What's the difference between a sweater, pullover and cardigan?

The autumn and winter months open up fresh ways to experiment with your outfits. Still, there are a few essentials every man needs. As soon as temperatures drop, most men reach for their knitwear, hoodies and sweatshirts. But what exactly sets these pieces apart, and how can you use them to create stylish looks?

By Pascal·11-06-2024·Calculate reading time
What's the difference between a sweater, pullover and cardigan?
Sweater, pullover or cardigan: they may look similar, but there are key differences. Discover what defines each piece and how to style them effortlessly in your outfit.

It is important to know that the sweater is a general term for various types of garments. Because of this, it can be difficult to give a concrete definition of what a men's sweater exactly is. In general, you can recognise a sweater by the following characteristics:

  • Covers your upper body
  • Provides extra warmth
  • It has no fastening along the entire length, such as buttons or a zip.

Of course, there are exceptions to this. For example, half-zip sweaters have a zip and there are skipper sweaters with a button fastening. On the other hand, you are still obliged to pull them on over your head. Below we discuss the most popular types of sweaters:

A roll-neck sweater has a collar of double-folded fabric that ends high on the neck. This keeps your neck pleasantly warm, even during chilly, wintery days. It is a classic garment with which you immediately make a refined impression. Many people confuse this garment with a ‘turtleneck’, which is a good deal shorter than a roll-neck sweater. These sweaters combine excellently with a blazer for business meetings or an overshirt during a day out.

A half-zip sweater or zipper has a zip fastening that reaches halfway up the chest. These sweaters have many similarities to the traditional skipper sweater that protected sailors and seafarers against the rough sea and stormy weather. The zip can be worn both open and closed for a sporty look. Moreover, the zip allows you to cool down or warm up quickly. This sweater is ideal for wearing a decent basic T-shirt underneath.

Simply put, a hoodie is a sweater with a hood. Hoodies are usually fitted with a drawstring that allows you to pull the hood tighter around your head. The hoodie is an iconic garment within streetwear and sportswear. Hoodies are generally made of cotton, sometimes reinforced with polyester. This makes them extra comfortable during a lazy Sunday. Wear a hoodie with joggers for the ultimate lounge outfit.

As the name suggests, you pull this sweater on over another garment. A pullover is a light sweater available in various materials such as merino wool, cotton and cashmere. Moreover, you have the choice of models with a traditional round neck or a V-neck. Especially the latter neckline is worn in combination with a shirt. This makes pullovers a timeless, smart-casual garment. Ideal for the office or a chic dinner.

The sweater is a casual sweater that is predominantly made of cotton. The inside of the sweater is usually fitted with brushed cotton, also called fleece, for extra comfort. In addition, sweaters have a looser fit, which gives them a relaxed look. In some cases they also feature playful details such as pockets and striking stitching. Sweaters combine perfectly with sneakers and jeans for an informal outfit.

A men's cardigan is a garment with a full closure at the front. This can be a zip, buttons or a combination of these. In addition, they usually have a striking collar. You can wear a cardigan both indoors and outdoors and they give every outfit a rugged look. Because of this, these garments are usually made of thicker and stiffer fabric than sweaters, such as cotton, fleece and wool. A well-known example of a cardigan is the overshirt.

Go to shopping cart
Popular searches