The 20 Best Men’s Sweaters for Every Occasion

A solid sweater will go a long way towards making your dressing decisions seem more deliberate. That being said, picking a sweater is a bit like choosing a streaming service. You recognize the fact that you need one and you appreciate that each style brings something slightly different to the table. However, when it comes time to pony up, the agony of picking the right one for your tastes often means that you’ve had enough long before it’s even time to commit. Rather than inundating yourself with the sheer variety of what’s on the market, just take a look at our guide. We’ve broken it down by style, with suggestions along the way for what we’ve deemed the 20 best sweaters for men.

L.L.Bean Signature Cotton Fisherman Crew

To start our favorite collection of crewnecks, we’re going with an absolute staple. L.L.Bean’s cable-knit icon is practically eternal and available in more colors than you can imagine. Cut and sewn from nothing but premium cotton fibers, this piece has been keeping fishermen warm for decades and is bound to bode just as well in your closet. Plus, the fully cotton-crafted option is available in four colors fit for year-round wear.

lululemon City Sweat Crew

In addition to being stylish pieces of streetwear, crewnecks also make for great active apparel. Just take lululemon’s City Sweat Crew, for instance. Like the above option, it’s crafted using super-soft French terry fabric. However, because of its added lycra fiber, it offers both a four-way stretch fit as well as excellent breathability. And with seven different colors to choose from — including everything from ‘Astral Graphite’ to ‘White Opal’ — rest assured there’s an option perfect for your personal fashion. As an added bonus, it even has a hidden pocket to stash your cash, keys, and other small essentials.

Taylor Stitch The Lodge sweater

Like most things from Taylor Stitch, you can expect this piece to withstand the test of time. The Lodge Sweater is composed of nothing but responsibly-sourced baby yak fiber, arguably deeming it as soft as any others you’ll find, as the material is practically an ethical alternative to cashmere. Finished with a ribbed bottom opening, neck, and pair of cuffs, this piece is built to operate on its own or as one of many layers.

Fjallraven Ovik Knit Sweater

Jacquard knits and Fair Isle sweater patterns go together like Jack and coke, and this classic crew from Fjallraven is a case in point. Thanks to its 100% wool construction, it’s naturally insulating, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant, making it a perfect option to be worn on its own or layered underneath a heavier jacket. And with its rounded neck, raglan sleeves, and reinforced elbow patches, it offers a timeless cut that’s comfortable to wear and ready for any adventure.

Norse Projects Sigfred Lambswool Crew

Sure, that tired old crewneck from your glory days may hold a special place in your heart, but it’s doing you no favors when it comes to your wardrobe. Instead, grab Norse Projects’ Sigfred Lambswool sweater, an option that combines a classic collegiate silhouette with a premium Italian lambswool construction. With its set-in sleeves and single-rib collar, hem, and cuffs, it can be dressed down for daily wear or spruced up for special occasions.

Filson Crewneck Guide Sweater

If you’re after an offering that can perform at its best no matter the weather, it doesn’t get much better than Filson’s Crew Neck Guide Sweater. For starters, its merino wool fabric can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in water while still being warm enough to keep you from catching a chill. What’s more, because Filson has spun it using tightly-twisted yarns and a rib-knit collar, cuffs, and hem, it won’t lose its shape over time — even despite its natural stretchiness. A true utilitarian workhorse, this is one sweater that’s excellent for those days out of the office.

Mack Weldon Tech Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

Mack Weldon excels at making high-quality athleisure attire, as we’ve highlighted the brand’s sweatpants and joggers several times. This time around, we figured it’s only right to make note of this enviously cozy V-neck composed of breathable merino wool and buttery cashmere. This blend paves the way for natural thermoregulation for annual wear.

NN07 Grayson Wool Blend V-Neck Sweater

NN07 excels at making casual knitwear, with this option serving as a solid bridge between accessible and too expensive. The luxe piece is rounded out with cuffed gems for a proper fit that oozes upscale appeal. Layer it up alongside your go-to coat with cozy wool trousers or keep things simple and rock the sweater with some simple black jeans.

Acne Studios Wool V-Neck Sweater

Available in over a handful of colors and crafted from nothing but RWS wool, we’re rather taken with this burly choice from Acne, and for good reason. Considering the brand’s exemplary knitwear is practically on par with its premium denim, this V-neck offers little room for error, as you can dress it up, down, or right in the middle. Plus, it’s conveniently lightweight while staying warm enough to don all winter. 

