Sweater

A sweater is a versatile piece of clothing designed to cover the upper body.

It is typically made from knitted or crocheted materials. These garments can include long sleeves, short sleeves, or no sleeves at all. People wear sweaters for warmth, comfort, and style. They are often layered over other clothing like T-shirts, blouses, or dress shirts. Because they are easy to remove, they are excellent for regulating body temperature.

The construction of a sweater relies on the unique properties of knitted fabrics. Unlike woven fabrics, knitted materials are generally somewhat elastic. This elasticity gives them a soft hand, which refers to how the fabric feels or drapes against the skin. Because the fabric is stretchy, it can conform to the body's shape. This often removes the need for complex tailoring like darts or flares. Even when a specific shape is desired, it can be knit directly into the fabric without using seams.

Sweaters are categorized into several distinct types based on their design. A pullover is a garment that is put on by pulling it over the head. A cardigan is a type of sweater that opens at the front.

Cardigans may use buttons or zippers to fasten. Within these categories, designers use various necklines such as the V-neck, turtleneck, or crew neck.

Sleeve lengths also vary from full-length to cap sleeves. If a sweater is sleeveless, it might be called a sweater vest or a slipover.

The history of the sweater reveals how its purpose and names have shifted over time. The Oxford English Dictionary notes the term "sweater" appeared in 1882. Originally, it described a woolen vest or jersey used during athletic exercises like rowing. Its primary purpose was to help reduce a person's weight or to prevent them from catching a cold after exercise. Over time, it evolved into a common item for general informal wear.

Terminology for these garments changes significantly depending on the region. In the United States, the term "jumper" refers to a sleeveless women's dress, not a sweater.

In the United Kingdom, the word "jumper" is the common term for a sweater. In South African English, a knitted sweater is always called a "jersey." The term "jersey" also has historical roots in the British Crown Dependency of Jersey, which exported many knitted goods during the Elizabethan era. In the sport of ice hockey, players still wear "sweaters." This tradition exists because original hockey uniforms were simple sweaters with a team crest stitched on the front.

Materials play a vital role in how a sweater functions and how it is cared for. While modern sweaters use cotton or synthetic fibers, many are still made of wool. Wool contains a natural oil called lanolin. This substance helps the fabric repel dirt and water.

Some traditional garments, like Irish Aran jumpers, use unscoured wool to preserve this oil. This allows the sweater to remain wearable even if it becomes wet. To maintain them, people use lint rollers or pill razors. However, using detergent can be detrimental because it strips away the protective lanolin.

Beyond simple warmth, sweaters serve many social and functional roles. They are used in seasonal celebrations, such as wearing festive Christmas sweaters.

They are also practical for travel, as athletes often wear sports sweaters over their kits. When a person becomes too warm, they can carry the garment by tying it around their waist or draping it over their shoulders. This flexibility makes the sweater a staple in many different types of wardrobes around the world.