Jumper vs. Cardigan — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
A jumper is a pullover garment, usually knitted or crocheted, covering the upper body and arms. A cardigan is similar but opens at the front, typically with buttons or a zipper, allowing for more versatile styling options.
Difference Between Jumper and Cardigan
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A jumper, often called a sweater in American English, is a garment that is worn over the upper part of the body. Usually made of wool or synthetic fibers, a jumper is designed to provide warmth by covering the arms and torso. A cardigan, on the other hand, is a knitted garment that also covers the upper body and arms but is distinct in that it has a front opening, usually with buttons or a zipper.
Jumpers are typically pulled over the head to be worn and do not have a front opening. This design can be more efficient at keeping the wearer warm because there are fewer openings through which heat can escape. Cardigans offer more flexibility in terms of styling; they can be opened or closed to regulate temperature or adapt to different looks.
Both jumpers and cardigans come in a variety of styles, patterns, and materials. Jumpers might have round necks, V-necks, or even turtlenecks. Cardigans can have collars, be collarless, or have a shawl collar, and may also feature pockets. However, the primary distinguishing feature remains the front opening in a cardigan.
In fashion terms, jumpers are often considered more casual and are frequently worn for warmth. Cardigans, with their open front, are seen as more versatile garments that can be dressed up or down. They can be layered more easily over shirts, blouses, or other tops.
Comparison Chart
Ront Opening
No
Yes
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Typical Use
Casual, for warmth
Versatile, can be dressed up or down
Common Materials
Wool, synthetic fibers
Wool, cotton, synthetic fibers
Styling Options
Limited
More versatile
Example
A turtleneck jumper
A button-down cardigan
Compare with Definitions
Jumper
A pullover garment covering the upper body and arms.
She wore a cozy jumper during the winter.
Cardigan
A knitted garment with a front opening.
He wore a cardigan over his shirt.
Jumper
Does not have a front opening.
I prefer jumpers because they're easy to put on.
Cardigan
Usually has buttons or a zipper.
The cardigan had ornate buttons.
Jumper
Often considered casual wear.
He wore a jumper to the casual gathering.
Cardigan
Can be styled opened or closed.
She wore her cardigan open to show off her blouse.
Jumper
One that jumps.
Cardigan
May have pockets or additional features.
The cardigan had convenient pockets.
Jumper
A type of coasting sled.
Cardigan
Versatile in use, can be casual or formal.
She dressed up her cardigan with a nice brooch.
Jumper
(Electricity) A wire or cable used temporarily to complete a circuit or to bypass a break in a circuit.
Cardigan
A knitted jumper fastening down the front.
Jumper
(Basketball) See jump shot.
Cardigan
A knitted garment, such as a sweater or jacket, that opens down the full length of the front.
Jumper
A saddle horse that has been trained to jump over obstacles.
Cardigan
A type of sweater or jumper that fastens up the front with buttons or a zipper, usually machine- or hand-knitted from wool.
Jumper
A sleeveless dress or a skirt that has an attached bib and is worn over a blouse or sweater.
Cardigan
A warm jacket of knit worsted with or without sleeves, especially a knitted jacket with sleeves that is fastened up the front with buttons or a zipper.
Jumper
A loose, protective garment worn over other clothes.
Cardigan
A slightly bow-legged variety of corgi having rounded ears and a long tail.
Jumper
Often jumpers A child's garment consisting of straight-legged pants attached to a biblike bodice.
Cardigan
Knitted jacket that is fastened up the front with buttons or a zipper
Jumper
Chiefly British A pullover sweater.
Cardigan
Slightly bow-legged variety of corgi having rounded ears and a long tail
Jumper
See jumpsuit.
Jumper
Someone or something that jumps, e.g. a participant in a jumping event in track or skiing.
Jumper
A person who attempts suicide by jumping from a great height.
Jumper
A short length of electrical conductor, to make a temporary connection. Also jump wire.
Jumper
(electricity) A removable connecting pin on an electronic circuit board.
Jumper
A long drilling tool used by masons and quarry workers, consisting of an iron bar with a chisel-edged steel tip at one or both ends, operated by striking it against the rock, turning it slightly with each blow.
