Bamboo sweater or sweatshirt, what is the difference

Short answer: A bamboo sweater and a sweatshirt are often used for the same thing, but in practice a sweatshirt is usually made from soft sweat fabric, while a sweater is more often knitted. Both are pulled on over the head. Here is how the words fit together, and what to look for.

The words in daily life

Pullover simply means a top you pull over the head, without buttons or a zip. Sweater and sweatshirt are often used loosely for the same kind of top, but each has its own origin. You cannot always tell from the name alone what the fabric is, so always read the description.

What a sweatshirt is

A sweatshirt is typically made from sweat fabric, which is soft and lightly brushed on the inside. It often has a round neck and elastic at the sleeves and hem. See the bamboo sweatshirt for women and read the description to get an idea of how the fabric feels and falls.

What a bamboo sweater is

A sweater is often a knitted top with a visible texture in the stitches, and it usually feels a little coarser than a sweatshirt. In American English the word is also used for sweatshirts, so the name can mean something different depending on who uses it. That is why you should look at the fabric.

Bamboo in a sweater and in a sweatshirt

Bamboo clothing is made from viscose from bamboo, and the fabric feels soft and falls calmly. A bamboo sweater can be thin and airy, while a bamboo sweatshirt is often a little firmer. Read the composition and the description so you know what you get and how thick the top is.

What the word says about fit

The name does not say much about how the top fits, because both sweatshirts and sweaters come in loose and close fits. Measure a top you already like and compare with the size guide. Check the length and sleeves, so you know whether the top suits your body.

Layers and warmth

All three types can be worn as a mid layer or as the outer layer indoors. A knitted sweater often has more air in the knit, while a sweatshirt lies closer. Put bamboo tops for women next to the skin and add the top over it, and you can adjust the warmth through the day.

Washing and caring

Follow the care label, because it depends on the fabric, not on the name. Choose a gentle programme, turn the top inside out and do not wring it. Knitwear often needs to dry flat, while sweat fabric can hang on a hanger, so read the label before you decide how to dry.

How to choose in the shop

Ignore the name and look at the description of the fabric, the thickness and the cut. Try the top with a layer underneath, so you can feel whether it is too warm or too cold. Cold feet can be handled with socks for women, so you do not need to pick a thicker top.

Frequently asked questions

Are a sweater and a sweatshirt the same thing?

Not always. The words are used loosely, but a sweatshirt is usually made from sweat fabric, while a sweater is often knitted. Read the description to see what the fabric is.

What is a pullover?

A pullover is a top you pull over the head, without buttons or a zip. It can be knit or sweat fabric, so the word says nothing about the fabric.

Do they need to be washed differently?

Yes, it depends on the fabric. Follow the care label, choose a gentle programme and check whether the top should dry flat or on a hanger.

See our range of men's bamboo sweater.