13 Best Sweaters for Men to Stay Warm and Stylish at Any Occasion

Navigating the endless menswear sweater options out there can be dizzying. To simplify the decision-making process, we've curated a selection of what we consider the best sweaters for men right now, spanning styles from cable-knit to cashmere and Fair Isle to extremely budget-friendly. Just as you wouldn't choose a cashmere cardigan for a snowy hike or opt for a bulky Norwegian knit under a blazer for a party, it's essential to consider your interests, needs, and style preferences. But if you're looking for a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, our overall pick is Everlane The Felted Merino Hoodie.

Personally, winter is my favorite season, and I am naturally drawn to our cozy knit companions. With years of market experience, I've explored and worn a diverse array of sweaters, delving into the realm of natural textiles, their history, and functionality. Our goal here is straightforward: to assist you in choosing a sweater once you've loosely identified the type you're seeking and its intended function.

Best Sweaters for Men at a Glance

• The Best Overall Sweater for Men: Everlane The Felted Merino Hoodie

• Best Cashmere Sweater: Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater

• Best Budget Sweater: Uniqlo Premium Lambswool Sweater

The Best Sweaters for Men

Best Overall Sweater for Men: Everlane The Felted Merino Hoodie

When the term "hoodie" comes to mind, most people envision the classic cotton sweatshirt made for athletics and lounging around. The idea of a hoodie crafted from felted wool might initially seem odd, yet, once you try on Everlane The Felted Merino Hoodie, it becomes hard to take off. Wearing this hoodie beneath my topcoat has been my go-to as it provides an extra layer of soft, felted warmth underneath, and I can pop up the hood when it gets too cold or rainy. I also love the visual contrast of the tailored topcoat and the more casual hoodie element.

Best Wool Sweater: Filson Heritage 3-Gauge Wool Sweater

Crafted in Italy, Filson Heritage 3-Gauge Wool Sweater is a versatile all-arounder that is exceptionally warm. Engineered with 3-gauge yarns (the number of stitches per inch), it has maximum heat retention and a lightweight, breathable feel ideal for hefty wool. Along with the raglan sleeves, the jersey stitching helps make the texture somewhat spongy and stretchy, allowing for movement and comfort. You can wear this sweater outside by itself on moderately chilly days, but its moderate thickness also allows for effortless layering under a parka or peacoat on exceptionally frigid days. It provides insulation even when wet due to wool’s moisture-wicking properties, and the mélange fabric, weaving together different fibers to create a heathered effect, gives it an aesthetically interesting depth. Keep in mind it has a more relaxed fit, so you might want to size down. With a tasteful blend of heritage craftsmanship and modern sensibility, this sweater is handsome, warm, and functional—an investment piece for lasting warmth and style throughout many fall and winter seasons.

Best Cashmere Sweater: Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater

Naadam excels in the world of cashmere. Sourced from the goats of the Gobi Desert, which survive a negative-40-degree winter environment, Mongolian cashmere is seriously warm. The goat’s longer fibers result in stronger cashmere that should only pill about once—think of it as a one-time shedding. While cashmere is not typically associated with sustainability, Naadam sets itself apart through its collaboration with and support of a select herding community and its Gobi Revival Fund helps provide care to over 250,000 goats. The direct-to-consumer business model ensures that this luxurious textile remains accessible to a wide range of people. Available in a beautiful array of colors, Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater is a seriously soft, warm, and durable option that you can feel good about supporting.

Best Alpaca Sweater: Industry of All Nations Alpaca Crewneck Sweater

Alpaca is the specialty of the celebrated clothing brand Industry of All Nations. The fabric is just as soft as cashmere, exceptionally warm, water-resistant, and hypoallergenic. Low water retention also makes it exceptional for braving winter weather. Industry of All Nations Alpaca Crewneck Sweater is completely undyed, allowing the natural hairs of the virgin fiber to remain in their purest state. It has a medium weight, and wearing it feels like experiencing the most genuine form of alpaca. Besides being exceptionally soft and form-fitting, the brand's process helps reduce pollution and conserve resources.

