Difference between Sweatshirt and Sweater: Complete Guide to Styles and Materials

The sweatshirt and the sweater are two popular clothing items that look similar at first glance. However, there are notable differences between these two pieces of clothing in terms of style, materials and use. This guide explains everything you need to know about the difference between a sweatshirt and a sweater.

Style is not just about appearance, it reveals the very essence of a person.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Main characteristics of a sweatshirt

The sweatshirt is a casual, long-sleeved garment, with a round neck and often a hood. Here are its main characteristics:

• Soft fabric such as cotton, polyester or blends
• Interior in fleece for more softness
• Loose, long cut for a sporty look
• Hood adjustable with drawstring
• Classic front pockets of the sweatshirt
• Long sleeves with elastic at the cuffs
• Zipper or buttons on the front

The sweatshirt is a casual item of clothing to wear to feel comfortable. It is ideal for sports activities, casual outings with friends or even on cold days.

• What is the average price of a sweatshirt ?

Main characteristics of a sweater

The sweater is a long-sleeved knitted garment made of thick knit. Here are its properties:

• Warm fabrics such as wool, cotton, alpaca
• Fitted or loose shapes depending on the model
• Round neck, V-neck, turtleneck, funnel neck...
• Long sleeves or three-quarter length
• Patterns various: stripes, jacquard, prints
• Interior sometimes lined for more warmth
• Classic cuts or modern

The sweater is made to warm and protect from the cold. It's a basic to have in your wardrobe for the cold seasons.

• What is the best material for a sweater ?

Differences between a sweatshirt and a sweater

Now that we've seen the characteristics of each item of clothing, let's take a closer look at the notable differences between a sweatshirt and a sweater:

Materials

• The sweatshirt is made of soft and lightweight fabrics such as cotton, polyester or synthetic blends.
• The sweater prefers warm and thick materials such as wool, cashmere, alpaca.

Cut

• The sweatshirt has a loose, long and relaxed cut.
• The sweater can be close-fitting or loose depending on the model, with more classic cuts.

Details

• The sweatshirt often has a hood, a zipper and kangaroo pockets.
• The sweater plays on the patterns, the collars and the finishes to create different styles.

Usage

• The sweatshirt is a casual and sporty garment.
• The sweater is a classic and elegant piece to protect yourself from the cold.

Maintenance

• The sweatshirt supports frequent washing cycles and quick drying thanks to its synthetic materials.

• The sweater in wool or cashmere requires gentle washing by hand or machine at low temperature to maintain its shape.

Find out when and how to wash your sweatshirt with our tips and advice.

Price

• sweatshirts are generally inexpensive items of clothing to shop for. There are models at all prices in cotton, polyester or blends.

• sweaters made from noble materials such as wool, cashmere or fine knit can be expensive pieces. The price depends on the materials used.

Origin

• The sweatshirt comes from American college sports at the beginning of the 20th century.
• The sweater is associated with cold countries such as the United Kingdom or the United States.

Style goes beyond the clothes you wear. It's about assuming who you are and reflecting it with confidence.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

When to wear one or the other ?

The sweatshirt is ideal for sport, relaxing outings with friends, cold days. It is suitable for all ages and goes well with jeans or joggings.

The sweater is an elegant piece for cool days. It can be worn every day, at work or in the evening, and goes with trousers, skirts or dresses.

Conclusion

The sweatshirt and the sweater are both part of the clothing essential for facing the cold seasons. Although they look similar at first glance, their differences in terms of style, materials, use and origin make them complementary pieces in a wardrobe.

The sweatshirt of American origin is ideal for casual outfits with its soft fabric and its loose cut. The European sweater warms with elegance thanks to its thick knits and its worked details.

By knowing the characteristics of these two garments, it is easy to choose the one that suits each situation. The sweatshirt for sport and casual outings, the sweater for cold days and dressy outfits. It’s up to you to compose according to your desires!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a sweatshirt a sweater ?

No, a sweatshirt is not a sweater. Although they look similar, the sweatshirt and the sweater have notable differences in terms of materials, cut, use and origin. The sweatshirt is more casual while the sweater is a classic piece.

What is the difference between sweatshirt and hoodie ?

The hoodie is a type of sweatshirt with a hood. The main difference is that the hoodie always has an adjustable hood while the sweatshirt may or may not have one.

What is the difference between a sweater and a "suite" ?

This is a common translation error. Pull and continued designate the same item of clothing in English, namely the pull-over.

What is the material of a sweatshirt ?

sweatshirts are most often made of cotton, polyester or blends of synthetic fibers. These soft fabrics allow a loose fit and casual wear.

What is the difference between sweatshirt and sweater ?

Sweat shirt and pull are two translations of the English term pull-over. The sweatshirt refers instead to a sweatshirt without a hood.

What is the difference between pullover and sweatshirt ?

Pull over and sweat shirt are two names for the same item of clothing: a sweatshirt without a hood in English. These terms are confusing but have the same meaning.

What is the difference between sweatshirt and hoodie ?

The hoodie is a variation of the sweatshirt with an adjustable hood. The classic sweatshirt may or may not have a fixed hood. This is the main difference between these two casual clothes.

Updated 10 January 2024