What is the Difference Between Jacket and Sweater?

The main difference between a jacket and a sweater lies in their material, construction, and function. Here are the key differences:

1. Material: Jackets are typically made from woven fabric, such as wool, cotton, or blends, or synthetic materials like nylon or fleece. Sweaters, on the other hand, are made from knitted material, either hand-knit or machine-knit, and are usually made of wool or synthetic fibers.
2. Construction: Jackets are not knitted, while sweaters are. Jackets often have collars, lapels, and pockets, whereas sweaters do not have these features.
3. Function: Jackets are generally worn as outerwear and provide protection from the elements. They may be casual or formal in design, depending on the occasion and what they are worn with. Sweaters, on the other hand, are primarily worn for warmth and are usually thicker than T-shirts. They can be worn as a standalone garment or layered over other clothing.
4. Opening: Jackets usually have an opening at the front, often with a zipper or buttons. Not all sweaters have an opening at the front; some are open in the front and can be secured with zippers or buttons.
5. Weight: Jackets can vary in weight depending on the style and season, with lighter jackets worn in warmer weather. Sweaters are generally heavier and worn for extra warmth.

Comparative Table: Jacket vs Sweater

Here is a table comparing the differences between jackets and sweaters:

Jackets are generally made from various materials like woven, leather, or fake leather, and can be lightweight or heavy. They are often worn as outerwear and can have a front closure, like cardigans. Sweaters, on the other hand, are usually made from wool, cashmere, and synthetic materials and provide excellent heat retention. They can be worn as outerwear, innerwear, or even as headpieces. Sweaters are most commonly knitted or crocheted and can feature different textures, such as cable-knit, ribbed, or regular knitted.