The main types of sweaters are the crew neck, V-neck, turtleneck, cardigan, cable knit, quarter-zip, sweater vest, hoodie, and the Christmas sweater. They differ in neckline, in whether they pull on or open at the front, and in the knit. Each one below has a picture, what makes it different, and how to wear it.
Types of Sweaters at a Glance
| Sweater | Neckline | Style | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crew neck | Round, close to the neck | Pullover | Everyday wear |
| V-neck | V-shaped | Pullover | Layering over shirts |
| Turtleneck | High, folded collar | Pullover | Cold weather, smart outfits |
| Cardigan | Open front | Buttons or open | Layering |
| Cable knit | Any | Textured knit | Warmth and texture |
| Quarter-zip | Short zip collar | Pullover | Smart-casual |
| Sweater vest | V or round, no sleeves | Pullover | Layering over shirts |
| Hoodie | Hood | Pullover or zip | Casual and sport |
| Christmas sweater | Usually crew | Novelty pattern | Holiday parties |
Different Types of Sweaters with Pictures
1. Crew Neck Sweater
The crew neck is the most common sweater of all. It has a round neckline that sits close to the base of the neck, with no collar. The name comes from the sweaters worn by rowing crews in the early 1900s. It is made in every weight, from fine merino wool to chunky lambswool and cotton. A plain crew neck in navy, grey, or black works for almost any casual or smart-casual outfit.
- What defines it: A round, collarless neckline that sits at the base of the neck.
- Best worn with: Jeans or chinos on its own, or over a collared shirt or T-shirt.
- Who it suits: Everyone. It is especially good for people with a long neck or narrow shoulders, since the round line adds width.
2. V-Neck Sweater
A V-neck sweater has a neckline that dips to a point at the front, forming a V shape. The opening shows the shirt collar and tie underneath, which makes it the standard sweater for offices and school uniforms. It also grew popular through golf and tennis in the 1920s. A shallow V is the most classic and easiest to wear.
- What defines it: A neckline cut into a V at the front.
- Best worn with: A collared shirt and tie under a blazer, or a plain T-shirt for a relaxed look.
- Who it suits: People with a round face or a short neck, as the V draws the eye down and lengthens the upper body.
3. Turtleneck
A turtleneck has a tall, close-fitting collar that folds over and covers the whole neck. In Britain it is called a polo neck or roll neck. It began as practical clothing for sailors, fishermen, and athletes in the late 1800s, and later became linked with artists, writers, and designers. A fine-knit turtleneck can replace a shirt and tie under a suit.
- What defines it: A high, folded collar that covers the neck.
- Best worn with: Under a blazer, suit jacket, or coat, with tailored trousers or dark jeans.
- Who it suits: People with a long neck and a slim or oval face. It is one of the warmest styles, since it keeps the neck covered.
4. Cardigan
A cardigan is a sweater that opens down the front and fastens with buttons or a zip, or is left open. It is named after James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan, a British army officer of the 1800s whose troops wore knitted waistcoats. Because it opens, it is easy to put on and take off as the temperature changes. Styles range from thin, fitted knits to thick shawl-collar cardigans that work like a jacket.
- What defines it: An open front with buttons, a zip, or no fastening.
- Best worn with: Over a shirt, T-shirt, or dress. A chunky cardigan can replace a light jacket.
- Who it suits: Everyone, and anyone who likes to layer. It is useful in offices where the temperature goes up and down.
5. Cable Knit Sweater
A cable knit sweater is covered in raised patterns that look like twisted ropes. The patterns are made by crossing groups of stitches over each other. The best-known version is the Aran sweater from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland, traditionally knitted in thick, cream-colored wool for fishermen. The cables add thickness, which traps air and makes the sweater very warm.
- What defines it: Raised, rope-like patterns knitted into thick wool.
- Best worn with: Jeans, corduroy trousers, and boots. Keep the rest of the outfit simple.
