21 Sweaters That You'll Never Want to Take Off

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MEN’S SWEATERS are a game-changer at elevating your fit while keeping you cozy. Practically speaking, sweaters are part of a man's sartorial armor against cold, bitter days, and thus a wardrobe essential in cold weather. Style-wise, the best sweaters for men will be the staple item in your closet that your coworkers and family members recognize you by. That is to say, when the temperature drops, the best sweaters for men will do it all.

There are a few things to keep in mind when buying a sweater. The best sweaters for men should be made from heat-retaining, soft, and smooth fabric, whether it's luxe cashmere, performance merino wool, or cozy cotton blends. Secondly, the best sweaters for men need to come in a comfortable but still tailored fit for layering over shirts as well as easy standalone wear. Lastly, from cardigans to cable knit sweaters to turtlenecks, the best sweaters for men will effortlessly transition from casual to formal settings.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Style Products

Ahead, we tested over 50 options and evaluated their materials, fit, weight, durability, and design to find the 21 best sweaters for men. For everyday wear, Everlane’s No-Sweat Sweater and Bonobos’ Merino Crew Neck are our best picks due to their performance and versatility. Overall, these 21 best sweaters for men tested by our editors will not only keep you warm but also help you make a style statement.

No-Sweat Sweater

Wearing a sweater in unpredictable weather gets a little tricky when you're worried about overheating. That said, it can be done—especially when there's a sweater made for exactly that. Everlane's No-Sweat Sweater features 40% COOLMAX recycled polyester, which will wick away moisture so you don't have to worry about sweating through your 'fit. Overall, we love that it is soft, snug, and affordable, and the style is super easy to dress up and down with.

Tech Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

It's no secret that we at Men's Health love Mack Weldon–after all, we have our own collection with the brand. Mack Weldon has a knack for making everyday items with performance in mind, which is exactly why we love the brand's Tech Cashmere V-Neck sweater. Between the natural thermoregulation and ergonomic seaming (and the fact that it's machine-washable), this may be one of your favorites for spring. We won't blame you if it is.

Seafarer Cotton Rib Crew

A seasonal sweater roundup wouldn’t be complete without at least one choice from Buck Mason. Made from a 7-gauge half cardigan rib yarn-dyed cotton, this option is naturally stretchy, soft, and smooth against the skin, and has a richly textured outer that looks sophisticated and timeless. Our tester loves how great it looks with chinos and khakis, and its roomy fit doesn’t look too sloppy on its own and is great for layering with a tee underneath. The stitchwort at the cuff and collar is really impressive too.

Ponto Performance Crew

Looking for something with a sportier look? Then the Ponto pullover is for you. Sure, it might not be a sweater in the traditional sense considering it’s made of a very tech polyester blend. But think about it this way: When you're looking for some nice sweaters that'll take you from the gym to Saturday morning coffee, this will be the one thanks to the fabric’s four-way stretch for on-the-move comfort, and moisture-wicking feat that’ll keep you warm and dry. The DreamKnit™ fabric, by the way, is the smoothest, most buttery-soft fabric we’ve ever tested.

Alpaca Wool-Blend Crewneck Sweater

Lululemon’s genius blend of Alpaca wool and merino wool yarns results in a sweater that feels luxuriously soft to lounge all day in, warm enough to tackle the outdoor cold on its own, but also packs performance feats like thermoregulation so you can wear it 24/7. In a relaxed fit that’s loose around the chest and waist, our tester found that it’s cozy enough for a lazy day at home or a day out once you layer it up.

Navtech V-neck Sweater

Long sleeves during transitional weather can be tricky. That's why Nautica came up with a brilliant sweater that's woven with a breathable, reliable blend of cotton and polyester. The result: a sweater made with Navtech fabric that features active stretch and body temperature regulation, so you’ll never lose your cool on the go outdoors. Our tester loved how easy it was to move in this sweater while doing his daily commutes and travels, and how layering-friendly it is over polos and button-downs.

Washable Merino Crew Neck Sweater

Bonobos manages to usher in all the natural benefits of merino wool—breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, temperature-regulating, odor-resisting—in a washable, lightweight sweater. Our tester found that the plain style is easy and great for everyday wear, and the slim fit is great for standalone wear. We also love that it is perfect for traveling since it’ll keep you cool and dry and feeling fresh. At under $100 too, it’s the everyday sweater to stock up with.

