36 Best Sweaters for Men 2025, According to GQ Editors
GQ RecommendsLooking to cozy up right this winter? From artful cashmeres to zippy cable-knits, these are the swaddliest layers on the market—plus everything you should know before buying one.By Gerald OrtizDecember 23, 2024Photos: Bowen Fernie; Collage by Brittany LogginsSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.Shopping for the best sweaters for men is like adopting a dog. There’s a whole range of fluffy little guys vying for your attention, each one with their own adorable little personality. It’s a complex and emotionally-charged decision process that can be exhausting but incredibly rewarding.Luckily, with sweaters you can easily take home the whole litter. The makeshift hamper that is your clothes chair might get a little taller, but at least you won’t have to worry about it getting chewed up.Because with so many knitwear offerings these days, what fun would it be to limit yourself to just one? So rather than declaring one sweater to rule them all, we’re breaking down each major style (along with a few of our favorites) so you can make a stylishly informed decision. From classic crewneck pullovers to plush cardigans to luxe cashmere and more, here are all the best men’s sweaters to consider adopting into your closet.9 of Our Favorite Men's Sweaters to Shop NowThe Heartthrob V-Neck: Buck Mason California Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, $228The ‘90s Crewneck: Abercrombie & Fitch Pima Cotton Rib Stitch Crew Sweater, $70 $49The Preppy-Cool Vest: Beams Plus Brushed Argyle Sweater Vest, $220The Kingly Cardi: Brunello Cucinelli Shawl Collar Cashmere Cardigan, $4495The New Normcore Zip-Up: American Trench Donegal Quarter Zip, $375The Polo Hybrid: Banana Republic Brushed Cashmere Sweater Polo, $250 $190The Chunky Turtleneck: Inis Meáin Boatbuilder Turtleneck Sweater, $785The Classic Cable-Knit: J.Crew Cashmere Cable Knit Sweater, $228The Fair(est) Isle: Chamula Fair Isle Merino Wool Sweater, $575The V-Neck SweaterLike Michael Jordan dropping his famous “I'm back” statement, the V-neck is ready to reclaim its menswear throne as the MVP of your sweater rotation. You might be tempted to start with the obvious play, like layering one over a crisp button-up shirt, maybe letting the shirt's collar laze insouciantly over the V. But follow the leads of the romcom stars and airport travel gods from the '90s: there’s something casually chic about a plain white T-shirt peeking out at clavicle height.Buck MasonCalifornia Cashmere V-Neck Sweater$228 Buck MasonNoon GoonsLeopard Mohair & Wool Blend V-Neck Sweater$300 NordstromFrenckenbergerJohnny Deep V-Neck Cashmere Sweater$635 NordstromEverlaneCashmere V-neck Sweater$170 EverlaneThe Crewneck SweaterIt's the Champion sweatshirt you wish you could live in, but refined enough to handle weekday meetings and weekend coffee dates. Crewneck sweaters can come in more flavors than Baskin Robins, and can be made from jacquard knits (see below), thick cable knits (also below), or damn near any other woven fabric. Our only suggestion: while there’s nothing wrong with a gets-the-job-done heather gray colorway, don't shortchange yourself by avoiding more adventurous colors.UniqloCashmere Sweater$100 UniqloAbercrombie & FitchPima Cotton Rib Stitch Crew Sweater$70 $49 Abercrombie & FitchGucciEmbroidered Wool Cashmere Sweater$1,400 GucciReigning ChampLightweight Merino Harry Crewneck$130 Reigning ChampThe Sweater VestThe sweater vest moment has been ramping up for several seasons and while we may be at peak vest, we're still totally here for it. It’s a notoriously tricky knit to style, but one that can actually add a ton of versatility to your closet. Whatever's underneath—a striped button-up shirt, a tee, nothing but your guns—gets a supporting actor nod. For extra warmth, the sweater vest fits well under both cropped outerwear and tailoring, like a suit jacket or sport coat, without adding unnecessary bulk. And it can turn a simple white tee-and-jeans combo (maybe add some loafers?) into an unstoppable farmers-market-to-cocktail-hour fit.Maison MargielaMarled Wool Sweater Vest$820 NordstromMerz B. SchwanenWool & Cashmere Sweater Vest$200 NordstromBeams PlusBrushed Argyle Jacquard Vest$220 Mr PorterWilliam LockieOxton Cashmere Sweater Vest$470 Mr PorterThe CardiganDepending on the weather and your location's relation to the equator, a lightweight cardi will be the only “coat” you need. If temperatures are still moderately warm, opt for a cardigan made from breathable linen or cotton, paired with a button-up shirt and relaxed-fit chinos for a laid-back, preppy look. Once temps start to cool down, upgrade your winter wardrobe with a heavyweight wool sweater—maybe with a scarf-replacing shawl collar—to stay nice and toasty.Brunello CucinelliShawl Collar Cashmere Knitted Cardigan$4,495 Mr PorterSacaiTie-dyed Brushed Wool-Blend Cardigan$1,000 Mr PorterLululemonWool-Blend Jacquard Cardigan$238
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Shopping for the best sweaters for men is like adopting a dog. There’s a whole range of fluffy little guys vying for your attention, each one with their own adorable little personality. It’s a complex and emotionally-charged decision process that can be exhausting but incredibly rewarding.
