Sweater, sweatshirt and hoodie, three names and three cuts

Short answer: If you search for a bamboo sweater, sweater, sweatshirt and hoodie are three names that often overlap but have three different cuts. The hoodie has a hood, the sweatshirt has a round neck without a hood, and sweater is used for both or for a knitted jumper. Here is the difference in practice.

Why the words get mixed up

The words sweater, sweatshirt and hoodie are used interchangeably in daily life, especially online. A bamboo sweater can be anything from a soft sweatshirt to a knitted jumper, so it matters to read the product description. Bamboo in clothing is viscose from bamboo and can be used in all three types.

The sweatshirt is the calm classic

A sweatshirt has a round neck, long sleeves and no hood, and it is made of a soft, knitted fabric. It suits both weekend and office if the cut is relaxed. You will find them among the bamboo sweatshirts for women, where colours and fits are collected and you can compare measurements.

The hoodie is the one with the hood

A hoodie is a sweatshirt with a hood, often with a pocket at the front and drawstrings at the hood. It is more casual and gives a little extra warmth around the neck. The hood can be an advantage in windy weather, but some find it bulky when sitting or driving.

What is a sweater

Sweater is used for several things. Sometimes it is just another word for sweatshirt. Sometimes a knitted jumper with a coarse texture or fine stitches is meant. If you search for a bamboo sweater, look at the fabric and the knit, so you know whether you get something soft and smooth or something more textured.

The three cuts in practice

The sweatshirt gives a clean look without a hood, the hoodie gives a relaxed mood and some extra cover around the neck, and the sweater often looks a little smarter if it is knitted. Do not choose by the name, but by where you will wear it and how you would like to look.

Which suits which day

For days at home and the weekend a hoodie or a soft sweat fits. For the office and meetings a sweatshirt or a thin sweater may work better. If in doubt, choose the simplest, a sweatshirt in a calm colour, because it combines with most things in the wardrobe.

Fit and size

Whatever it is called, look at measurements such as shoulder width, chest width and length. A relaxed cut calls for your usual size, while a closer cut may need a size up. Also look at the bamboo sweat for women if you want to compare cuts across the range.

Layers and care

Under a jumper you can wear a thin top, such as bamboo tops for women, so you can take the jumper off when it gets warm. Wash according to the label and avoid drying too hot. Knitwear often needs to dry flat, while sweat may hang on a hanger.

Frequently asked questions

Is a sweater the same as a sweatshirt?

Not always. Some use the words for the same thing, but sweater can also mean a knitted jumper. Read the product description to see what is meant.

What is the difference between a hoodie and a sweatshirt?

A hoodie has a hood, and a sweatshirt does not. Both are made of soft, knitted fabric with long sleeves, but the hoodie is more casual.

Which is best in winter?

It depends on the fabric and thickness. A hoodie gives extra warmth around the neck, but a thick sweatshirt can be just as warm. Choose by how cold the day is.