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The best sweaters for men are a lot like Pokémon: there are way more varieties than you ever realized, and the more of them you have the better. Unlike Pokémon, however, you won’t have to spend several months ignoring your family, dismantling your social life, and squinting at a Gameboy just to uncover all the essential sweaters a man should own—that’s what this article is for. We’ve determined the seven foundational pullovers and cardigans you absolutely need in your wardrobe, and found the best versions of each for every budget. From the cable-knit classics to the unexpected swerves, the comfy cold weather layer has many forms. So become a knitwear master and catch ‘em all.
The Best Sweaters for Men Shopping Guide
- The Heartthrob V-Neck: Banana Republic Sante Merino V-Neck Sweater, $90
- The Daily Crewneck: Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino Crew Neck Sweater, $50
- The Preppy-Cool Vest: Drake's Fair Isle Lambswool Sleeveless V-Neck Jumper, $425
- The Hardy Cardi: L.L. Bean Classic Ragg Wool Shawl Collar Cardigan, $109
- The Blanket-Soft Cashmere Knit: Naadam Essential Cashmere Sweater, $98
- The Buzzy Zip-Up: Paul Smith Melange Knit Zip Cardigan, $675
- The Polo Hybrid: Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve 3-Button Sweater Polo, $70
The V-Neck Sweater
After a few years out of the limelight—like post-baseball Jordan—the V-neck is ready to reclaim its menswear throne as the most versatile sweater in your closet. Now, the obvious play might be to layer one over a crisp button-up shirt, possibly even with a tie or worn with the collar insouciantly spilling over the V-neck. But there’s something casually chic about a plain white T-shirt peaking out from underneath.
The Crewneck Sweater
The heftier, snappier cousin of that Champion sweatshirt you love so much. It’s the default sweater to grab when you don’t want to lend any more brain energy than is necessary to looking good. Crewneck sweaters can come in more flavors than Baskin Robins, from intarsia knits to thick cable knit sweater to satisfyingly plush boucle and on and on and on. While there’s nothing wrong with a super versatile heather gray sweater, don’t be afraid to get adventurous with fabric, color, and silhouette.
The Sweater Vest
No sleeves, no problem. If anything, the sweater vest brings more solutions to the sartorial table. It lets you show off your shirts without exposing your core to the elements. It’s also great underneath all kinds of outerwear, without adding unnecessary bulk. The sweater vest moment has been ramping up for several seasons and we're totally here for it.
The Cardigan
On the best spring and fall days, a lightweight sweater will be the only jacket you need. If temperatures are still moderately warm, opt for a cardigan made from breathable linen or cotton, paired with a button-down and relaxed fit chinos for a laid-back, preppy look. Once temps start to cool down, you can upgrade your winter wardrobe with a heavyweight, merino wool sweater to stay nice and toasty.
The Cashmere Sweater
It used to be that the average “nice” wool sweater was made of merino wool or lambswool and cashmere was reserved for the rich guys. A few decades of commodifying the luxury fiber and the swankiest, supplest form of high-quality wool is now more accessible than ever.
The Zip Sweater
Whether it's a quarter-zip, half-zip, or full-zip, it's been a staple of normie dads forever and, yes, it's cool again. Think of it as a convertible, but for your torso.
The Polo Sweater
It's a sweater with a collar, ya know what I mean?
