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Why do hockey players call jerseys sweaters?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Jan 19, 2026

The hockey sweater is called a sweater instead of a jersey (though some still insist it's a jersey) because that's quite literally what hockey players wore originally. The game was played outside, so the athletes wore wool-knit sweaters.

Why are hockey jerseys called sweaters?

When hockey started on frozen ponds in Canada, the players wore heavy woolen knit sweaters to keep themselves warm. When the NHL started, most folks called the uniforms “Sweaters”. When you went out on the ice to play, you pulled on your Hockey Sweater.

Are hockey jerseys still called sweaters?

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. A hockey jersey is a piece of clothing worn by ice hockey players to cover the upper part of their bodies. It is traditionally called a sweater as, in earlier days, when the game was predominantly played outside in winter, it actually was a warm wool-knit covering.

Are the hockey jerseys or sweaters?

In fact, today's hockey jerseys are made from double-knit polyester and other synthetic fibers meant to keep players cool. And Monga knows that, like the Sharks in this year's Finals, he might be fighting a losing battle. "The NHL, I believe, calls it jersey," he says. "All the marketing materials call it jersey.

Is a jersey a sweater?

As nouns the difference between sweater and jersey

is that sweater is a knitted jacket or jersey, usually of thick wool, worn by athletes before or after exercise while jersey is a garment knitted from wool, worn over the upper body or jersey can be a type of fabric knit.

24 related questions found

What is an NHL jersey called?

A hockey jersey, traditionally called a sweater (due to it originally being made from sweater material, such as wool), is a piece of clothing worn by hockey players to cover the upper part of their bodies.

When did hockey players stop wearing sweaters?

In the late 1940's, the NHL changed their officials from the white sweaters to orange shirts. They would wear these shirts until December 29, 1955.

What is a sweater called in England?

In British English, the term jumper describes what is called a sweater in American English. Also, in more formal British usage, a distinction is made between a pinafore dress and a pinafore.

When did the NHL switch from sweaters to jerseys?

In 2003, the NHL switched the jersey scheme, so that the home teams started wearing their dark jerseys.

When did hockey sweaters become jerseys?

Most peg the change sometime in the 1970s and 1980s. That was when the NHL began experimenting with newer fibers for the uniforms and when more Americans began playing the game. They imported the term for shirts worn in basketball and football.

What does the A stand for on a hockey jersey?

Many hockey fans have probably noticed the letter 'A' or 'C' on some hockey players' jerseys and wondered, what do they mean? If you've followed sports for some time, you're probably familiar with the team captain concept, and that's exactly what the C stands for. But that A is for 'alternate captain.

Why are hockey jerseys so warm?

They're designed for comfort as they help wick away moisture to keep players dry and cool. The National Hockey League (NHL) and many other pro leagues play in heated stadiums with up to 20,000 fans in attendance.

What is the difference between a jersey and a jumper?

Jersey came to be known as any kind of knitted jumper, or sweater, and the words jersey, sweater, pullover, and jumper are interchangeable. Jersey, sweater, pullover, and jumper are all pulled over the head - they have no front opening.

What are 4 goals in hockey called?

What is scoring 4 goals in hockey called? Scoring four goals in a hockey game is much less common than a hat trick. If a player scores four goals in a single game, it is sometimes referred to as a "Texas hat trick." This term is less commonly used than a hat trick, and its origins are uncertain.

What does 5 hole mean in hockey?

Five-hole: a noun. “The space between the legs of a goaltender,” Merriam-Webster defines the hockey jargon in its latest addition to the English language dictionary.

What is the 7 hole in hockey?

'Six and Seven Hole': the six and seven holes are relatively new terms to identify the areas under either armpit of the goalie. Goaltenders who hold their trapper high or blocker further out to the side of their body are said to have six and seven holes.

When did NHL stop wearing white at home?

Since the 2003–04 season, NHL teams typically wear the dark colour at home and the white for road games; there are occasional single-game exceptions. The only elements allowed by NHL rules to be interchangeable between the two sets of equipment are the pants and gloves.

Why are the Leafs wearing white at home?

Fans are used to seeing the Maple Leafs in white jerseys with white socks, but the white gloves and pants made for sensory overload for some given they play on, you know, WHITE ice. It was like they were camouflaged into the ice for some.

Why are away jerseys white?

The reason dark-coloured sweaters were part of the "road" uniform was to hide the dirt the sweaters accumulated. The sweaters were not washed during road trips. The light or white sweaters were "home" uniforms as the visiting teams necessarily wore the dark.

What is a hoodie with a zipper called?

Hoodies with zippers are generally referred to as zip-up hoodies, while a hoodie without a zipper may be described as a pullover hoodie.

What do British people call cookies?

Biscuit (UK) / Cookie (US)

In the UK, these are generally called biscuits, although people do call the bigger, softer kind cookies, too. However, in the UK, people LOVE biscuits (especially with tea) and there are hundreds of different varieties that aren't called cookies, too.

Do NHL players get to keep their jerseys?

The players usually get to keep the last jersey they wore for the team. For personal collection.

Do NHL players change jerseys between periods?

Fix Their Equipment

Most players will remove their jerseys and shoulder pads between periods to allow themselves to be more comfortable for a while. Some players even remove their skates as well.

Do NHL teams wear white at home?

Before the 2003-2004 season, NHL teams usually wore their white jerseys at home and the colored jerseys on the road. Since 2003-2004, teams switched the two, and now wear colors at home and white on the road.