Seven Essential Sweaters for Winter Dressing

A crewneck is the quintessential sweater and a basic building block of any outfit, whether layered under a jacket, overshirt, or coat, or worn on its own in the starring role. The key is to find variance in colour, composition, and weight.

 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.

Where the crewneck is an adept ensemble player, its jauntier sibling is more of a solo act and is best worn on its own — though makes for a sophisticated layering piece, too.

While the V-neck gives your neckline more room to accommodate layers worn beneath, a collared shirt can sometimes feel stuffy. If it doesn’t look or feel right, swap the button-up underneath for a crewneck tee in a soft wool or cashmere.

Soft yet structured, relaxed yet elegant, the cardigan is a natural alternative to a heavy shirt or light jacket, and in some contexts, even a sport jacket.

Generally, shawl-collar cardigans work best in chunkier, lower-gauge knits, while cardigans with traditional V-neck collars suit thinner, higher-gauge knits. Either way, a button-up shirt, fine knit, or neutral tee layers well underneath.

Buyer’s Insight: Gauge refers to the stitch density of a knit, or the number of stitches per inch. In most cases, chunky, heavyweight knits have a low gauge number (about 3 – 7), while fine, lightweight knits have a high gauge number (12 – 18).

While more of a stitch pattern than a category on its own, the cable knit sweater is distinctive enough to deserve its own callout.

Originally knit for the fishermen of the Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast, the cable knit sweater has maintained its maritime identity in modern menswear, with far more luxurious interpretations now available.

Whether it’s a cardigan, a crew neck, or other, look for cable knits in everything from fine cashmere and Merino wool — built to stand up to winter’s worst — to cotton-silk blends made for fairer weather.

 Turtlenecks have enjoyed a long, stylish run in menswear since the beatniks of the 1950s. After a few years associated with high society and a certain stuffiness, men have rediscovered how versatile and effortless they can be.

Ready to welcome one into your rotation this winter? Start by layering a fine, high-gauge turtleneck under a suit or sport jacket, or wear a chunky, low-gauge style on its own with jeans or wool flannel trousers.

Somewhere between its trail-ready, outdoor-explorer era and its more recent ties to corporate-casual style, the quarter-zip sweater seemed typecast. Not anymore.

Quarter-zips have surged in popularity in recent years, largely thanks to more refined materials. Fleece versions still have their time and place on hikes and campsites, but options knit from fine Merino wool, cashmere, and even Angora take the quarter-zip from basic to brilliant.

Beloved by athletes and Silicon Valley titans alike, the hoodie has become a fashion mainstay in recent years.

Today, you can find soft cotton basics in a full range of colours, bold graphic designs from the world’s top fashion houses, and luxurious cashmere versions that take comfort to another level.

Whatever your personal style, this streetwear favourite has earned its place in every modern man’s wardrobe. Wear yours with jeans on the weekend, or layer it under an overcoat for an easy, off-duty look.

Not finding the sweaters you’re looking for, or eager to try them on in-person to see which suits you best?

Our expert Style Advisors in-store know how to help. Book an appointment or drop by your nearest Harry Rosen store for one-to-one assistance and advice.