Sweaters are a great way to add some complexity to your overall look, and as we enter the fall-winter season, it’s always going to be helpful to have some great sweater outfit ideas in your back pocket that will work for a variety of situations.
A Short History of Sweaters
We can see as far back as the 15th century that fishermen actually wore sweaters, which were actually a very helpful tool in helping protect them from the elements while they were out at sea. Sweaters became popular in the 1890s. Around that time, the sweater was actually a very dark and heavy pullover which athletes would wear before and after a contest.
In the 1920s, we see high-end designers begin to introduce sweaters into their collections, and in 1921, the trend-setting Prince of Wales was given a Fair Isle sweater, which he then wore out in public and made quite popular. In the same decade, the young playwright Noel Coward popularized the turtleneck, also known as the polo neck sweater.
Types of Sweater
Other than the fact that it’s a garment to keep us warm, a sweater is also a great opportunity to inject some dimension and seasonality into your looks. Because we’re wearing layers, we can easily take a layer off and stay cool while still looking properly dressed.
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that sweaters might not always be called sweaters, depending on where you’re from. Sometimes they’re called jumpers or even pullovers. There are a variety of different types of sweater styles, as well, and not all of them will stop at the base of your neck. For example, some will actually cover all or part of your neck, like a turtleneck.
There are a number of different materials that are used to create sweaters, but some of the more popular materials include wool, alpaca, cashmere, cotton, and linen. To get the best benefits of a sweater, try to avoid polyester or synthetic fibers. They don’t last as long and they actually will make you feel a little bit too warm as these materials don’t breathe as well. It’s very tempting to purchase these materials in your sweaters because they’re made available all over the place but it’s best to stick to quality materials as these will offer you the most longevity.
There are a variety of different styles of sweaters made available. Some extremely modern and almost futuristic and some very classic. Some of the more popular styles that you might find in many stores include the crew neck, v-neck, turtleneck, a shawl collar, a cardigan, a half-zip, a tennis sweater, or a commando, which is also known as a woolly pully.
It’s important to remember that any zippered style sweater will look much more modern and sporty than other styles. This isn’t a bad thing, but it’s important to keep in mind if you are trying to assemble a more fully classic outfit.
Knit Sweaters
There are a few popular knit options that are made available in sweaters. Solid colored sweaters can be knitted from a single color thread or from a range of colors to add some depth. There’s also Fair Isle, which uses bold colors and Scottish patterns to create a bold and unique design. Another type is Aran, which is a net that uses wider thicker patterns to create a more three-dimensional look in a solid color. Lastly, cable knit is a classic pattern that imitates a two-stranded rope, and it usually comes in a solid color.
What Makes A Good Sweater?
A good sweater is one that will be worth its material used in construction and also in its overall durability. It will be timeless and offer a great fit. It should not peel too much, and it also shouldn’t feature large brand logos or any, if you can avoid it. Our comprehensive guide to sweaters covers more of these characteristics as well.
The ideal fit is neither too loose nor too tight and should be right for your body type. It should cover your waist without going past your seat. Your sweater sleeves should be long enough that they fall naturally at your wrists but not so loose that you end up flying away. The shoulder seams should fall just at the edge of your shoulders. You should ideally have enough room to wear a shirt below the sweater if you choose.
There are many ways men decide to incorporate a sweater into their outfit. In addition to wearing the correct fit, it’s also important to prioritize wearing the correct colors and patterns that make the most sense for you and your wardrobe. I have found that primarily sticking to solid and neutral colors make the most sense for my wardrobe. This is the same rule for those who are unsure of what to purchase.
This allows your wardrobe to maintain greater longevity over time instead of buying colors that are a little bit too trendy. Once you have built some foundation in your solid and neutral sweater collection, then start looking into certain patterns or knits that you might enjoy.
10 Sweater Outfit Ideas
1. Crew Neck Sweater & A Sport Coat
This is a simple outfit that can be personalized by the type of sport coat you wear and the color or pattern of shirt you may choose to wear below your sweater. It should, of course, complement the color of your sweater. If you’re unsure what color of sport coat to wear, you can always choose a navy blue. The navy blue is going to look great a majority of the time. You could also try a pattern sport coat and coordinate your shoes and belt with that coat.
2. Crew Neck Sweater, Chino Pants & A Low Top Sneaker
This classic casual outfit with sneakers is great with a very clean-cut sweater instead of a very excessively thick and chunky sweater. Sometimes, though, I’ll cheat and wear this outfit with my thick cable knit sweater. Ideally, a clean-cut sweater is the best choice. The reason why a clean-cut sweater will be ideal is that you typically aren’t going to be wearing a top layer above your sweater, so those excessive rolls from the extra fabric will start to look a little bit sloppy overall in your outfit.
3. V-Neck Sweater with A Patterned Shirt
Make sure that the color in the patterned shirt complements the color in the sweater you’re choosing to wear. This will be great with everything from jeans to even chino pants. You could always try adding a dress shoe or a dress boot to elevate this outfit a little bit.
