Maglione vs. maglia vs. pullover vs. felpa
Italian has several words for various types of upper body garments similar to sweaters. While there is some overlap, each term has specific connotations and usage.
Maglione
A2Maglione refers to a heavy, warm sweater typically worn in cold weather.
Ho bisogno di un maglione pesante per l'inverno.
(I need a heavy sweater for winter.)
Mia nonna mi ha fatto un maglione di lana.
(My grandmother made me a wool sweater.)
Maglia
A1Maglia is a more general term that can mean any knitted garment, from a light sweater to a T-shirt.
Indosso una maglia leggera in primavera.
(I wear a light sweater in spring.)
Ho comprato una maglia a maniche corte.
(I bought a short-sleeved shirt.)
Pullover
B1Pullover is a loanword from English, typically referring to a sweater that is pulled over the head.
Mi piace indossare un pullover con i jeans.
(I like wearing a pullover with jeans.)
Ho un pullover a collo alto per le giornate fredde.
(I have a turtleneck pullover for cold days.)
Felpa
A2Felpa usually refers to a sweatshirt or hoodie, often made of fleece or similar soft, warm fabric.
Indosso una felpa quando vado a correre.
(I wear a sweatshirt when I go running.)
Ho comprato una felpa con cappuccio per mio figlio.
(I bought a hooded sweatshirt for my son.)
Summary
While maglione is a heavy sweater, maglia can be any knitted garment. Pullover specifically refers to a sweater pulled over the head, and felpa is typically a sweatshirt or hoodie. Context and specific garment characteristics often determine which word is most appropriate.