- Who it suits: Anyone in a cold climate. The texture adds bulk, which flatters a slim frame.
6. Quarter-Zip Sweater
A quarter-zip sweater has a short zip that runs from the collar to the upper chest, about a quarter of the way down the front. With the zip closed it has a stand-up collar, and with the zip open the collar lies flat like a shirt collar. It grew out of sportswear and is now a staple of business-casual dress.
- What defines it: A short zip at the neck and a collar that stands up when closed.
- Best worn with: Over a collared shirt or T-shirt, with chinos or smart trousers.
- Who it suits: Office workers, golfers, and anyone who wants a neat layer that is easy to cool down in.
7. Sweater Vest
A sweater vest is a sleeveless sweater, usually with a V-neck. It keeps the chest and back warm while leaving the arms free. In Britain it is called a tank top or a sleeveless pullover. It was popular in the 1920s and again in the 1970s, and it has returned as part of the preppy and vintage-inspired fashion of recent years.
- What defines it: A knitted body with no sleeves.
- Best worn with: Over a button-down shirt, or over a T-shirt for a modern look.
- Who it suits: People who like layered, preppy outfits, and those who get too warm in a full sweater.
8. Hoodie
A hoodie is a sweatshirt with a hood. It is made of cotton jersey or fleece, not knitted wool, and usually has a drawstring at the hood and a large pocket on the front. It comes as a pullover or with a full-length zip. The sportswear company Champion made the first hooded sweatshirts in the 1930s for workers in cold warehouses in New York.
- What defines it: A hood, a soft fleece-lined fabric, and a front pocket.
- Best worn with: Jeans, joggers, shorts, and sneakers. It also works layered under a denim jacket or coat.
- Who it suits: Everyone who wants casual comfort. It is the standard choice for sport, travel, and relaxing at home.
9. Christmas Sweater
A Christmas sweater is a festive knit decorated with seasonal designs such as reindeer, snowflakes, Christmas trees, and Santa Claus. The older, more traditional kind uses Fair Isle or Nordic patterns. The deliberately loud version, often called an ugly Christmas sweater, may have tinsel, pom-poms, bells, or even lights. Parties built around these sweaters became popular in the early 2000s.
- What defines it: Bright colors and Christmas-themed patterns or decorations.
- Best worn with: Jeans or plain trousers, so the sweater stays the center of attention.
- Who it suits: Anyone going to an office party, family gathering, or Christmas jumper day in December.
Sweater Materials
- Wool: warm, breathable, and hard-wearing. Merino wool is finer and softer than regular wool.
- Cashmere: very soft, light, and warm, made from the undercoat of cashmere goats, and expensive.
- Cotton: cooler and easy to wash, good for spring and for people who find wool itchy.
- Acrylic and blends: affordable and easy to care for, but less breathable than natural fibers.
How to Choose the Right Type of Sweater
For everyday wear, start with a crew neck. For the office, a V-neck or quarter-zip over a shirt looks neat. For the coldest days, pick a turtleneck or a thick cable knit in wool. A cardigan is the best choice when you need a layer you can take off easily. To build the rest of the outfit, see our guides to types of jackets, types of pants, types of jeans, and types of shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of sweaters?
The main types are pullovers, which include crew neck, V-neck, and turtleneck sweaters, and cardigans, which open at the front.
What is the difference between a sweater and a jumper?
They are the same garment. Sweater is the American word, and jumper is the British word for a knitted pullover.
What is the difference between a turtleneck and a mock neck?
A turtleneck has a tall collar that folds over itself. A mock neck has a shorter collar that stands up without folding.
What is the warmest type of sweater?
A thick wool or cashmere sweater with a high neck, such as a chunky cable knit turtleneck, is the warmest.
Is a hoodie a sweater?
A hoodie is a hooded sweatshirt made from fleece, not a knitted sweater, but it fills the same role as a warm casual layer.