From Tyler the Creator to Harry Styles, every man and his dog seems to own some of the best cardigans for men. That’s right, you no longer have to qualify for AARP to don this cozy piece of apparel.
The cardigan’s move from retirement home to wardrobe essential isn’t surprising (they’ve been making a comeback for a few years now). Functional, versatile, and undeniably stylish, they add structure and swagger to any outfit—while acting as the perfect layering piece for all seasons. They’ll keep you warm in the winter and look great with T-shirts during the sunny months.
Below, we’ve pulled together a star-studded line-up featuring the best cardigans for men that money can buy. Our search took us high and low, exploring labels such as
Our Top Picks
If you’re feeling a little chilly but it’s too mild for a coat, the trusty cardigan is your go-to transitional layer. Cut to a relaxed fit from a soft Italian merino cashmere yarn, this dependable version from Closed is a real all-rounder.
The camel color never goes out of style for a reason—it looks good with everything. Barring Hawaiin shirts, you can throw this cozy cardigan on over your office attire or switch it up with jeans and a v-neck for a night out. We didn’t rate it best overall just for fun. This is a wardrobe layering staple.
Material: 55% Wool, 45% Cashmere | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Colors Available: Brown, Gray, Black
Slip on this knitted cardigan, and your mind automatically wanders to eggnog, roast turkey, and roaring fireplaces. If you’re searching for a fun choice on Christmas Day, this cheerful garment is available in over 10 colors.
And unlike other festive sweaters, you can actually get away with wearing this one outside your living room. Simply team it with a button-down shirt, slim-fitting jeans, and loafers. You’re ready for any holiday party.
Material: 100% Polyester | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Colors Available: Green, Red, Black, +
Bound was founded in 2018, creating striking clothing that bridges the gap between modern menswear and street fashion. The nostalgic pattern will bring you back to your favorite sitcoms—think Carlton from Fresh Prince of Belair.
The flattering fit pairs perfectly with dad jeans and sneakers for the ultimate throwback. You should note that dry cleaning is highly suggested, which is a turn-off for some guys. Relying on the washing machine isn’t the end of the world; just make sure to keep it out of the dryer.
Material: 52% Cotton, 35% Nylon, 13% Wool | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Colors Available: Black
If you’re a fan of 90s prep, Officine Générale’s ‘Miles’ cardigan is a must-have. Be warned; you’ll look and feel like you belong in the halls of Harvard. This French-made beauty brought comfort and style to a new level.
It can be teamed with pretty much any of your wardrobe staples, but we think you’d be missing a trick if you didn’t pair it with an Oxford shirt and chinos. Complete the look with some penny loafers, and you’ll be graduating with an A+.
Material: 33% Cotton, 33% Wool, 32% Polyamide, 2% Elastane | Sizes Available: XS-XL | Colors Available: Off-white
Gucci’s wool cardigan has mass appeal achieved by balancing the look of an old favorite with high-end fashion. It’s a little pricey, but not only does it look expensive, it feels like it too. The weighty knit is ideal for keeping brisk weather at bay.
An excellent option for the weekend, it will bring a touch of designer flair to your smart-casual outfits. For a relaxed look, unfasten the buttons and layer it with a polo shirt. Alternatively, you could pair it with a formal shirt if you’re feeling fancy. Whatever you choose, slim-fitting denim and statement sneakers will help complete the look.
Material: 100% Wool | Sizes Available: S-XL | Colors Available: Cream
Brunello Cucinelli’s hooded cardigan treads the line between classic and modern perfectly. This versatile knitwear piece is ideal as an in-between-seasons jacket. The thickly ribbed cashmere and down-padded nylon lining make for deceiving warmth.
Suitable for casual or semi-formal occasions, it offers more sartorial flair than denim jackets or your average hoodie. A tee and jeans? Trousers and a fine knit jumper? Yes, any non-formal outfit of your choice will be a smart match for this versatile layer.
Material: 100% Cashmere | Sizes Available: XS-XXXXL | Colors Available: Navy, White
In true AllSaints style, this cardigan showcases the label’s gritty urban aesthetic, with a rock ’n’ roll edge that looks great with ripped denim and workwear boots. It almost looks like the one grandpa used to wear, but a whole lot cooler.
Presented in moss green, it’ll help add a splash of color to your everyday rotation—just don’t team it with anything too formal. It’s made from a wool-alpaca blend yarn that’s been brushed for a textured feel, while the fit is relaxed for maximum comfort and laid-back style.