Ralph Lauren The Iconic Cricket Sweater

There are tons of imitators out there with similar sweaters of their own, but no one else does it quite like Ralph Lauren. Based on the design originally released in 1972, it oozes classic country club style, with a cream-colored cashmere and cotton cable-knit body accented by some navy and red stripes at the neck and hem. And with a regular fit and some tailored sleeves, it’s not for nothing that they call it ‘The Iconic’ Cricket sweater.

UNIQLO Cashmere Turtleneck Long Sleeve Sweater

When it comes to wardrobe essentials at an affordable rate, UNIQLO ranks second to none, and its buttery soft cashmere sweater is finished with anti-piling processing to guarantee it stays wearable for years to come. The tightly-knit garment was increased to maximize its thick feel and winter-ready wearability.

Knickerbocker Pile Fleece Turtleneck

While this turtleneck deviates itself from the traditional fleece, you can rest assured it’s probably far warmer than the average pick. Knickerbocker’s unique Pile Fleece piece is delivered in a sleek, all-black look that will co-exist well with anything in your closet. It’s rounded out with a trusty snap pocket at the chest and a fluffy feel that is ideal around this time of the year.

Nicholas Daley Waffle Rollneck

Part-sweater, part-thermal, this unique option from British clothier Nicholas Daley is highlighted by its cozy raglan sleeves. Comfortability aside, these pave the way for idealized freedom of movement and tacking on a t-shirt or two underneath in case the forecast dictates them as necessary. On top of that, it comes with a pair of pockets, which already separates this sweater from most traditional ones.

Todd Snyder Cable Turtleneck

You can never go wrong with an extra cable-knit option, especially one that keeps your neck even warmer than the first. This handsome sweater from Todd Snyder is precisely what we’ve come to expect from the brand, offering a refined take on an outdoorsy classic. It is sewn from a (somewhat) eco-friendly blend of organic cotton, wool, and baby alpaca, then finished with an extended turtleneck for maximum coverage.

sunspel Lambswool Rollneck

There’s nothing worse than wearing an itchy sweater all day long, which is why lambswool is one of the best materials to look for when buying a new one. This option from British heritage brand Sunspel uses yarn from one of the world’s oldest fabric spinners. Then, after it’s knitted, the turtleneck is washed in Scottish spring water, making it incredibly soft and luxuriously comfortable.

J.Crew Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan Sweater

As the purveyor of prep, J.Crew is a brand that’s well-steeped with cardigan expertise — something you’ll quickly come to find with the sweater we’ve featured here. Certified to Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) standards, it uses only the most responsibly-sourced cashmere wool available. This means that it’s not only more environmentally-conscious throughout the supply chain, but also that the resulting sweater is light, supple, and surprisingly durable for its weight. If you’re looking for an understated cardigan with a classic cut, this is the sweater for you.

Buck Mason Herdsman Shawl Cardigan

Shawl cardigans, unlike the regular cardigan, operate as a remarkable top layer, all the while separating themselves from most jackets you’ll find. This piece from one of our favorite brands around is sewn from a sturdy, comfortable blend of cashmere and merino wool. Buck Mason touts the chunky knit piece as a cold-weather staple, and, frankly, it’s impossible to disagree with that.

Pendleton The Original Westerly Sweater

Yes, there are many cardigans, but you can’t bring up the garment without mentioning The Dude. Pendleton’s iconic Westerly design came about in 1972 and, like The Big Lebowski itself, has become something of a phenomenon. Be that because of its luxe lambswool composition or amount of screen time, it remains the category’s most well-known example — or simply the coolest one, if you’re not into the whole brevity thing.

Corridor Optic Alpaca Cardigan

When it comes to knitwear, it’s hard to ignore anything in Corridor’s catalog. This particular piece could pass as an optical illusion, so it might be a bit too out there for some, but people who still love rocking checkered Vans will surely appreciate it. Above all else, it’s crafted of an incredibly plush alpaca and cotton blend, then rounded out with a set of horn buttons for an additional sturdy touch.

Bode Double Breasted Cardigan

This upscale take on the predominantly casual classic is courtesy of Bode, one of menswear’s leading brands by a mile. The double-breasted piece was made from a polyester blend originally used for children’s clothing, going to show that even the cardigan, a garment unfairly associated with grandparents, can still garner a playful touch. 

The Best Sweatpants for Men

You’ve got the top covered, now it’s time to focus on your bottom half. With our guide to the best sweatpants, you can mix-and-match several pieces to keep warm all winter long.