In British English, the most common and widely understood term for the garment is "hoodie."
While "hoodie" is universally recognised, in British English, it is also often grouped with other casual upper body garments. A hoodie is essentially a type of "sweatshirt" that features a hood, and more broadly, it falls under the general category of "jumpers" or simply "tops." When discussing such attire, "hoodie," "sweatshirt," and "jumper" are frequently used interchangeably, or at least understood as very similar items of clothing, all serving as a type of 'top'.
Common Terminology for Casual Tops in British English
Brits use a few terms to describe casual, comfortable upper body wear. Understanding the subtle differences can help clarify usage:
- Hoodie: This is the most direct and specific term for a casual top that includes a hood. It's typically made from a soft, thick material like fleece or cotton.
- Jumper: In British English, a "jumper" is a very broad term for a knitted garment worn on the upper body, similar to what Americans call a "sweater" or "pullover." While a hoodie is not usually referred to as a "jumper" if it's made of sweatshirt material, some very casual, hooded knitted garments might blur the line.
- Sweatshirt: A "sweatshirt" is a long-sleeved, typically cotton jersey garment, often with a fleecy inner lining. It's designed for comfort and warmth, originally for athletic use. A hoodie is effectively a sweatshirt with a hood attached. If a sweatshirt does not have a hood, it's simply called a sweatshirt.
- Top: This is the most general term, encompassing any garment worn on the upper body, from t-shirts to blouses, jumpers, sweatshirts, and hoodies.
Distinguishing Features of Casual Upper Garments
Understanding the primary characteristics helps differentiate these terms in British English:
| Term | Key Feature | Material (Typical) | Presence of Hood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodie | Casual top with a hood | Cotton, Fleece | Yes |
| Jumper | Knitted upper body garment | Wool, Cotton, Blends | Usually No |
| Sweatshirt | Casual, non-knitted top | Cotton, Fleece | May or May Not |
| Top | Any upper body garment | Varied | Varied |
When Specificity Matters
While many of these terms can be used broadly, the term "hoodie" is always used when the garment explicitly features a hood. For example:
- "I'm just going to throw on a hoodie to run to the shops."
- "Can you lend me a jumper? It's a bit chilly." (Implying a knitted, non-hooded item)
- "I prefer plain sweatshirts to hoodies." (Distinguishing between the two)
In everyday conversation, while all these items might be casually referred to as a "top," when it comes to clarity and specifying the exact type of garment, "hoodie" is the precise term used for a hooded top.
