Sweaters are basic, decent, most versatile and functional winter wear for men. In fact they are first line of defense against cold weather. Sweaters are most comfortable winter element too; their soft woolen surface is attractive and maintains heat inside.
They are the best thermal wear to layer under a winter jacket or coat. Every year when winter sets sweater is the first wardrobe staple to throng the market. New colours, catchy weave design and fetching patterns tempt men to buy them in numbers.
Today sweaters also come with purpose and occasion to style them accordingly. Some of the popular sweater styles are V-neck, crewneck, turtleneck, and cardigan and cashmere sweater.
Sweater Designs For Men
V-neck
Most standard type of men’s sweater is the V-neck. Why not? It is highly adaptable design fitting most faces, goes with all formal and casual outfits. An advantage of the design is that it allows all inner layers to come into view therefore adds depth and contrast to the attire.
That’s a reason why schools and other institutions prefer V-neck sweater as a winter dress code
V-neck sweater is a clever way of wearing dressier attire like a collared shirt and tie. Furthermore thin men can layer a V-neck inside a shirt to add dimensions to their body and simultaneously keep the formal look. This is a perfect idea when you are wearing a suit and don’t intend to expose innermost layer.
Round Neck
Round neck aka crewneck sweater is the casual cousin of V-neck. It covers neck line and hides shirt collars or polo collar. Crewneck is an all-round garment to be worn separately or under a blazer or sport coat.
Cardigan
Who said men have limited options during colder months? Cardigan is a next level article which features dressier winter clothing. It is a minimalist design with long flat or shawl collars and suit-like large buttons to close it. A fitting cardigan lends a gentlemanly touch to your personality.
Most office goers should opt for cardigan sweater than a V-neck or round neck. It can be removed as and when required. It serves as a less formal but more compact style of blazer for men who like to add a tinge of formality to their routine attire.
An unbuttoned cardigan can also be put on as a casual piece with denim and t-shirt. Knitted cardigans with embroidery are casual wear while machine woven cardigans with no textures are appropriate for work and interviews. Casual style cardigans also have pockets in them.
Turtleneck
Always wear turtle neck when it is chilly so that you get most out of it; however some men may find it annoying to cover their neck initially but in routine they will feel comfortable. This sweater style is very appealing when worn under a blazer coat to increase heat and improve style.
A scarf over turtleneck is not advisable since it will overshadow the sweater’s fundamental neck part. Better it is, if you leave a scarf for other sweaters.
Sweater Vest
Predominantly a V-neck vest sweater is popular among men. No-sleeve style makes it suitable for layering inside a sports jacket or suit. Although, men can wear a vest sweater over dress shirts or casual shirts.
Quarter Zip Sweater
New versions of sweaters use zips to control fastening. Although zipper is easy to pull up and they don’t look as elegant as their former relatives. Quarter zip sweater features a standing collar style which can be closed with a zip. Zip provides easy wearing but appears more casual.
Full Zip-up Sweater
A full zipper closure for the sweater makes it super effortless to wear and remove. They can also be put on half zipped up as a normal sweater. Men can wear a zip-up over a cotton shirt or tee.
Sweatshirt
It is a hybrid of a sweater and a t-shirt. Exterior of a sweatshirt looks like a full sleeve T-shirt but inside there is a layer of insulating material like fleece. Sweatshirts are mainly a sporty garment worn during jogging, exercise or sports activity.
A sweatshirt may also feature kangaroo pockets in the front and a attached hood to cover head; in that case it is called a hoodie.
Sweat shirts are standalone piece of clothing and can be put on as layer over t-shirts and shirts. They work as a casual sweater but avoid sweatshirts in office or business setting. Never layer a blazer over a sweatshirt.
Knitted Sweater Or Machine Made Sweater
Hand knitted sweater have been men’s favourite for decades. Hand knitting produces thick and dense textures which are fascinating to look at. Mainly cable-knit sweaters have been in popular fashion and still continue to be the first choice for most men.
Knitted sweaters are more casual designs; they are cozier and more comfortable to wear. Hand weaving uses thicker wool making the sweater heavier and bulky. They are also marginally loose on body for added comfort.
Generally machine made sweaters include cotton, silk or synthetic yarns which produce thin and light weight material with smooth surface. These sweaters are easy to be layered in chilly winter or worn as an independent clothing item in normal weather.
Most Prominent Wool Types
Cashmere
It’s a goat’s wool- originating from India’s Kashmir valley, given a twist in the name cashmere is a high ranking wool fiber used to make an array of winter apparel. Notable for its quality and high heat carrying capacity cashmere is best for sweaters. Cashmere sweater has sheen on it that lives for years; they are stretchy and retain shapes for a long time.
Merino
Sheep’s wool Merino is famous for its density and softness. Made into suit fabric, sweaters and other winter accessories Merino is a classic category of wool. Easily pliable Merino wool has lasting insulating power.
Alpaca
Hailing from America is the top quality wool, obtained from a decent animal Alpaca. Alpaca is light, squashy and durable but comes at a price. Money invested into alpaca sweater is a profitable deal. This wool has a special recognition in the winter wear industry all around the world.
How To Buy a Fitting Sweater
To determine right fitting of a sweater is trickier since you have to wear it over various garments. Wool is warm, soft and elastic, that makes it perfect wear for winters. Sublime wool returns to its normal shape even after hours of wear. You should buy a fitting sweater that grips gracefully around your torso-is not loose around chest-does not bunch at waist. Ideal length of a sweater is just below the waistband.
When you try on a sweater make sure it accommodates your upper body naturally. If it is difficult to wear or fits tightly then you should go for a size up. Check how the neckline, cuffs and waist fits. Always try a sweater on a regular shirt or t shirt that is right size for you.
