Sweater vs. Jumper — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 22, 2023
"Sweater" is the American term for a knitted garment worn over the upper body, while "jumper" is its British equivalent.
Difference Between Sweater and Jumper
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Key Differences
"Sweater" and "jumper" are terms that refer to essentially the same garment but are used differently based on geography. In the United States, people wear a "sweater" when the weather turns cold. This garment, typically made of wool or other warm material, covers the upper body and often has long sleeves. Conversely, in the United Kingdom and some other parts of the world, this same item is called a "jumper."
Interestingly, the terms "sweater" and "jumper" are sometimes used interchangeably by fashion brands or designers looking to cater to a global audience. This can create a bit of confusion for shoppers, especially online, but context usually clarifies the intended meaning. It's worth noting that both terms convey the idea of warmth and comfort, suitable for chillier climates.
The etymology of the two words also provides insight into their usage. "Sweater" suggests the function of the garment: to induce sweating or keep warm. On the other hand, "jumper" might have its roots in the French word 'jumper,' meaning to jump or leap, though its connection to the garment is less direct.
While "sweater" remains the predominant term in American English, "jumper" is widely accepted and understood in British English. However, language and fashion continually evolve, and the globalization of fashion means that more people around the world are becoming familiar with both terms.
Comparison Chart
Regional Usage
Predominantly American English
Predominantly British English
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Material
Typically knitted from wool or other warm materials
Typically knitted, material may vary
Garment Type
Upper body garment, usually with long sleeves
Upper body garment, similar in design
Etymology
Related to inducing sweat/keeping warm
Possibly from French 'jumper' (to jump)
Globalization Effect
Used by international brands to cater to U.S. audience
Used by international brands for U.K. or global audience
Compare with Definitions
Sweater
A garment designed for warmth.
As winter approached, he took out all his sweaters from storage.
Jumper
A sleeveless dress or a skirt that has an attached bib and is worn over a blouse or sweater.
Sweater
Often made of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
Her cashmere sweater was incredibly soft and comfortable.
Jumper
A British term for a knitted upper body garment.
She bought a new jumper from a shop in London.
Sweater
A knitted garment covering the upper body.
She wore a thick woolen sweater to fend off the cold.
Jumper
Can be made of various materials, including wool.
His jumper, made of merino wool, was his favorite.
Sweater
May be pullover or cardigan style.
He preferred zip-up sweaters over the pullover kind.
Jumper
Typically has long sleeves and might be patterned.
The jumper had a beautiful Nordic pattern on it.
Sweater
A popular garment in cold climates or seasons.
Every Christmas, she'd get a new festive sweater.
Jumper
One that jumps.
Sweater
A sweater or pullover, also called a jumper in British and Australian English, and a windcheater in parts of Australia, is a piece of clothing, typically with long sleeves, made of knitted or crocheted material, that covers the upper part of the body. When sleeveless, the garment is often called a slipover or sweater vest.
Jumper
A type of coasting sled.
Sweater
A garment for the upper body of wool, cotton, or synthetic yarn, typically knitted, having long sleeves, and worn in cold weather.
Jumper
(Electricity) A wire or cable used temporarily to complete a circuit or to bypass a break in a circuit.
Sweater
One that sweats, especially profusely.
Jumper
(Basketball) See jump shot.
Sweater
Something that induces sweating; a sudorific.
Jumper
A saddle horse that has been trained to jump over obstacles.
Sweater
A knitted jacket or jersey, usually of thick wool, worn by athletes before or after exercise.
Jumper
A loose, protective garment worn over other clothes.
Sweater
(US) A similar garment worn for warmth.
Jumper
Often jumpers A child's garment consisting of straight-legged pants attached to a biblike bodice.
Sweater
One who sweats (produces sweat).
Jumper
Chiefly British A pullover sweater.
Sweater
One who or that which causes to sweat.
Jumper
See jumpsuit.
Sweater
A diaphoretic remedy.
Jumper
Someone or something that jumps, e.g. a participant in a jumping event in track or skiing.
Sweater
(historical) An exploitative middleman who subcontracted piece work in the tailoring trade.
Jumper
A person who attempts suicide by jumping from a great height.
Sweater
(archaic) One who sweats coins, i.e. removes small portions by shaking them.
Jumper
A short length of electrical conductor, to make a temporary connection. Also jump wire.
Sweater
A London street ruffian in Queen Anne's time who prodded weak passengers with his sword-point.
Jumper
(electricity) A removable connecting pin on an electronic circuit board.
Sweater
(transitive) To dress in a sweater.
Jumper
A long drilling tool used by masons and quarry workers, consisting of an iron bar with a chisel-edged steel tip at one or both ends, operated by striking it against the rock, turning it slightly with each blow.