Autumn Crest Quarter-Zip

If it looks like something your businessman dad used to layer up with before heading out to meet with a client, it probably deserves a spot in your closet. Peter Millar makes stuff like that: serious and refined. Layer its quarter-zip sweater above a button-down, and you'll be the spitting image of your pop. Made with a combination of Merino wool and lyocell, our tester was surprised by how lightweight yet durable it was after each wear. Soft and breathable in a classic fit, it could be your go-to layer for both your weekday and weekend fits.

Fine Merino Wool Sweater Polo

Is a long-sleeve sweater polo essential to every man's wardrobe? Not really, but once you've got a few crewnecks, some turtlenecks, and cardigans, then a long-sleeve sweater polo really rounds out the collection. This one from Brooks Brothers is our favorite because of its plain yet versatile styles well as because of its fine merino wool fabric that feels light, smooth, soft, breathable, yet warm, without any pilling. We love wearing it to the office because of how formal it looks as well.

Seawool Fisherman Sweater

In so many words, this patterned sweater is an eye-catching statement without feeling too far out there, thanks to its neutral colorway. Sport it with your favorite slacks and a pair of classic boots for an outfit you'll want to repeat again and again.

Wellen’s fisherman-style cable knit sweater uses oyster shells, nylon, polyester, and Merino wool to be soft to the touch, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, temperature-regulating, and odor-fighting. In short, this could be your go-to sweater layer whenever you head out into the wild.

Cashmere V-neck Cardigan Sweater

Cardigans are back in style, baby. And this 100% cashmere option from J.Crew is still as cozy as old-school cardigans but has a slimmer fit so you won't look like Mr. Rodgers. The fiber here is upgraded to be even softer, and our tester loves how warm it feels even over just a layer of t-shirt or button-down shirt. Style-wise, we love that it pretty much goes with everything. It’s thin and lightweight too, so it’s easy to pack for travel.

The Original Cashmere Sweater

Naadam is on a mission to make the “world’s fairest cashmere” by cutting out the middlemen who stand between herders and retailers. They also hand-comb the raw materials used in their cashmere sweaters and even provide veterinary care for livestock. The result is a slew of top-quality, sustainable knitwear for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere that our tester found to be heavenly soft. If our word alone isn’t enough, consider that more than 50,000 satisfied customers have given this sweater a 5-star rating. That’s a win-win for everyone—well, except those middlemen.

Crewneck Sweater

And here's an upscale version of the tried-and-true wool sweater that you'll look at and ponder, just right. Theory makes menswear essentials like that: Not too pricey, not too dramatic, but not too basic. This crewneck sweater speaks to the brand's essence with a 100% fine-gauge merino wool build and minimalist style that make dressing up very easy. Our tester loves its slim fit which is great for standalone wear with jeans, chinos or even joggers. The fabric, as tested, is truly soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, thermo-regulating, and odor-free.

Cable Crew Sweater

A timeless knitwear style, men’s cable knit sweaters use raised, textured stitches that cross over each other to produce thick twists, braids, woven ropes, or cord-like patterns while offering heat retention and coziness. At just $70, you’ll cop an everyday-friendly cable knit that is not too chunky to wear to the office, a fit that is easy to layer with but also looks damn good on its own, and a fabric that is stretchy, soft, breathes but also warms you up when need be.

Super Merino Solid Turtleneck Sweater

This dressy, elevated-looking turtleneck from Bugatchi is made with 100% extra fine merino wool, meaning it’s extra lightweight, thin, breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and odor-resistant. In our testing, we found that it’s also pretty much water-repellent and crease-proof, not to mention machine-washable. It’s a turtleneck that’ll last in quality and style—its look is versatile for cocktail attire, office fits, business casual events, etc.

Cloud Soft Henley Sweater

If you want to upgrade beyond the basic long-sleeve silhouette of sweaters, a henley sweater is the way to go, especially for guys in great shape because the style will draw attention to your pecs and neck. Lucky Brand’s henley sweater is knitted from butter-soft cotton-nylon blend that’s also mixed with cashmere for a bit of warmth. It’s breathable too and thus ideal for transitional weather that is not too cold. We love wearing it with jeans and a jacket over it.

