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Find anything you save across the site in your account mens knitwear
By Heidi Quill , Jessie Atkinson and Faye Fearon
Our edit of the best jumpers, vests, and cardigans is a lovingly-compiled list of prime layering pieces, proving that just because the British weather can be unpredictable, the quality of your outfits can still be reliably strong
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Fine knit crew neck in the temperate gardens of England; chunky Fair Isle in the frigid Highlands of Scotland, knitted polo shirt in the balmy souks of Morocco: wherever you’re heading this year, you’ll want to pull from the rich category of the best knitwear for men in order to truly consider your wardrobe complete.
If you’re the trend-following type, keep a look out for shrunken shapes, sleeveless designs (in both cardigan and tank top iterations) and slouchy finishes as you scroll. For the more classic among you, you’ll be hard-pressed to make a mistake in a simple, impeccably made crew neck — or a patterned cardigan if you want to push the boat out (but not too far). Adventurous or not, everyone’s men’s knitwear wish list should also contain a half or quarter zip, a turtleneck and cable knit.
Should you find yourself perusing the trends of SS24, you might find that vests (knitted and otherwise) remain big on the runways, but that doesn’t mean that a good ol’ knit jumper and even the odd knit T-shirt or polo will go amiss. The truth is, that no matter the neckline or silhouette, a good knit or two is sure to make for valid and worthy new arrivals to your summer wardrobe. Whether you’re layering under the jacket, blazer, or letting it stand solo, hearty knitwear can speak for itself, no matter the location or occasion.
Well, dear reader, in truth it depends on the piece in question. Although we'd say that as a blanket rule, you can't go wrong when contrasting a knitted texture with some rich blue denim or pleated tailored trousers.
Seeking the double threat of durability and beauty? There are a few buzzwords to look out for before you head to checkout. First, we recommend prioritising luxury natural materials such as cashmere and cotton for knitwear you'll be feeling on your skin: that's things such as fine gauge polos and crew neck pullovers for layering. For thicker, warmer pieces that you’ll be wearing on top of a long-sleeve henley or turtleneck — and perhaps even under a coat — more sturdy animal fibres are preferable. Think merino or lambswool for cable knits and Fair Isles, and alpaca and mohair for zip sweaters and oversized numbers.
Best cardigans | Best sweater vests | Best cashmere jumpers | Best roll-neck jumpers | Best sweatshirts | Best hoodies |
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The jumper that launched a thousand gifting odysseys, Uniqlo’s cashmere crew neck is near impossible to beat for those seeking a luxurious light gauge knit for their wardrobe (or their dad’s). Coming in 22 different colours, you’ve got more choice than on your average cereal aisle, and once you finally decide, you’ll only have to part with a shade over £100.
Pull off a wardrobe royal flush with this Ami Paris pick, which distils everything we love about the French brand’s best sellers into one: it’s high-quality, it’s timeless, and it perfectly balances subtlety with a touch of streetwear brashness. Wear with slacks and Converse.
It’s presumably named ‘Saturn’ for the extraterrestrial stripes sewn into it, but this cardi by Percival will also loom large in the solar system of your spring wardrobe. A thigh-length knit in mohair and wool, it’s just the ticket for adding to tee ‘n’ jean fits this coming pub garden season, particularly as cardigans rise again as the new knit of choice.
Cued by collegiate silhouettes in its approach to design, London brand Drake's is a failsafe source for A-grade style – with a special shoutout going to this latest crew neck jumper. Crafted in lambswool for natural softness, it has then been brushed for a pleasingly shaggy texture and features a bold set of coloured stripes across its frame. Layer it over a well-cut pair of indigo jeans for maximum effect.
Crafted from a rich cotton blend, Reiss' latest addition to its knitwear department is the kind of piece we can picture in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Structured by an open-stitch crocheted frame (big yes), its silhouette features contrasting striped trims across the collar, short sleeves and front pockets. If you're as into this design as we are, be sure to check out the matching drawstring shorts for an excellent co-ord move.
If Ralph Lauren's polo-playing figure isn't to your taste, we have no doubt that this beloved little bear will tickle your fancy. Drippy and adorable, the intarsia knit figure on this Ralph Lauren jumper is almost as well dressed as you, layering a series of brand icons set against the bright blue background of the crewneck itself.
