The 11 Best Sweaters for Men, Tested by Style Editors

I’ve been testing men’s sweaters since 2020, so as you can imagine I’ve worn more than I can count. Polo Ralph Lauren’s cable-knit has consistently risen above the competition in construction, fit, and timeless style. The brand helped cement the cable-knit as an American preppy classic, and that history shows in the sweater itself. The textured braids and patterns give it depth and richness, elevating even the simplest outfit. You can see and feel the heritage in every stitch—the weight, the structure, the classic lines all signal a piece built to last.

The relaxed fit is a major win for comfort—it offers extra room in the chest, which is perfect if you’ve got bigger pecs (like me, after a few years of lifting). Even without spandex, it layers beautifully over a button-up without stretching out or losing its shape. During testing, I wore it over a crisp white dress shirt for a dinner party, under a blazer for a Zoom meeting, and casually with joggers on a morning matcha latte run. The fabric feels soft against the skin but maintains structure. It never made me break a sweat, and kept me cozy in high 50-degree temps. I’ve washed mine over six times, and the sweater still looks and fits like new.

I also love how it pairs seamlessly with a variety of pants—tailored trousers, jeans, and casual sweats all work. And of course, that unmistakable Ralph Lauren heritage baked in, giving a sense of legacy that many sweaters lack. One thing to keep in mind: it comes with a premium price tag, which might be a barrier, only if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that won’t exude as much as style.

Read More: Best Chinos for Men

Amazon Essentials offers everything from the best men’s basics to sharp sweaters—and this one’s proof that affordable doesn’t mean boring. This v-neck style is breathable in the winter, easy to layer, and feels surprisingly premium for the price. Our editors wore it under blazers and sport coats, and then over a crisp shirt with the collar peeking. (Don’t wear it with a T-shirt unless you’re going for a laid-back look). The regular fit is relaxed–but-not-boxy, and forgiving if you’ve just had a burger.

The 100% cotton knit feels soft against the skin with just the right amount of stretch, so it easily moves with your morning commute. Given its price, you’d think it would become dingy after a few wears or washes, but that’s not the case. Despite months of wear and multiple wash cycles, it held its shape without fading or piling. Bonus: it comes in a range of colors and prints, so you stock up and keep your office fits in rotation.

If you’re going to wear a sweater, make sure it’s in a classic color that won’t feel dated after one season. We love this skydiver blue—it’s bold enough to stand out but not overwhelming that you’ll regret it in photos later. The unique ribbing along the sides, neckline, and hem gives it some nice texture, while the standard fit hits that sweet spot between relaxed and put-together. It might feel a bit boxy if you prefer a more tailored, close-to-the-body look.

The Merino wool and nylon fabric blend feels sturdy but not stiff—it’s thick enough to keep you warm on chilly mornings but breathable once you’re indoors. One of our testers even wore it on a coffee run and didn’t break a sweat under jacket. It’s got just the right amount of stretch too, so you can move around without feeling like you’re trapped in a knit straightjacket. The vibe is rugged but still polished, which means it works just as well with jeans and clean sneakers, as well as with tailored trousers and loafers.

A good cashmere sweater feels like wrapping yourself in a cloud, and Naadam’s version is one our team style can’t get enough of. The first time I pulled it on, I understood why: it’s ridiculously soft—way softer than regular wool so it feels amazing against my skin without any itching. It’s lightweight too, so you don’t overheat when the radiator’s on full blast, but still warm enough for windy commutes.

After a few wears, I noticed it never lost its shape and didn’t pill as fast as cheaper cashmere sweaters I’ve tested (a small miracle at this price). Keep in mind: Cashmere is delicate, so this one requires more care than cotton or polyester sweaters.

I’m also a fan of how many colors they offer, including cobalt and tangerine that really stand out without being loud. For guys with athletic builds, it’s the perfect cut. It skims your frame just right, showing off your shoulders and giving your biceps a little spotlight. Just note: sizes do run small, so if you’re between sizes, go up.

I’ve tested a bunch of budget knits, but this one from Uniqlo punches way above its price tag. The cotton-polyester fabric feels soft straight out of the package, has a tight ribbed construction that keeps its shape after a dozen washes, and somehow still looks brand new. Although it doesn’t have the weight or the luxe feel of higher-end knits, I’ve worn this for months and found no fading, stretching, or weird pilling.

The synthetic blend gives it that smooth, premium hand-feel with a bit of stretch, so you can reach, twist, and move without feeling boxed in. I also love how the fit strikes that sweet spot between tailored and relaxed—it skims the body without clinging, which makes it look sharp enough for the office but laid-back enough for Sunday coffee runs. The ribbing on the collar keeps it in shape and adds a subtle texture, providing a durable and neat finish. And since it’s machine washable, you can toss it in with your regular laundry and forget about dry cleaning.

I always loved turtleneck sweaters—they’re dressier and provide more coverage than your standard crewneck. But if you’re on the shorter or leaner side, a full turtleneck can sometimes feel like too much fabric stacked around your neck. Suitsupply’s roll neck solves that problem perfectly. It delivers the same refined look and warmth of a turtleneck, just with less bulk so you don’t need a scarf. I found it especially handy during the freezing winter mornings. The Merino wool breathes surprisingly well, so I didn’t overheat when layering it under a blazer or waiting for the train in a muggy subway station.