Luckily, with sweaters you can easily take home the whole litter. The makeshift hamper that is your clothes chair might get a little taller, but at least you won’t have to worry about it getting chewed up.
Because with so many knitwear offerings these days, what fun would it be to limit yourself to just one? So rather than declaring one sweater to rule them all, we’re breaking down each major style (along with a few of our favorites) so you can make a stylishly informed decision. From classic crewneck pullovers to plush cardigans to luxe cashmere and more, here are all the best men’s sweaters to consider adopting into your closet.
9 of Our Favorite Men's Sweaters to Shop Now
- The Heartthrob V-Neck: Buck Mason California Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, $228
- The ‘90s Crewneck: Abercrombie & Fitch Pima Cotton Rib Stitch Crew Sweater,
$70$49 - The Preppy-Cool Vest: Beams Plus Brushed Argyle Sweater Vest, $220
- The Kingly Cardi: Brunello Cucinelli Shawl Collar Cashmere Cardigan, $4495
- The New Normcore Zip-Up: American Trench Donegal Quarter Zip, $375
- The Polo Hybrid: Banana Republic Brushed Cashmere Sweater Polo,
$250$190 - The Chunky Turtleneck: Inis Meáin Boatbuilder Turtleneck Sweater, $785
- The Classic Cable-Knit: J.Crew Cashmere Cable Knit Sweater, $228
- The Fair(est) Isle: Chamula Fair Isle Merino Wool Sweater, $575
The V-Neck Sweater
Like Michael Jordan dropping his famous “I'm back” statement, the V-neck is ready to reclaim its menswear throne as the MVP of your sweater rotation. You might be tempted to start with the obvious play, like layering one over a crisp button-up shirt, maybe letting the shirt's collar laze insouciantly over the V. But follow the leads of the romcom stars and airport travel gods from the '90s: there’s something casually chic about a plain white T-shirt peeking out at clavicle height.
The Crewneck Sweater
It's the Champion sweatshirt you wish you could live in, but refined enough to handle weekday meetings and weekend coffee dates. Crewneck sweaters can come in more flavors than Baskin Robins, and can be made from jacquard knits (see below), thick cable knits (also below), or damn near any other woven fabric. Our only suggestion: while there’s nothing wrong with a gets-the-job-done heather gray colorway, don't shortchange yourself by avoiding more adventurous colors.
The Sweater Vest
The sweater vest moment has been ramping up for several seasons and while we may be at peak vest, we're still totally here for it. It’s a notoriously tricky knit to style, but one that can actually add a ton of versatility to your closet. Whatever's underneath—a striped button-up shirt, a tee, nothing but your guns—gets a supporting actor nod. For extra warmth, the sweater vest fits well under both cropped outerwear and tailoring, like a suit jacket or sport coat, without adding unnecessary bulk. And it can turn a simple white tee-and-jeans combo (maybe add some loafers?) into an unstoppable farmers-market-to-cocktail-hour fit.
The Cardigan
Depending on the weather and your location's relation to the equator, a lightweight cardi will be the only “coat” you need. If temperatures are still moderately warm, opt for a cardigan made from breathable linen or cotton, paired with a button-up shirt and relaxed-fit chinos for a laid-back, preppy look. Once temps start to cool down, upgrade your winter wardrobe with a heavyweight wool sweater—maybe with a scarf-replacing shawl collar—to stay nice and toasty.
The Zip Sweater
Whether you prefer a quarter-zip, half-zip, or full-zip, the knitwear of choice for dads all over is back. Look past its dorky nature and a zip sweater can be clean as a whistle and more stylish than you remember. Think of it as a convertible, but for your torso. Show off a little T-shirt and a necklace underneath, or zip that thing all the way to the top for a riff on the turtleneck that trades stuffy for sporty.
The Polo Sweater
It's a sweater with a collar, ya know what I mean? But in all seriousness, the polo sweater is even more solutions-oriented than its short-sleeve sibling. It instantly adds a touch of dressiness to an outfit without having to go full button down and tie, all while maintaining Olympic levels of cozy. Pair it with some non-jean pants for the easiest, comfiest Monday-through-Friday outfit in your arsenal. Or, let it anchor your out-of-office—the brighter and bolder, the better.
