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 10 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.
Table of Contents
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.
Gap Mainstay v-neck sweater
With chinos and a button-down shirt, or a grungy denim jacket and heavy winter boots, this sweater is true to its name—an absolute mainstay.
Everlane cashmere v-neck sweater
The perfect V-drop to show off a little T-shirt and a wavy necklace.
Story mfg. Keeping v-neck embroidered organic cotton sweater
Wearable artwork that’s also egregiously comfortable.
The Crewneck
The heftier, snappier cousin of that Champion sweatshirt you love so much.
Uniqlo lambswool crew neck long-sleeve sweater
Look no further—this is the best wool sweater you can get for the money.
This merino wool sweater just about sums up simple elegance.
J.Crew cashmere collar sweater
Hot cocoa.
Todd Snyder merino stripe polo
We want to hear less about block chain and more about block stripes.
The Swerves
Three sweater trends worth trying right now: a wild graphic intarsia sweater, a button-up collared cardigan (with off-the-charts texture), and a punk-inspired distressed pullover.
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