Sweater vs. Jacket — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
A sweater is a knitted garment primarily for the upper body, while a jacket is a front-open outerwear piece, often with fastenings.
Difference Between Sweater and Jacket
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A sweater is a garment usually knitted or crocheted, made to cover the upper part of the body. A jacket, on the other hand, is a piece of outerwear that is typically designed to be worn over other clothes, protecting against cold or rain.
While sweaters primarily offer warmth through their knit or crochet patterns and are often made of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers, jackets come in a variety of materials, from leather to polyester, and often include linings or fillings for insulation.
Sweaters can be pulled over the head or buttoned/zipped up, depending on the design. Jackets, however, almost always have a front opening, equipped with zippers, buttons, or other fasteners.
The main purpose of a sweater is to provide warmth, often acting as a middle layer between a shirt and an outer layer in cold climates. Jackets, while they can also serve this purpose, can also act as a protective layer against wind, rain, and other external elements.
Style-wise, sweaters can range from casual to semi-formal, depending on their design and how they're worn. Jackets can span an even wider range, from casual denim or bomber jackets to formal blazers or suit jackets.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Often made of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
Variety, including leather, polyester, or wool.
Primary Purpose
Provide warmth.
Protection and warmth.
Design
Usually knitted or crocheted.
Can be tailored, quilted, etc.
Opening
Can be pull-over or with buttons/zips.
Almost always has a front opening.
Formality Level
Ranges from casual to semi-formal.
Ranges from casual to very formal.
Compare with Definitions
Sweater
A pullover garment, typically with long sleeves.
She chose a V-neck sweater for her date.
Jacket
A short coat, typically extending to the waist.
He grabbed a light jacket before heading out.
Sweater
A garment worn over a shirt or blouse.
The chilly evening made her grateful for her sweater.
Jacket
An outer garment with sleeves, worn over other clothes.
The rain jacket shielded her from the sudden downpour.
Sweater
A top often designed with patterns or textures.
The cable-knit sweater was her favorite.
Jacket
A piece of clothing for the upper body, often with pockets.
She stored her phone in her jacket's inner pocket.
Sweater
A knitted garment covering the upper body.
She wore a bright red sweater to the holiday party.
Jacket
A tailored garment, often worn as part of a suit.
His navy-blue jacket complemented his tie.
Sweater
A thick, warm top often made of wool.
The woolen sweater kept him cozy during winter.
Jacket
A jacket is a garment for the upper body, usually extending below the hips. A jacket typically has sleeves, and fastens in the front or slightly on the side.
Sweater
A sweater or pullover, also called a jumper in British and Australian English, and a windcheater in parts of Australia, is a piece of clothing, typically with long sleeves, made of knitted or crocheted material, that covers the upper part of the body. When sleeveless, the garment is often called a slipover or sweater vest.
Jacket
A short coat usually extending to the hips.
Sweater
A garment for the upper body of wool, cotton, or synthetic yarn, typically knitted, having long sleeves, and worn in cold weather.
Jacket
The skin of a potato.
Sweater
One that sweats, especially profusely.
Jacket
The dust jacket of a book or phonograph record.
Sweater
Something that induces sweating; a sudorific.
Jacket
An insulation covering for a steam pipe, wire, boiler, or similar part.
Sweater
A knitted jacket or jersey, usually of thick wool, worn by athletes before or after exercise.
Jacket
An open envelope or folder for filing papers.
Sweater
(US) A similar garment worn for warmth.
Jacket
The outer metal shell or case of a bullet.
Sweater
One who sweats (produces sweat).
Jacket
A piece of jewelry or other ornament that attaches to an earring stud.
Sweater
One who or that which causes to sweat.
Jacket
To supply or cover with a jacket.
Sweater
A diaphoretic remedy.
Jacket
A piece of clothing worn on the upper body outside a shirt or blouse, often waist length to thigh length.
