The Best Sweaters for Guys (and How to Wear Them)

The Best Sweaters for Guys (and How to Wear Them)

All the outfit ideas you'll ever need
mens cableknit sweater

By Gabi Meyers | Last Updated: Jan 16 2024 | 24 min read

I don’t know about you, for one, am here for sweater weather. It’s time to pull out all the heavy-on-the-handfeels fall and winter favorites from the back of the closet. I’m talking all the best sweaters for guys…cable-knit sweaters to cardigans, and everything in between.

Want some style inspo? SG’s on it. In this guide, we’re covering the best sweaters for guys in fall and winter, and share outfit ideas for how to wear them. It’s a big list, so get ready. You’ll discover all the ways to wear:

  • Cable-knit sweaters
  • v-neck sweaters
  • crewneck sweaters
  • nordic print sweaters
  • sweater polos
  • sweater vests
  • cardigans
  • shawl collar sweaters

What are we waiting for?

These are the best sweaters for men this fall and winter, with outfit ideas:

the best sweaters for guys

The best cable-knit sweaters for men

So, why is cable-knit so great?

From apple orchards and pumpkin patches to bar-side fireplaces, cable-knit looks right at home in cold weather settings.  Each type of knit holds a different meaning, so whether you opt for braids or lattices or the tree of life, the heritage of the knit can warm your heart while the sweater, ya know, warms your body.

Below, check out how to wear a cable-knit sweater five ways:

MONDAY
how to wear a cable-knit sweater

suit: Suitsupply | boots: Clarks | socks: Mack Weldon | watch: MVMT

SG Says: Suit up for the cooler days by layering your cable-knit sweater between your shirt and jacket.

TUESDAY
cable knit sweater, j.crew, maximum henry, best made company, laboratory perfumes, everlane, red wing

shirt: Everlane | cords: J.Crew | boots: Red Wing

SG Says: Keep things cozy with cords and a chambray shirt.

WEDNESDAY
how to wear a cable knit sweater, common projects, outerknown, steven alan, homecore, warby parker, follain, end clothing, skincando

shoes: Common Projects | frames: Warby Parker | backpack: Ted Baker | lip balm: Skincando

SG Says: A cable-knit sweater is the perfect weight for a brisk walk to work, followed by refrigerating in the office AC all day.

THURSDAY
welcome stranger, benny gold, cable knit sweater, l.l. bean, dunham, taylor stitch

boots: Dunham | cap: San Diego Hat Company

SG Says: A coach’s jacket and stylish cargo pants give a classic sweater some welcome modern flare.

FRIDAY
how to wear a cable-knit sweater

jeans: Nudie | sneakers: Vans | sunglasses: Saturdays NYC | pomade: Blind Barber, $20

SG Says: Your significant other will appreciate the extra effort that you put in for the requisite pumpkin patch Instagram shot when she sees you’ve layered a “nice” sweater under your puffer vest, rather than a hoodie (not that we have anything against hoodies at SG HQ, but y’know sometimes it’s a good change of pace to upgrade…).

// Shop #SGapproved cable-knit sweaters //

***

Wait, one more thing! 

We love cable-knit turtlenecks, too. Well, we love any kind of turtleneck, really (here’s how to wear one with a suit! and here’s how to wear one five more ways).

See how to wear a cable-knit turtleneck dressed up and dressed down, below:

how to wear a cable knit turtleneck, mens style, turtleneck

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The best v-neck sweaters for men

best sweaters for guys

What makes v-neck sweaters so great?

When it’s uncomfortable to leave the house without an extra layer, a v-neck sweater is a great transitional piece for your wardrobe.

If you’re ready to go all in on your sweater game, we recommend splurging on one in cashmere. None of your other sweaters can even compare in luxurious coziness when cashmere enters the ring. So soft, so warm, so timeless, so can’t-keep-our-hands-off-you.

Monday
how to wear a v-neck sweater

tie: The Tie Bar | socks: Mack Weldon

SG Says: Winterize a suit for the office with a layer of cozy layer between your shirt and jacket.

Tuesday
how to wear a v-neck sweater with jeans

backpack: Everlane | shirt: Stantt | belt: Boconi

SG Says: Throw the vest on for to and from the office in early fall, and to make things more fun at happy hour after work!

Wednesday
cashmere v-neck sweater, vneck, ted baker, warby parker, gant, acne studios, filson

shirt: Gant | bag: Filson

SG Says: Now this is how to bring gingham into your cooler weather wardrobe…grounded in earth tones and sturdier fabrics for colder temps.

Thursday
how to wear a v-neck sweater with chelsea boots

sunglasses:  Warby Parker | boots: Shoe the Bear

SG Says: Yes, you can pull off camo pants. How? By keeping the rest of your color palette neutral and mostly monochromatic.

