Hoodie vs. Pullover — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 7, 2024
A hoodie features a hood for head coverage, typically with a drawstring, whereas a pullover is a broad term for any garment pulled over the head, often lacking a hood.
Difference Between Hoodie and Pullover
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A hoodie is characterized by its built-in hood, providing added warmth and style, often with drawstrings to adjust the hood's fit. On the other hand, a pullover refers to any garment that is worn by pulling it over the head, and it can range from casual sweatshirts to formal sweaters, not necessarily including a hood.
Hoodies are a staple in casual and streetwear fashion, often made from cotton or polyester blends for comfort and durability. Pullovers, while also popular in casual wear, can be found in a variety of materials including wool, cashmere, and synthetic fibers, catering to a wider range of occasions and styles.
While hoodies often feature a front pocket or kangaroo pocket, providing a place to warm hands or store small items, pullovers may or may not have pockets, and their design is usually simpler and more streamlined.
Another distinction is that hoodies can come with zippers, though traditionally they are pulled over the head. This contrasts with pullovers, which are exclusively designed to be worn by pulling them over the head, without the option of opening them at the front.
The cultural associations of hoodies include youth culture, sportiness, and informal settings, whereas pullovers are versatile, crossing boundaries between casual, professional, and formal attire depending on their design and material.
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Comparison Chart
Hood
Yes, with drawstrings
No hood
Material
Commonly cotton, polyester
Wide range including wool, cotton, cashmere
Pockets
Often has a front or kangaroo pocket
May or may not have pockets
Zipper
Can have but not necessary
No zipper, pulled over the head
Cultural Association
Youth, casual, sporty
Versatile, ranging from casual to formal
Compare with Definitions
Hoodie
A sweatshirt with a hood.
She wore her favorite hoodie to the movie night.
Pullover
A garment worn by pulling over the head.
He chose a woolen pullover for the chilly evening.
Hoodie
Often has a front pocket.
She keeps her phone in her hoodie pocket.
Pullover
Typically lacks a hood.
His collection of pullovers is both colorful and diverse.
Hoodie
Can include a zipper.
He prefers zip-up hoodies for ease of wear.
Pullover
Varies in material.
Their new line of pullovers includes eco-friendly materials.
Hoodie
Casual or sporty wear.
His hoodie collection is perfect for his gym sessions.
Pullover
Versatile in style and use.
A pullover can easily transition from day to night attire.
Hoodie
Associated with youth culture.
The brand's hoodies are popular among teenagers.
Pullover
Can be casual or formal.
Her cashmere pullover was perfect for the office party.
Hoodie
A hoodie (in some cases it is also spelt hoody and alternatively known as a hooded sweatshirt) is a sweatshirt with a hood. Hoodies often include a muff sewn onto the lower front, and (usually) a drawstring to adjust the hood opening.
Pullover
A garment, such as a sweater, designed to be put on or taken off over the head. Also called slipover.
Hoodie
A hooded garment, especially a hooded sweatshirt.
Pullover
A sweater that must be put on by pulling it over the head; a sweater without buttons or a zipper in front
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.
Pullover
(weightlifting) An exercise performed lying on the back in which the arms are extended behind the head and exertion lifts the weight above the head.
Hoodie
A young person wearing such a sweatshirt, usually a male, stereotypically associated with antisocial behaviour.
Pullover
An exercise in which the gymnast pulls up from a hang lifting the legs up and over the bar thus rolling into a support position.
Hoodie
(slang) foreskin
Pullover
An instance of a vehicle being pulled over.
Hoodie
The hooded crow, Corvus cornix.
Pullover
A sweater that is put on by pulling it over the head
Common Curiosities
Can hoodies have zippers?
Yes, some hoodies have zippers, although traditional hoodies are pulled over the head.
Are all pullovers made of wool?
No, pullovers can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, cashmere, and synthetic fibers.
Can pullovers be worn for formal events?
Depending on the material and design, some pullovers can be appropriate for formal events.
What is a hoodie?
A hoodie is a type of sweatshirt or jacket with a hood, often including a drawstring to adjust the hood opening and a front pocket.
Is a hoodie considered formal wear?
Generally, hoodies are considered casual wear, not suitable for formal occasions.
Can a hoodie be a pullover?
Yes, a hoodie can be considered a type of pullover if it is designed to be pulled over the head.
Do all hoodies have pockets?
While many hoodies feature a front or kangaroo pocket, not all designs include pockets.
What is the main difference between a hoodie and a pullover?
The main difference is that a hoodie includes a hood, often with drawstrings, whereas a pullover is a broader category that may or may not include a hood.
Why do some people prefer pullovers without hoods?
Some people prefer pullovers without hoods for a more streamlined look or for formal settings where hoods are not appropriate.
What defines a pullover?
A pullover is any garment that is worn by pulling it over the head, typically without front openings or closures.
Are pullovers suitable for winter wear?
Yes, pullovers made of warmer materials like wool or cashmere are suitable for winter.
Can hoodies be worn for sports?
Yes, hoodies are often worn for sports and casual exercise due to their comfort and flexibility.
How do you choose between a hoodie and a pullover?
The choice depends on personal style, the occasion, and weather conditions, with hoodies being more casual and pullovers offering a wider range of uses.
What occasions are hoodies best suited for?
Hoodies are best suited for casual outings, sports, and relaxed settings.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
