Seven Essential Sweaters for Winter
Foundational pieces for your layering starting lineup
In the hierarchy of menswear pieces, the sweater doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. You’ll find no better ally, however, in your quest to stay cozy while looking your best, whether you’re slogging through a wintry commute or kicking back in front of the fire at the cottage. Start with these seven pieces to see you through the season in style.
Crewneck
Thin enough to comfortably layer under a blazer, a crewneck in a range of colours and fibres will provide essential insulation while adding a dash of wintry sophistication to your look. Cashmere’s maximal thinness-to-warmth ratio (not to mention softness) makes it a go-to in winter, while additional options made from merino wool and blends of cotton, wool, and silk will ensure you’ve got the right look for every situation. Just starting out? Grey is essential and black is highly recommended.
V-neck
Where the crewneck is an adept ensemble player, its jauntier sibling is more of a solo act and is best worn on its own, or under a parka or overcoat. As with the crewneck, resist the urge to wear one over a button-down shirt. Instead, opt for a more modern look with a wool or cashmere v-neck over a crewneck T-shirt or directly against your skin. Navy, grey, and something with a pop of colour is recommended.
Cardigan
While it has endured many years of association with the frumpy end of the menswear spectrum, the modern cardigan is every bit deserving of a place in your winter wardrobe. Look for one with a shawl collar in a thick, chunky knit for unparalleled coziness, and wear it over a T-shirt or a button-down.
Cable-Knit
This former workwear piece has evolved into something far more luxurious than anything you’d find on a lobster boat, but it’s still useful on a cold winter’s day on land. Whether it’s a cardigan, a crew neck, a cable-knit, or a colourful fair isle pattern, the fisherman’s sweater will add rugged maritime flavour to any off-duty look.
Turtleneck
Turtlenecks had a long, stylish run from the beatniks of the 1950s through the Ron Burgundy era, and after a few decades of rest, they are ready to add masculine swagger to your wardrobe once again. The best bet here is a collection of turtlenecks in multiple colours in thinner wools, which can be layered underneath a suit or a sports jacket. Navy, grey, black or cream are advisable.
Crewneck Sweatshirt
Another workwear classic that has taken on a fashionable second life, the crewneck sweatshirt has the perfect balance of sporty style and comfort for chillier days. Start with a couple of cotton sweatshirts in solid black and grey, then branch out into more adventurous graphic prints and colours.
Hoodie
Beloved by athletes and silicon valley titans, the cotton jersey hoodie has become a fashion mainstay in recent years. From cozy basics in a rainbow of colours to bold graphic designs from the world’s top fashion houses to luxurious cashmere knits, this streetwear staple now has a well-earned place in any modern wardrobe.
