Hoodie vs Sweatshirt: Which One Should You Buy?
They look alike on a hanger, but a hoodie and a sweatshirt behave differently once you wear them. One has a hood and a front pocket. The other is a simpler crewneck that layers more easily. Both are made of fleece-backed or knit cotton blends, and the right one depends on where you’ll wear it.
Here’s how the two compare, using the actual specs of two pieces in our shop: the “You Can Do Hard Things” fleece hoodie and the “You Don’t Have to Do It All Today” crewneck sweatshirt.
At a glance
| Hoodie | Crewneck sweatshirt | |
|---|---|---|
| Neckline | Adjustable hood with drawstrings | Ribbed crew collar |
| Large kangaroo pouch | None on this design | |
| Fabric | Soft 3-end fleece, 80% ring-spun cotton and 20% recycled polyester (varies by color) | 50/50 cotton-polyester, tubular knit |
| Weight | 8.25 oz/yd² (280 g/m²) | 8.0 oz/yd² |
| Fit | Regular fit | Relaxed, slightly oversized |
| Sizes | XS to 3XL | S to 5XL |
| Price | $48.99 | $31.08 |
Warmth
The two fabrics are close in weight, so the difference is mostly in construction. The hoodie has a fleece interior, a hood to cover your head and a pocket for your hands, which makes it the warmer choice outdoors. The sweatshirt is a knit with a ribbed collar. It’s cozy indoors and as a mid-layer, but it leaves your neck and head uncovered.
Layering and style
A crewneck sits flat under a jacket or coat and doesn’t bunch at the back of the neck. That makes it easier to wear to work, under a blazer or with a collared shirt peeking out. A hoodie reads more casual and looks best on its own or under an open coat. If you can only own one, the crewneck is the more flexible layer, and the hoodie is the more comfortable one.
Fit and sizing
The hoodie is described as a regular fit. The sweatshirt has a warm, slightly oversized silhouette and no side seams, so it drapes rather than hugs. If you’re between sizes, think about how you like it to hang: size down in the sweatshirt for a neater fit, or stay true to size for the intended relaxed look. In both cases, check the measurements on the product page, since made-to-order items can’t be returned for a wrong size. Our size finder and hoodie size guide can help.
Care
The hoodie’s label says to machine wash cold, tumble dry low and not to bleach. Cotton blends can shrink a little in heat, so washing cold and drying low helps either piece last. Our guide to whether cotton shrinks explains why.
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the hoodie if you run cold, spend time outdoors or want a pocket and a hood. It’s also the more giftable piece for someone who loves a cozy, embroidered statement.
- Choose the sweatshirt if you want a lighter-feeling layer for the office, a relaxed home outfit or a lower price. It’s also available in a wider size range, up to 5XL.
- Want a middle ground? The “Let Yourself Grow” zip hoodie opens at the front, so it’s easier to take on and off. Read how to style it in our zip-up hoodie guide.
Prices are as listed at the time of writing and may change. Specifications come from the product pages, so check them before you order.