Material: 32% Wool, 32% Alpaca, 30% Recycled Polyamide, 6% Elastane | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Colors Available: Green
Erdem has pretty much created the perfect cardigan (if there was such a thing). Cable-knitted with merino wool and cashmere, it’s streamlined but still offers enough character to give it a timeless feel.
Wearable in all seasons, you can team it with a crew neck tee and tailored pants or with jeans and a casual shirt. The styling options are almost endless. Sneakers wouldn’t look out of place, but we think lace-up brogues are the best choice.
Material: 47% Merino Wool, 30% Viscose, 15% Polyamide, 8% Cashmere | Sizes Available: XS-XL | Colors Available: Brown
Amazon Essentials is focused on creating high-quality clothing that’s affordable and long-lasting. This classic cardigan proves they’re doing a pretty good job. Every guy needs a reliable basic in the cardigan department.
It might not look like anything special, but that’s part of its charm. It’ll slot effortlessly into your current wardrobe and won’t look out of place regardless of what you pair it with. If you can’t decide which color you need, just get one in every option. The price is as close to guilt-free as you can get.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Colors Available: Navy, Black, Brown, +
Cardigans have been around forever, but Corridor really cranked up the heat on the tried-and-tested style. Case in point is this eye-catching wardrobe necessity. Knitted with a vibrant overshot pattern, the staple is a must-have for anyone looking to inject some character into their daily rotation.
Not just easy on the eye, it’s been made in partnership with a Peruvian workshop that uses locally-sourced yarns and focuses on fair wages for its staff. To complement the playfulness of the design, we recommend keeping the rest of your outfit toned down. A classic roll neck and trousers would be ideal for winter, while a vest and chinos hit the sweet spot in the sunny seasons.
Material: 60% Cotton, 35% Alpaca, 5% Polyamide | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Colors Available: Green
For outstanding luxury, comfort, and durability, look no further than Luca Faloni’s zip-up cardigan. It’s on the pricey side, but you can see why. Expertly crafted from a fine silk-cashmere blend, it uses the most prestigious Cariaggi yarn for unrivaled softness.
If you’re looking for something to wear underneath a suit or with semi-formal attire, this is your go-to. It’s lightweight and fitted, so it’ll hug the body without feeling restrictive—making it an ideal option for winter weddings or early-morning commutes.
If fancy knitwear isn’t your bag, you may want to try something a bit more casual. We think it looks great with formal pants, chinos, shirts, jackets, and blazers.
Material: 70% Cashmere, 30% Silk | Sizes Available: XS-XXXL | Colors Available: Oatmeal, Blue, Black
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or fighting sub-zero temperatures, this chunky cardigan from Carharrt WIP promises a whole lot of individuality (while keeping you warm in style). It’ll also serve you well for drinks with friends. Plus, we can damn near guarantee you’ll be the only one wearing it when you show up to brunch.
Entirely knitted by hand in Canada, it’s crafted from a weighty wool and features a decorative intarsia pattern, supplying a large dose of character. The shawl collar and ribbed trims just add to the coziness. We suggest finishing the look with relaxed-fit jeans and high-top Chucks to let this sweater stand out.
Material: 100% Wool | Sizes Available: XS-XL | Colors Available: Black, Ecru
John Smedley’s luxury knitwear has been designed and manufactured in Derbyshire, England, for over 200 years. During that time, the ‘Petworth’ cardigan stood out as one of the label’s most popular styles. Are we surprised? Hell no. It’s not just versatile but beautifully soft and averse to wrinkling.
It’s knitted from extra-fine merino wool that’s not only light enough to wear during summer but surprisingly durable. You should pack it for city breaks and definitely wear it to the office for the best dressed award. We think it works best with a roll neck jumper and blazer.
Material: 100% Merino Wool | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Colors Available: Beige, Blue, Black
Expertly crafted from a melangé alpaca-blend, Massimo Alba’s ‘Robert’ cardigan exemplifies casual Italian elegance—pairing well with everything from striped tees to button-down shirts. Boasting a soft and almost fluffy handle, it’s the kind of knitwear you’d don while exploring the Amalfi Coast or roaming the streets of Venice. That’s not to say it won’t look just as good in your home city…
Material: 72% Alpaca, 28% Polyamide | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Colors Available: Blue
When it comes to cardigans for men, there’s one style that many guys reach for more than others, and that’s cashmere. Known for its softness, durability, and breathability, the luxury fabric is a fine choice for those with a little cash to spare.