You can skip a trip to the dry cleaners because the fabric is tough enough to handle a spin in the washer and come out looking sharp with zero shrinkage or sagging. Plus, it’s odor-resistant, so I stayed fresh from my morning commute through my evening dinner. What I love the most is the versatility. Thanks to its minimalistic look, I’ve layered it under everything from a bomber jacket for errands to a tailored suit for a fancy holiday party. Whether you’re going for laid-back or dress-to-impress, this turtleneck fits the bill perfectly. The slim fit is clean but not constricting—enough to streamline my upper body without being tight, and yes, it gives the pecs a nice little lift. Guys with bigger chests or arms may have to size up for a comfortable fit.

This ribbed crew is one of those pieces that just feels right from the first wear. It’s made from a richly textured cotton rib that gives it some real weight—thicker than your average knit but never stiff or bulky. The texture adds that broken-in look while the classic-but-slim fit keeps things clean and flattering. It sits close to the body without squeezing you, which makes it great for guys with broader shoulders who want structure, and it gives slimmer builds a sharper, more defined shape. It drapes clean through the shoulders and arms, and has just enough give whether you’re layering it under a jacket or reaching for something on a shelf.

What really sets it apart from other sweaters is the feel—it’s got that hearty, hand-knit texture you usually only get from a vintage find, but it wears lighter and breathes better than heavy wool. After its first wash, the ribbing softened up so much we wanted to wear it three days in a row. The look lands somewhere between rugged fisherman and clean-cut. Yeah, it’s not cheap, but between the rich construction, classic-but-slim-fit, and durability, these qualities make it worth the investment.

Sweaters don’t always have to be simple or boring, which is why we’re fans of this striped design from Brooks Brothers. It’s not too flashy, not too minimal—just enough to inject style into your look without trying too hard. This one works with pretty much any vibe: we’ve worn it with jeans for a day of shopping, and navy slacks and loafers when we wanted something a bit dressier. What’s also great is that it’s made from Supima cotton, with extra-long fibers that are smoother and stronger than standard cotton.

It’s much softer on the skin than most on the list with a luxurious, silky feel. I pulled it over an undershirt and it bounced back perfectly without feeling stretched out or baggy. The fit is tailored in the chest, but still somewhat relaxed without being tight. Yeah, it’s a bit of an investment, but between the top-notch cotton and Brooks Brothers’ craftsmanship, it’s one of those pieces that feels way better than your average sweater, and will last forever.

I’ve been wearing this cashmere quarter-zip from Quince for a few weeks now, and it’s one of those sweaters that makes you realize how nice cashmere can actually feel. The fisherman rib knit gives it real heft and structure, so it feels premium the second you pull it on. Unlike Naadam’s’s cashmere sweater, this one is made from Mongolian cashmere, which has longer, finer fibers, so it’s ten times softer and more durable. You’re basically getting that luxury feel for a budget-friendly price point. It has a classic fit but trim enough that it doesn’t bunch up when you sit or layer it under a coat or over a button-down.

I wore this during New York City’s shoulder season, and it regulated temperature really well. I never got hot walking to work or felt chilly when the office AC kicked on. The fabric breathes better than most wool sweaters I’ve tested, and it never got that itchy, fuzzy feeling that cashmere can sometimes pick up after a few wears. Plus, the quarter-zip collar gives it versatility, too: zipped up, it looks sharp for the office; unzipped, it leans casual for the weekend. You can choose from a range of easy-to-wear neutral tones; think navy, black, charcoal, which all pair effortlessly with chinos or dark jeans.

Every stylish guy needs a polo sweater in their wardrobe—it’s like the best of both worlds between a simple polo and a sharper sweater. This one from Bugatchi goes a step further, as it’s treated with the brand’s proprietary synthetic fabric that prevents creasing, repels light rain, and stays breathable even when things heat up. In our testing, we found it moved with us through long commutes and dinner parties without losing shape or showing sweat marks. The fit’s relaxed through the body, but cut neatly in the arms, so size up if you have bigger biceps or prefer a looser drape.

The three-button placket gives you room to play—buttoned up for polish, open for a more casual vibe. It’s lightweight enough to layer under a jacket once the temps dip, yet still structured enough to wear solo. We’ve worn it to everything from beer halls to weekend brunches, and it never looked sloppy. Sure, it’s the most priciest option we’ve tested, but it looks—and feels—like something that belongs in the smart-casual hall of fame, reigning over your average top.

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 wear every day, try a classic crewneck sweater with your go-to pants—perfect for running errands or grabbing coffee with friends. V-neck sweaters are ideal for a smart-casual or business-casual settings, whether you’re at the office or at dinner, since they layer beautifully over collared shirts. (Zip sweaters also work as such, by the way.)

Cardigan sweaters are easy to dress up: 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, turtlenecks exude refinement and work for cocktail and business-casual attire, easily paired with tailored trousers and blazers for a polished, upscale look. For a more rugged, outdoorsy vibe, opt for a chunky cable knit or fisherman sweater.