The Turtleneck Sweater
Blending form (straight lines to elongate that torso) with functionality (gotta keep ya neck warm) with sexiness (just look at it), the turtleneck remains a humble wardrobe heavyweight. A simple rib knit version can do damn near anything, anytime, but don't sleep on a turtleneck with a crochet, cable, or jacquard knit. Just ask The Rock, Michael B. Jordan, Tom Holland, or any of the other Hollywood leading men who figured out long ago that a turtleneck turns up the heat in more ways than the obvious.
The Cable Knit Sweater
The quintessentially preppy cable knit is the sweater most likely to say it “went to school in Cambridge.” You can lean into the Ivy League energy, or mix-and-match other styles. Similar, yet completely distinct, is the fisherman sweater or the Aran sweater. Originating from the western cost of Ireland, Aran sweaters have their roots in fishing and use intricate cable knit designs. A key difference aside from their origins is that fisherman sweaters are always hearty, chunky knits with thicker cable-knit designs.
The Fair Isle Sweater
Like the Aran sweater, the Fair Isle sweater is also named for an island (in the Shetlands, off the coast of Scotland). This time, the signature designs are less about texture, and more about the color, with traditional patterns knit into the wool. While it’s been unfairly dragged into the whole “Christmas sweater" conversation, Fair Isles deserve to be worn for as many months as you need the toastiness.
What to Consider When Buying a Sweater
As mentioned, you should go into this like you’re adopting a dog, not like a kid in a candy store. It can be satisfying for a moment to pick up the first pretty thing you see, but a crash follows the rush and before you know it, you’ve got a pile of sweaters that are either too warm, too itchy, or just don’t fit right. Don’t make that mistake, here’s what to look out for.
Cotton: We’re not going to belabor the benefits of cotton—the natural fiber is breathable, affordable, washes easily (though careful with the dryer—always read that tag), and gentle on sensitive skin. You can’t go wrong with a cotton sweater any time of the year, but if you’re looking for a transitional layer that’ll keep you warm now and comfortably cool later, it's hard to top cotton.
Wool: Not to mix our species, but wool can be a chameleon. The sheep-borne spectrum runs from airy and light to thick and hefty. But all of it is uniquely adept at regulating temperatures, so you'll stay warm without burning up. While you have to be a little more delicate on the upkeep (almost definitely no dryer), your tough-as-nails wool knit can last you for decades—literally—with some conscientious upkeep.
Cashmere: It used to be that the average “nice” wool sweater was made of merino wool or lambswool, and cashmere was reserved for the rich guys. A few decades of commodifying the luxury fiber has helped bring it to more affordable tiers. Though careful what you pay for: cheap cashmere pills easily, can feel oily, and won't last nearly as long as the good stuff.
Mohair: Shaggier and a hair (sorry) lighter than wool, a mohair sweater isn't afraid to make a statement. Chances are you’ve seen NBA elites sporting the ubiquitous horizontal-striped Marni cardigan, or you've spotted a number of Needle’s eyeball-popping patterned versions out in the wild. Though it's worth pointing out, you can absolutely find more relaxed versions—in both cardigan and button-free variations—if you're not trying to flex for ESPN's cameras.
Synthetics: More often than not, you’ll encounter sweaters that blend man-made materials like polyester, acrylic, and elastane. These materials can help give a sweater desirable qualities like softness, moisture-wicking, insulation, and stretch. They’re also cheaper to produce. While that doesn’t always translate into a low-quality product, it does mean that a brand is cutting costs which often result in an inferior garment.
Beyond the material that’s used to make a sweater, the yarns and gauge of those yarns influence light or heavy the final product will be. The fibers are spun into yarns, which are then knit together to form a sweater. The gauge refers to the thickness of those yarns and can be the difference between an airy spring sweater and a chunky deep-winter cardigan. The thicker the gauge, the heavier and warmer the sweater will be.
The balance between material and fabric weight is a delicate one. So when you’re deciding on a sweater, remember that a heavy cotton sweater can potentially be just as warm as a thin merino wool sweater or that a densely knit cashmere sweater will be warmer than an equally chunky cotton alternative.
Aside from the rarer summer knitwear, sweaters are made for cold weather. So fit is especially important considering you’ll be layering your sweater over and under other garments. Consider whether you’ll be wearing it over a button-up and tie or just a simple T-shirt. For the slightly reckless, slightly sexier among us, also consider whether you’ll be wearing it without any undershirt at all.
Same goes for the outer layers that’ll go on top. A chunky sweater is satisfying and cozy as hell, but can easily become unwieldy if you’re trying to stuff it under a tailored blazer. When it comes to fit, there’s no single best silhouette, but there are a couple of rules of thumb if you can’t make heads or tails of it. Make sure the shoulder seams hit just past your shoulder bones, that the sleeves reach to your wrist bones, and that the hem sits right around your hips.
