10 men's sweaters and cardigans perfect for layering
Keep one of these warm pieces handy for cooler days.
Credit:
H&M / Everlane
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As fall quickly approaches, it's a good idea to brace for the season with some warmer digs. Not heavy coats or gloves of course, but something that can handle the cool chill on a sunny day—warm, but not too warm.
For pieces that are lightweight, simple to carry around, and easy to layer, it doesn’t get better than the classic cardigan or a casual pullover. Reach for one of these versatile pieces while the seasons change—(or if you're stuck in an office workspace that's way too cold year round).
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1. This simple shawl-collar cardigan
Stay warm and classy with this Amazon Goodthreads shawl cardigan.
Nothing radiates casual elegance quite like a preppy shawl collar, which you can snag in this sweater from Amazon’s Goodthreads label. This cotton cardigan is mid-weight, with front welt pockets, a relaxed chest, and a tapered ribbed waist for a loose but not slouchy silhouette. Available in a rainbow of colors—including red, royal blue, and camel brown—it comes in men’s sizes XS to 3XL.
It has a 4.6-star average rating based on more than 5,000 reviews. “This cardigan is an indispensable item because it’s so versatile,” one reviewer writes. “Dress it up or down—you can use it for virtually any occasion. I can't say enough about it.”
Get the Goodthreads Soft Cotton Shawl Cardigan from Amazon for $40
2. This cotton-blend sweater
Layer up with this lightweight piece from Everlane.
Prone to sweating in sweaters? When you want extra warmth without the moisture that can come with it, reach for this piece from Everlane. The “No-Sweat” sweater is made with a blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester and claims to wick away moisture and keep you cool. It comes in men’s sizes XS to XXL and is available in black, chalky white, charcoal, and navy.
Reviewers love this piece for its relaxed fit and quality fabric. “This sweater fits perfectly,” one reviewer writes. “It’s very breathable and comfortable. I’m definitely ordering a couple more.”
Get the No-Sweat Sweater from Everlane for $68
3. This zip-up textured sweatshirt
Instead of buttons, this H&M cardigan has a zippered and snap-button closure.
Why not cozy up with a cardigan that feels more like a blanket than a shirt? This polyester and cotton blend one from H&M has a textured quilt-like pattern with a stand-up collar, a zipper, and a snap-button fastener at the neck. It comes in men’s sizes XS to XXL in black.
Customers praise this piece for its stylish cut and modern look. “Love it,” one reviewer writes. “This is a lovely top that I would recommend to anyone.”
Get the Quilted Cardigan from H&M for $34.99
4. This supima cotton cardigan
Land's End offers a classic version of the cardigan.
For a sweater that would make Mr. Rogers jealous, this piece from Land’s End is a great choice. With airy fine-gauge threading, it’s made of supima cotton yarn—a higher quality of cotton—that Land’s End claims is pill-resistant. It comes in men’s sizes S to XXL in red, navy, and grey.
“This cardigan, being cotton, isn’t too thick, so it’s perfect for any indoor gathering,” one reviewer explains. “It has a deep v-neck and isn't at all bulky. I like to leave it unbuttoned and push the sleeves up for a more breezy, youthful look.”
Get the Classic Fit Supima Cotton Cardigan Sweater from Land’s End for $69.95
5. This lived-in sweatshirt
Vintage wash helps this Gap sweatshirt feel worn-in.
Nothing beats the worn-in feeling of a long-possessed sweatshirt. Instead of holding onto that old crewneck that’s coming apart, opt for this knit one from Gap. It's made with a blend of cotton and recycled polyester and is brushed to make it look and feel gently worn. Available in eight colors, it comes in men’s sizes XS to XXXL in regular and tall.
“I absolutely love this sweater,” one rave reviewer writes. “It's lightweight and comfortable. I'm going to buy a few more colors to switch between. This is a great shirt to have while working from home and I do recommend this to people quite often.”
Get the Vintage Soft Sweatshirt from Gap for $49.95
6. This stretchy crewneck pullover
This sweatshirt from J.Crew has a knit that allows airflow.
A garter stitch is a technique of knitting that allows for fabric to stretch by its length and width—and that’s what J.Crew uses on this cotton crewneck sweater. It provides an elasticity that allows for more airflow through the fabric, so it’s an airy option to throw over a T-shirt or under a jacket (or both). It comes in men’s sizes XS to XXL and is available in 15 colors, including marigold, navy, and rusty orange.
“This sweater will last you a lifetime,” one reviewer writes. “It's not too heavy, not too light. It's perfect and it matches everything I wear! You can't go wrong with this sweater and you won't find a better or more reasonably priced one than this.”
Get the Cotton Crewneck Sweater in Garter Stitch from J.Crew for $59.50
7. This open-front cardigan
This cardigan from Forever 21 has no closure or pockets.
Looking for the most casual cardigan? This sweater from Forever 21 is a no-frills option for anyone who wants to keep it simple. It has no closure, so it stays open at all times, nor does it have any pockets. You can't get more goes-with-anything than that. It comes in men’s sizes XS to XXL in charcoal and heather grey.
“Sophisticated,” one reviewer writes. “Exactly what I was looking for!”
Get the Longline Open-Front Cardigan from Forever 21 for $17.99
8. This back-to-basics sweatshirt
Go for a classic with this crewneck sweatshirt from Hanes.
The traditional Hanes sweatshirt will never go out of style. It may be barebones but it’s made of a fleecy cotton and recycled polyester blend that will warm you up when you catch a chill—what more could you ask for? The ribbed hem and cuffs keep out any pesky drafts and create a more structured fit. It comes in men’s sizes S to 5XL and in over 10 colors, including maroon, pink, and white.
It has a 4.6-star average review based on more than 101,000 reviews. “This is not one of those thick, snugly, autumn football game sweatshirts,” one reviewer explains. “It is light, sleek, and thin—great for an indoor workout or a not-too-warm layer for a cool morning walk. All in all, good value for a minimal price.”
Get the Hanes EcoSmart Sweatshirt from Amazon for starting at $8.22
9. This tailored, raglan-style sweater
Add some stretchability to that typical sweatshirt with this garter stitch piece from Banana Republic.
For a crewneck that allows for more give and stretch, this piece from Banana Republic is a choice pick. It has raglan sleeves—where the threading cuts across the shoulders instead of on top of them—which lets you move your arms around with zero restriction. It also has a textured weave that lends a super soft feel to the organic cotton. Available in eight colors, it comes in men’s sizes XS to XXL in regular and tall.
“This fits just right—not too tight, not too loose,” one reviewer writes. “The material is thin and suitable for fall and can be worn over a T-shirt or by itself. At its price plus, this is a no-brainer.”
Get the Organic Cotton Raglan Sweater from Banana Republic for $38.99
10. This cashmere-blend V-neck sweater
Let your chest air out with this cozy v-neck sweatshirt from L.L. Bean.
Let your chest air out with this cotton and cashmere blended crewneck from L.L. Bean. It has a relaxed fit for a roomy cut around the torso, yet retains its shape with slim cuffs and a tapered hem at the waist. Style it with a collared shirt underneath for a sharper look. Available in eight colors, it comes in men’s sizes S to XXL in regular and tall.
“Fantastic sweater, very soft,” one reviewer writes. “The cashmere makes a world of difference. It's thin, yet warmer than some cheaper, thicker sweaters I own. I can see this sweater lasting years with the right amount of care.”
Get the Cotton and Cashmere V-Neck Sweater from L.L. Bean for $39.95