Sweatshirt vs. Hoodie — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 30, 2024
A sweatshirt is a long-sleeved, pullover garment, typically made from heavy cotton, while a hoodie includes a hood, often coming with a drawstring to adjust the hood size.
Difference Between Sweatshirt and Hoodie
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Key Differences
Sweatshirts and hoodies are popular casual wear items found in nearly everyone's wardrobe, offering comfort and warmth. The primary distinction lies in the hood: sweatshirts are hoodless, focusing on simplicity and comfort, whereas hoodies feature a hood, adding an extra element of warmth and privacy. This key difference affects styling, functionality, and the settings in which each might be preferred.
The origins of the sweatshirt date back to the early 20th century, designed as a practical solution for athletes to keep warm before and after competitions without overheating. Hoodies emerged later, adding the hood for workers in cold New York warehouses. This historical context reflects the sweatshirt's emphasis on warmth and the hoodie’s additional protection against the elements.
In terms of versatility, both garments serve as foundational pieces in leisure and athletic wear. Sweatshirts are often favored for a cleaner, more understated look suitable for a range of casual and semi-casual settings. Hoodies, with their added hood and often a front pocket, provide a relaxed, streetwear vibe that has been embraced by youth culture and fashion.
Design variations also set them apart. Sweatshirts can come in a variety of styles, including crew necks and V-necks, without deviating from their basic form. Hoodies may include features like zippers (making them zip-up hoodies), pockets, and adjustable drawstrings for the hood, offering more flexibility in how they are worn and styled.
Despite these differences, both sweatshirts and hoodies are made from similar materials, typically cotton or a cotton-polyester blend, ensuring comfort and breathability. Their design focuses on warmth and comfort, making them staples for cooler weather or as layers in cold conditions.
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Comparison Chart
Hood
No hood
Includes a hood, often with drawstrings
Origin
Early 20th century for athletes
Added hood for workers in cold environments
Style
Simplicity and comfort
Relaxed, streetwear vibe
Versatility
Casual and semi-casual settings
More casual, embraced by youth culture
Design Variations
Crew necks, V-necks
Zip-up options, pockets, drawstrings
Compare with Definitions
Sweatshirt
Typically made from heavy cotton or a cotton blend.
The cotton blend sweatshirt kept her warm during the fall hike.
Hoodie
A sweatshirt with an added hood, possibly with drawstrings.
She pulled the hood up on her hoodie as it started to rain.
Sweatshirt
Originated as athletic wear.
Athletes often wear sweatshirts during warm-up sessions.
Hoodie
Often includes a front pocket.
His hoodie's front pocket was handy for storing his phone and keys.
Sweatshirt
A long-sleeved, pullover garment without a hood, made for warmth and comfort.
He wore a plain gray sweatshirt to the gym.
Hoodie
Associated with youth culture and streetwear.
The graphic hoodie featured bold designs popular among teenagers.
Sweatshirt
Favored for its simplicity and versatility.
A black sweatshirt is a must-have for any casual wardrobe.
Hoodie
Can feature zippers for an open-front style.
He zipped up his hoodie as the evening grew cooler.
Sweatshirt
Offers a clean, understated look.
For the meeting, he chose a navy sweatshirt with a collared shirt underneath.
Hoodie
Provides extra warmth and privacy.
Wearing a hoodie with the hood up gave her a sense of privacy in the crowded cafe.
Sweatshirt
A usually long-sleeved, collarless pullover made traditionally of heavy cotton jersey that is napped on the interior, sometimes having a hood.
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.
Sweatshirt
A zippered jacket of a similar material and design.
Hoodie
A hooded garment, especially a hooded sweatshirt.
Sweatshirt
A loose shirt, usually made of a knit fleece, for athletic wear and now often used as casual apparel.
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.
Sweatshirt
A shirt worn against the skin, usually under other clothing, to absorb sweat.
Hoodie
A young person wearing such a sweatshirt, usually a male, stereotypically associated with antisocial behaviour.
Sweatshirt
Cotton knit pullover with long sleeves worn during athletic activity
Hoodie
(slang) foreskin
Hoodie
The hooded crow, Corvus cornix.
Common Curiosities
What materials are sweatshirts and hoodies made from?
Both are usually made from cotton or a cotton-polyester blend for comfort and breathability.
Do all hoodies have front pockets?
While common, not all hoodies have front pockets. Some designs may omit the pocket for a sleeker look.
How should a hoodie fit?
A hoodie should fit comfortably, allowing room for layering underneath without being too baggy.
Can either garment be customized?
Yes, both sweatshirts and hoodies are popular choices for customization with prints or embroidery.
What defines a hoodie?
A hoodie is a type of sweatshirt that includes a hood, often with drawstrings.
Can sweatshirts have zippers?
Typically, sweatshirts do not have zippers; those with zippers are generally referred to as zip-up hoodies.
Can sweatshirts be worn for sports?
Yes, sweatshirts were originally designed as athletic wear and are still used for sports and warm-ups.
What’s the best way to style a hoodie for a casual outing?
Pairing a hoodie with jeans and sneakers creates a comfortable yet stylish casual outfit.
What is a sweatshirt?
A long-sleeved, pullover garment without a hood, designed for warmth and comfort.
Are hoodies more casual than sweatshirts?
Yes, hoodies are often considered more casual, partly due to the relaxed vibe provided by the hood.
Are sweatshirts suitable for layering?
Yes, their simple design makes sweatshirts ideal for layering under jackets or over shirts.
Can hoodies be worn in professional settings?
While generally casual, certain styles of hoodies can be styled for creative or relaxed professional environments.
What’s the difference in maintenance between a sweatshirt and a hoodie?
Maintenance is similar for both; however, hoodies with drawstrings may require extra care to prevent the strings from tangling or pulling out during washing.
Is there a significant price difference between sweatshirts and hoodies?
The price can vary based on brand, material, and design, but hoodies may be slightly more expensive due to the added hood and possible additional features like pockets and drawstrings.
Are sweatshirts warm enough for winter?
Sweatshirts can provide warmth in winter, especially when layered with other clothing.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
