A Christmas sweatshirt is a cotton or fleece pullover with a holiday print, while a Christmas sweater is knitted from yarn. Pick a sweatshirt for comfort, layering and everyday December wear, and a sweater for parties, family photos and ugly sweater contests. Both work for most holiday plans, so the occasion should decide.
What is the difference between a sweatshirt and a sweater?
The fabric is the real difference. A sweater is knitted, so you can see the loops of yarn, and the pattern (snowflakes, reindeer, Fair Isle bands) is often part of the knit itself. A sweatshirt is cut and sewn from a soft cotton or fleece fabric, and the holiday design is printed on top. People mix up the two words all the time, and plenty of shops use them loosely, so check the product details if the fabric matters to you.
| Christmas sweatshirt | Christmas sweater | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Cut and sewn from cotton or fleece, design printed on | Knitted from yarn, pattern usually knitted in |
| Feel | Soft and smooth, often brushed inside | Textured, can be a little scratchy depending on the yarn |
| Look | Clean print, easy to read slogans and graphics | Traditional holiday look, more texture |
| Care | Machine wash, turn inside out to protect the print | Often gentler washing, lay flat to dry |
| Best for | Everyday wear, travel days, casual family time | Parties, photos, ugly sweater contests |
Sweatshirts also come in different necklines. If you want something a little dressier than a crewneck, our guide to the mock neck sweatshirt covers how it compares to a turtleneck and how to style it.
Christmas sweatshirt or sweater: which one fits your plans?
Think about where you will spend the day and how long you will be wearing it. A sweatshirt is easier for a long drive to see family or a day of wrapping gifts on the couch. A sweater photographs better and gets more attention at a party, which is the point of an ugly Christmas sweater party.
| Occasion | Better pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Office party or Ugly Christmas Sweater Day | Sweater | Loud designs win contests, and Dec 18 is sweater day |
| Holiday travel | Sweatshirt | Comfortable for hours in a car or on a plane |
| Family photo | Either, matched by color | Coordinated colors matter more than fabric |
| Christmas morning at home | Sweatshirt | Cozy with joggers or pajama pants |
| Dinner with in-laws | Classic sweater | Looks a bit more put together |
| School events with kids | Sweatshirt | Easy to wash after hot cocoa spills |
If you only want one piece this year, a classic pattern in red or green covers most of these. If you already own a sweater, a sweatshirt fills the gaps on the days you just want to be comfortable.
How to style a Christmas sweatshirt
A holiday sweatshirt is casual by nature, so the rest of the outfit sets the tone. For women, an oversized sweatshirt with black leggings and ankle boots is the easy go-to, and a plaid scarf adds some color without competing with the print. Tuck the front into a high-waisted skirt or jeans if you want a shape that looks less loungey.
For men, dark jeans and clean sneakers keep a Christmas sweatshirt from looking like sleepwear. A collared shirt underneath, with the collar out, works for a casual office party. For a day at home, matching joggers or sweatpants make an easy set, and plenty of people shop for a matching Christmas sweatshirt and sweatpants combo.
The same rules work in reverse for knit sweaters: let a busy sweater be the only loud piece and keep the pants plain. Our guide on how to choose a Christmas sweater covers fit and care in more detail.
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Christmas sweatshirt ideas for the whole family
Matching outfits are the fastest way to get a good holiday card photo. You do not need identical designs. Pick two colors, like red and green, and let each person choose a print they like. Kids usually do better in sweatshirts because they are soft and easy to move in, while adults can mix in knit sweaters. A pet-themed design is a safe choice for grandparents and teens alike (see our cat and dog Christmas sweater ideas).
For a family photo, stand near a window for natural light and keep the background simple. Busy prints next to a busy tree can look cluttered, so step a few feet away from it.
Sizing tips for adults and kids
Most people wear holiday sweatshirts and sweaters a little relaxed. Order your usual size for a regular fit, or one size up if you want an oversized look or plan to layer a shirt underneath. Always compare the size chart on the product page with a top you already own, measuring it flat across the chest and from shoulder to hem. For kids, sizing up one gives them room to grow into it by next December, which makes a seasonal piece easier to justify.
Watch: sweater vs. sweatshirt, explained
This short video walks through the difference between the two words and when people use each one.
Looking for a holiday sweater with a loud print? Browse more than 2,500 Christmas ugly sweaters at BarkPure.
Prefer a plain crewneck for everyday wear? See our sweatshirt collection.
When to order for Christmas
Every BarkPure order ships to the US for a flat $6.39. Orders are processed in 1 to 3 business days and spend about 7 to 12 business days in transit, so plan on roughly 8 to 15 business days in total. For Ugly Christmas Sweater Day on December 18, order by about November 25. For Christmas Day, order by about December 4. These are estimates, and the holiday rush can add a few days. Details are on our shipping policy page, and if the size is off you can check our return policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Christmas sweatshirt the same as a Christmas sweater?
No. A sweatshirt is sewn from cotton or fleece with a printed design, and a sweater is knitted from yarn. Many stores use the words loosely, so check the product details.
Are Christmas sweatshirts warm enough for winter?
A fleece-lined sweatshirt is warm indoors and fine outside with a coat over it. For long stretches outdoors, a thick knit sweater or an extra layer underneath helps.
What do you wear with a Christmas sweatshirt?
Leggings and boots, jeans and sneakers, or matching sweatpants for a day at home. Keep the bottoms plain so the holiday print stands out.
Should I size up in a Christmas sweatshirt?
Size up one if you want an oversized fit or plan to wear a shirt underneath. Otherwise order your usual size and check the size chart on the product page.
When should I order a Christmas sweatshirt or sweater to get it by Christmas?
With BarkPure’s delivery window of about 8 to 15 business days, order by about December 4 for Christmas Day and by about November 25 for December 18.
