Which Sweaters Are Attractive? | Man’s Guide To Choosing A Sweater

Why should men wear sweaters?

One word.

Versatility. 

Sweaters are the perfect middle man between casual and formal.

They can be paired with blazers and slacks…

or jeans and a t-shirt.

And the best part?

They’re attractive on men. 

But…not all sweaters are created equal.

This article is going to cover the different men’s sweater types and which are most attractive to wear.

Different Types Of Men’s Sweaters

1) V-Neck

It’s hard to go wrong with a V-neck. It feels extremely comfortable to wear. The V-shape allows the shirt underneath to pop out – giving off a less “uptight” appearance. One advantage it has over a crew neck is that it leaves room for a visible tie.

V-neck sweaters complement standard collar shirts (especially if it’s black/gray over white). They can be the outermost layer of your casual outfit. You’ll also feel warmer in them than in a normal suit.

Solid V-Necks are more formal-looking sweaters that go well with business attire. They help you maintain a professional image when you meet with clients and colleagues.

Striped/Basic Pattern V-Necks lean towards the casual side. They don’t go with suits as well, so they’re better for relaxed environments. You wear these when you’re chilling out with friends after work or on weekends.

2) Crew Neck

Crew necks are great examples of how less is more. The style makes them easy to wear over t-shirts of another color. The neckline is round, designed with a narrow band of ribbing. Crew necks make great office wear – designed not to look edgy.

However you should watch out for those that have a tighter neck opening. They will limit your options to collarless undershirts (as dress shirts tend to get the collar pinched by the neckline). Neckties will also be out of the question because they won’t be seen at all.

Solid Crew Necks have no patterns and resemble t-shirts with long sleeves. You should be a little careful about wearing them to places where they might look plain compared to what other people have on.

Striped/Basic Pattern Crew Necks are the more interesting type. The lines add more character to the sweater and help make you stylishly stand out. Try going for white lines against a dark/deep color (no risk of colors clashing since white is neutral).

3) Cardigan

A cardigan sends quite a strong signal. People tend to think of professors or intellectuals. Others associate it with leadership or a position of power. That’s what makes it a fitting choice for a judge on a panel.

Cardigans function like jackets – they open down the front and have buttons along the edge. They can be worn either open or closed. The best ones provide some taper around the waist in order to slim you down (similar to what suits do).

Cardigan sweaters are “three-season” garments. They’re useful for the whole year except during the summer. They go well with a dress shirt and tie, with slacks or jeans. You can even wear a sports jacket over them and it won’t seem over-the-top.

The Shawl Collar Cardigan is a staple of the business casual look. It has a wide, turned-over collar that narrows toward the chest area. It’s a great way to sharpen your look at the office.

Meanwhile the Standard Collar Cardigan is just a step lower in terms of being formal. It works similarly to a V-neck except it resembles a blazer more (especially when unbuttoned).

Chunky / Cable Knit Sweater

A cable knit sweater is a popular choice for skiing.

It’s also a great choice for heavy winter. Its material is thicker and has cross-cable patterns at the front.

It’s very durable because of the heavier yarn and tighter stitching.

You’ll want to consider machine-knit versions – these are made from good-quality wool and designed to show a flatter appearance.

Button Mock Neck

The button mock neck brings back a little bit of the ’90s.

It’s known as the middle child between the crew neck and turtleneck sweaters.

It has a series of buttons which allows it to pull off a “smart” look.

The overall design is sporty, so it’s perfect for wearing outdoors. It can be paired with both dress pants and denim jeans.

Fair Isle

Fair Isle is the term used for bright-colored sweaters with horizontal patterns.

It was the Scottish island of the same name where they were originally knit.

The ones you’ll find in stores today are lighter and more fashionable.

They make the perfect outer layer for a laid-back outfit. Pair them up with jeans/chinos during the cold months.

Half Zip Mock Neck

The style of a half zip mock neck resembles a dress shirt. It puts your face more in focus.

The design includes a straight-line opening from the neckline and a high, straight-sided collar.

It can take on the role of a top layer or middle layer (with a coat or sports jacket worn over).

The flexible layering makes it a stylish and practical choice.

