Hoodies vs Sweaters: What’s the Real Difference and Which One Should You Wear?

When you grab something warm to throw on, you might think hoodie, a casual, hooded pullover or zip-up top, often made from fleece or cotton blend, designed for comfort and layering. Also known as zip-up hoodie, it’s the go-to for running errands, lounging, or hitting the gym. But if you reach for a sweater, a knitted garment, usually sleeveless or full-sleeved, made from wool, cotton, or acrylic, worn for warmth and often as a layer over a shirt. Also known as pullover, it’s the classic piece you pull over your head on chilly mornings. They look similar—both cover your torso, both keep you warm—but that’s where the similarity ends.

The hoodie is built for movement. It’s got a hood for sudden rain or wind, a front pocket for your phone or hands, and often a zipper or drawstring to adjust the fit. You wear it when you’re active, whether that’s walking the dog, commuting, or doing yard work. A zip-up hoodie, a hoodie with a full-length zipper, offering easier on/off access and better temperature control than pullovers. is especially handy because you can unzip it halfway when you walk into a warm room. Meanwhile, the sweater, a knitted top, typically worn for warmth and style, often with a more structured fit than a hoodie. is quieter. It doesn’t have a hood, no pockets, no drawstrings. It’s meant to be worn with pride—over a button-down, under a coat, or alone on a Sunday afternoon. It’s the kind of thing you buy because it lasts, not because it’s trendy.

People in the UK don’t just pick one or the other—they use both. A hoodie for the commute, a sweater for the pub. One’s about function, the other’s about feel. If you’re trying to build a smart casual wardrobe, you need both. You don’t need ten hoodies. Three will do. But you also don’t need a whole closet of sweaters. Two good ones—one thin for layering, one thick for deep winter—cover most situations. The trick is knowing when to wear which. Wear the hoodie when you’re moving. Wear the sweater when you’re sitting still and want to look put together, even if you’re just watching TV.

And here’s the thing most people miss: a hoodie isn’t a sweater. A sweater isn’t a jacket. Each has its place. Confusing them leads to bad choices—like wearing a thick sweater to the gym, or a hoodie to a dinner date. The right choice isn’t about fashion trends. It’s about matching the garment to the moment. That’s why the posts below cover everything from how many hoodies you actually need, to how to wash them without ruining the fabric, to why some sweaters shrink in the dryer and others don’t. You’ll find real advice from people who live in this weather, not marketing fluff. What you learn here won’t just help you pick clothes—it’ll help you live better in them.