The Best Men’s Cardigan Sweaters for a Laid-Back Look

Cardigans, much like old-school New Balances, are receiving new-found appreciation in the modern era, thanks to their unmistakable ’80s and ’90s vibe. They’re classic, they’re comfortable, and they’re versatile. Wear one over a button-down, and you’ll look professional, but still be comfortable. Wear one over an old t-shirt, and you’ll look more put together than you would if you were just wearing your favorite hoodie. And bonus: in Fall weather, cardigans can double as a light jacket. We’ve rounded up some winners for our best men’s cardigan sweaters guide – so kick back, relax, and let us do the work.

What makes a sweater a cardigan?

The cardigan sweater is a (traditionally) knitted or woven sweater with a relaxed, open front, usually fastened with buttons, but zippers are common too. Technically, many knit tops with zippers can be referred to as cardigans, and plenty of modern versions are even forgoing a fastening/closure altogether to get an even more relaxed look and feel. The traditional material used in these sweaters is wool, but modern options may incorporate a blend or cotton for a different style.

Cardigan history

Legend has it that a British military officer (James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan) created and popularized cardigan sweaters as we know them today, with a design inspired by the knitted wool waistcoats British officers wore in the 19th century. The style quickly became popular with the people of Europe and made its way to the States in the 20th century. Today, the cardigan is still a timeless, laid-back wardrobe staple that you can dress up or relax in.

What to look for

Material: If you want the classic cardigan look and feel, you want one made of wool (or at least a majority wool blend). Natural fibers like cotton are always a great pick, too, as they’re just as durable and comfortable as wool (although they offer less insulation. As you might’ve guessed, thicker sweaters are better for cold weather,

Fit: Given the chill nature of these garments, you want something that’s true to size, and maybe even a bit roomier. Not only are cardigan sweaters meant to be more relaxed, but they should also be easy to use as a layer over other clothes.

Style: Much like a wool material construction, a buttoned front will give you the most classic look and each pick in our guide features one. We’re big fans of the old-school style, but plenty of zippered options are just as good.

Length: Allegedly, James Brudenell (inventor of the cardigan), chose the short length so the back wouldn’t get caught in anything. These days, cardigan sweaters come in a variety of lengths, but again, if you want the classic look then something about waist length is good. On the other hand, longer sweaters offer more layering options.

L.L.Bean Classic Ragg Wool Cardigan

Best Starter Sweater: You can count on L.L.Bean to get the basics right, and they do exactly that with the Ragg Wool Cardigan, crafted out of 100% soft lambswool, and finished with two front pockets. Available in four subtle colors, this sweater has the textbook cardigan look and feel, which means it’ll be a staple in your closet for years to come. Since the yarn features extra texture, it feels super soft on the skin, and the midweight construction means you can wear it comfortably in the early days of fall (which is almost here).

Taylor Stitch The Crawford Sweater

Best Sustainable Sweater: Taylor Stitch knows a thing or two about relaxing (they’re a California-based label, after all), but they take sustainability and craftsmanship very seriously, crafting durable menswear with the environment in mind. In partnership with The Better Cotton Initiative (a non-profit working to reduce the impact cotton production has on the environment), The Crawford Sweater is made with 100% BCI cotton, features a shawl collar, and is finished with dark horn buttons. While the style is undoubtedly vintage, it’s made with cotton, so while it’s still comfortable (and more breathable than wool), it’s not completely true to the classic.

Faherty Marled Cotton Cardigan

Best Cotton Sweater: Much like Taylor Stitch, Faherty is a brand that takes environmental impact just as seriously as style, utilizing sustainable materials in a supply chain with minimal carbon emissions. The brand also does a good job honoring heritage clothing, which you can see in The Marled Cotton Cardigan, made with a majority cotton blend featuring a touch of cashmere. You get a comfy shawl collar and a classic button-up front with horn buttons, and it all comes together in a sweater that’s warm, soft, and easy to layer.

Norse Projects Adam Lambswool Cardigan Sweater

Best Lambswool Sweater: Nordic minimalism fits well in pretty much any design situation, but it’s certainly apt for relaxed garments that shine the most when they’re simple and functional. Nordic Projects’ lambswool cardigan comes through with just that, made with 100% lambswool in a silhouette that’s equally city-friendly as it is old-school. Even though it’s made entirely with wool, the weight and breathability make it a solid year-round pick.

Buck Mason Herdsman Shawl Cardigan

Best Classic Sweater: We can always count on Buck Mason when it comes to perfecting classic clothing, and they’ve done just that with the Herdsman Shawl Cardigan. You’re getting a yarn-dyed blend of Merino and cashmere that’ll keep you insulated on cold days, and it’s been garment-washed for added softness. Two front pockets (with a surprising amount of storage) and dark horn buttons tie it all together. The relaxed fit has a roomy feel and is certainly true to the garment’s roots, but you may need to size up if you want a more form-fitting sweater to wear on its own.

Todd Snyder Alpaca Cardigan

Best Alpaca Sweater: Todd Snyder regularly uses unique and high-quality materials from around the globe to redefine classic garments and push the industry forward. For those interested in a more premium wool sweater, this offering from Todd Snyder includes 25% baby alpaca wool (which is warmer, softer, and lighter than regular sheep wool, making it much more desirable) and Merino wool in a complementary color for style. The lightweight construction and colorways (particularly the Glazed Pecan) make this a solid choice to rock solo, but you can use it as a layer with just as much ease.

Alex Mill Cashmere Ribbed Cardigan

Best Cashmere Sweater: The founder of Alex Mill, Alex Drexler (former design director at J.Crew), began the company in 2012 with a mission to create the absolute best shirt they could make, with a focus on premium fabrics and build quality. This cardigan boasts all that and more, with a ribbed texture that enhances both the look and feel, and three pockets (two front and one chest) for extra storage space. It has an easy-wearing shape that drapes over your body, and the extra chest pocket is more convenient than you may initially think, while also adding to the style.

Imogene + Willie The Beckett Cardigan

Best US-Made Sweater: We can all appreciate a good love story, but it’s even better when the happy couple is working as a team to create some of the best denim jeans you can get. Carrie and Matt Eddmenson started Imogene + Willie in Nashville as a humble boutique crafting jeans with a personal touch, and the label’s dedication to truly one-of-a-kind pieces seeps into the rest of I+W’s output – like the Beckett Cardigan, for example, which is made with 100% premium Scottish wool, and knit in the States with care.

Corridor Crocheted Pima Cotton Cardigan

Best Crocheted Sweater: There’s something about a crocheted sweater that adds a lot to the personality of the garment, and the Brooklyn clothing label Corridor is all about capturing personality in its clothes. The Crocheted Pima Cotton Cardigan has no shortage of personality, best seen in the intricate crochet pattern that’s woven with incredibly soft Peruvian Pima cotton. The cotton may not be traditional, but the relaxed fit and lightweight construction make this a winner.

Best Linen Pants for Breezy Comfort

You can complete your relaxed look with a little help from our best linen pants guide.