Jumper
(US) A crude kind of sleigh, usually a simple box on runners which are in one piece with the poles that form the thills.
Jumper
A jumping spider.
Jumper
The larva of the cheese fly.
Jumper
One of certain Calvinistic Methodists in Wales whose worship was characterized by violent convulsions.
Jumper
(horology) A spring to impel the star wheel, or a pawl to lock fast a wheel, in a repeating timepiece.
Jumper
(basketball) A shot in which the player releases the ball at the highest point of a jump; a jump shot.
Jumper
A nuclear power plant worker who repairs equipment in areas with extremely high levels of radiation.
Jumper
(video games) A platform game based around jumping.
Jumper
A woollen sweater or pullover.
Jumper
A loose outer jacket, especially one worn by workers and sailors.
Jumper
(US) A one-piece, sleeveless dress, or a skirt with straps and a complete or partial bodice, usually worn over a blouse by women and children; pinafore.
Jumper
(usually plural, jumpers) Rompers.
Jumper
(transitive) To connect with an electrical jumper.
Jumper
One who, or that which, jumps.
Jumper
A long drilling tool used by masons and quarrymen.
Jumper
A rude kind of sleigh; - usually, a simple box on runners which are in one piece with the poles that form the thills.
Jumper
The larva of the cheese fly. See Cheese fly, under Cheese.
Jumper
A name applied in the 18th century to certain Calvinistic Methodists in Wales whose worship was characterized by violent convulsions.
Jumper
Spring to impel the star wheel, also a pawl to lock fast a wheel, in a repeating timepiece.
Jumper
A loose upper garment
Jumper
A sleeveless one-piece dress, either with full shoulders or straps, sometimes with only the front part of the bodice, usually worn by women with a blouse underneath.
Jumper
A thing that jumps; esp., any of various tools or other contrivances operating with a jumping motion;
Jumper
A short wire, or a small plastic object containing such a short wire, used to optionally connect or disconnect two points in an electronic circuit, so as to include or exclude portions of the circuit and thus modify the function of the circuit. Such jumpers are much used to adapt add-on circuit boards for different conditions or functions within a computer.
Jumper
To insert a jumper{2} between the two contacts in (a circuit). See 2nd jumper.
Jumper
An athlete who competes at jumping
Jumper
An athlete who bounds or leaps (as in basketball)
Jumper
A small connector used to make temporary electrical connections
Jumper
A loose jacket or blouse worn by workmen
Jumper
A sleeveless dress resembling an apron; worn over other clothing
Jumper
A player releases the basketball at the high point of a jump
Jumper
Usually made of wool or synthetic fibers.
The jumper was made of high-quality cashmere.
Jumper
May have varying neck styles.
She chose a V-neck jumper for the occasion.
Common Curiosities
What is a jumper?
A jumper is a pullover garment covering the upper body and arms.
Are cardigans only for women?
No, cardigans are unisex and can be worn by both men and women.
Can a jumper be formal?
Jumpers are generally considered more casual but can be dressed up.
What makes a cardigan different from a jumper?
A cardigan has a front opening, usually with buttons or a zipper.
Do cardigans provide good insulation?
Yes, especially if made from warm materials like wool.
Are jumpers and sweaters the same?
In American English, the terms are often used interchangeably.
Can jumpers have zippers?
Generally, jumpers do not have zippers; those with zippers are often considered jackets.
Can a jumper be sleeveless?
Yes, though sleeveless versions are often called "vests" or "tank tops."
What's the easiest way to style a jumper?
Pairing it with jeans or leggings is a simple, casual look.
Do jumpers shrink in the wash?
Woolen jumpers can shrink if not washed carefully.
Can you layer a cardigan?
Yes, cardigans are often layered over shirts or blouses.
What material is commonly used for cardigans?
Wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers are common.
Can cardigans have hoods?
Yes, some styles of cardigans come with hoods.
Are jumpers suitable for summer?
Lightweight jumpers can be worn in cooler summer evenings.
Are cardigans in fashion?
Yes, they are considered timeless and versatile.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