Friday
sweater and jean jacket outfit

denim jacket: Saturdays NYC | tie: Todd Snyder

SG Says: We’ll literally never say no to including a jean jacket in an outfit. Ditch the tie and sunglasses to make this a ‘night out’ look.

// Shop #SGapproved v-neck sweaters //

The best crewneck sweaters for men

It’s probably obvious why Team SG love crewneck sweaters for guys so much.

Because they’re so easy to wear!

Crewneck sweaters go with everything – jeans, trousers, chinos, a blazer, a jean jacket, a shirt and tie. And on and on (and on). Chances are, you even received a new one at the holidays, and for good reason. It’s the sweater that keeps on giving.

While your version of this timeless classic could be made from cotton, wool or cashmere, we like a thick, wool crewneck when it’s really cold out.

Monday
collar in or out under sweater, how to wear v neck sweater with dress shirt, crew neck sweater with dress shirt, how to wear a crew neck sweatshirt, crew neck sweatshirts, swag crew neck, dress shirt under sweater, hoodless sweatshirts

tie: Wolf & Badger | chinos: Unis

SG Says: Want to know how to wear a crewneck sweater to work and not look like the junior account executive on the team? By pairing it with a sport coat. Ideally one that has patch pockets.

Tuesday
collar in or out under sweater, how to wear v neck sweater with dress shirt, crew neck sweater with dress shirt, how to wear a crew neck sweatshirt, crew neck sweatshirts, swag crew neck, dress shirt under sweater, hoodless sweatshirts

boots: Clarks | pants: 34 Heritage

SG Says: How do we love a chambray shirt, twill pants and desert boots? Let us count the ways. Because they’re all in this outfit, and we’re seriously going heart eye emojis-gaga for it.

Wednesday
collar in or out under sweater, how to wear v neck sweater with dress shirt, crew neck sweater with dress shirt, how to wear a crew neck sweatshirt, crew neck sweatshirts, swag crew neck, dress shirt under sweater, hoodless sweatshirts

socks: Gap | sneakers: Vans

SG Says: Okay, okay. So this outfit may be more of a “Saturday” vibe than a “Wednesday” vibe, unless your Wednesdays are seriously vibey.

…In which case, how did you get to doing what you do because I think I’d like to do it, too?

Thursday
vest and jeans

vest (similar): Barbour | shirt: J.Crew | boots: J&M

SG Says: Love us some flannel. Love us a leather boot. Love this whole look, really, so why not go ahead and wear it?!

Friday
collar in or out under sweater, how to wear v neck sweater with dress shirt, crew neck sweater with dress shirt, how to wear a crew neck sweatshirt, crew neck sweatshirts, swag crew neck, dress shirt under sweater, hoodless sweatshirts

watch: Timex | sneakers: Converse | jacket: Penfield

SG Says: We love a lot of layers in a guy’s outfit, so a crewneck sweater over an OCBD is extremely #SGapproved. So long as there’s no snow, you’re perfectly good to go in a low-top Chuck and wool socks.

// Shop #SGapproved crewneck sweaters //

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The best Nordic sweaters for men

sweater, snowflake, nordic, print, pattern

Why does Team SG love Nordic sweaters for guys?

It’s seriously simple to fall into a style rut when the temperature drops below freezing. You just want to be warm and cozy! 

But much like wearing a yellow slicker on a rainy day, sometimes it takes sporting a playful sweater to help you face the weather with your head held high. A Nordic print-inspired sweater can help you do just that.

The key difference between Fair Isle and Nordic prints is the symmetry.

Where Fair Isle prints are repeating, symmetrical patterns, Nordic prints have varying sizes for each component, often featuring larger-scale playful motifs, such as woodland creatures or snowflakes, interspersed between smaller, more geometric motifs.

Nordic print sweaters are also generally a little thicker and sturdier than their Fair Isle cousins thanks to their three-ply yarn construction – making them an even warmer option for the more miserable colder, later months of the winter season.

Below, how to wear a Nordic sweater five ways:

Monday
topcoat, nordic sweater, trousers, chelsea boots, british style

boots: R.M. Williams | gloves: Lands’ End

SG Says: Nordic sweaters go all in on the “visual interest” element of a good outfit. With varying widths and patterns, there’s no way not to feel fun and stylish in this winter classic.

Tuesday
suit, sweater, casual suit,

suit: Suitsupply | Oxfords: Cole Haan

SG Says: Make your suit feel like sportswear by wearing it with a sweater and sleek sneaker-dress shoe hybrid.

