Short answer: a hoodie is a sweatshirt with a hood. A sweatshirt is any pullover knit top made from sweatshirt fabric (usually cotton fleece or French terry). A crewneck is a sweatshirt with a round, ribbed neckline and no hood. All three use the same kind of fabric, so the real differences are the neckline, the warmth around your neck and head, and how dressed-up they look.
What is a hoodie?
A hoodie is a sweatshirt with an attached hood, often with a drawstring and a front kangaroo pocket. The hood adds warmth and wind protection, which is why hoodies are the go-to for cold mornings, travel and layering under a jacket. They come as pullovers or as zip-ups. Try the Essential Oversized Fleece Hoodie for a classic pullover or the Heavyweight Zip-up Hoodie if you want to open and close it during the day.
What is a sweatshirt?
"Sweatshirt" is the umbrella term: a long-sleeve knit top in fleece or terry with ribbed cuffs and hem. Crewnecks, mock necks, quarter-zips and even hoodies are all types of sweatshirt. When people say "sweatshirt" in a store, they usually mean a hoodless pullover, like the Vintage Wash Quarter-Zip Fleece Sweatshirt or the Cropped Mock Neck Sweatshirt.
What is a crewneck?
A crewneck is a sweatshirt with a round, close ribbed collar and no hood. It looks cleaner and a bit more grown-up than a hoodie, sits flat under a coat or overshirt and works with a collared shirt underneath. Good examples are the Relaxed Heavyweight Crewneck Sweatshirt and the Classic Cotton Crewneck Sweatshirt.
Quick comparison
- Warmth: hoodie is warmest (the hood covers neck and head); crewneck and other sweatshirts are equal on the body.
- Look: hoodie is the most casual and streetwear; crewneck is the cleanest and easiest to dress up.
- Layering: crewneck fits best under coats and blazers; hoodie works under bombers, puffers and denim jackets, with the hood out.
- Fabric: the same for all three – heavyweight fleece is warmer and holds its shape, French terry is lighter and better for spring.
Which one should you buy first?
- Buy a hoodie first if you want one piece for cold weather, travel and casual days. A neutral black, grey or oatmeal hoodie goes with almost everything.
- Add a crewneck next if you want something you can wear to work, dinner or under a coat without the hood bunching up.
- Add a zip-up or quarter-zip for easy temperature control – open it indoors, close it outside.
How should each one fit?
For a streetwear look, all three can be worn oversized: dropped shoulders, a wider body and sleeves that stack slightly at the cuff. For a cleaner look, choose regular or relaxed fit so the shoulder seam sits on your shoulder. Not sure what the fit names mean? Read Boxy vs Oversized vs Relaxed Fit and How to Choose the Right Oversized Hoodie Size. Fabric weight matters too – see What Is Heavyweight Cotton? GSM Explained.
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FAQ
Is a hoodie a sweatshirt?
Yes. A hoodie is a type of sweatshirt that has a hood. Every hoodie is a sweatshirt, but not every sweatshirt is a hoodie.
Is a crewneck warmer than a hoodie?
No. In the same fabric the body is equally warm, but a hoodie covers your neck and head, so it feels warmer outdoors. A crewneck is better when you layer it under a coat.
What is the difference between a crewneck and a sweatshirt?
A crewneck is one style of sweatshirt – the one with a round ribbed collar. "Sweatshirt" also includes mock necks, quarter-zips and hoodies.
Can you wear a crewneck or hoodie to work?
A plain crewneck in a neutral colour works in most casual offices, especially over a collared shirt. Hoodies are better kept for relaxed workplaces and weekends.