Sweater
(historical) An exploitative middleman who subcontracted piece work in the tailoring trade.
Jacket
A piece of a person's suit, beside trousers and, sometimes, waistcoat; coat US
Sweater
(archaic) One who sweats coins, i.e. removes small portions by shaking them.
Jacket
A protective or insulating cover for an object (e.g. a book, hot water tank, bullet.)
Sweater
A London street ruffian in Queen Anne's time who prodded weak passengers with his sword-point.
Jacket
(slang) A police record.
Sweater
(transitive) To dress in a sweater.
Jacket
(military) In ordnance, a strengthening band surrounding and reinforcing the tube in which the charge is fired.
Sweater
One who sweats.
Jacket
The tough outer skin of a baked potato.
Cook the potatoes in their jackets.
Sweater
One who, or that which, causes to sweat
Jacket
(Jamaica) A bastard child, in particular one whose father is unaware that they are not the child’s biological father.
Sweater
A crocheted or knitted garment covering the upper part of the body
Jacket
(Appalachian) A vestUS; a waistcoat UK
Sweater
A person who perspires
Jacket
To confine (someone) to a straitjacket.
Jacket
(transitive) To enclose or encase in a jacket or other covering.
Jacket
A short upper garment, extending downward to the hips; a short coat without skirts.
Jacket
An outer covering for anything, esp. a covering of some nonconducting material such as wood or felt, used to prevent radiation of heat, as from a steam boiler, cylinder, pipe, etc.
Jacket
In ordnance, a strengthening band surrounding and reënforcing the tube in which the charge is fired.
Jacket
A garment resembling a waistcoat lined with cork, to serve as a life preserver; - called also cork jacket.
Jacket
To put a jacket on; to furnish, as a boiler, with a jacket.
Jacket
To thrash; to beat.
Jacket
A short coat
Jacket
An outer wrapping or casing;
Phonograph records were sold in cardboard jackets
Jacket
(dentistry) an artificial crown fitted over a broken or decayed tooth
Jacket
The outer skin of a potato
Jacket
The tough metal shell casing for certain kinds of ammunition
Jacket
Provide with a thermally non-conducting cover;
The tubing needs to be jacketed
Jacket
Put a jacket on;
The men were jacketed
Jacket
A protective outer layer, often against cold or rain.
His leather jacket was both stylish and functional.
Common Curiosities
What is a basic difference between a sweater and a jacket?
A sweater is primarily a knitted garment for warmth, while a jacket is an outerwear piece often for protection.
Can sweaters be formal?
Yes, some sweaters, like cashmere or V-necks, can be worn in formal settings.
Are all jackets waterproof?
No, only jackets specifically designed as rain jackets or with waterproof materials are.
Is a blazer a type of jacket?
Yes, a blazer is a more formal type of jacket.
Are cardigans considered sweaters?
Yes, cardigans are a type of sweater that opens in the front, often with buttons.
Can jackets be made of wool like sweaters?
Yes, some jackets, like pea coats, are made of wool.
What's the primary material for sweaters?
Common materials include wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers.
Is a hoodie a sweater or a jacket?
It can be both. Some hoodies are pull-over like sweaters, while others have zippers like jackets.
Can a sweater act as an outer layer?
Yes, in milder cold conditions, sweaters can be the outermost layer.
Are denim jackets a type of jacket?
Yes, denim jackets are casual jackets made of denim.
Are turtleneck designs exclusive to sweaters?
Mostly, yes. Turtlenecks are common in sweaters but rarely found in jackets.
Do all jackets have zippers?
No, jackets can have buttons, clasps, or other types of fastenings.
Which provides more insulation, a sweater or a jacket?
It depends on the material and design, but typically jackets, especially those designed for winter, provide more insulation.
Can a sweater be sleeveless?
Yes, there are sleeveless sweater designs often called sweater vests.
Can jackets be worn in summer?
Yes, some jackets like windbreakers are lightweight and suitable for summer.
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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.