> We love Fair Isle sweaters, too! Check out our picks

Wednesday
casual, sweater, nordic, cold weather

suit: Suit Supply | boots: Clarks | joggers (similar): Alo

SG Says: Treat your sweater more like a long-sleeve tee by wearing it under a roomy shacket (shirt jacket). The whole outfit will be perfectly coffee run-casual with joggers and a beanie.

Thursday
nordic sweater outfit
belt: Frye | glasses: Garrett Leight

SG Says: Another way to bring gingham into your winter wear..by letting just a bit peek out from under a coordinating (but not matchy-matchy) patterned sweater.

Friday
corduroys, ag, reiss, leather, ray ban, aviator, wolverine, mondaine

pants: J.Crew | boots: Wolverine

SG Says: Round up all the winter textures by pairing a leather jacket with winter white corduroy pants for super-sized sumptuousness.

clothes hanger

The best polo sweaters for men

knit polo sweater, best sweaters for guys, sweater outfits for guys

What is a polo sweater and why should you wear one?

There are so many miracles in our closets that are appropriately named – take, for instance, shackets! And skorts!

So what do we call the outcome when a top is half sweater, half polo shirt? A “swolo” simply does not give it the esteem it deserves. Especially for a top that combines the casual cut of a polo with the elegance and ease of a long-sleeve sweater made from fine gauge wool.

It’s the kind of top that’s as comfortable as pajamas but pairs perfectly with your boardroom suit. Regardless of what it’s called, know that it is calling you this fall and winter.

A long sleeve, fine gauge wool polo sweater is a cozy and classic cool-weather alternative to the button up shirt.

Here’s how to wear a polo sweater five ways:

Monday
best sweaters for guys, sweater outfits for guys

belt: Johnston & Murphy | shoes: Brooks Brothers | hair product: Aesop

SG Says: Swap out your usual shirt and tie for this winter wonder-polo.

Tuesday
school, back to school, sweater, polo, layer, carhartt, vans, eastpak, ray-ban

sneakers: Vans | pins: Witchsy | backpack: Eastpak

SG Says: Double up on your collars (just don’t pop them).

Wednesday
best sweaters for guys, sweater outfits for guys

watch: Victorinox | boots: Thorogood

SG Says: Pair a history teacher-worthy blazer with expedition-ready cargo pants and boots for a refined, yet rugged Indiana Jones outfit vibe.

Thursday
sweater, polo, comme des garcons, nudie, barneys new york, massimo matteo

jeans: Nudie Jeans | fragrance: Comme des Garçons

SG Says: Upgrade your errand run outfit without sacrificing comfort. Later, ditch the baseball hat and you’re ready for date night.

Friday
best sweaters for guys, sweater outfits for guys

boots: Common Projects | pants: Gant

SG Says: Go tonal and textured in soft shades of suedes. And yes, you can totally pull off millennial pink. Here’s how.

// Shop #SGapproved polo sweaters //

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The best sweater vests for men

Why do we love sweater vests on guys? They’re so unexpected!

Before you guys beat me to the punch, we’re not talking about Mike Ditka’s Bears sweater vest or your uncle’s argyle holiday staple.

A thin button-front sweater vest is a great shortcut to a three piece suited look, with the added comfort of fine cotton.

When temperatures shift from sweater-worthy to sweltering, layering with year-round wool and thin cotton (or linen blend) is integral to keeping comfortable and looking your best.

How to wear a sweater vest

sweater vest

loafers: Crockett Jones | dress shirt: Uniqlo

Wear it well: Highlight the brown in your trousers and patterned blazer with a burnt orange tie that also ties in the blue vest.

While we’re all for a full-patterned suit, you can easily tone down the look by opting for solid light brown wool trousers to play off of your check blazer.

// Shop #SGapproved sweater vests //

The best cardigans for men

best sweaters for guys

Why do we love cardigans on guys? Let us count the ways…

My grandpa had the best cardigan, of which I am now the proud owner (and frequent wearer). A buttery yellow, made of ancient mohair worn soft from years of use, he would sport it with a bolo tie cinched around a polo shirt collar, pants hitched high on the torso, his submariners cap crooked on his head.

And he pulled it off perfectly.

You’re probably all, Gabi, wearing a cardigan may be well and good on the coasts, but what about me, living in (BORINGVILLE, USA)? Can I really pull this hipster look off?

Yes, you can! In fashion, a happy medium does exist where this look can work for every guy. Just follow the tips below, and you’ll be styling – sans bolo OR ironic glasses – in no time.

After all, you’re going for an intentionally styled look, not “I brought this along to the movie theatre in case I got chilly.”

Fabric counts

A cable-knit cardigan is great. So is cashmere. So is merino wool. Skip the thinner fabrics, which tend to look a bit, well, cheap.

Button it up

If your cardigan has buttons, consider keeping them closed for a more polished effect. The bottom button can be left undone to help it sit on your hips without riding up over your waistband.

