Difference Between Jacket and Sweater

Key Difference – Jacket vs Sweater
 

Jackets and sweaters are two types of garments that are worn over the upper body. However, there is a fundamental difference between jacket and sweater; sweaters are knitted garment whereas jackets are not. There are also other differences between jackets and sweaters based on their designs and styles.

What is a Jacket?

A jacket is a garment that is worn over the upper body. Jackets are typically worn over another clothing such as T-shirt, shirt or blouse like a coat, but they are tighter fitting, short and lighter than a coat. They usually extend either to mid-stomach or hips and have a front opening, as well as a collar, lapels, pockets and sleeves. Jackets may be worn for protection or as a fashionable garment. There are different types of jackets; given below are some of them.

Dinner jacket/suit jacket – a part of formal evening wear

Blazer – a jacket that looks formal

Fleece jacket – a casual jacket made of synthetic wool

Leather jacket –a jacket made of leather

Bed jacket – a jacket meant to be worn for bed

In addition, there are a variety of jacket styles and designs such as bomber jackets, jerkins, sailor jackets, gilets, doublet, flak jackets, etc.

What is a Sweater?

A sweater is a knitted garment that covers the upper part of the body. Sweaters can either be cardigans or pullovers; the difference between cardigans and sweaters is the way they are worn. Cardigans have an opening at the front whereas pullovers have no openings and have to worn over the head.

Sweaters were traditionally made from wool, but nowadays synthetic fibers are also used to manufacture them. They can be worn alone, without wearing anything underneath them, but they are mostly worn over other clothing. They can be worn with skirts or pants but are usually kept untucked. Sweaters also have different designs and patterns; their neckline can be V-neck, turtleneck or crew neck and sleeves can be full-length, three-quarters, or short.

Sweaters are worn by men, women and children alike. It is also important to note that sweater is known as jersey or jumper in British English.

What is the difference between Jacket and Sweater?

Jacket vs Sweater
Jacket is a garment that is worn over the upper body.	Sweater is a knitted garment that covers the upper part of the body.
Knitting
Jackets are not knitted.	Sweaters are knitted.
Material
Jackets are made from a variety of materials.	Sweaters are made from wool or synthetic fibers.
Collars or Lapels
Jackets have collars, lapels, and pockets.	Sweaters don’t have collars or lapels.
Opening
Jackets have an opening at the front.	Not all sweaters have an opening at the front.
Men vs Women
Jackets are mainly worn by men.	Sweaters are worn by men and women alike.
Clothes
Jackets are worn over another clothing.	Sweaters can be worn alone.

Image Courtesy:

“Safari-Jacket” By FrankWilliams at en.wikipedia (CC BY 2.5)  via Commons Wikimedia 

“Polo Ralph Lauren Gun Patch Sweater (13973497074)” By Robert Sheie – Polo Ralph Lauren Gun Patch Sweater (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia