Sweatshirt vs. Sweater: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 20, 2023
A sweatshirt is a loose, heavy shirt typically made of cotton and often bears designs, while a sweater is a knitted garment intended to cover the torso and arms for warmth.
Key Differences
A sweatshirt, as the name implies, was initially designed for athletes to wear during their physical activities to induce and absorb sweat. The sweater, on the other hand, emerged as a garment primarily worn to keep warm in colder environments, being made of wool or similar materials.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Sweatshirts usually have a more relaxed fit and might be associated with casual or athletic wear. They often come with a hood, leading to the term "hoodie." Sweaters, however, are more diverse in design, from casual to formal, and do not traditionally have hoods.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
In terms of fabrication, sweatshirts are generally made from cotton or polyester blends, resulting in a thicker and often fleece-like inside. Sweaters are typically knitted, allowing for intricate designs, and are often constructed from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
One prominent visual distinction between a sweatshirt and a sweater is the presence of design or print. Sweatshirts often bear graphics, college names, brand logos, or slogans. In contrast, sweaters might have patterns knitted into them but usually don't have printed designs.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
In the realm of fashion, while sweatshirts are linked with sporty or street style looks, sweaters are versatile, spanning from cozy, casual wear to being paired with formal attire.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Material
Typically cotton or polyester blends
Often wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Additional Features
May come with a hood ("hoodie")
Varying necklines, no hood
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
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Sweatshirt and Sweater Definitions
Sweatshirt
A garment, often with a hood and pocket in the front, designed for comfort or warmth.
When the temperature dropped, she was glad she had her warm sweatshirt.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Sweater
A versatile piece of clothing, knitted in various patterns and styles.
The intricate design on her sweater was a conversation starter.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Sweatshirt
A loose, heavy shirt made from cotton designed for athletic use.
She wore her favorite college sweatshirt to the gym.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Sweater
A knitted garment worn over the upper body for warmth.
She wore a thick wool sweater during the winter months.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Sweatshirt
A casual top, often with long sleeves, made from thick, soft fabric.
He grabbed a sweatshirt before heading out for a morning jog.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
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Sweater
A top that can vary from lightweight to heavyweight depending on its intended use.
She chose a lightweight sweater for the cool summer evening.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Sweatshirt
A pullover shirt that's similar in design to a sweater but made of cotton or fleece.
He chose a sweatshirt over a sweater for the casual party.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Sweater
A pullover or cardigan made of knit or crocheted material.
His cable-knit sweater was a hit at the family gathering.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Sweatshirt
A versatile top that can bear designs, logos, or plain colors and provides a relaxed fit.
Her sweatshirt, adorned with the band's logo, showed her fandom.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Sweater
A garment, often with long sleeves, made to protect against cold weather.
As the breeze turned chilly, he was glad he had his sweater.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Sweatshirt
A usually long-sleeved, collarless pullover made traditionally of heavy cotton jersey that is napped on the interior, sometimes having a hood.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 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
Oct 12, 2023
Sweatshirt
A loose shirt, usually made of a knit fleece, for athletic wear and now often used as casual apparel.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Sweatshirt
A shirt worn against the skin, usually under other clothing, to absorb sweat.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Sweater
A knitted jacket or jersey, usually of thick wool, worn by athletes before or after exercise.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Sweatshirt
Cotton knit pullover with long sleeves worn during athletic activity
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Sweater
(historical) An exploitative middleman who subcontracted piece work in the tailoring trade.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Sweater
(archaic) One who sweats coins, i.e. removes small portions by shaking them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Sweater
A London street ruffian in Queen Anne's time who prodded weak passengers with his sword-point.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
FAQs
What's the primary purpose of a sweatshirt?
A sweatshirt was originally designed for athletic activities, providing comfort and sweat absorption.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
What's the difference in texture between a sweatshirt and a sweater?
Sweatshirts often have a fleece-like inside, while sweaters are knitted and can vary in texture.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Is a sweater more formal than a sweatshirt?
Generally, sweaters can range from casual to formal, whereas sweatshirts are more casual.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Are sweatshirts primarily for sports?
While initially designed for sports, sweatshirts have become popular casual wear.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Can sweatshirts have hoods?
Yes, sweatshirts with hoods are commonly referred to as "hoodies."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Do sweatshirts come in varying thicknesses?
Yes, from lightweight for mild chill to heavier versions for colder weather.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Is a sweater always made of wool?
No, while many sweaters are woolen, they can also be made from cotton, synthetics, or blends.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Is it common to see designs or logos on sweaters?
While sweaters can have knitted patterns, printed designs are more common on sweatshirts.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Can a sweatshirt be made of wool?
It's uncommon, as sweatshirts are typically cotton or polyester, but hybrid designs exist.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Is fleece a common material for sweatshirts?
Yes, many sweatshirts have a fleece-like inside for added warmth and comfort.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Do sweaters only come in solid colors?
No, sweaters can be found in solid colors, patterns, stripes, and various knitted designs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Can a sweater have a zipper?
Yes, sweaters with zippers are often called "zip-up" or "cardigan" sweaters.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Can both sweatshirts and sweaters be worn in the winter?
Yes, both can provide warmth, but the material and thickness determine the degree.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Do sweaters always have long sleeves?
While many do, there are also short-sleeved and sleeveless sweater variants.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Are turtleneck sweaters?
Yes, turtlenecks are a style of sweater with a high, close-fitting collar.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Can sweaters be machine washed?
It depends on the material; many wool sweaters require hand washing or dry cleaning.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
What's a cardigan?
A cardigan is a type of open-fronted sweater, often with buttons or a zipper.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Are all sweatshirts loose-fitting?
Most have a relaxed fit, but some designs are more form-fitting.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Are sweatshirts suitable for all seasons?
While often worn in cooler weather, lightweight versions are suitable for milder temperatures.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Are sweatshirts considered fashionable?
Absolutely, sweatshirts are staples in street style and casual fashion.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 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.
