This Classic Sweater is the Secret to Men's Spring Style

Products are curated by Style Girlfriend editors. Purchases through our links may earn us an affiliate commission.

I love a man in a cardigan. Why? Simple. Wearing one suggests confidence and comfort in yourself and your style, since it’s ever so slightly outside the long-sleeve norm.

Sure, you could wear a cotton crewneck sweater when the weather gets nice, or a casual long-sleeve tee under your favorite spring jacket.

Especially in transitional weather, when layers are getting lighter, a cardigan might be the last thing on your mind.

But think again! Because the men’s cardigans I’m talking about are far from the wooly wintery styles you may be imagining.

How to find the perfect style for the season?

For starters, look for a spring cardigan in the new arrivals section, not the clearance bin. This is not the time to shop for a chunky knit.

Meant for warmer weather, these spring sweaters in cotton or a thinner cashmere help you lighten up while still stylishly layering up.

Keep scrolling for a week of men’s spring cardigan outfits:

stylish man wearing a brown cardigan over a white t-shirt with jeans and lace-up shoes, and a textured topcoat — @paulbinam

Wear a cardigan in earth tones

Often, if a man does invest in a cardigan (or two), it resides exclusively in his cold weather wardrobe. Well, no more! This is the year you spring for an all-seasons sweater that buttons or zips. It’s time to add a spring cardigan — and spring cardigan outfits — to the rotation.

This type of thick cotton cardigan seamlessly transitions from under a topcoat like above to being worn on its own.

stylish older man wearing a denim jacket, navy v-neck cardigan, white t-shirt, blue pants, and white sneakers — images: @takayuki_oka

close-up of a stylish older man wearing a denim jacket, navy v-neck cardigan, and white t-shirt — images: @takayuki_oka

Wear a cardigan to add visual interest to a monochrome outfit

A navy sweater — whatever the style — makes for a can’t-miss addition to any man’s closet.

This v-neck navy cardigan looks great under a denim jacket for an interesting but not attention-grabbing look. Pair it with jeans or your favorite chinos for an easy spring outfit.

stylish older man wearing a red plaid overcoat with a purple cardigan underneath. the rest of his outfit includes white pants and brown shoes — @alessandrosquarzi

Wear a cardigan in a bright color

Embrace warm weather in a cardigan the color of the flowers springing up on your commute to work.

You don’t have to pair it with an overshirt in a contrasting color or pattern, but if you’re feeling bold…why not?!

stylish man wearing an all-black casual outfit featuring a "lettterman" cardigan, t-shirt, belt with silver hardware, and black pants — @harryhas

Wear a black cardigan unbuttoned over a black tee

Cool. Casual. Done.

Add a Western-style belt and loafers to make the outfit feel modern.

stylish man walking a dog and wearing a dark topcoat over an oatmeal-colored cardigan and tan khaki pants — @stewbryden

Wear a spring cardigan in a business casual outfit

Paired with an equally on-trend rugby shirt, a lightweight cardigan is actually perfect for a business casual office.

Especially if you’ve recently found yourself in an RTO situation and not particularly psyched about it, a sunny yellow sweater might help brighten your commute for a day spent under fluorescent lighting.

Shop men’s cardigans for spring:

So, what kind of lightweight cardigan do you go for?

You’ve got plenty of options! Just like Team SG did in the winter, we love a collared cardigan right now. Wear it open over a t-shirt or buttoned up to feel more formal.

You can also go with a more classic V-neck with a front button placket. Just make sure the material is something lighter and therefore more appropriate for spring, like cotton or a light cashmere, and not heavy wool.