Winter is coming up, and you are still confused if you should get a fleece-lined sweatshirt or one of those comfy sweaters. Trust me, we all have been there. It is really hard to make an informed choice, especially when both garments seem so similar.
Sweater vs. sweatshirt is a long-running debate in the winter clothing industry; although both might seem very similarly performing, there are still some major differences you, in fact, everyone, should know!
This is why I took some time off and decided to write a blog about an in-depth analysis of sweaters and sweatshirts. Which is better? Which should you get? Stick till last to become an honorary expert on winter clothing.
Main Differences Between Sweater vs Sweatshirts!
Before going any further, how about we understand the basic definitions of both sweaters and sweatshirts? It will help you understand further sections of blogs easily.
What is a sweater?
A sweater is a cloth designed to provide maximum warmth in winter, and it is designed using knitting of various fabrics such as wool, cotton, and synthetic threads. Knitting separates sweaters from any other clothes, as it can mean the incorporation of complex designs and textures, which can immediately set up a mood either for casual gatherings or formal settings.
What is a sweatshirt?
A sweatshirt is another winter garment, however often worn and designed for informal and sports events. Owing to the use of poly-cotton blends along with an inner fleece lining, there is very high insulation inside, making it a viable option for light winters and for people who need a quick-wearing solution for impactful activities like workouts and sports.
Differences between these garments can be explained depending on several factors, such as the use of fabric, method of construction, intended use-case, and care regime.
1 – Fabric Difference:
The biggest difference has to be about the use of fabric; just think about this: Can you use polyester to make sweaters? When knitting can only be performed using threads. Sweaters are mostly made out of threads made using wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers. Wool is often the most used material to make high-quality sweaters.
However, wool and other threaded fabrics can be expensive. Private-label clothing manufacturers started using acrylic to make affordable sweaters that look and perform the same as traditionally knitted sweaters.
Sweatshirts, on the other hand, are made using synthetic materials mostly. Why? Sweatshirts are meant to be a type of activewear clothing and are mostly worn by people looking to enjoy the leisure of these performance fabrics. Polyester, Cotton-blends, and microfiber are used due to their unique serviceability of capturing moisture and being a little stretchable when the situation calls for it.
Compared to the expensiveness of wool, sweatshirts are a little forgiving on pockets when starting a custom clothing line.
2 – Design and Construction:
As mentioned before, sweaters are typically made through knitting or crocheting, which can open up doors to wide design and pattern designing, such as cables, ribbing, and fair aisle designs. Thread knitting is what enables a sweater to stretch and bend according to required need and comfort.
Whereas sweatshirts are always created by stitching fabric panels together, this approach provides a sleeker appearance and generally a tougher garment production. Just take a moment and think: Can knitted threads be as strong as micro-weaved fabrics?
Another point of distinction is that since stitched fabric panels are flatter, it means they are great for holding custom-printed designs and vinyl patches.
3 – Functionalities:
Sweaters, when compared to sweatshirts, are a flexible yet practical addition to the closet. You can either dress up your chic sweaters or dress down, depending on the situation ahead. Sweaters can easily be styled with t-shirts, jackets, and even washed denim collections for warmth and style in chilly weather.
Sweatshirts are also very versatile, but their styling niche is somewhat casual. Sure, you can dress them up as well, but its cases are more tuned towards performance-related needs than anything else. Owing to the use of synthetic fabrics, mostly only gym goers and athletes opt for sweatshirts for casual outings and relaxed evenings in the light winter season.
4 – Care Routine:
Sweaters, since made from thread fibers, require strict hand-washing on a regular basis to preserve their shape and quality. Cotton and acrylic sweaters can be washed in a machine, but still only in mild settings.
However, this is where sweatshirts shine! Their cleaning regime is very simple; just simply throw them inside the washing machine, set the timer, and forget about it. Unlike sweaters, there is no risk of pilling and stretching, but still, it is recommended to use cold water and avoid heat drying, as both of these can damage the inner fleece of your sweatshirt collection.
5 – Which is warmer, sweater vs sweatshirt?
Sweatshirts are made to withstand light, cold weather and have some form of air permeability for athletes’ purposes, which makes them a poor choice for insulation, but sweaters, on the other side, are what you should be going for if maximum warmth is your concern. Their construction has irregularities that can trap air and become highly insulative.
6 – Side Detail: Sweatshirt vs Hoodie
Both of these garment types might look and feel similar to wear, but there are some key differences we all need to be aware of. See, If we take a sweatshirt with a hood, then yes, that can be categorized as a type of hoodie.
But getting into reality, Hoodies, unlike sweatshirts, are mostly made for protection against colder weather and lounging. There are some variants of it for light weather and workout sessions. But still, they are mostly made using heavier materials than sweatshirts. Where sweatshirts are worn for casual and athleisure reasons, hoodies are often opted for streetwear styling.
