Sweater, jumper and sweatshirt, bamboo sweater terms explained
Short answer: A sweater and a jumper are two words for a knitted top, while a sweatshirt is usually made from soft jersey without the loose knit. The words are used differently, so always check the product description and the picture before you choose a size.
What bamboo sweater really covers
Many people search for bamboo sweater without being quite sure whether it means a knitted top or a sweatshirt. The words are not used in the same way in every country or by every brand, so the name alone does not always tell you what you get. Here is a simple guide, so you can read descriptions more easily.
Sweater, the knitted top
A sweater is traditionally a top knitted with visible stitches, and it can be thin or thick. Many people link it with wool, but there are also versions in viscose from bamboo. It often has a round or v neck and can look smart enough for the office.
Jumper, the British word
Jumper is used mostly in British English for what Americans call a sweater. It is a knitted top without buttons that you pull over your head. Many people use the words interchangeably, so look at the knit and the neckline instead of the name, and read what the description says.
Sweatshirt, the soft jersey top
A sweatshirt is typically made from jersey with a soft inside, and it often has a round neck and elastic at the cuffs and hem. It is more casual than a knitted sweater. See more in the range of bamboo sweatshirts for women, and compare the thickness of different models.
What it means for bamboo clothing
Viscose from bamboo is used for both knitted tops and sweatshirts, so the name tells you only about cut and knit, not about the raw material. Check the description for thickness and fit, and do not guess at warmth from the name. A thin bamboo sweater can be cooler than a thick sweatshirt.
How to choose by purpose
If you want something for home, a sweatshirt often suits well, especially together with a bamboo jogging suit for women. If you are going to the office or to dinner, a knitted sweater can look neater. Think about where you will wear the top most, and choose by that.
Washing and care
Knitted tops and sweatshirts are cared for differently, so read the label before you wash. Wash both inside out with a mild detergent on a gentle cycle, and hang them to dry so they keep their shape. Do not hang knitwear on a hanger, because the shoulders can become pointed and the fabric can grow long.
Size and layers underneath
A sweater often sits closer than a sweatshirt, so try your usual size and check that the sleeves do not squeeze. Layer a thin top underneath so you can adjust the heat, and look at the bamboo tops for women if you want a soft base. That way you are ready for every kind of top you meet.
Frequently asked questions
Are a sweater and a jumper the same?
In practice yes, both words mean a knitted top without buttons; jumper is used mostly in British English and sweater in American English.
What is the difference between a sweater and a sweatshirt?
A sweater is traditionally knitted with visible stitches, while a sweatshirt is made from jersey with a soft inside and often elastic at the cuffs and hem.
How do I know what I will get?
Read the product description and look at the picture of the knit and the neckline, because the name alone does not decide thickness or cut.
See our range of men's bamboo sweatshirt.