4. Turtleneck Sweater & Trousers
This outfit can appear rather fun and whimsical or even a bit conservative, depending on the kind of colors and fit you might choose in this entire outfit. Depending on your day’s events, you can also consider wearing dark wash denim in this outfit as well. For a sharp look, consider adding in a jacket color of your choice, which complements your turtleneck.
5. Turtleneck Sweater & A Sport Coat
This outfit is definitely one of my favorites to use. It’s very easy to put together as it can be very colorful or could also be very dark and monochromatic, depending on how you want things to look.
6. Cable Knit Sweater & Beige Pants
This outfit can be kept fairly neutral and monochromatic by keeping the sweater in close color tone with the pants you’re choosing to wear or you can break things up by wearing a sweater of a bold color that’s going to contrast the pants. You can also add in a fun colored pair of socks to complement your outfit.
7. All Black: Pants, Sweaters & Boots
This is also another one of my favorites, and the reason is, it’s very difficult to look bad in this outfit. Just about anybody could pull this look off. Then make sure the tone of the blacks you intend to wear in your entire outfit are ideally of the same depth. You don’t want to leave home and look like you’re wearing 18 different shades of the same color.
8. Brightly Colored Sweater & A Patterned Coat or Trousers
Here, we have a whimsical outfit. This is going to have a brightly colored sweater and a lot of patterns and different textures, possibly in your sport coat and in your trousers. Make sure you incorporate some fun socks and pocket squares to add a little bit of extra flair to this outfit.
This outfit is really up to how confident you are as the wearer and how you combine different patterns and colors and textures. I’ve seen people that dress this way that turns my head for two different reasons: on the one hand, there are those who simply seem to just get it in terms of how they put together their outfits and mix colors and patterns without going overboard, and then there are those who maybe don’t get it as much and went maybe a little bit too far with how many colors or how many patterns they might have been wearing in one outfit. This is where it’s a bit distracting to drivers having these people walk around down the street. It’s a lot going on.
9. Full-Zip Sweater with Jeans & Dress Boots
It’s important to note that the zipper does take a little bit away from the classic sweater look and leans itself much more into the modern category. If this is something that’s going to bother you, it’s best to probably skip this sweater style and maybe swap this out for something like a v-neck or even a shawl collar.
10. The Fair Isle Sweater
In this outfit, it’s best to try to find the base color and the sweater and wear pants and perhaps even a sport coat that can complement everything around that sweater so everything looks a little bit more cohesive. And because this is a very unique and bold pattern sweater, it’s important to let this sweater be the loudest talking point in your outfit.
Bonus Tip: Accessorize!
It is not mandatory to add a lot of extra items into your outfit, but doing so is a fantastic way to separate yourself away from others who might be wearing a very similar outfit. Try wearing sunglasses, a ring, a watch, a hat when it’s appropriate, cufflinks, socks, or pocket squares.
Conclusion
It’s important to recognize the flexibility that sweaters can offer you in your wardrobe. Although the sweater can be seen as a much more casual garment, it can be now worn in a variety of settings. Once you have determined the ideal fit of sweater you should be wearing, start building your sweater collection with solid and neutral colors first, as these will offer you the greatest amount of versatility. Feel free to take some time and find out which styles you prefer. Finally, don’t forget to personalize your outfit a bit – take a look at the Fort Belvedere shop for pocket squares, cufflinks, socks, and more.
08:00 “Some people don’t get it, and go maybe too far.” That was good for a laugh.
I wish all three of you (Kyle, Preston, and Raphael) would stop using the word “unique” as if it meant “unusual” or “distinctive.” It means “one of a kind.” Please stop saying “more unique,” “very unique,” and such nonsense.
In our area, fishermens’ jumpers are also know as “ganseys”. The pattern identified the fishermans’ home port, so if they were lost at sea, the body could be identified
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire/content/articles/2007/09/17/fishermens_ganseys_feature.shtml
Gareth,
When you’ve time, revisit the Oliver Reed interview w/ David Letterman! Hysterical recounting of fisherman’s apparel only Oliver could bring. Poor Letterman looked like it was the closest he’d ever came to quitting his own show!
Interesting. Thanks for sharing, Gareth! :)
I do love my sweaters! Possibly as much as sport coats, to be honest.
I do have to take issue with the dress shirt under the crewneck, however. Any collared shirt should be worn under a sweater with a more open collar (at least a v-neck). Preferably, with a tie. Shirt collars under crewnecks just look… off. I could easily make v-neck/cardigan over a dress shirt and tie my “uniform” of choice for the cooler months.
While I have nothing against turtlenecks, I think the more plain varieties especially really need a jacket over them, but that’s just me. I don’t see turtlenecks as a top layer, unless it’s something like a bulky cable knit.
Also, as mentioned in the accessories, cufflinks? With a sweater? How is that going to work, other than a sweater vest?
