On the whole and Without a stitch

On the whole adverb - With everything considered (and neglecting details).

Without a stitch and on the whole are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Without a stitch" instead an adjective phrase "On the whole".

Without a stitch adjective - Without any clothing at all.

On the whole and without a stitch are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "On the whole" instead an adjective phrase "Without a stitch".