Hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts have a lot in common at first sight. Both are classic sportswear garments - quite often made of the same fabrics. They are both worn by many people of all ages and sexes. The main difference, of course, is that a hoodie has a hood and a sweatshirt does not. But the differences do go further...
But what exactly are the differences? When should you were one or the other? Here, we summarise the advantages and disadvantages of these two style classics..
General properties of sweatshirts and hoodies
A sweatshirt is a long-sleeved pullover garment. It covers the upper body and the arms, just like a hooded sweater.
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Material: The fabrics used have the same general properties. Whether they are made from classic French Terry or other types of knit - either cotton, plastic or other materials - depends on the manufacturer. But there is no fundamental distinction between the sweatshirt and the hoodie when it comes to material. You can read more in a previous article of our blog if you want to learn more about French Terry.
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Collar: A sweatshirt can be worn alone or with an additional garment, such as a shirt or T-shirt. This is similar to a hoodie, but in the hoodie's case you can't wear anything underneath that is supposed to be visible because the hood offers no room for it (more on this topic below).
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Details: A sweatshirt normally has no buttons, hooks or zippers and is therefore the simpler garment. A hoodie, on the other hand, not only has a hood as an extra but often also cords that peep out of the hood to tighten it. Some hoodies also have a zipper so you can opt to wear it open. Another common design nuance of the Hoodie is the Kangaroo pocket at the front, which can't be found on a typical Sweatshirt.
The Hooded Sweatshirt from SANVT.
Hoodies & Sweatshirts: Background
Before there was the hoodie as we know it today, sweatshirts were the usual sportswear and outdoor workwear. The US company Champion pioneered the making of sweatshirts after developing a process for sewing thicker materials. Then, In 1930, Champion did it again by sewing the first hood on a sweatshirt to keep workers warm in Upstate New York, which was also the "birth" of the hoodie.
Gangster (Hoodie) vs. Sporty (Sweatshirt)
Unlike the crewneck sweatshirt, hoodies became more and more popular in the New York hip-hop culture of the 1970s. Back then, graffiti artists in particular liked the 'hood' to hide their identities from law enforcers while illegally tagging walls and subways. And even today, graffiti artists choose their hoodies according to how big the hood is. Thus, this item has some controversial connotations - especially among the white upper class.
The crewneck sweatshirt on the other hand was spared and has always been regarded as staple sports and workwear.
The Rise of Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Nevertheless, both sweatshirt variants became more and more popular. American universities used both styles to print or embroider their logos on them, which is still a common and extremely popular fashion trend today that has spread to Europe and across the globe.
The Perfect Sweatshirt from SANVT.
Style guide: When to choose a sweatshirt over a hoodie?
Both sweatshirts and hoodies are warm garments that can either create a sporty look or loosen up a more elegant outfit. Nevertheless, there are certain outfit combinations in which a sweatshirt should certainly be preferred to a hoodie. On the other hand, the sweatshirt doesn't always match every look and should give way to hoodie to avoid a potential faux pas. In a previous style guide in our blog we put together our 6 favourite hoodie outfits, read the article if you want to know more.
In wintery and windy conditions
Both hoodie and sweatshirt are perfect styles for the colder days: heavy fabrics such as French Terry cotton and a closed waistband at sleeves and torso, help to perfect heat insulation. The hood, however, offers additional protection to keep the head and ears warm: this is obviously especially helpful in windy moments when you don't have a beanie at hand. But even if the hood is not worn, it can have a warming function for the neck. Therefore a hoodie is certainly superior in those tough conditions compared to a sweatshirt with a round neck.
For formal occasions
A sweatshirt in simple colours like grey, dark blue or black can also be worn when you are invited to dinner by your parents-in-law. If you want to style it up a little, you can even wear a shirt underneath. A hoodie, on the other hand, is at the very least debatable and mostly unsuitable for such an occasion. As already mentioned: Collar shirts should NEVER be worn under a hoodie. Moreover, the hoodie (perhaps because of its controversial history) still doesn't fit perfectly into a more formal event - like eating with rather square parents-in-law.
During chill-out moments
Both hoodies and sweatshirts always look casual and provide for a relaxed look. But with layered outfits, a hoodie can offer more possibilities and can paradoxically look more sophisticated and urbane. The distinctive hood in combination with jeans, bomber or leather jackets can add an interesting extra. You can also wear a well-fitting T-shirt under a hoodie with zipper. The layered look options for a crewneck sweatshirt are somewhat more limited.
As you can see, hoodies and sweatshirts have their own advantages and disadvantages. Of course it also depends on the occasion and the personal taste, to decide which fits better. But one thing is clear, for maximum versatility both are absolute must-haves and belong in every wardrobe. However, with these timeless classics you should also pay attention to the quality as well as the item, because they will never go out of fashion. If you really don't have a sweater or hoodie or just can't get enough, then have a look at our Sweatshirt collection, which includes both of these classic options.