Unveiling the Key Differences: Hoodie vs Sweatshirt

When it comes to Hoodies vs Sweatshirts, one common difference that pops into our mind is that a hoodie has a hood while a sweatshirt doesn't. But is this the only difference between a hoodie and a sweatshirt? 

To help you figure out other key differences between hoodies and sweatshirts, we'll explore how a hoodie differs from a sweatshirt in this blog. So, let's find out the differences between hoodies and sweatshirts.

Hoodie vs Sweatshirt

Despite being made up of the same fabrics and can be styled in identical ways, hoodies and sweatshirts differ in origin, styling, appearance, and reputation. Let's get into the key differences between hoodies and sweatshirts one by one in our hoodie vs sweatshirt blog.

Sweatshirt 

Origin 

The origin of the sweatshirt dates back to 1926 when Benjamin Russel Jr., a football player, came up with a new idea for an all-cotton practice football jersey. 

As jerseys made up of wool were itchy and uncomfortable, Benjamin Russel Jr. tried making jerseys of cotton that were cooler, comfortable, and durable, resulting in the production of iconic crew neck sweatshirts.

Fabric

Sweatshirts are usually made up of cotton, fleece, or French terry. In addition, polyester and the cotton-polyester blend is also common fabric for sweatshirts and offers a good balance between softness and durability.

Appearance 

Sweatshirts are usually loose-fitting garments that offer plenty of freedom to move. They are generally plain and typically consist of one solid color. 

Collar 

Sweatshirts don't have formal collars; instead, they consist of a rounded, close-fitting crewneck that sits at the base of the neck. This crewneck design provides a comfortable and casual look that gives a sweatshirt a simple and classic look.

Fastenings 

Traditional sweatshirts, being pullover garments, do not have any fastenings such as zippers and buttons. You put them from your head and remove them by pulling them over your head.

However, modern sweatshirt designs come with fastening devices. Sweatshirts today are available with small zippers and buttons for designs.

Pockets 

Sweatshirts usually do not have any pockets. If they have one, the pockets are more likely to be hidden in the side seams. The pockets in sweatshirts are designed to be practically invisible.

Versatility and Reputation 

Sweatshirts are a highly versatile piece of garments that can be used in a variety of occasions and settings. You can wear a sweatshirt in formal as well as casual settings.

A sweatshirt can give a fresh and formal look and is also accepted as a garment that anyone can wear on multiple occasions, regardless of age.

Hoodie

It’s now time for us to get into knowing in detail about the origin, fabric, appearance of hoodie to know further about hoodie vs sweatshirt. 

Origin 

The first Hoodie was invented by the American Sportswear brand Knickerbocker Knitting Company, today known as Champion Brand. They first manufactured hoodies for laborers working in freezing warehouses. 

Hoodies back then were simply sweatshirts that had hoods sewn on. Interested in learning more about the origin of hoodies? Make sure you go through Decoding the Hoodie's Origins: Who invented Hoodie?

Fabric

Hoodies are generally made from a combination of fabrics, usually a blend of cotton and polyester. In addition, they are also made up of wool, fleece, and French terry. Fabrics of sweatshirts as well as hoodies are common.

Appearance 

Hoodies are sweatshirts with an additional hood attached. They look quite similar to sweatshirts. The significant difference between a sweatshirt and a hoodie is that the sweatshirt usually has a crewneck while the hoodies have a hood.

On the other hand, hoodies are also loose-fitting garments, but they can be designed to be loose or tight fittings.

Collar 

Like sweatshirts, hoodies do not have a collar; instead, they have hoods attached to the garment's neckline. Hoods are the ones that differentiate hoodies from other garments; in case there were no hoods, the hoodies would not have originated.

Fastenings 

In the case of fastening, hoodies are quite different from sweatshirts that usually do not have any fastenings. Like traditional sweatshirts, hoodies were also designed as pullover garments. However, fastenings are more common in modern designs when it comes to hoodies.

Hoodies come with zippers as well as drawstrings. Zippers in hoodies can range from a front zipper that extends from the neckline to the hemline, along with shorter quarter-zip hoodies, extending only a quarter of the way down the garment. 

Pockets 

Pockets are the ones that differentiate hoodies from sweatshirts. While sweatshirts usually come with no pockets, even if they have one, they are designed to be invisible; hoodies come with a large kangaroo pocket.

A kangaroo pocket is large and visible in the Hoodie, and even if a zipper splits the Hoodie, the pocket remains in the front of the Hoodie on each side.

Versatility and Reputation

Due to the presence of oversized hoods that can be used to hide one's face, the use of hoodies in activities such as shoplifting has associated hoodies with crime. This has hurt the reputation and image of the hoodies.

However, this has not limited the use of hoodies as one of the most popular casual wear. It remains to be one of the most preferred garments for everyday use. In the case of formal wear, sweatshirts are more preferred than hoodies.

Conclusion 

While sweatshirts and hoodies seem identical, they have some differences. Sweatshirts generally consist of crewneck, while hoodies consist of hoods instead of collars.

Although both were initially designed as pullover garments, modern hoodies come with zippers. Also, sweatshirts usually don't have any pockets, and if they have one, they are more likely to be hidden in the side seams, while hoodies come up with their trademark kangaroo pockets.

Both are versatile; hoodies are usually preferred for casual wear, while sweatshirts are preferred for both casual and formal wear.

Whether it be a sweatshirt or a hoodie, there should be no compromise regarding quality and comfort. In this case, visit One Charlie Kilo for quality hoodies and sweatshirts that suit you.