The Best Cardigans for Men, Tested by Style Experts

Our Men’s Health fashion team tests a lot of cardigans, but this Abercrombie one surprised me. The cotton-poly-acrylic blend is spun into a boucle fabric, meaning the yarn has tiny raised loops that create a signature curly, nubby texture. Think of the softness of a bathrobe, but tightened up, smoothed out, and made presentable to wear out in public. The material adds visual interest that makes the cardigan feel styled even when you’re wearing over a plain tee or tank, but it’s also noticeably cozy on the skin. I wore it bare-armed for a full workday and never once got that itchy, plasticky feeling you expect from cheaper knits. It’s soft, warm, and breathable in a way my old wool cardigans simply aren’t.

The sleeves are tailored enough to look polished, no floppy cuffs or ballooning fabric. The chest has a related drape that whether you leave it open or button it all the way up, and I never felt like I was going to pop a button after eating lunch. Styling it has been easy, too. The boucle fabric elevates it beyond a basic layer, so it doesn’t feel out of place with nicer pieces. I’ve worn it to the office with straight-leg jeans and loafers for that sweet spot between dressed up and casual. The only thing to note: because boucle yarns are looped, they’re a bit more delicate than a standard flat knit. I’ve been careful to avoid snagging it on sharp edges or rough surfaces.

Read More: The Best Sweaters for Men

I’ve tested a bunch of budget cardigans, but this one from Uniqlo feels far more elevated than its price tag suggests. The ribbed knit fabric, made from a cotton-poly-ray blend, has a smooth finish and premium look that doesn’t lock you into one type of outfit. Although it’s not made with elastane, the fit is roomy enough to layer over a tee for a casual lunch or a button-down for an office meeting. Plus, the collar brings a more put-together vibe than your average cardigan.

I’ve even worn it closed like a shirt with a just tank top underneath that wasn’t visible and trousers for a dressy dinner look. It comes in a bunch of neutral colors to build plenty of outfits around and sizes up to 3XL. While some cardigans can be tossed in the washer, we recommend hand washing it or taking it to the dry cleaners for the best care.

Coofandy’s cardigan is the slim-fit option of the bunch, designed with a crew neckline that buttons all the way up, giving it a cleaner, more polished look than a traditional V-neck. The twisted cable-knit pattern runs across the body and sleeves, adding texture without feeling bulky. It also has two front pockets that are practical without throwing off the silhouette. The polyester blend with added stretch felt thick and warm but never suffocating, even when worn fully buttoned.

The slim cut works especially well under a jacket or blazer, but it’s just as easy to wear on its own for everyday outfits or dressed up for a holiday party. Since it’s the most affordable pick on the list, with several colors to choose from, you can stock up on a few pairs. Plus, it’s machine washable, which makes it low-maintenance. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, classic fit, sizing up is the way to go.

Bugatchi’s cardigan is the kind of versatile layer I reach for when I want one piece to do multiple jobs. You can zip it all the way up and wear it like a mock neck for a put-together look, or fold the collar down when you’re going for a laid-back vibe. The herringbone knitted design adds just enough visual interest to keep it from feeling flat, while the ribbing at the collar, hem, and cuffs gives it a polished finish that reads dressy rather than sporty.

It’s made from a wool-blend that keeps you warm without weighing you down. I found it works best over with tailored pants and a simple T-shirt—anything heavier underneath starts to feel stuffy once you add a coat. The zippered pockets are useful for essentials, though I keep them flat to avoid bulk. And unlike a lot of wool cardigans that start piling after a few wears, this one has held up impressively well. It’s lightweight, durable, and keeps its shape, even after repeated use.

Bonobos used a unique dip-dying technique for its cardigan—something you see often in a category that usually plays it safe. The blend of navy and steel blue creates a sharp ombre effect that gives it main character energy, so I kept the rest of my outfit simple and let the sweater do the talking. It’s also made of a cotton-cashmere blend that feels super soft yet structured with a midweight hand that delivers warmth without feeling heavy or restrictive.

I found it easy to wear across sessions—from crisp fall days to cool summer evenings without overheating. The patch pockets add a casual touch, but I’d keep them light to preserve a clean drape. Yes, the price is higher than your average cardigan, but it’s a limited edition run, which means not many other guys will have it.

Like Abercrombie’s cardigan, this one is made with boucle, but it’s executed in a noticeably more polished way. Banana Republic’s design consists of a rib-knit stitch across the body, a polo-style collar, and front pockets that add function without tapping into casual territory. The cotton-polyester fabric is finished with a hint of elastane, which makes it easy to reach for my matcha across the office desk or bend over to tie my shoe without any pulling or losing its shape.

The fit is relaxed and hits right at the hip, which keeps things clean and helps it layer neatly over a t-shirt without looking boxy. Overall, this cardigan has one of the dressiest vibes I’ve come across in the category. It feels like a cozy layer and more like a knit substitute for a blazer. I’ve worn it to a fancy dinner over a crisp white tee and tailored trousers, finished with loafers, and never felt undressed. One small caveat: while the front pockets are handy for small essentials like cash or a key fob, I wouldn’t overload them. Filling them up can create a bit of bulk and disrupt the otherwise seamless look.

If you want a cardigan that isn’t just basic—one that actually takes things up a notch style-wise—this wool V-neck style from Cos is it. The checkered design immediately sets it apart, giving it a more considered, fashion-forward look without feeling loud. It leans into that heritage knitwear vibe and plays with a rich navy-toned palette. It’s made from premium wool, which holds its shape better than cotton, regulates temperature more effectively, and generally looks sharper over time.

The fit is relaxed and roomy through the body, so it drapes nicely without clinging, reinforcing that classic, old-world knitwear feel. This isn’t a throw-on-with-sweats cardigan—it’s best styled with tailored trousers and loafers to keep things elevated. Sure, $200 isn’t cheap for a cardigan, but you can see where the money goes. The fabric looks sharper over time and wears in nicely, and the polished design means you can skip a jacket and still look put-together.

Buck Mason’s cardigan nails that timeless fisherman-sweater vibe with a richly textured, homespun cotton rib that feels substantial without being heavy. The material isn’t super thick, but it’s still warm, so it’s one of those options that you can wear year-round. Its off-white sand-dollar color feels clean and fresh, and it’s the kind of neutral that works with just about everything. After putting it in the washer over five times, it’s proved to be impressively durable. Wear after wear, the cotton fabric has held its shape, and the reinforced stitch detailing at the cuffs showed no signs of stretching or fraying.

The fit is relaxed but tailored—roomy enough to layer over a denim button-down with the sleeves rolled up, but structured enough to show off your frame, especially if you’ve got broader shoulders. At $228, it’s the most expensive cardigan on the list, but the quality build and longevity make it feel like a long-term investment rather than a seasonal buy.