No one is saying you need all ten of these styles. Hardly. But like shoes and boots, some styles of sweaters are better for some scenarios, while other styles excel at other times. Sweaters can be one of the easiest ways to elevate an outfit, bridging the gap between casual and formal. We’re going to do a deep dive today about the different types of men’s sweaters, along with some of the pros and cons that accompany them.
Pros: The foundation, even though some would say a V-neck should be the first style mentioned. (We’ll get to v-necks.) Super versatile. As classic as it gets. Can be dressed up or down. Widely available at numerous price points, from cheap to pricey, and in tons of different fabrics (from cotton to cashmere). Different styles of knit, from slim and smooth to chunky cable, can totally change the look and feel of the sweater.
Cons: Can be tough to dress way up, since layering over a dress shirt can sometimes look a little restricted. Not always. Just sometimes. Not everyone likes a crewneck depending on the fabric (if you find wool itchy). It’s a pullover, so taking it on/off for layering purposes & temperature regulation can leave you with crazy “I just took my sweater off” hair.
Pros: The V-Neck is arguably as foundational as the crewneck. Widely available in various fabrics (and often for super cheap), it’s one of the easiest to style with anything from an open-collar OCBD to a suit and tie. V-shape can accentuate athletic frames. It’s an ideal partner for cool to cold weather layering, as shown above.
Cons: Almost always needs to be layered over something (unless it’s a shallow v + you don’t have much chest hair… or you’re a Suitsupply model). These are also pullovers, so taking it on/off for layering purposes & temperature regulation can leave you with crazy “I just took my sweater off” hair.
Pros: Extraordinarily comfortable. Can see extra use as outerwear in fall and spring. House-sweater style chunky knits can feel like wearing a nice cozy blanket. Easy on/off avoids that pullover-sweater-hair situation.
Cons: Some see them as “grandpa” sweaters, although that rep has faded in recent years. Usually more expensive since they’re beefier in fabric and construction.
Pros: An easy to execute style-move many are afraid to try. Pretty much the perfect layer, since unlike pullovers, you can take it on and off without making your hair look like you just stuck a fork in an electrical outlet.
Cons: Maligned as “Mr. Rogers” style. Which is odd, since Mr. Rogers was about as good as it gets as a human being. Some of us used to think cardigans are frumpy and unstylish. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Pros: Oozes “I know what I’m doing here.” Projects confidence and style. Keeps your neck warm in the colder months, and thinner styles layer quite easily underneath suits and sportscoats.
Cons: You’ll get comments. A turtleneck is like a magnet for people to either pay compliments or make snide remarks. Can be difficult to find on the cheaper side that actually looks good and keeps its shape.
Pros: A half-zip over a shirt and tie is a pretty well-accepted “cheat” in terms of business-casual formality… as long as the fit is nails. Zip gives a little more room to pull on and off over coiffed hair, much more so than a crewneck or v-neck.
Cons: Can look a little… “Dad”/Manning-cast (NO ELI! *nsfwish) Zipper teeth around the Adam’s apple… yikes. Zipper in general = harder to dress all the way up.
Pros: Super cozy yet rugged. Warm. A great option for those that don’t like the floppiness of hoodies, but want a little extra protection for their neck. In fact, these are often made in heritage-style sweatshirt fleece, mimicking a sweatshirt without the bulkiness of a hood or pocket up front.
Cons: Obviously bulky around the neck area, and unlike the cardigan style alternative, not as easy to get on/off for on-the-go layering.
Pros: As easy-wearing as its short-sleeved brother, the sweater polo is simple and straightforward, making it versatile and pairable. While this type is usually a smoother fabric like merino wool, textured options can make layering a lot more interesting.
Cons: Kind of tied to the polo itself in the formality scale. Difficult (though not impossible!) to dress all the way up. Can feel weird to wear a t-shirt or undershirt under, which many will want to do with wool versions.
Pros: Not the same as a sweatshirt. Often made of merino or even cashmere. Very easy to wear while staying comfortable and not appearing stuffy. Layered under a casual sportcoat it can look trendy but still put together… although some would disagree, as that trend might have seen its day come and go.
Cons: Arguably the least formal, and can sometimes be mistaken for simply wearing a terry/fleece style sweatshirt. Look for slimmer cuts, often without the kangaroo pocket up front, and a little texture always helps to make the style intention more clear.
Pros: The perfect way to dress up, without really dressing up, and thus can be a nice mental boost on those days when you could use it. It’s also the the best portmanteau in Menswear – ALL HAIL THE “SWAZER.”
Cons: Since it doesn’t have the structure of a traditional blazer/sportcoat… these can sometimes look a little schlumpy. But that really depends on the model/version. Some can wear almost just like a blazer. Others are more like a cardigan. They can also often be expensive. Critics would say these are neither here-nor-there. They’re not dressed up, they’re not casual. But that’s also why some of us love them.
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