Style your sweater

So often, it’s not about what you wear, but how you wear it. The stylish man must master the art of the “zhush” to truly complete a look. When wearing a long-sleeve shirt under your cardigan sweater, yank the cardigan’s sleeves up at the elbow, so the sweater hits about three inches above your wrist. Next, pull the long sleeves underneath past those of the cardigan so both shirts are visible.

If you’re wearing a button-down, fold the cuffs back and over the cardigan. It’ll make all the difference between “I am a stylish, evolved, modern man” and “I just brought this to the movie theatre in case I got cold.”

Below, five ways to wear men’s cardigans

Monday
best sweaters for guys, sweater outfits for guys

sweatpants: Polo Ralph Lauren | baseball cap: Ami

SG Says: With joggers and a retro sneaker, this outfit would work for a college student or a young professional on the weekends.

> Check out 8 #SGapproved cardigans 

Tuesday
shawl collar cardigan outfit

tie (similar): The Tie Bar | shoes: Allen Edmonds

SG Says: You can get away with a cardigan at work, so long as it’s dressed up accordingly. Pair yours with a button-down shirt, slacks and a brown dress shoe shoe. In a more casual office, chinos with a well-scuffed boot will do. For the office, gray is a good neutral color to keep the look professional.

Wednesday

socks: Pair of Thieves | boots: Sperry

SG Says: Take this easy East coast prep vibe and turn it up a notch with grey boots for an unexpected twist on a classic look.

With Americana tennis stripes in basic colors, you can layer this cardigan with jeans, or dress it up more by wearing it in place of a blazer at the office.

Thursday
mens cardigan outfit, best sweaters for guys, sweater outfits for guys

t-shirt: Express | camo pants (similar): Levi’s

SG Says: On the weekends, feel free to pair your cardigan with a t-shirt and camo for a relaxed – but not, Mr Rogers after he puts his sneakers on-relaxed – look.

Friday
men's cardigan outfit, best sweaters for guys, sweater outfits for guys

fragrance: Carven | watch: Daniel Wellington

SG Says: Another great office outfit option. Wear the penny loafers with no-show socks to keep things looking young and not stuffy.

clothes hanger

The best shawl-collar sweaters for men

best sweaters for guys

Why does Team SG stan a shawl collar sweater?

Classic? Modern? Both.

The shawl collared sweater is officially “trendy” again, though here at SG HQ, we never fell out of love with this cozy, stylish sweater. Why not take advantage of the cold (or, for those of you in warmer states, “cool-ish”) weather, and rock yours this week?

…Or if you don’t yet have one, go shopping from our picks below.

Monday-Wednesday
men's shawl collar sweater, best sweaters for guys, sweater outfits for guys

SG Says: What has multiple textures, a playful pattern, and is sure to get you some eyebrow-raising (in a good way) glances?

Answer: a layered fall look that will make you feel comfortable, but certainly standout.

Here’s how to wear one sweater on three different days (hopefully not consecutively, but hey, no judgment on your current laundry situation).

Thursday
aesthetic, clean, bright, spring style, new balance, rolled chinos, warby parker, comb, ami, band collar

sneakers (similar): New Balance | wallet: Paul Smith

SG Says: A shawl collared cardigan? You bet. Especially with retro-looking sneakers, and chinos in a saturated blue.

Friday
shawl collar sweater outfit for men, best sweaters for guys

SG Says: For a shawl collar sweater you can wear all fall and winter long, avoid an “Is this an ugly Christmas sweater, or…?” situation by choosing your patterns carefully.

Opt for sweaters that steer clear of any hints of snowflakes, and make sure the rest of your look is more rugged with leather boots and military-inspired outerwear.

Start with a lightweight shirt that’s engineered with a double cloth weave to add texture and temperature-fluctuating muscle – this will make it so you don’t overheat once you step indoors during a chilly fall day.

Bring the look home with a Western-inspired patterned shawl collar sweater paired under a sturdy, warm cotton jacket.

// Shop #SGapproved shawl collar sweaters //

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The best sweaters for guys could be in your closet already!

If we’ve convinced you it’s time to level up your sweater game, but you dread the thought of shopping for them…why not let Team SG shop for you?

Let us rescue you from shopping fatigue and sartorial apathy. With our online personal shopping service, we can promise the kind of dedicated attention that will make you feel like the best, most stylish version of the awesome guy you already are!

We’ll also help you figure out how to wear your new sweaters (and whatever else you need) with the things you already own. If you’re ready for a shopping plan that’ll save you time, energy, and your sanity, give us a shout.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Gabi Meyers went from Team SG's first-ever intern to a trusted fashion editor and stylist. She currently lives in Chicago with a very cute dog.