Sweaters help well dressed men navigate between the seasons adding texture and layers to outfits. They also will help you stay warm in chilly weather. Every man needs to have a few sweaters in their closet. Lets breakdown a few sweater styles.
Crew Neck
Named after the fisherman who originally wore this cut, a crew neck is a pullover sweater with a rounded, close-fitting neck. Today, they are one of the most popular sweater styles. It can be worn with a collared shirt underneath, but there is not enough room to wear a tie as well.
V-Neck
The v-neck is essentially the same as a crew neck, but the neckline is cut into a v-shape. Due to the cut, this sweater is best worn with a collared shirt and a tie or scarf.
Turtleneck
Also known as a roll neck, mock neck or polo neck sweater, some or all of the neck is covered by this sweater. A turtleneck is the highest, followed by the roll neck and then the shorter mock neck. They can be worn with a suit or on their own with a pair of chinos or blue jeans, they can even be worn on casual Friday to the office under a blazer.
Shawl collar
The modern shawl collar sweater is descended from military or “infantry” sweaters given to American GI’s. It has a rolled neck that is crossed or uncrossed in a v-neck shape; shawl collars can offer 1-3 buttons or toggles that can be either functional or just for looks.
Cardigan
A cardigan opens down the front like a shirt or jacket, and is closed by buttons or toggles. The most common version is single-breasted, but some styles offer double-breasted versions that look like a cross between a peacoat and a cardigan.
Half-zip
This modern style has a high collar that can be opened and closed with a short zipper, though it is typically worn open.
Sweaters come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and knits, including:
Solid: can be knit from a single color thread or a range of colors to add depth of color
Fair Isle: uses multiple colors and traditional Scottish patterns to create a bold result
Aran: is a knit that uses wider, thicker patterns to create a more three-dimensional texture in a solid color
Cable knit: is a classic pattern that imitates a 2-stranded rope, and usually, it comes in solid colors
The sweater materials used typically are determined by your budget also the intended purpose, and functionality. Aim to buy the best quality you can; one rule of thumb is to look at the level of detail provided by the manufacturer about the material. If it’s inexpensive, it will probably read “100% wool” or merely “cashmere”. If more detail is offered, such as the ply or the specific country of origin of the fiber, the more likely it is to be a higher quality.
Cashmere is a top material option for both its softness and warmth, which can be up to 8 times warmer than sheep’s wool. However, prices for cashmere sweaters can vary because not all cashmere is alike. Though all cashmere is derived from the fine under hair of the cashmere goat. The finest quality cashmere is made from the thinnest and longest fibers. Long and thin cashmere fibers make for the softest, most durable sweater that will last the longest.
Alpaca is generally considered to be as soft as cashmere, but microscopic air pockets in the fiber makes it about 7% more warmth than cashmere does. At the same time, Alpaca is elastic, lanolin free, hypo-allergenic and hence ideally suited to people who are allergic to wool or cashmere.
Merino sheep produce wool with fine fibers, making it ideal for thinner sweaters
Wool is famously itchy, but that shouldn’t prevent you from looking at this traditional fabric. Wear wool sweaters over button-down shirts. Merino wool, for example, is perfect for layering over shirts, and underneath jackets.
Cotton and linen are especially popular in warmer climates or for transitional seasons. They don’t provide much protection from the cold, but it is a step up to just wearing a shirt.
Stop by UWM Men’s Shop today to check out our incredible sweater selection, and pick out a few new ones to help you brave cold weather in style.