual style, suited for athletic or informal settings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
A Sweater can be donned as part of a stylish ensemble, sometimes layered with other clothing like shirts or blazers. Its design can be intricate with patterns or simple and plain. Conversely, a Hoodie is often linked with leisure or sporty activities, its design frequently boasting logos or graphics, with the added utility of a pocket in front and sometimes drawstrings for the hood.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Lastly, while both the Sweater and the Hoodie offer warmth, the Sweater is often perceived as a classic or timeless piece of attire suitable for various occasions. The Hoodie, on the other hand, embodies a youthful and modern vibe, especially popular among younger generations.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Material
Often wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
Usually fleece or a cotton-polyester blend.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
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Sweater and Hoodie Definitions
Sweater
A clothing item designed to provide warmth.
He put on his favorite sweater before going out.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
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Hoodie
A pullover or zip-up garment offering warmth.
The chilly weather made her grateful for her thick hoodie.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Sweater
A piece often layered with other clothing.
She styled her outfit with a cardigan sweater over her blouse.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Sweater
A garment that can range from casual to formal.
For the dinner party, he chose a fine-knit sweater.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Hoodie
A garment frequently with front pockets and drawstrings.
She adjusted the drawstrings of her hoodie to tighten the hood.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
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Sweater
A clothing piece made from various materials.
The cotton sweater was perfect for the breezy evening.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Hoodie
A casual garment often worn in leisure settings.
On weekends, he preferred lounging in his hoodie.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Sweater
A knitted garment worn over the upper body.
She wore a cozy wool sweater during winter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Hoodie
A sweatshirt often made of fleece or cotton blends.
The soft fleece hoodie became her go-to comfort wear.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Sweater
A garment for the upper body of wool, cotton, or synthetic yarn, typically knitted, having long sleeves, and worn in cold weather.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Hoodie
A sweatshirt with an integral hood and, sometimes, a large kangaroo pocket at the front.
You can buy hoodies on the cheap in summer.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Hoodie
A young person wearing such a sweatshirt, usually a male, stereotypically associated with antisocial behaviour.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Sweater
A knitted jacket or jersey, usually of thick wool, worn by athletes before or after exercise.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Sweater
(historical) An exploitative middleman who subcontracted piece work in the tailoring trade.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Sweater
(archaic) One who sweats coins, i.e. removes small portions by shaking them.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Sweater
A London street ruffian in Queen Anne's time who prodded weak passengers with his sword-point.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
FAQs
Can a sweater be sleeveless?
Yes, there are sleeveless versions of sweaters, often called sweater vests.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Do all hoodies have zippers?
No, hoodies can be pullovers without zippers or zip-up styles.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Is a hoodie considered formal wear?
Generally, hoodies are seen as casual or sporty attire and not formal wear.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
What's the difference between a sweater and a jumper?
In American English, a jumper is a sleeveless dress or a pinafore. In British English, "jumper" is synonymous with "sweater."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can sweaters have hoods?
Yes, some sweaters have hoods, blending features of both garments.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Are all sweaters made of wool?
No, sweaters can be made from wool, cotton, synthetic fibers, and other materials.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Is a hoodie thicker than a sweater?
Not necessarily. The thickness depends on the material and design, not the classification.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Can hoodies have graphics or logos?
Yes, many hoodies feature graphics, logos, or designs, adding to their casual look.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Can I wear a sweater to a formal event?
Depending on its design and the nature of the event, a sweater can be suitable for formal occasions.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Is a hoodie suitable for exercising?
Yes, many people wear hoodies for workouts or sports, especially in cooler conditions.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
