Jumper and jacket are two outer garments that are worn over the upper body. Both usually cover the wearer’s torso and arms. The key difference between jumper and jacket is that jackets have a front opening whereas jumpers are put on over the head since they don’t have an opening.
It is important to know that these two garment names have distinct meanings in different regions, and this article mainly focuses on British English usage.
What is a Jumper?
Jumper is a knitted garment typically with long sleeves, worn over the upper body. It usually covers your torso and arms. In North American English a jumper is known as a sweater or pullover. A jumper has no opening at the front and is put on over the head. it is often worn over another clothing such as shirt, blouse, or T-shirt, but sometimes it is worn next to the skin.
Jumpers are traditionally made from wool, but nowadays jumpers made from cotton or synthetic fibers are also available in the market. Jumpers are worn by adults and children of all genders. They can have various designs and patterns. V-neck, turtleneck, and the crew neck are the most popular necklines. They can be worn with pants or skirts and the waistline of the jumpers is typically at hip height. The sleeve length is variable; it can be full-length, three-quarters, short-sleeved, or sleeveless.
It is important to note, however, that in the United States the term jumper refers to a women’s sleeveless dress, worn over a blouse or shirt, which is known as Pinafore in British English.
What is a Jacket?
A jacket is an outer garment for the upper body. It usually extends either to the waist or the hips and has a front opening, collar, lapels, sleeves, and pockets. It is usually worn over another cloth such as blouse or shirt, like a coat. However, a jacket is usually tight fitting and lighter than a coat. Jackets are worn for the protection from elements or for fashion.
Given below are some types of jackets.
Fleece jacket – casual jacket made of synthetic wool
Leather jacket – jacket made of leather
Dinner jacket – part of the black tie dress code of formal evening wear
Bed jacket – jacket made from light material, meant to be worn for bed
Blazer – jacket that looks formal and is often worn as a part of a uniform
Safari Jacket
What is the difference between Jumper and Jacket?
Opening:
Jumpers don’t have an opening at the front.
Jackets usually have an opening at the front.
Collars and Pockets:
Jumpers don’t have collars or pockets.
Jackets may have collars and pockets.
Material:
Jumpers are often knitted and made from wool.
Jackets are not kitted, and they can be made from a variety of materials such as fleece and leather.
Causal vs Formal:
Jumpers are casual wear.
Jackets may be casual or formal wear.
Image Courtesy:
“Christmas Sweater” By TheUgly Sweater Shop.com – Flickr: Vintage 80s Mountain Range Tacky Acrylic Ugly Christmas Sweater (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
“Safari-Jacket” By Frank Williams at en.wikipedia (CC BY 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia