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Difference Between Hoodie and Sweatshirt

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Jen Hensey
Difference Between Hoodie and Sweatshirt

At first glance, hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts have a lot in common. Both are traditional sportswear garments, and they are often made of the same materials. Many people of all ages and genders wear them both. The most obvious distinction is that a hoodie has a hood while a sweatshirt does not. However, the distinctions are not limited to that.

 

But, exactly, what are the differences?

 

What is a Hoodie?

A hoodie is a hooded sweatshirt or jacket. A muff sewn onto the lower front of the shirt and a loop to change the hood's opening are typical features of hoodies. Hoodies are common among both men and women. It is, however, particularly common among teenagers.

Hoodies have long been a common piece of clothing. Its origins can be traced back to the clothing worn by priests in Medieval Europe. Hoodies became common in modern fashion with the emergence of trendy pop culture in the 1970s.

As an additional layer of protection, hoodies are often worn undercoats or jackets. They can also be used to shield you from the sun or rain. Moreover, it is a perfect addition in the winter. When the weather is cold, a hoodie can make you feel warm and comfortable. 

 

What is a Sweatshirt?

A sweatshirt is a long-sleeved, pullover piece of clothing. It protects the upper body, including the chest and arms. It can be worn alone or with another piece of clothing, such as a sweater or T-shirt underneath the sweatshirt.

A sweatshirt has no buttons, loops, or zippers for attachment because it is a pullover. Sweatshirts are commonly made of wool, cotton, jersey, synthetic fabrics, or a mixture of these materials. 

A sweatshirt can be worn in spring, fall, and winter. It is the perfect piece to add warmth in cold weather. However, it is important to choose the right material for your sweatshirt, as some sweatshirts are made of nylon which does not give enough warmth. 

 

Style Guide: When To Choose a Sweatshirt Over a Hoodie?

Sweatshirts and hoodies are also warm fabrics that can be worn to establish a sporty look or dress down a more formal ensemble. However, there are certain wardrobe variations where a sweatshirt can definitely be favored over a hoodie.

On the other hand, the sweatshirt does not always go with any outfit and should be replaced with a hoodie to avoid a fashion faux pas. Below you will learn some of the best style guides for each occasion. 

 

In Cold Days

Both the hoodie and the sweatshirt are ideal for colder days, with heavy fabrics like cotton and a closed waistband at the sleeves and torso providing excellent heat insulation.

On the other hand, the hood provides extra protection for the head and neck, which is obviously useful in windy situations when you don't have a beanie on hand. However, even when the hood is not worn, it may provide neck warmth. As a result, a hoodie is unquestionably preferable to a round-neck sweatshirt in such challenging circumstances.

 

For Formal Occasions

When you have a formal weekend dinner with family, a sweatshirt in basic colors like grey, dark blue, or black can be worn. You can also wear a shirt underneath if you want to dress it up a bit. On the other hand, a hoodie is at best debatable and, in most cases, inappropriate for such an occasion.

Collar shirts can never be worn under a hoodie. Furthermore, the hoodie doesn't quite fit into a more formal environment, such as dining with your colleagues, friends, or family.

 

During Chill-Out Moments

Hoodies and sweatshirts are often casual and have a relaxed appearance. However, with layered outfits, a hoodie will provide more options while still appearing elegant and sophisticated. When worn with jeans, bomber jackets, or leather jackets, the distinctive hood may add a unique touch.

A well-fitting T-shirt can also be worn under a zippered hoodie. A crewneck sweatshirt's layered look options are somewhat minimal.

 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the decision on what to wear depends on you. This article is just a guide on the differences between a hoodie and sweatshirt and which one to wear on different occasions. 

If you're looking for a shop to buy hoodies from, Viking Lair offers high-quality Norse Clothing like Viking hoodies and sweatshirts that are great for any look you're going for. You can choose from printed hoodies, thick hoodies, regular hoodies, and jackets. 

They're suitable for all seasons, including winter, spring, and fall. They're your go-to look for looking chic and sophisticated at the same time. They are also perfect for keeping you warm and cozy.

 

Call me Jen Hensey, a writer and blogger of LifeStyleConvo & UrbanHouses, who worked as a full-time content creator. A writer by day and reader by night.

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