In British English, a sweater may also be called a pullover, jumper, or jersey.

Even when such shaping is used, it can be knit into the fabric itself, without requiring seams.Ī sweater with an open front fastened by buttons or a zipper is generally called a cardigan, but the nomenclature for other styles in different dialects can be quite confusing. Sweaters that are more tightly fitted or have a soft drape may conform well to the body without requiring tailoring necessary in a woven garment such as darts, flares, and gores. Knitted fabrics are generally somewhat elastic and have a softer hand (feel or drape) than woven fabric. All hems may have various types of borders, such as picots, ribbing, and frills. The front seam or opening of a cardigan allows for further different styles, such as a surplice or a bolero jacket. The sleeve length is also variable, ranging from full-length or three-quarters to short-sleeved, cap sleeves or sleeveless. It can range from just below the bust in women's garments to mid-thigh in either sex or even longer in a knitted variation of the poncho shirtdress. The hemline is typically at hip height or slightly longer, just overlapping the waist of one's pants or skirt, but can vary significantly. Various necklines are found, although the V-neck, turtleneck, and crew neck are the most popular. Within either group, there is a great variety of designs. Although the term often refers to a pullover, it can also refer to a cardigan, a garment that opens and fastens down the front. The term 'sweater' is a catch-all for a variety of knit garments. most British dictionaries consider 'sweater' – and at least one considers 'jumper' – to be a hypernym for both pullovers and cardigans). Almost all British dictionaries include cardigans as a type of sweater but at least one includes cardigans as a type of jumper (i.e. Hence a similar garment for general informal wear a jumper or pullover' Īccording to most British dictionaries, British usage agrees with what American dictionaries describe as American English usage, according to which a sweater is either a pullover or a cardigan (which opens at the front). to reduce one's weight now commonly put on also before or after exercise to prevent taking cold. The OED gives 'sweater' as appearing in 1882 and gives its definition as 'A woolen vest or jersey worn in rowing or other athletic exercises, originally. Oxford University states that in British usage sweaters are always pulled over the head and jumpers are not necessarily, whereas most or all other British dictionaries disagree and say that sweaters are not necessarily pullovers or even say that jumpers are always pullovers, i.e. According to British dictionaries, 'sweater' is used in British English in the same sense as in American English but 'jumper' is commonly used instead (though some say that 'sweater' is used for heavier ones worn for warmth).

Pullover sweater