Looking to serve a dose of abstract style this summer? Cos has got you covered – specifically via this white short-sleeved shirt. Jacquard-knitted with a painterly argyle print down the body, it has been made from a breathable blend of cotton and tencel lyocell, topped with an effortless resort collar and fastened with a set of black buttons to match its core motif. Artistically designed and effortlessly stylish, it's a straight-up seasonal win.
As one of the most acclaimed sources for premium Italian knitwear, Massimo Alba is a failsafe source for a lightweight summer layer. Our top pick from the current collection? This sand-coloured cardigan. Knitted in Italy from a cotton and linen blend, it's shaped with dropped shoulder seams and a relaxed fit to grant the most comfortable and nonchalant impression. Talk about timelessness.
The ultimate trans-seasonal piece, Arket's latest crew neck jumper is ready to see you through changing forecasts in style. Clad in a dusty red shade (a perfect way to pop some fun into the upper half of your attire), it combines cotton, linen, mulberry silk and recycled polyester in its construction: making for a soft and luxurious layer which won't feel too heavy upon wear.
You can't go wrong with a well-crafted black cardigan, especially when it caters to the warmer seasons. We're specifically referencing Mr Porter's latest in-house design here: stitched from an open-knit cotton for pure breathability and finished with natural corozo buttons. Impressively made using 50 per cent lower-impact materials, it's ethical and stylish all at once.
Long-inspired by preppy sporting uniforms, it should come as no surprise that Ralph Lauren makes a slick cricket jumper. Defined by its baby-blue trims and cable knit, this pick is ready to be edged-up with wide-leg jeans.
Spun in the Scottish hills using yarn from one of the world's oldest spinners, this Sunspel jumper has been left next-level soft thanks to its tightly woven construction. Once knitted, this jumper is soaked in Scottish spring water in all its melange-effect glory, sealing in its delicate texture. When it comes to styling, we suggest either indigo-hued denim or neutral-toned chinos.
Calling all fashion collaboration lovers – Adidas and Wales Bonner have the perfect jumper for you. Designed from a lightweight knit texture, this chocolate brown style is decorated with contrasting stripes around its crew neck for a touch of athletic appeal and stamped with the Bonner logo at the right side of the chest. Guaranteed to put you in good fashion standing, we suggest adding it to your basket before it's too late.
We can’t talk about the best men’s knitwear without bringing up Gucci. This crew neck jumper is made in Italy from a luxury soft wool and is stitched with an eye-catching logo intarsia across the entirety of its body. Shaped to a relaxed frame and detailed with elasticated ribbed trims for a sealed fit at the edge, it’s a little on the expensive side, but considering it's Gucci, we'd say it's worth it.
High street retailer Marks & Spencer has long been a faithful source for quality menswear staples at a less intimidating price, and a fine case in point is this classic crew neck jumper. Offered in an impressive series of shades – including grey, red, light green and camel – it's cut from pure cashmere and is fitted with ribbed trims for a snug finish. A hallmark piece of knitwear.
The master of modern French fashion, Jacquemus' latest collection is laced with pared-back staples, including this navy cardigan. Crafted in Portugal from a merino wool blend (a delectable texture choice), it's shaped to envelop the frame in the most flattering manner and promises to keep you cosy for hours on end through its insulating high neck. Style it with relaxed tailored trousers to channel the nonchalant nature of the brand.
Italian brand Marni is making waves in menswear through its ultra-fun takes on wardrobe essentials, and this chunky jumper is a fine case in point for it in action. Woven from a wispy mohair blend, its silhouette is defined by bright blue florals and bold red panelling, making for a quirky upper layer to stylishly see you into spring. Base it with a straight-cut pair of jeans for a failsafe casual move.
Spring dressing is all about layering, and to do this well, you’re going to need more than one good cardigan. Just like your best crew neck but with the ease of a row of buttons, a hearty cardigan is the ultimate trans-seasonal essential – and this pick from Gucci is a current standout for serious style. Knitted in Italy from luxury wool, it’s emblazoned with the house’s acclaimed GG-jacquard motif, promising to inject a touch of high fashion pizazz to an otherwise practical ensemble.
Saint Laurent is world-renowned for its punk rock-inspired collections, and this sweater follows through on this rebellious theme. Painted in black, black, and even more black (because of course), it features the French fashion house’s logo in a graffiti-style font, and is finished with a fuzzy mohair texture. Ribbed edges make their way to the collar and hems for extra cosiness points.
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