Best Norwegian Sweater: L.L. Bean Heritage Norwegian Crewneck Sweater

L.L. Bean Heritage Norwegian Crewneck Sweater has achieved cult classic status for several good reasons. It exudes authenticity and is seriously warm, all at an excellent value. Featuring a traditional birdseye Nordic pattern, this heritage knit is crafted the old-fashioned way by a family-run business in Norway that has been producing these for generations. Wearing this wool sweater genuinely feels like donning a sheet of armor (but in a comfy way). If these heritage knits could keep Nordic fishermen warm in bone-chilling sea conditions, they'll do the same for you.

Best Cardigan Sweater: Todd Snyder Brushed Alpaca Cardigan

Cardigans have never gone out of style and should be regarded as a timeless menswear cornerstone. What I love about a cardigan is that it looks just as cool with a T-shirt as it does with an Oxford shirt and knit tie. Todd Snyder Brushed Alpaca Cardigan is made from a blend of baby alpaca as well as polyamide and elastane (for durability and a bit of stretch). The fuzzy texture, ideal for a cardigan, strikes a perfect balance between thickness and comfort, and the horn buttons provide a nice heritage touch.

Best Cable-Knit Sweater: Flint and Tinder Aran Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater

There are numerous variations of a classic cable-knit sweater. Flint and Tinder Aran Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater gets its name from the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland and the fishing communities that wore these heavy-duty knits to protect against the cold wind off the high seas. The cream or off-white colorway is the most traditional for this timeless diamond weave, adding an air of elegant heritage. A great cable-knit should pay homage to its historical authenticity and should feel almost like you are putting on a second coat of armor. This sweater checks both boxes. In addition, it's made from lambswool and some nylon, which gives it extra stretch—offering the best of both the heritage and modern worlds. A cable-knit sweater will never go out of fashion, and this version is a great value.

Best Fair Isle Sweater: J.Crew Fair Isle Lambswool Crewneck Sweater

Fair Isle patterns, named after one of Scotland's Shetland Islands, have been beloved in stylish circles for many years now (centuries if you want to nerd out on the history). Instantly recognizable by their trademark geometric figures, these winter-weather sweater staples have been riffed on by countless brands, with J.Crew among those coming up with the most affordable and striking options. J.Crew Fair Isle Lambswool Crewneck Sweater is made from lambswool, which is softer to the touch than some other wools. The pattern certainly leans into the holidays (plus, who can resist those dogs?) while also being handsome for everyday errands. Oh, and the discounted price right now? Unbeatable.

Best Turtleneck Sweater: Buck Mason California Cashmere Turtleneck

A turtleneck sweater lifts any casual outfit and can replace a dress shirt for most occasions, at least if the temperature dips enough in the fall and winter months where you live. The garment, despite a loaded history, is inherently elegant and ripe for a revival (especially as a style flex during the holidays). Our favorite of the moment is this sharp Buck Mason California Cashmere Turtleneck made with the brand's signature featherweight cashmere, which whether in black or light oat, works with most anything, from jeans to chinos, and with or without a blazer or chore jacket or denim jacket over it.

Best Cotton Sweater: AYR Textured Cotton Blend Sweater

Cotton, by nature, is a bit more breathable than wool but not as warm. Thus, for a lightweight, transitional sweater to wear on milder days, a cotton sweater makes a great choice. AYR Textured Cotton Blend Sweater manages to be almost as soft to the touch as its cashmere, has durability that almost matches wool, and fits like a cotton sweatshirt. It is reinforced with nylon for extra strength and a bit of elastane for stretch. There is a cult following around this item, and it is a bestseller for a good reason: It is darn comfortable. Perhaps the standout factor, though, is the convenience of being machine washable.

