sweater
Different Types of Sweater: A Comprehensive Guide

Sweaters are a staple in every wardrobe. They’re timeless, versatile, and perfect for layering. But with so many options, picking the right one can be overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’re here to help.

Sweater Apparel has a rich history, from its beginnings as practical garments for fishermen to becoming high-end fashion pieces. It has evolved over the centuries and comes in countless styles, each with a unique charm.

In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of sweaters and help you find the perfect one for every occasion and season. Today, we’re exploring sweaters that will keep you snug and fashionable all year.

What is a Sweater?

A sweater is a knitted or crocheted garment on the upper body and arms. It’s called a sweater in many countries, but it’s known as a jumper in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and others.

Sweaters are usually worn over other clothes, but depending on the style, they can also be worn alone or with layers.

Common Sweater Fabrics

The material of a sweater determines its warmth, durability, and comfort. You can choose the best one for your needs by understanding different sweater materials. Here are four common sweater materials:

Wool

Wool is a natural fiber known for its excellent insulation properties. It provides great warmth while being breathable. Wool sweaters are durable, moisture-wicking, and retain heat even when wet. Merino wool is exceptionally soft and non-itchy.

Cashmere

Cashmere is a luxurious material from the fine undercoat of cashmere and pashmina goats. It’s incredibly soft, lightweight, and provides excellent insulation. Cashmere sweaters are elegant and warm, making them perfect for colder climates.

Cotton

Cotton fibers come from the cotton plant and are often blended with other fibers. Cotton is breathable, hypoallergenic, and comfortable against the skin. Cotton sweaters are lightweight and ideal for milder weather.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a synthetic fiber often used as an affordable alternative to natural materials. Acrylic sweaters are lightweight, soft, and easy to maintain. They offer good insulation and are resistant to wrinkling and shrinking. Acrylic blends can mimic the texture of natural fibers while being cost-effective.

Different Types of Sweaters

Adding various types of sweaters to your closet is a great idea. With so many options available, let’s focus on the top sweater types you should consider.

According to How They Are Worn

Pullover Sweater

A pullover sweater is a cozy sweater you wear by pulling it over your head. It usually features a rib-knit crewneck, cuffs, and hem, making it comfortable and versatile. In the UK, this type of sweater is often called a jumper. It’s perfect for layering over shirts, tops, and blouses to keep warm.

Cardigan (Open Style) Sweater

A cardigan is an open-front sweater quickly layered over different tops. It provides warmth and a touch of style. Cardigans come in various lengths, from cropped styles that hit at the waist to longline versions that reach the thighs or knees.

According to the Neckline

Crew Neck Sweaters

Crew neck sweaters have a round, rib-knit neckline that sits close to the neck. They are usually pullovers and are famous for their classic, simple style.

V-Neck Sweater

V-neck sweaters have a neckline that forms a V shape. This design can be flattering and is often worn over collared shirts.

Turtle-Neck Sweater

Turtle neck sweaters feature a high, close-fitting collar that folds down. Also known as polo necks or roll-necks, they provide extra warmth around the neck.

Mock Neck Sweater

Mock neck sweaters have a neck similar to a turtleneck but without the fold. The neck stands up instead of folding over, offering a sleek look.

Shawl Collar Sweater

Shawl-collar sweaters, typically cardigans, have a flat collar and a continuous lapel on the front opening. They can be fully open or buttoned and usually fall below the hip.

Full Zip Sweater

Full-zip sweaters are cardigans with a zipper that runs the entire front length, allowing them to be worn open or closed.

Half Zip/Quarter-Zip Sweater

These sweaters have a high neck opening with a short zipper closure that extends only to the chest, providing ventilation and ease of wear.

Cowl Neck Sweater

Cowl neck sweaters have a draping neck similar to a turtleneck but with a more relaxed, hanging effect. The cowl can be narrow or broad.

Buttoned Placket Sweater

Buttoned placket sweaters feature a small opening with buttons in the front, adding a touch of detail and ease of wear.

According to Patterns

Cable Sweater

Cable sweaters are pullovers with intricate knitted patterns that resemble twisted ropes or braids. They can feature designs like honeycomb patterns, Saxon braids, and lattice knots.

Fisherman’s Sweater

Also known as Aran jumpers, these sweaters have traditional cable-knit patterns with raised cables and interlaced diamond designs. Originating from Ireland, they are named after fishermen but symbolize wealth and privilege.

Argyle Knit Sweater

Argyle knit sweaters feature designs with colored diamonds arranged in outlines and solid shapes, offering a classic, preppy look.

Tennis Sweater

A tennis sweater is typically a white pullover with a V-neck, long sleeves, and colored bands at the neck and wrists. It has a sporty, elegant appearance.

Ski Sweater

Ski sweaters are heavy pullovers made from thick jacquard knit yarns with elaborate patterns. They are designed for warmth and style on the slopes.

