What's the difference between a sweater and a sweatshirt?

"Sweater or sweatshirt?" It sounds like a simple question, but the answer matters more than you might think — especially when you're shopping online or building a wardrobe that works for every occasion. These two wardrobe staples are often confused, but they're actually quite different in terms of fabric, construction, style, and when to wear them. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is a Sweater?

A sweater is a knitted garment made from yarn — typically wool, cotton, acrylic, cashmere, or a blend of these fibers. The defining characteristic of a sweater is its knit construction: the fabric is created by interlocking loops of yarn, which gives it a distinctive texture and appearance. Sweaters can range from lightweight and delicate to thick and chunky, depending on the yarn weight and knit pattern used.

Common Sweater Styles

• Cable knit sweater — features a classic twisted rope pattern, cozy and traditional
• Ribbed sweater — vertical ribbing that's form-fitting and versatile
• Turtleneck sweater — high neck that folds over, elegant and warm
• Cardigan — open-front sweater that buttons or zips, great for layering
• Pullover sweater — classic crew or V-neck style pulled over the head
• Sweater vest — sleeveless sweater worn as a layering piece
• Oversized sweater — relaxed, cozy fit perfect for casual styling

When to Wear a Sweater

Sweaters are generally more polished and fashion-forward than sweatshirts. They work well for:

• Work or office environments
• Holiday parties and family gatherings
• Date nights and dinner outings
• Casual chic everyday looks
• Layering over collared shirts or under blazers

What Is a Sweatshirt?

A sweatshirt is a casual, pullover top made from fleece or French terry fabric — a cut-and-sewn cotton blend that's soft, warm, and easy to care for. Unlike sweaters, sweatshirts are not knitted — they're made from fabric that's cut into panels and sewn together, similar to how a t-shirt is made but with a heavier, fleece-lined fabric.

Sweatshirts originated as athletic wear in the 1920s and were designed to be worn during workouts to absorb sweat. Today they've evolved into a fashion staple that comes in countless styles, colors, and graphic prints.

Common Sweatshirt Styles

• Classic crewneck sweatshirt — the original, timeless style with a round neckline
• Hoodie — sweatshirt with an attached hood and usually a front pocket
• Graphic sweatshirt — features printed graphics, slogans, or embellishments
• Oversized sweatshirt — relaxed, cozy fit great for lounging and casual wear
• Cropped sweatshirt — shorter hem that pairs well with high-waist bottoms
• Rhinestone or embellished sweatshirt — dressed-up version with sparkle details

When to Wear a Sweatshirt

Sweatshirts are the ultimate casual comfort piece. They work best for:

• Weekend errands and casual outings
• Lounging at home
• Casual social gatherings
• Athletic activities and outdoor adventures
• Holiday graphic styles (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras, etc.)

Sweater vs. Sweatshirt: Side-by-Side Comparison

Fabric: Sweaters are knitted from yarn (wool, cotton, cashmere, acrylic). Sweatshirts are cut and sewn from fleece or French terry fabric.

Construction: Sweaters have a visible knit stitch pattern. Sweatshirts have a smooth or slightly textured exterior with a soft fleece interior.

Style: Sweaters tend to be more polished and fashion-forward. Sweatshirts are casual and relaxed.

Occasions: Sweaters work for work, dinner, and dressier casual occasions. Sweatshirts are best for casual, athletic, and loungewear settings.

Care: Many sweaters require gentle washing or dry cleaning. Sweatshirts are typically machine washable and easy to care for.

Price: Sweaters (especially in natural fibers) tend to cost more. Sweatshirts are generally more affordable.

Can You Dress Up a Sweatshirt?

Absolutely! The line between sweater and sweatshirt has blurred significantly in recent years. An embellished or rhinestone sweatshirt, for example, can look just as polished as a sweater when styled correctly. Here are some tips for dressing up a sweatshirt:

• Pair with high-waist wide leg jeans and heeled boots
• Tuck the front into a midi skirt for a chic, unexpected look
• Layer under a tailored blazer for a high-low fashion moment
• Add statement jewelry — a bold necklace or hoop earrings instantly elevate any sweatshirt
• Choose an embellished or graphic style that makes a statement on its own

Shop Sweaters & Sweatshirts at Jerry's Apparel

At Jerry's Apparel, we carry a beautiful selection of both sweaters and sweatshirts for women — from cozy cable knit pullovers and ribbed turtlenecks to festive holiday graphic sweatshirts and rhinestone-embellished styles.

• Women's Sweaters — cable knit, ribbed, turtleneck & more
• Women's Hoodies & Sweatshirts — casual, graphic & embellished styles
• Women's Christmas Sweaters — festive holiday knits & ugly sweater styles
• Women's Thanksgiving Sweatshirts — cozy fall graphic styles
• Women's Easter Sweatshirts — cute spring graphic styles

New arrivals added weekly. Shop All Women's Fashion at Jerry's Apparel and find your perfect sweater or sweatshirt today! 🛍️