Best Quarter-Zip Sweater: Untuckit Birdseye Merino Wool Quarter-Zip Sweater

Untuckit has built a reputation for delivering affordable quality dress shirts, but its knits are no slouch, either. Crafted from extra fine merino wool, Untuckit Birdseye Merino Wool Quarter-Zip Sweater is an ideal intermediate layer, fitting snugly over a t-shirt yet comfortably beneath a coat and transitioning easily between casual and formal settings. Merino wool, known for its natural temperature regulation, is lightweight and adaptable, especially in a quarter-zip, which offers the convenience of unzipping if things get too warm. The birdseye pattern brings visual interest to the sweater, while its super-soft feel adds to its overall value. It's also hard to find merino at this price.

Best Merino Crewneck Sweater: Bonobos Washable Merino Crew Neck Sweater

Merino wool is naturally wrinkle- and odor-resistant, thermo-regulating, quick-drying, and anti-allergenic, making it a great choice for everyday wear. Bonobos Washable Merino Crew Neck Sweater, per its name, is technically okay for a machine wash, but we recommend only washing it on the gentlest of cycles and please only air dry. The lightweight merino wool here (which looks great in navy blue, we might add) is great for a somewhat chilly evening, or as a layer underneath a hefty jacket or coat for colder winter nights.

Best Budget Sweater: Uniqlo Premium Lambswool Sweater

There's no shame in Uniqlo's sweater game: While the Japanese retailer's budget-minded winter staples may not hold up to several seasons, the price is hard to beat. And unlike with some other brands in this category, Uniqlo reliably delivers thoughtful garments that simply look good on a wide array of men. Uniqlo Premium Lambswool Sweater is especially soft and available in no less than seven color options for maximum versatility, though if you're down to make a cheeky statement, we're fond of the mustard yellow.

How We Picked the Best Sweaters for Men

Heritage

A focus on meticulous craftsmanship and authenticity is paramount. Many of the listed brands specialize in their specific textiles or have a proven track record of producing high-quality knitwear and understanding and respecting its history. If not ultra-specialized, they should demonstrate a meticulous approach to the specific sweater.

Textile Quality

Different wools serve distinct purposes, but they should all meet a certain standard to fulfill their intended functions. No one wants a sweater that pills after just a few wears, so we've curated options that, to the best of my knowledge, exemplify durability and quality.

Natural Fibers

While there is innovation in incorporating polyamide stretch and strengthening nylon where applicable, natural materials in quality sweaters innately possess properties such as temperature regulation and moisture wicking. For the most part, these brands prioritize these fibers, tapping into the effectiveness that nature has already provided.

Sustainability

Where applicable, I've chosen brands that minimize their carbon footprint and contribute positively to the communities where they source textiles. In an era of fast fashion that exacerbates the climate challenges we face, it's reassuring to know that the sweater you wear was sourced with ethical considerations in mind.

Value

While some of these sweaters may come with a higher price tag, I view them as investments that extend beyond a single season. Others strike a balance between value and quality, offering a great knit at an accessible cost. But with proper care, some of these garments could even be considered heirlooms, lasting for many years.

Related: Turtlenecks Are the Biggest Fashion Flex of the Holiday Season (There, I Said It)

Why You Should Trust Me

In addition to writing for Men’s Journal, I've covered topics spanning menswear, fragrances, watches, grooming, and styling for Inside Hook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men’s Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers.

I've always tried to add a timeless element to whatever I write, because while trends can be interesting to a degree, my heart has always been drawn to more perennial guidance and themes. My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are both a blessing and a curse, and while I often delve into researching items to the point of exhaustion, it's this approach that positions me as a go-to person for advice. Whether it's about coats, colognes, turntable needles, or the coziest and best-looking sweaters around, people recognize that I've done the legwork. I enjoy inspiring others around me to seek out their unique interests in things that might make their life better.

Related: I've Wear-Tested Dozens of Leather Jackets. Here Are the Best of 2024