And all-black attire? Unless you’re a stagehand, waiter, wear black lipstick/nails/eyeshadow, or are in a Johnny Cash tribute band, no.
Dear Pedant;
Using the word “unique” in this context is acceptable, as people are generally unique and the outfits they choose are worn uniquely, thus using this adjective is appropriate. I agree that using superlatives in this context is unnecessary and redundant.
Yours Truely,
The English Major
Dear Andrea,
You replied to the wrong reply, it would seem. I don’t go all grammar Nazi on people. I’m sure it was an honest slip, however.
Also, English Major, it’s spelled “truly”.
Signed, The Engineer
Hal,
Hadn’t noticed until you pointed out how overused unique has become. To the point of no longer being, unique? One term even casual followers of men’s fashion are finding threadbare, iconic! Particularly in the Watch idiom.
How many icons can there be and still qualify as, iconic..? Show of hands for keeping the Thesaurus in your favorites!?
Again, folks seem to be mistakenly replying to me! I seem to be unique in that I’m the only one here NOT discussing how often unique is used.
Dear Sir:
Yes, many wear black because its chic, easy and slimming…especially when a thicker textured sweater is worn, like a fisherman’s knit. Monochromatic dressing gives the illusion of length as you are not cut off in the middle by a color change from sweater to pants. That being said, black can suck the life out of your skin and reflect darkly on your face and neck thereby accentuating lines and under eye darkness. So if you are young and beautiful, wear black. And yes, why not wear cufflinks with a sweater? Slip your sweater sleeves up a bit, so they show and know in your heart that you are the coolest guy in the room!
I suppose we’ll just have to agree to respectfully disagree on that one. Monochrome brown or gray? Sure. Monochrome blue? Yeah, why not? Monochrome green? I suppose. Monochrome black? Fire up the Depeche Mode. On vinyl.
Love the channel guys, and great to see Kyle bringing a more modern take on Classic menswear, albeit chooses quite tight pants for his shape..
Hey Raphael, love your style, but what is going on with your huge turn-ups (cuffs) on your trousers?. Never seen that in the UK. You could keep your wallet in them.
Preston has a unique style and suits his shape well. Excellent delivery although tends to use raised fingers to identify quotation marks quite a lot..
Observations from a Brit, not criticisms.. Thumbs up guys..
Yes, I have to agree there. I like the way the three presenters each showcase their different styles but yes, Kyle definitely seems to go for rather tight fitting pants. You can tell from the way they ‘stack’ at the knees (my understanding is that stacking is generally reserved for skinny jeans as a trendy thing) and the smiley face thing at the crotch. Not a criticism – like Lou Amey just observations, possibly something to keep in mind with photos in the future.
As for Raphael, it’s called cuffing and it’s not uncommon. Here’s an article by Antonio Centeno at Real Men Real Style that explains the concept really well: https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/men-cuff-pants/
A crew neck sweater should never, never, never be worn by itself. A crew neck sweater should always have a collared shirt beneath it. A gentleman would never wear a crew neck sweater as you have shown it. Shame on you!!!
Yes, definitely have to agree there. Wearing a sweater on its own is like wearing trousers without underwear. That said, who’s to say Kyle doesn’t have a t-shirt underneath that’s concealed by the sweater?
I agree! The sweaters collar is always a little wide to accept the collared shirt.
Personally, i like to wear a “crew neck or irish fisherman’s knit sweather with any type of pants their go together very well and the look is definately cool. No matter what type of ocassion as long as it is the right thing to wear.
7) All black: pants, sweater and boots
This is also another one of my favorites, and the reason is, it’s very difficult to look bad in this outfit. Just about anybody could pull this look off.
Sure, if you’re happy to be mistaken for a hospitality worker, sales assistant Secret Service employee or security guard. In Australia, it’s a tradition for hospitality workers and many retail employees (unless there’s a uniform) to dress in all black. Some security guards, too, especially if it’s a hospitality venue.
I think the editorial content is good here(on this site) but I think the actual fashion choices/colors are often quite dull… e.g. grey jacket with beige turtleneck.I’ll say it again.. I think you need a stylist.
Thank you for sharing your honest opinion with us, Bill. :)
One thing I keep noticing and which I feel compelled to comment on and ask about: whether v-neck, crew neck, with a tie or without a tie, Kyle, Raphael (? The one in fair aisle sweater) and the one wearing the grey sweater and tie all seem to be wearing the collar tucked into the sweater. Why is this? It’s just that as an Air Force Cadet and even with uniforms (eg. School uniform) I was taught that if you’re not wearing a tie, especially if it’s a crew neck, the collar is meant to be worn out and generally sitting flat. In fact in the Australian Air Force Cadets, if one wore the crew neck sweater with ceremonial uniform (sweater was worn with both Service and working dress) you had to remove your tie. Which makes sense as a tucked in collar, especially where a tie is worn, with a crew neck can make it quite bulky to the point it becomes quite constricting for wearer.