The right men’s winter sweaters keep you warm, look sharp and save you time every morning. A few well-chosen knits work with jeans, chinos and tailoring alike. This guide explains which sweater styles to own, which colours to start with and how to wear them through the cold months.
The five men’s winter sweaters worth owning
- Crew neck: the most versatile sweater. Wear it alone or over a shirt collar. A waffle-knit crew neck adds texture without fuss.
- Quarter zip: smart-casual and practical, because you can open the zip when you get warm. Try a textured quarter-zip pullover.
- Cable knit: chunkier and warmer, ideal for weekends. Our cable-knit half-zip is a winter favourite.
- Turtleneck or stand collar: clean and modern under a coat or blazer. See this stand-collar knit.
- Thin base layer: a fine knit worn under shirts or other sweaters on the coldest days, like our cotton thermal sweater.
Choosing colours for men’s winter sweaters
Build a base of neutrals first: navy, charcoal grey, cream and camel. They match each other and almost everything else in your wardrobe. Once you have those, add one or two deeper colours such as bottle green or burgundy for variety.
Materials and warmth
Thicker knits and textured stitches such as cable and waffle trap more air, so they feel warmer. Natural fibres like merino wool are known for warmth and breathability, while cotton and soft blends are easy to wash and comfortable for everyday wear. Always check the product page for the exact material.
How a sweater should fit
The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder, the hem should reach just below your belt, and the sleeves should end at the wrist. A sweater that is too long or baggy looks untidy under a coat. Use our size guide to check your measurements.
How to style men’s winter sweaters
Smart office look
A fine crew neck or quarter zip over a collared shirt, with tailored trousers and leather shoes. For a softer alternative to a blazer, try a knit blazer.
Relaxed weekend
A cable knit with dark jeans and boots. Add a Henley underneath for extra warmth; our guide to the men’s Henley shirt shows how.
Under a coat
A turtleneck or crew neck under a wool-look overcoat is a classic winter outfit. Read how to choose a wool coat or our men’s trench coat guide to complete the look, and browse all men’s coats.
Caring for your knitwear
- Wash on a gentle or wool cycle at a low temperature, or by hand.
- Dry flat on a towel; hanging a wet sweater stretches it.
- Fold sweaters instead of hanging them, and remove small pills with a fabric shaver.
Frequently asked questions
How many winter sweaters does a man need?
Four or five is enough for most men: two neutral crew necks, one quarter zip, one chunky cable knit and one turtleneck.
Should a sweater be tight or loose?
Neither. It should skim your body without pulling across the chest, so you can layer a shirt underneath comfortably.
Can I wear a sweater with a suit?
Yes. A fine turtleneck or crew neck instead of a shirt and tie gives a modern, relaxed take on tailoring.
Find your next favourite in our men’s knitwear collection, with free delivery and 30-day returns.
[…] more layering ideas, read our guide to men’s winter sweaters. If you prefer a lighter coat for rainy days, our men’s trench coat guide covers the trench […]