44 Best Sweaters for Men in 2022: Cashmere, V-Neck, Crewneck, Cardigan, and More
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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 11 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 V-Neck
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
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 Turtleneck
The easiest way to make just about anything—suits, trucker jackets, flannel shirts—instantly seem twice as cool. Are you a modern-day beatnik? Do you frequent painfully swanky cocktail parties? Is your neck just cold? Turtlenecks, friend.
The Mock Neck
Think of it as the turtleneck’s looser, laidback little brother. It’s not as tall as a turtleneck, and it certainly won’t fold over like a turtleneck. A thick, relaxed mock neck sweater with some baggy chinos and a pair of loafers? Come on!
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 Chunky Cardigan
On the best spring and fall days, these’ll be the only jacket you really need.
The Slim Cardigan
Though slim cardigans can come in a slim-fit silhouette, it’s more about the fabric than anything else. The knit should be more slinky than chunky and thus have more of a bounce than something like a fisherman sweater. Best deployed under a blazer like a slightly cozier waistcoat, or over a buttoned-up polo for some bookish-‘90s-indie-frontman appeal.
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?
The Swerve-y Sweaters
Three sweater trends worth trying right now: a wild graphic intarsia sweater, a full-placket cardigan, and any sweater with a completely bonkers texture.
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