Hoodies can be of several types:
- Pull-over
- Zip-up
- Raglan Sleeve Hoodie
- Sleeveless
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Types of Sweater Fabrics and Styles
I hope by now, you have gotten the basic gist of which garment does what and for what purposes they are worn. But let’s discuss some of the most popular sweater styles in the market and fabric availability to make your own sweater line in case you want to start your own business one day!
> Sweater Fabrics
Wool Options:
There are many types of wool used to make sweaters. They may differ in their service abilities, but mostly, they are air-capturing to provide that insulative shield against cold.
Here are some types of wools:
- Merino wool for softer and lightweight sweaters.
- Cashmere wool for luxury sweaters.
- Virgin wool for sweaters with extra elasticity.
High GSM Cotton:
Cotton is highly breathable and lightweight, often used for summer clothing, but when it is of higher GSM value, it becomes an excellent choice to make sweaters. Higher GSM means a higher number of fibers tightly woven together.
Acrylic:
Acrylic is a soft, affordable, and lightweight option to make winter sweaters. However, it may feel a bit stuffy and pill more easily as compared to natural fibers.
Fleece:
Fleece is actually made using polyester fibers and is known for its quick drying and soft feel, which makes it perfect not just for sweaters but also for premium sweatshirts.
> Popular Sweater Types for this winter!
Cardigans:
A sweater style that has a front closure, either with buttons or a zipper. Cardigans are a versatile clothing option for everyone looking for style and warmth at the same time.
Turtlenecks:
Turtle neck is a very common sweater style. It comes with a large collar that covers up the entire neck. It is best for those professional meetings or even date nights.
Crew-neck Sweaters:
Crewneck sweaters are timeless essentials for both men and women. Often dressed up for a laid-back style.
V-Neck Style:
V-neck sweaters are great for short kings! They create an illusion of a longer torso and bring forth a sense of sophistication to attire. They can also be worn for multiple purposes.
Pullover Sweaters:
Yet another classic sweater design, as its name suggests. It can only be worn by pulling it over your head. Pullover sweaters are available in the market with many materials, colors, and neckline options.
Modern Sweatshirts everyone should know about!
Sweatshirts are worn by men and women alike; owing to their comfort and easy styling, there are many types of sweatshirts available in the market.
Here are 5 types of sweatshirts for you!
French Terry Sweatshirt:
This sweatshirt features a unique knitting technique, where there are looped fibers on one side and soft piles of yarns on the other side. This combination offers exceptional comfort and an absorbent feel, which provides warmth without being too heavy.
Hooded Sweatshirt:
It is for those who are still stuck in the sweatshirt vs hoodie debate. Designers actually took the liberty to attach a hood to a simple sweatshirt, and believe it or not, this move proved to be very successful. If you have a problem with the weight of hoodies, then these hooded sweatshirts are for you!
Crew-neck Sweatshirt:
Crewnecks are characterized by their round, collarless necklines, which give them a timeless look, and given their simplicity, they can be worn for a variety of occasions.
- For quick styling, consider layering it over shorts for a relaxed vibe.
Quarter-zip Sweatshirt:
This style features a zipper that extends from the collar to about a quarter chest region. The zipper allows for controllable ventilation, which makes it a really good option for both casual and smart-casual occasions.
Fleece Sweatshirts:
Fleece sweatshirts are known for their exceptional softness and warmth. They are quick-drying and lightweight for those cold weathers when you just want to enjoy yourself or lounge around.
For more information, You can check out this recently posted blog!
Click Here: 10 Must-Have Types of Sweatshirts For Every Occasion
Sweatshirt vs Sweater: Which one should you get?
Deciding between 2 such great garments can be a pain; if you have enough savings, then go for both sweatshirts and sweaters. However, always remember to buy good-quality products as they will save you money in the long run.
Now, let’s get to real discussion! See, if you are someone living an active lifestyle and just want a quick solution against that morning chilly weather or for light winters, then you should go for sweatshirts. They are highly versatile and will prove to be very reliable for daily wear.
On the other side, Sweaters offer a more polished, classy look that works for dinners, offices, and even casual hangouts. Since sweaters are made using knitted fabric, it means they are highly insulative and are best for colder weather.
Quick FAQs
What are some differences in sweater vs sweatshirt vs hoodie?
All of these garments may look similar, but sweaters, sweatshirts, and hoodies are structurally as well as functionally different. Here’s how:
- A sweater is a knitted garment meant for warmth.
- A sweatshirt is a soft- fleece lined garment for casual and sporty comfort.
- Meanwhile, hoodies are a type of garment made with heavier material for extra coziness and street style.
Which one is easier to maintain, Sweater vs Sweatshirt?
Sweatshirts have an easier caring routine as opposed to sweaters, which require handwashing and dry cleaning. In fact, you can even wash your sweatshirts in a washing machine and afterward store them anywhere you want without the fear of mold growing on them.
Are there lightweight sweaters like sweatshirts?
Yes! Look for sweaters made with cotton and merino wool. These sweaters are lightweight and can be worn during mild weather or chilly nights.