Highlands Guide Quarter Zip Sweater

This is a more rugged take on the 1/2 zip sweater from Flint and Tinder. The waxed cotton patches on the sleeves will keep your elbows and forearms from getting damaged. Heavyweight lambswool/nylon ribbed body will keep you nice and warm against harsh elements. All topped off with a leather pull on the zipper. Overall, our tester loves that this sweater brings warmth, strength, and style to his fits during outdoor adventures.

Made in L.A. Fleece Shawl Cardigan

It turns out professors, grandfathers, and Mr. Rogers were all on to something with their strong cardigan game. Think of good cardigan like a cropped robe that society is totally fine with you wearing in public. This shawl-collar cardigan from Todd Snyder is a perfect example. It features a fuzzy, soft fleece interior that our tester just can’t get enough of, as well as a broken-in, military-inspired design that looks vintage and sophisticated. As a layering piece with an easy fit, it’ll keep you warm and your style elevated.

The Starboard Donegal Sweater

Irish has given us a lot on the sweater front, like the fisherman knit you can see quite often in this list, as well as the Donegal-style knit you see here, which looks fun and easygoing without being too loud. Then there are the contrasting corduroy elbow patches that'll really make a subtle style statement for you. Overall, our tester loves how warm, cozy, and durable it is for a day out in a cabin, and how sharp the style is for layering.

Birdseye Button Mock Neck Sweater

To put it simply, a mock neck is a more laid-back version of the turtleneck. I.e., the "turtle" part doesn't extend all the way up like a collar, but instead strikes out nicely above your neckline without making you feel itchy or needing to be folded over. Vince’s option is my favorite. The wool blend is super light and soft while keeping my bare skin warm, and the fit is roomy enough for a shirt and an undershirt. The sophisticated Birdseye pattern is my favorite part: it looks elevated enough to fit on office days, date nights, or business casual events.

Lambswool Crew Neck Jumper

Lambswool is the king of warm fabrics, and Sunspel makes its lambswool sweater extra fuzzy and soft without any distracting design details. In a crewneck style that is slightly lengthy on the sleeves, it’s a heavyweight sweater that you’ll wear on its own to handle the coldest winter weather, or layer with to score some style points. It goes really well with jeans and a shirt jacket for the perfect elevated casual look.

How to Choose the Best Sweaters for Men

Materials

Opt for high-quality materials that ensure warmth, comfort, and longevity. The warmest sweaters arewool. The answer is more nuanced than that but wool is the warmest textile in general. This doesn't include all wool, mind you. A fine merino wool may look great, but it will not provide nearly as much warmth as a chunky lambswool. Humans have been shearing sheep and goats, and then refining the wool into wearable garments for thousands of years. Sure, refining techniques have changed greatly in that time, especially in the past two hundred years. Yet the fact remains that spun wool is pretty much the perfect sweater fabric.

Wool doesn't have to come from sheep. Cashmere comes from goats, and offers the same warmth as lambswool, trading off some durability for softness. Alpaca wool is a wonderful textile because it is closer to cashmere in softness, yet just as strong and durable as lambswool. There are also plenty of options out there in blended wools. Blending wool with cotton or artificial fabrics softens the feel of the sweater and allows it to be sold at a more affordable price. You often get the same warmth, even if the wool is blended.

Fit

The best sweaters for men should offer a tailored yet comfortable fit. Pay attention to the shoulder and chest areas which should feel or fit roomy enough for an undershirt or a button-down shirt underneath, but also not too loose and still snug and slim enough for looking elevated during standalone wear. Sleeves should be the right length, and the overall silhouette should be neither too tight nor too loose. A well-fitted sweater not only enhances your style but also maximizes comfort. And ensure that the sweater complements your body shape.

Intended Activities

Consider what you’ll do in sweaters because different occasions call for different sweaters. For casual everyday wear, opt for versatile crewnecks or V-necks that pair well with jeans, chinos, sweatpants, or joggers. If you're dressing up for a more formal setting, a slim-fitting turtleneck pullover or a sophisticated cardigan can add a touch of refinement. For outdoor activities, prioritize sweaters crafted with performance in mind such as moisture-wicking properties, temperature regulation, and stretch to keep you warm and comfortable on the go.

