The Best Crew Neck Sweaters to Brave the Bitter Winter Chill and Look Awesome
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There’s something so comforting about crew neck sweaters for men. You slip one on, toss on a pair of jeans and in 10 seconds or less you’ve got a cool-looking outfit that also feels good. Add blazer and trousers to a sweater, and you’ve got a fool-proof winter ensemble that’s as chic as it is warm.
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Crew neck sweaters are a wardrobe staple
Fashion experts can go on ad nauseam about creating a style wardrobe that must have a handful of essential items like T-shirts, dark jeans, white sneakers, and of course, the crew neck sweater — it’s enough to make you roll your eyes out of your head. But honestly, owning a crew neck sweater (or three) is really a great boost for your overall style, comfort (yes that word again) and look. Especially during winter.
What are crew neck sweaters made from?
Because men’s crew neck sweaters can be worn all year long, they come in two varieties: summer and winter weight. This means you’ll find crew neck sweaters in various fabrics. They are:
Cotton
Cashmere
Wool
Polyester
Silk
Linen
Ramie
Lighter-weight crew neck sweaters can be worn throughout fall, spring, and summer. This includes lightweight cotton, lightweight wool or wool-blend or silk sweaters. Designers will use a heavier gauge (weight) of cotton or wool for chillier months. How do you wear these crew neck sweaters? Well, if you’re a guy who runs hot, opt for a light cotton, cashmere, or merino wool sweater during the winter months. They can be worn over a tee or layered over a long sleeve shirt. For guys who want that extra layer of warmth, try a heavier-weight knit like thick cotton, wool, polyester, or wool-blend sweater.
How to wear a crew neck sweater
Crew neck sweaters, next to tee shirts are the easiest thing to wear. Wear a crew neck sweater with corduroys and Chelsea boots. Try it under a moto jacket and dark jeans. Dress up a button up shirt when worn under crew neck sweater, and then paired with a blazer and worn with either chinos or trousers and dress shoes. A linen or light cotton sweater looks on-trend when worn with shorts and slides.
BEST OVERALL
1. Bonobos Washable Merino Crew Neck Sweater
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Merino wool is prized by travelers because it’s the perfect layering item. Light enough to be worn solo, it keeps you warm when worn over a shirt. This year-round crew neck sweater is your go-to for work or weekend. Best of all, it can be tossed in the wash.
CONTENDER
2. GAP Donegal Rib Crew Neck Sweater
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When a sweater mentions Donegal, it references the type of wool yarn used for the sweater. Donegal is a yarn that has tiny flecks of color that create a speckled appearance. Used in this ribbed sweater, the Donegal yarn levels up its style, giving a luxury touch.
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3. Goodthreads Lambswool Crew Neck Sweater
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GoodThreads is one of Amazon’s private fashion labels. Don’t let the wallet-friendly price fool you, the sweater is made from high quality lambswool. This wool sweater uses heritage style patterns which in turn elevates the sweater and makes it look more expensive than it is.
BEST DESIGNER DEAL
4. Reiss Marcus Parks Merino Wool Crew Neck Sweater
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UK-label Reiss is known for modernizing and elevating classic wardrobe must-have items. Their touchably soft and thick merino wool sweater is cut slightly oversized and has dropped shoulders. Try it with tapered jeans and lace-up boots.
BEST CASHMERE DEAL
5. L.L. Bean Wicked Soft Cotton Cashmere Sweater
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Starting out as a camping outfitter, L.L. Bean has dressed generations of college kids, their parents and siblings. This sweater combines soft cotton with even softer cashmere. It comes in four other colors, and sizes range from S to XXXL.
BEST UPDATED CLASSIC
6. Wills Aran Cable Crew Sweater
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According to Huckberry’s website, this wool sweater knitted in a timeless pattern, was inspired by the Steve McQueen’s one in “The Thomas Crown Affair.” Made of thick, resilient wool, it’s can be worn with a blazer or a button up shirt.
MOST ARTY
7. Robert Graham Time Traveler Sweater
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Eye-catching, this cotton and linen blend sweater is like wearing a painting. The abstract print has so many colors in it, you can match it with everything you own.
BEST COSTAL GRANDPA
8. Billy Reid Pelican Fair Isle Crew
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A little “Coastal Grandpa,” and a touch cottagecore, this is a sweater that sparks conversations and keeps you warm. The two-tone herringbone pattern uses a blend of merino wool, silk and cashmere.
BEST APRES SKI
9. Abercrombie & Fitch Scenic Crew Sweater
Made in a relaxed cut, this cotton-blend sweater is just the thing to pop on and wear sitting in front of a fireplace after a day on the slopes. The mountain-themed sweater can also be paired with wide-wale corduroy trousers and Chelsea boots for a more sophisticated look.
BEST RETRO
10. Scotch & Soda Multi-Colored Jacquard Sweater
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Back in the 1980s, COOGI created these sweaters that was a crazy blend of colors and patterns. Nowadays, guys spend serious time trying to hunt them down to wear out. Why do a deep dive thrifting, when you can buy a modern version that fits perfectly and doesn’t have a moth hole. This retro chic alpaca-blend sweater has black trim on the neck and cuffs.
11. J. Crew Cashere Cable Knit Sweater
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Possibly because cable knit patterns are pricey to begin with (it’s a complicated knitting pattern), a cable knit cashmere sweater is usually in the triple digits. Thankfully J. Crew is having a sale, and you can snag this handsome sweater at a great price.
BEST MINIMALIST DESIGN
12. Mack Weldon Tech Merino Crew Neck Sweater
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The ethically sourced merino wool used in this sweater has a touch of stretch added to the knit, so the sweater moves with you and never feels constricting. The material also has moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties. The sweater also features extra pilling protection.
BEST COUNTRY GENTLEMAN
13. Orvis Tweed Crew Neck Sweater
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If you’re inspired by the wardrobe from Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentleman,” or that landed gentry vibe, Orvis’ thick lambswool sweater would integrate perfectly in your wardrobe. Knitted in a green tweed pattern, the shoulders and elbow patches have a contrasting knitted tweed pattern.
BEST SUSTAINABLE
14. Everlane The No-Sweat Sweater
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Since its inception, Everlane has made eco-friendly, sustainable clothing. Their permanent Uniform collection is comprised of 12 clothing items that come with a 365-day guarantee. This sweater is part of that grouping; if this sweater gets a hole in it, fades or falls apart, you’ll get a free replacement. It’s made with organic cotton and COOLMAX eco-made recycled polyester. The material has moisture-wicking properties and can be washed in the machine.
BEST ORGANIC
15. Madewell Checkerboard Sweater
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The woven checkerboard pattern adds depth, texture and adds a little extra that levels up jeans and pants. Made with organic cotton, it’s warm but not heavy.
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