Style Roundup: Men’s Sweater Top Picks
You Can Thank Us for the Grunt Work Later
Based on all the fall wardrobe question’s we’ve been receiving from you lately, we came to the conclusion a fall roundup was in order. Done and done. In this Gear Patrol Roundup, we’ve taken the time to scour some of our favorite men’s brands (high and low), for unique, sharp, and warm sweaters that’ll match just about any man’s style. From cardigans, to hoodies, to classic V and crew necks, these sweaters are great options for the man reassessing the state of his fall attire. Check out our selections after the jump, and as always, if you feel there’s any gaping holes in our selection, let us know in the comments. Like you, we strive for improvement.
Disclaimer: we purposely avoided cashmere in this roundup to keep the average cost spectrum down.
Banana Republic Merino Wool Shawl Neck Sweater
Shawl neck lines help to break up monotone color and provide versatility for both casual and stylish affairs. While everyone may not feel comfortable pulling off white, additional piping details around the cuffs and waist line help prevent this extra-fine merino wool sweater from turning you into a middle school Christmas play snow flake.
Cost: $99
Brooks Brothers Merino Argyle Half Wool Zip Sweater
Just because Argyle is the pattern of choice for country club golfers doesn’t mean wearing it makes you look like an ass. Downplayed, thanks to it’s light earth tone color palette, this half wool zip is both classic and basic. Whether it’s matched with collared button up for work, or jeans for cocktails later on, it never hurts to look clean cut every now and then. Also while we won’t dispute the ability to find something similar for less, coughing up for Brooks Brother’s quality will definitely give you several additional years of wear.
Cost: $138
Diesel Keflon Cardigan
Distinct from typical department store fare, the Keflon is a statement piece to base an entire look around. Featuring double breasted buttons and wide cut hooded neck line, this sweater is great for casual Saturday afternoons and easily blend into the evening. Ideally the small diesel logo on the lower left side would have been nixed, but you can’t win them all.
Cost: $170
Eddie Bauer Field Crew Sweater
Whatever trends may come and go in the fashion world, we’re certain crew neck sweaters will never fade. As an interesting twist on the fall stand by, the Eddie Bauer Ribbed Field Crew adds padded detail to the shoulders and forearms for a refreshing take on the common look. Available in regular and tall sizes (depending on your torso) it should fit into just about any body type under the sun, with minimal impact on your winter clothing budget.
Cost: $50
Uniqlo Half-Zip Orange Sweater
While this pick may be reminiscent of Clark Griswald, paired with the right shirt and a healthy dose of confidence, this sweater works well over the bounds of neutral toned masses. Unfortunately, this sweater is tougher to find for non-city dwellers, as Uniqlo’s U.S. based stores are limited. Daring? Yes. Cheap? Yes.
Cost: $30
John Varvatos Shawl Collar Cardigan
As the most expensive pick of the bunch, this sweater certainly borders on being a thick knit coat. Rich, luxurious, and made from a combination of Wool and Alpaca, owning this definitely provides a significant upgrade in style… that is, if you’re willing to spend the cash.
Cost: $495
Patagonia Men’s Felton Hoody
Part lounging sweat shirt, part campfire ready sweater, this knit lambswool blend has a kangaroo-style pouch for hand warming and/or whiskey flask carrying. Your choice. Available in feathered grey (pictured right) or retro khakis. Since it’s made by Patagonia we’re confident it’ll last for years to come. Keep in mind that you’ll have to cough up some dough for the Patagonia premium tax.
Cost: $160
L.L. Bean Ragg Wool Full-Zip Sweater
Let your inner New Englander shine with this basic wool shell. It’s designed with layering in mind and produced in 5 different colors with the option for regular and tall sizes. No outdoors men should spend fall without one, especially considering LL Bean’s legendary life time guarantee.
Cost: $50
J. Crew Wool Shall Collar with Pocket
In contrast to other shawl collars (including those on this list), this ribbed and front pocketed with big buttons, swaps prissy style leanings for a more rugged appearance. Throw it on over a basic plaid shirt and you’ll be good to go.
Cost: $138
GP Style Roundup: Men’s Sweater Top Picks (10-18) On the Next Page
loving shawl necks this year. big fan.
hmm.. some of them are ok, but there are a lot of really, really fruity sweaters up there.
Alan, if you've got brands or specific style sweaters you gravitate towards let us know about them and we'll share them with readers. Thanks for your input.
i like some of those above. it's just that first one, the BR one and that diesel one (oof!), in particular are too much to handle.
looking back over them, the first and second one just might be a result of the model more than the item, haha. but that diesel thing is just a disaster.
and even if my comments are negative, i do appreciate these types of posts. they're very helpful. i, too, like that j.crew sweater.. maybe not $138 much, but i like it.
i like that j.crew wool one on the first page. maybe i can find one in cashmere on uber clearance in nyc… what do you think eric???
Like the Patagonia hoodie but 160 smacks seems a lot… But is there an environmental/ethical angle on their products which makes them a worthwhile purchase too?
Hey RogD, Patagonia has built quite an impressive resume of corporate AND environmental responsibility. Plus, while they do charge a premium but the guarantees that they offer on their products set industry standards. I bought a softshell jacket from them a few years ago, and if it EVER tears or falls apart they will replace it no questions asked. I would do some research on them, I think you'll be impressed.
the diesel cardigan is my fav!!
love the double breasted look. very classy.
Wow this will me out, thanks!