Turtle Neck

The turtle neck is a lifesaver for those in harsher, colder climates. It has a tall collar that’s folded over on itself (double-layered).

The length reaches the lips or cheeks so your neck doesn’t bear the brunt of the weather.

This style belongs to the category of thinner knit sweaters, which makes it a great layering option.

You’ll want to go for a lightweight build so that you can wear a thick coat or jacket over it.

Sweater Vest

The sweater vest retains heat well (especially if it’s wool) and fits nicely under a jacket.

It’s softer and doesn’t feel as tight and hot as a full sweater. It keeps you warm enough while making you look taller, slimmer and sleeker.

If you want the most formal add-on to your dress shirt, this is your best bet. Go for a black or navy blue color – it draws attention while still looking classy.

Types Of Sweater Weave

Heavy Rib: Makes the sweater thicker and feel warmer to wear.

Plain Woven: Makes the sweater less elastic and slightly cooler. It has a more delicate appearance which makes it suitable for professional environments.

Types Of Sweater Fabric

Wool Sweater

• The oldest and most common quality fabric for sweaters
• Retains heat extremely well
• Should be handled with great care and shouldn’t be exposed to high temperatures
• Shouldn’t get soaked (as wool loses about 30% of its strength when wet)

Cashmere Sweater

• The gold standard of sweaters – feels like a million bucks
• Uses the downy hair from a Kashmir goat
• Offers a lot of warmth and is as light as a feather
• Can cost around a few hundred dollars which makes it a special investment
• Designed to last about 10 years (you should have the opportunity to wear it 4 times a year)
• Should come from a reputable merchant (as counterfeit sweaters aren’t going to last)

Cotton Sweater

• Feels cooler to wear than cashmere or wool (with all other factors being equal)
• Ideal for moderately cold weather
• You can wear it directly on the skin without feeling irritation
• The use of cotton lowers down the cost of this sweater

Synthetic Fabric Sweater

• The price is much cheaper
• The material mimics the properties of cotton or wool
• You should expect a lower quality compared to authentic fabrics
• Doesn’t come with the need to be extra careful when handling or washing it

Blended Fabric Sweater

• Made from two or more fabrics (you should read the label to find out)
• Can be priced lower because the material isn’t a pure fabric
• Often marketed as one specific fabric (such as a “cashmere” sweater with a large part made of cheaper wool or synthetic fibers)
• Some versions of it are designed to fit and perform better than a pure fabric sweater

Sweater Colors

Darker Colors: Viewed as more conservative and appropriate for formal occasions.

Bright/Lighter Colors: Draw more attention to the wearer. During spring and summer seasons, they’re more popular.

Extremely Bright Colors: Best to be avoided unless it’s part of your profession (such as a performer or highway worker).

Sweater Patterns

Simple Solid: The best option for formal and corporate events.

Stitched/Woven In Pattern: Makes great casual wear for guys who want to show a side that’s more fun and less serious.

One of the most popular patterns men like to wear during winter is the argyle sweater, which stands out because of its lines and colors. The trick to making this sweater work is by matching it with clothes that have simple designs. This allows it to become the focus of your outfit.

Golden Rules In Choosing A Sweater

1. Make sure the sweater doesn’t feel tight when you first try it on. All sweaters tend to shrink as they get used and washed more.
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2. Strike a balance in terms of allowance. The sweater should lightly wrap around your arms and torso while at the same time, it should not look baggy.
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3. The sweater should have slender bands at the wrist area. These parts have to stay firmly in place and not slide down when you push the sleeves up your arm. That’s how you will feel 100% comfortable

4. Color affects the situations where a certain sweater can be worn. Like other pieces of clothing – you should select colors based on your goal or purpose. Color can make or break a first impression.
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5. Whenever it’s a bright-colored sweater, you should think about the mood you want to bring out and whether it goes with the theme of the occasion.

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6. A sweater with a distinct pattern should only be worn a couple of times per month. It helps if you can find a way to alternate between a simple solid sweater and a patterned one.
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7.Always make sure the sweater presents the best you possible. It shouldn’t just cover you up. It should complement your personality and sense of style.