Hoodie vs Sweatshirt: What Is the Difference and Which to Buy

In our Google Trends data for India, "hoodie" gets more searches than "oversized t shirt", "polo t shirt" and "streetwear". Its busiest months are November, December and January. Shoppers then often ask if they need a hoodie or a sweatshirt. The two look alike, and many brands sell both in the same fabric. This guide shows the difference, how each one wears in Indian winters and which one to buy first.

#The difference in one line

A hoodie is a sweatshirt with a hood. Everything else is a detail.

A kangaroo pocket is one large pocket across the front, open at both sides.

#Which is warmer?

The fabric decides the warmth, not the hood. A 320 GSM fleece sweatshirt is warmer than a 240 GSM french terry hoodie. GSM means grams per square metre, the weight of the fabric.

The hood adds warmth in two places. It covers your head, and it blocks wind at the back of the neck. On a windy night in Delhi or on a bike ride, that helps. Indoors, the hood does nothing.

Read How to Choose a Hoodie for the full GSM guide and the difference between french terry and fleece.

#What each one is good for

#Zip hoodie vs pullover hoodie

A pullover hoodie goes on over your head. A zip hoodie opens down the front.

• A pullover looks cleaner and keeps the front pocket. It is the classic streetwear piece.
• A zip hoodie works as a light jacket. You can wear it open over a tee and close it when it gets cold. Read Winter Layering with T-Shirts.
• Check the zip on a zip hoodie. A metal zip lasts longer than a thin plastic one.

#Fit

Both come in regular and oversized fits. An oversized fit has a drop shoulder, which is a shoulder seam that sits below the edge of the shoulder.

• For an oversized look, buy your normal size. The extra room is already in the cut.
• If you will wear it under a jacket, choose a regular fit.
• Check the sleeve length. The ribbed cuff must sit at your wrist, not on your hand.

#How to style each one

#Hoodie

• With cargo pants and chunky sneakers for the classic streetwear look.
• Under a denim jacket or a puffer, with the hood out over the collar.
• Over a long tee, so the hem of the tee shows a little below the hoodie.

#Sweatshirt

• Over a collared shirt, with the collar and the hem of the shirt out.
• With pleated trousers and loafers for a smart-casual look.
• Under an overcoat in North Indian winters.

#Which one to buy first

If you live in North India and ride a bike or scooter, buy a hoodie first. If you need one warm layer for the office and for travel, buy a plain crewneck sweatshirt first. If you can buy only one piece for a short, mild winter, buy a zip hoodie, because it works open or closed.