This version from Todd Snyder is the ultimate fall layer. It’s knitted from midweight cashmere that offers just the right amount of warmth without feeling too stuffy. If you’re looking for the perfect partner for suit trousers, you’ve found it. But it can also look just as good with denim or sweats.
Material: 100% Cashmere | Sizes Available: XS-XL | Colors Available: Navy, Black, Olive
Available in three classic colors,
If you’re on a mission to buy clothes with a positive message on improving our environmental impact, this is the brand for you. It’s crafted from 100% traceable merino wool, so you can tell exactly where it’s been made and how much it cost to do so. A cardigan for every season and a conscious friendly purchase. Good deal.
Material: 100% Merino Wool | Sizes Available: XS-XL | Colors Available: Charcoal, Navy, Black
Made from eco-friendly cotton, this Frank And Oak cardigan could almost be mistaken for a bomber jacket. So it doubles up as knitwear and a versatile outerwear piece. Bonus.
This might be the perfect weekend layer you never knew you needed. It looks just as good with your favorite crew neck tee and chinos as it does with sweatpants and high-top sneakers. What more could you want?
Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Colors Available: Feather Gray
Looking stylish and keeping warm isn’t always an easy task. Fortunately, the shawl collar cardigan is here to solve that issue. With its rolled collar and chunky texture, this layering essential offers instant comfort and maximum style points. Coming from Treasure & Bond, these facts shouldn’t be that surprising.
This brand values classic wardrobe staples, and they execute their vision flawlessly. Complete your 40s-style cardigan look with a button-down shirt, jeans, and boots. You can also buy this with confidence knowing part of the profit goes to youth-focused organizations.
Material: 92% Acrylic, 8% Wool | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Colors Available: Navy Heather
While the best cardigans for men shine during the cooler months, there are plenty of ideal summer options. This one from Inis Meáin is bursting with heritage and a story to tell. It was originally the go-to cardigan for seaweed harvesting farmers. Ireland’s long history of seaweed use continues to this present day, with approximately 40,000 tons of seaweed harvested each year.
You’re not required to fly to Ireland and dedicate your life to seaweed, though. This 100% linen layer is light enough for warm days but still reliable as the temperature drops. Meet your new favorite layer for a Breton stripe T-shirt, slim-fit jeans, and sneakers. Seaweed not included.
Material: 100% Linen | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Colors Available: Blue
What To Look For When Searching For The Best Cardigans For Men
Material
Traditionally, the best cardigans for men were made from wool. And while this is still very much the case today, they’re also available in fabrics such as cotton. It’s important to remember that not all wools are the same. Some are heavier and better suited for cold weather. Others are finer and light enough for the warmer months. Cashmere and merino generally fall into the latter category, whereas lambswool is your go-to for winter.
Fit
When choosing the fit of the best cardigans for men, base your decision on the level of formality you’re going for. Generally speaking, the more fitted knitwear is, the smarter it will look. If you want to throw on the best cardigans for men with a casual outfit, you might want to go with a design that offers a relaxed or oversized shape.
Price
The price of the best cardigans for men will vary depending on the brand and material. Designer labels will, of course, charge more because fabrics such as cashmere are more expensive than cotton or merino wool. But how much you spend doesn’t necessarily determine the quality. Keep an eye out for the material and any other features that justify bumping up the price—things like softness, comfort, and embellishments.
FAQ
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Knowing how to wear a cardigan is just as important as picking the best one. In the right hands, the humble knitwear piece is an integral part of any well-rounded wardrobe. But get it wrong, and you end up looking more pipe-and-slippers than king of cool.
As with any successful outfit, the key to sartorial success is balance and confidence. Pair your cardie with reliable staples, and rock it with the kind of swagger Soulja Boy would be proud of.
For a timeless look that transcends seasons, we recommend teaming yours with a crew neck tee, chinos, and trainers. Or with a hoodie and dad jeans for something a little more fashion-forward. For a smarter take, use it to add a relaxed touch to formal tailoring.
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The long-length cardigan is one of the many modern versions of the original classic. A great option for casual affairs, it goes well with complementing garments like jeans and short-sleeved tees. Avoid wearing it with dressier clothing such as suit pants and formal shirts.
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How a cardigan fits depends on which style you choose. Slim-fit designs will be more tailored, whereas an oversized style will be considerably larger. For argument’s sake, we’re going to assume you’ve picked a regular fit cardigan. To ensure it fits, the shoulder seams should end on top of your shoulder, and the bottom hem will cover your waistline–but not your pockets. The arms should be comfortably loose without being baggy.
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