How to Style Men's Sweaters

The key lies in understanding the different styles of sweaters and pairing them accordingly for various occasions. For a casual, laid-back look that you can don every day, wear a classic crewneck sweater with your go-to pants styles, whether you're running errands or grabbing coffee with friends. V-neck sweaters are great for a smart-casual or business-casual aesthetic in the office or a dinner date since they layer very well over collared shirts. (Zip sweaters also work as such, by the way.)

Cardigan sweaters are easy to dress up with: layer a button-down shirt beneath a well-fitted cardigan for a sophisticated, professional-looking appearance, or pair them with khakis and tailored trousers to achieve a preppy look. Similarly, turtleneck sweaters exude sophistication and work in cocktail and business casual attire; they are easily paired with tailored trousers and blazers for a polished, upscale look.

For a more rugged and outdoorsy style, opt for a chunky cable knit or fisherman sweater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Brand Is Best for Sweaters?
There is no one clear favorite for making the best sweaters for men because there is so much variety in sweater design and material. Brooks Brothers and J.Crew have been making American heritage-style sweaters for decades, and they still do it as well as anyone at very fair prices. Newer brands like Everlane, Buck Mason, and Mack Weldon specialize in offering very high-quality fabrics at much more affordable prices than luxury brands. If style is your primary concern, then some of the top new names in menswear like Flint and Tinder and Todd Snyder are making some of the coolest sweaters out there (pun intended) both in terms of looks and quality. If you want to prioritize comfort and performance, then athleisure brands like Vuori and Lululemon make sweaters that you can wear just about anywhere while feeling good. If you're asking for cashmere sweaters, our bet is on brands like Naadam and Quince that make cashmere goods at a much more affordable price point.

What Sweaters Are in Right Now?
Big chunky cable-knit sweaters are the top sweater trend in menswear right now. Ever since Chris Pine wore an old fisherman's style cable knit sweater in the movie Knives Out, men have been seeking that look. There's a rare combo of stylish and cozy achieved by a beefy cable knit sweater, which is why they've been a fundamental part of winter menswear for so long that they're timeless style. Cable-knit sweaters are appropriate for almost any occasion. Best of all, they're just really cozy. It's like walking around wrapped up in your favorite broken-in wool blanket all day.

How Much Does a Good Quality Sweater Cost?
This depends on what kind of sweater you're looking for. You can get a good quality, simple crewneck cotton sweater for less than $75. If you want a nice chunky 100% lambswool cable-knit sweater, that is going to run somewhere between $100 to $150 range and up from there. Then there are higher quality fabrics like cashmere and alpaca, which are more expensive. A good quality cashmere sweater is going to cost at least $200 from a traditional retailer, but there are new direct-to-consumer brands that sell good cashmere for under $100.

How We Selected

To find the best sweaters for men, our style editors and writers have personally tried over 50 options since 2020 and tested each of them for at least two weeks, such as attending casual weekend hang-outs in Bonobos’ and Brooks Brothers’ merino wool sweaters, commuting in the city and working in the office in sweaters by Peter Millar and Nautica, traveling in sweaters by Flint and Tinder, or going about every day in Vuori’s performance sweater. In addition, we also combed through Reddit reviews to consider the real-life, hands-on experience of people and buyers wearing and testing out different sweaters.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

To get a feel for how these sweaters for men really felt and how they held up, we vetted our options by taking notes of their fit, comfort, warmth, fabric, versatility, price point, style details, and performance such as stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability. We examined whether they fitted well and true to size, whether their fabric could withstand hours of being out in the cold, and whether they could be worn for more than one occasion. This article was updated in October 2023.

Why Trust Us

A product review story that doesn’t actually test anything hands-on or in person isn’t worth your precious time. Thankfully, we at Men’s Health don’t produce any of that nonsense. In fact, you can rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience. You can read more about our testing process here.

For instance, at Men’s Health, we have a fashion closet dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best as well as the newest products in menswear. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear what their opinions are and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. As style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s fabric or materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, and designers—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from.

Read More About Men's Cold Weather Styles

Best Winter Sweaters | Best Zip-up Hoodies | Best Hoodies | Best Crewneck Sweatshirts | Best Fleece Jackets | Best Flannel Shirts | Best Winter Pants

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