Fair Isle Sweaters

Originating from Fair Isle, Scotland, these sweaters feature intricate and colorful stranded colorwork designs, often with geometric patterns.

Ribbed Pattern Sweater

Ribbed pattern sweaters have vertical ridges or ribs on the fabric, created with a combination of knit and purl stitches. This texture adds a stretchy, comfortable fit.

Waffle Knit Sweater

Waffle knit sweaters have a distinctive waffle-like pattern on the fabric surface, providing a textured, cozy feel.

Intarsia Pattern Sweater

Intarsia pattern sweaters are made using a colorwork knitting technique that creates bold, distinct designs on the fabric, often with multiple colors.

According to Styles

Fanny Sweater

A fanny sweater is a long sweater with a hem that extends below the hips, covering the buttocks for extra warmth and coverage.

Sweater with a Hoodie

These sweaters have a built-in hood, combining a shirt’s comfort with a hoodie’s practicality.

Boyfriend Sweater

Boyfriend sweaters are loose, slouchy pullovers that look like boyfriend sweaters. They are comfortable and casual.

Aircrew Sweater/Submariner’s Sweater

These sweaters, inspired by the sweaters worn by military aircrew and submariners, have a roll neck, deep hems, and cuffs.

Grandpa Sweater

Grandpa sweaters are oversized cardigans with a shawl collar and a button opening that starts halfway down the sweater. They offer a cozy, vintage look.

Twinset

A twinset is two matching sweaters worn together, typically a cardigan and a pullover or shell, creating a coordinated outfit.

According to Sleeves

Sweater Vest

Sweater vests are sleeveless sweaters that look like vests. They are worn over other clothes for added warmth without the bulk of sleeves.

Raglan Style Sweaters

These sweaters feature raglan sleeves, which extend in one piece to the collar, creating a diagonal seam from underarm to collarbone. A saddle shoulder is a variation of the raglan sleeve.

According to the Fabric 

Hand-Knitted Sweater

Hand-knitted sweaters are made by hand and have a unique, chunky texture. They are often more textured and personalized than machine-knitted sweaters.

Wool Sweater

Wool sweaters are made from natural fibers like merino wool, cashmere, or blends like Pashmina. They are warm, breathable, and soft but require careful maintenance to avoid damage.

Acrylic Sweater

Acrylic sweaters are made from synthetic fibers and are a budget-friendly alternative to wool. They are lightweight but can stretch and pill if not correctly cared for.

Cotton Sweater

Cotton sweaters are made from lightweight, breathable fibers. They are comfortable but less warm than wool, making them ideal for milder weather.

Blend Fabric Sweater

Blend fabric sweaters combine different fibers, such as cotton, polyester, spandex, or wool, offering the benefits of each material. For example, an acrylic-wool blend can be warmer and more durable than fiber alone.

Donegal Sweater

Donegal sweaters are made from wool tweed with colorful slubs featuring traditional Aran cable stitches. They are soft, durable, and speckled.

Performance Sweater

Performance sweaters are made from fabrics with unique features, such as moisture-wicking, water resistance, and anti-pilling, making them suitable for active wear.

Why Buy from Anoosha Apparel Sourcing?

Buying from Anoosha Apparel Sourcing offers several advantages that make them a top choice in the garment sourcing industry: 

Quality Assurance: Anoosha Apparel Sourcing is dedicated to providing the best sweater-knitting products. It has stringent quality control measures to ensure every product meets high standards before reaching customers.

Wide Range of Products: They offer diverse woven fabric products catering to various needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for casual wear, formal attire, or specialized clothing, Anoosha Apparel Sourcing has options.

Customization Options: Anoosha Apparel Sourcing provides customization services to meet specific requirements. Whether you need unique designs, exact materials, or particular sizes, they can tailor their products to your specifications.

Competitive Pricing: Despite their focus on quality, Anoosha Apparel Sourcing offers competitive pricing, making their products accessible without compromising quality.

Sustainable Practices: They are committed to sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices. This includes responsible sourcing materials and ensuring fair working conditions in their production facilities.

Experienced Team: The team consists of skilled professionals who understand the complexities of the garment industry. Their expertise ensures smooth transactions and reliable service.

Reliable Delivery: They have a strong logistics network that ensures timely delivery of orders. Customers can count on receiving their products within the promised time frame. 

Customer Support: Anoosha Apparel Sourcing offers excellent customer service, assisting clients with inquiries, orders, and after-sales support to ensure a satisfying shopping experience.

Anoosha Apparel Sourcing stands out for its dedication to meeting your needs. It offers a wide range of products and customization options. Its competitive pricing and commitment to sustainability make it a standout choice. You can trust us to deliver high-quality garments and exceptional support every step of the way.