Sweater
One who sweats.
Jumper
(US) A crude kind of sleigh, usually a simple box on runners which are in one piece with the poles that form the thills.
Sweater
One who, or that which, causes to sweat
Jumper
A jumping spider.
Sweater
A crocheted or knitted garment covering the upper part of the body
Jumper
The larva of the cheese fly.
Sweater
A person who perspires
Jumper
One of certain Calvinistic Methodists in Wales whose worship was characterized by violent convulsions.
Jumper
(horology) A spring to impel the star wheel, or a pawl to lock fast a wheel, in a repeating timepiece.
Jumper
(basketball) A shot in which the player releases the ball at the highest point of a jump; a jump shot.
Jumper
A nuclear power plant worker who repairs equipment in areas with extremely high levels of radiation.
Jumper
(video games) A platform game based around jumping.
Jumper
A woollen sweater or pullover.
Jumper
A loose outer jacket, especially one worn by workers and sailors.
Jumper
(US) A one-piece, sleeveless dress, or a skirt with straps and a complete or partial bodice, usually worn over a blouse by women and children; pinafore.
Jumper
(usually plural, jumpers) Rompers.
Jumper
(transitive) To connect with an electrical jumper.
Jumper
One who, or that which, jumps.
Jumper
A long drilling tool used by masons and quarrymen.
Jumper
A rude kind of sleigh; - usually, a simple box on runners which are in one piece with the poles that form the thills.
Jumper
The larva of the cheese fly. See Cheese fly, under Cheese.
Jumper
A name applied in the 18th century to certain Calvinistic Methodists in Wales whose worship was characterized by violent convulsions.
Jumper
Spring to impel the star wheel, also a pawl to lock fast a wheel, in a repeating timepiece.
Jumper
A loose upper garment
Jumper
A sleeveless one-piece dress, either with full shoulders or straps, sometimes with only the front part of the bodice, usually worn by women with a blouse underneath.
Jumper
A thing that jumps; esp., any of various tools or other contrivances operating with a jumping motion;
Jumper
A short wire, or a small plastic object containing such a short wire, used to optionally connect or disconnect two points in an electronic circuit, so as to include or exclude portions of the circuit and thus modify the function of the circuit. Such jumpers are much used to adapt add-on circuit boards for different conditions or functions within a computer.
Jumper
To insert a jumper{2} between the two contacts in (a circuit). See 2nd jumper.
Jumper
An athlete who competes at jumping
Jumper
An athlete who bounds or leaps (as in basketball)
Jumper
A small connector used to make temporary electrical connections
Jumper
A loose jacket or blouse worn by workmen
Jumper
A sleeveless dress resembling an apron; worn over other clothing
Jumper
A player releases the basketball at the high point of a jump
Jumper
Often associated with warmth and comfort.
On chilly days, a thick jumper is essential.
Jumper
A staple in British winter fashion.
Jumpers with festive themes are popular during the holidays.
Common Curiosities
Are all sweaters made of wool?
No, sweaters can be made from cotton, synthetic fibers, or other materials.
Can a sweater be sleeveless?
Yes, there are sleeveless versions of sweaters, often called "sweater vests."
Are sweaters and jumpers only for winter?
While they're popular in colder weather, lighter versions can be worn in cooler summer evenings.
Are sweaters and jumpers the same thing?
Essentially, yes. "Sweater" is the American term, and "jumper" is the British term for the same garment.
Why is it called a "jumper" in the UK?
The term's origin is unclear but may come from the French word 'jumper,' meaning to jump.
How do I care for my sweater/jumper?
Care depends on the material, but many require gentle washing and flat drying.
What's a cardigan?
A cardigan is a type of sweater/jumper that opens at the front, often with buttons.
Can the term "jumper" refer to anything else in British English?
Yes, "jumper" can also refer to a pinafore dress in British English.
Is a hoodie considered a sweater or jumper?
A hoodie can be considered a type of sweater or jumper, but it has a hood and often a front pocket.
How did the term "sweater" originate?
It likely comes from the garment's ability to induce sweating or provide warmth.
Do men wear jumpers too?
Yes, jumpers (and sweaters) are worn by both men and women.
What's a Christmas jumper/sweater?
It's a festive-themed garment worn during the holiday season, often with colorful and fun patterns.
Can sweaters/jumpers be formal wear?
Depending on the design and material, some can be worn in formal settings, especially finer knits.
Do sweaters/jumpers come in different neck designs?
Yes, they can have various necklines, like crew neck, V-neck, turtleneck, and more.
Is "jumper" understood in the US?
While "sweater" is more common, many Americans understand "jumper" due to global fashion trends.
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Written 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.
