Śvetāmbars and Digambars are two main traditions (sects) within Jainism. The core Jain principles are the same in both: Ahimsa, three jewels (samyak darshan–jnan–charitra), karma theory, moksha, 24 Tirthankars, etc. The differences are mostly in practice, dress, scriptures and some historical details.

Here is a simple comparison:

1) Name and basic idea

• Śvetāmbara = “white‑clothed”

Monks wear white clothes.

• Digambara = “sky‑clad” (naked)

Ideal monk renounces even clothes, as a sign of total possession‑lessness.

2) Monk & nun conduct

• Śvetāmbara:

- Monks and nuns wear white robes. - Both male and female ascetics are allowed; nuns can also take high vows. - They usually carry a rajoharaṇ (small broom) and muhapatti (mouth‑cloth in some sub‑sects).

• Digambara:

- Ideal monks are nude; they do not keep clothes as possession. - Nuns (āryikā, kṣullikā, etc.) wear simple white clothes but are not considered to reach the very last stage of renunciation like nude monks. - Digambar monks generally do not use muhapatti; their ahimsa is by extreme care in walking, talking, etc.

3) View on women and moksha

• Śvetāmbara:

- Women can attain keval‑jnan and moksha directly in the female body. - They believe some Tirthankars, like Mallinath Bhagwan, had a female last birth.

• Digambara:

- A woman must first be reborn as a man before final liberation. - All Tirthankars, including Mallinath Bhagwan, are male in their final birth.

4) Scriptures (Āgams)

• Śvetāmbara:

- Accept a canon of 45 (or so) Agams in practice (Ang, Upang, etc.) as preserved teachings of Mahavir Bhagwan. - Kalpa Sūtra, Uttarādhyayan, etc. are important.

• Digambara:

- Believe the original Ang‑Āgams were lost early; do not accept the Śvetāmbara Agam set as fully authentic. - Follow other main texts like Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama, Kaṣāyapāhuda, Samayasāra (Kundkund), etc.

Both respect Tattvārtha Sūtra as a common philosophical text, though commentaries differ.

5) Idol (mūrti) form and temple style

• Śvetāmbara:

- Tirthankar idols usually have open eyes. - Sometimes decorated with clothes, ornaments, crown, etc., especially in rituals. - Temples are often richly decorated.

• Digambara:

- Tirthankar idols are nude (symbol of complete renunciation). - Generally with down‑cast or half‑closed eyes, without ornaments or clothes. - Image is very plain, stressing vairāgya (detachment).

6) View on Mahavir Bhagwan’s life (example of historical differences)

• Śvetāmbara:

- Say Mahavir was married to Yashodā and had a daughter Priyadarśanā before renunciation.

• Digambara:

- Hold that Mahavir did not marry in his final birth; he remained a brahmachari.

7) Food rules for monks

• Śvetāmbara:

- Monks may accept alms in a bowl, can eat different items together.

• Digambara:

- Traditional rule: eat once a day from the palms, food brought in a specific way, never stored, very strict limitations on type and quantity.

8) Sub‑sects inside each

• Śvetāmbara:

- Mūrtipūjak (idol‑worshipping), Sthānakvāsī (no idols, prayer halls), Terāpanth (non‑idol, very organized) etc.

• Digambara:

- Several gacchas / sampradāyas (e.g. various muni‑paramparās, Bhaṭṭārak traditions, etc.), with small differences in practice and emphasis.

Essence:

• Both follow the same fundamental Jain darshan and aim: liberation of the soul.
• Differences are in outer form (dress, idol style, rituals), some scriptural acceptance, and certain doctrinal details (like women and moksha, life‑details of Tirthankars).

For more simple explanations on Śvetāmbara groups like Sthānakvāsī and how they relate to Digambar Jains, you can read more here