Why Sweatshirts with Collars Are Popular Among Men but Not Women

Fashion is a reflection of self-expression, cultural influences, and practicality. Nowa days many  clothes style have blurred gender boundaries, but some still remain firmly entrenched in either men’s or women’s wardrobes. 

One such item is the collared sweatshirt—a mainstay in men’s apparel but a rarity in women’s.

At first, this variation of a pullover can look like a minor tweak but its prevalence in men’s style is deeply rooted in utility, heritage, and a need for polished casualwear. 

On the other hand, women’s fashion is renowned for its diversity and adaptability. It leans more toward hoodies, oversized crewnecks, or knits that provide different fits and styling opportunities.

So, what cements collared sweatshirts are a must-have in men’s closets while keeping them largely absent from women’s collections? Let’s find out the reason behind it.

Balance Between Relaxed and Refined

A primary reason why collared sweatshirts have remained a go-to in men’s fashion is their ability to straddle the line between laid-back and put-together. 

Unlike a standard crewneck or a hoodie, the presence of a structured neckline immediately enhances the overall look, making it suitable for occasions where a tee feels too relaxed and a dress shirt seems too overboard.

But why is such a balanced fit more prevalent among men?

The short answer is “homage to traditional menswear.”

Collars have long been part of classic men’s attire. From button-down Oxfords to polo shirts and quarter-zips, they’re associated with neatness and composure. The collared sweatshirt follows this lineage.

The collared sweatshirt was designed as an all-in-one solution for guys who prefer pragmatic dressing and understated elegance. It subtly nods to athletic heritage, workwear functionality, and collegiate aesthetics, making it an adaptable layering piece that moves fluidly between different settings.

Why It Doesn’t Resonate with Women’s Wardrobes?

Because women’s relaxed fashion leans toward flowing silhouettes, gentle drapes, and an emphasis on non-restrictive coziness. The allure of hoodies, oversized sweatshirts, and ribbed knits lies in their ability to create a more effortless, relaxed aesthetic rather than reinforcing structured elements, and this is precisely why they became popular among women.

Women’s styles also embrace ornamental collars but in the form of high-necks, mock turtlenecks, or intricate designs like ruffles or embellishments. A plain fold-over collar, like the one seen on men’s sweatshirts, lacks the decorative touch that defines women’s casual staples.

Cultural Significance

The staying power of collared sweatshirts in men’s wardrobes can be attributed to cultural associations as well. 

Culturally, collared sweatshirts have been embraced in various settings, from social outings to athletic events, giving them a sense of familiarity and comfort among men. This association with a more laid-back yet put-together look makes them a staple in men's fashion. 

On the contrary, women’s fashion often leans more towards a diverse array of styles, where collared sweatshirts may not hold the same cultural significance or sense of practicality, leading to their lesser popularity in women's wardrobes.

1. The Legacy of Preppy and Sportswear-Inspired Looks

Collared sweatshirts are deeply tied to Ivy League prep, athletic heritage, and functional workwear. For instance:

• Rugby jerseys worn in East Coast universities

• Golf pullovers favored in country clubs

• Workwear-inspired half-zips adopted by blue-collar professionals

All of these looks embrace a structured neckline, reinforcing the idea that sweatshirts with collars for men’s wardrobes as an intersection of comfort, versatility, and understated polish.

Women’s casual fashion, in contrast, pulls inspiration from boho influences, streetwear culture, and avant-garde designs, steering away from the rigid, sportswear-meets-officewear aesthetic that defines men’s collared pullovers.

2. Minimalist vs. Trend-Driven Dressing

Men’s style typically revolves around incremental refinements of classic staples rather than radical reinventions. Collared sweatshirts fit seamlessly into this timeless approach, offering a subtle variation on a familiar silhouette without veering too far from conventional men’s attire.

Women’s clothing, on the other hand, embraces constant evolution, bold experimentation, and unique fabrications. A basic collared pullover lacks the visually striking elements and fluidity that many women seek in their garments.

In conclusion, women’s fashion celebrates a broader range of shapes, embellishments, and trend-driven styles whereas men’s clothing leans toward practicality and subtle sophistication, making collared pullovers a natural fit.