There’s something so comforting about crew neck sweaters for men. You slip one on, toss on a pair of jeans and in 10 seconds or less you’ve got a cool-looking outfit that also feels good. Add blazer and trousers to a sweater, and you’ve got a fool-proof winter ensemble that’s as chic as it is warm.
Crew neck sweaters are a wardrobe staple
Fashion experts can go on ad nauseam about creating a style wardrobe that must have a handful of essential items like T-shirts, dark jeans, white sneakers, and of course, the crew neck sweater — it’s enough to make you roll your eyes out of your head. But honestly, owning a crew neck sweater (or three) is really a great boost for your overall style, comfort (yes that word again) and look. Especially during winter.
What are crew neck sweaters made from?
Because men’s crew neck sweaters can be worn all year long, they come in two varieties: summer and winter weight. This means you’ll find crew neck sweaters in various fabrics. They are:
- Cotton
- Cashmere
- Wool
- Polyester
- Silk
- Linen
- Ramie
Lighter-weight crew neck sweaters can be worn throughout fall, spring, and summer. This includes lightweight cotton, lightweight wool or wool-blend or silk sweaters. Designers will use a heavier gauge (weight) of cotton or wool for chillier months. How do you wear these crew neck sweaters? Well, if you’re a guy who runs hot, opt for a light cotton, cashmere, or merino wool sweater during the winter months. They can be worn over a tee or layered over a long sleeve shirt. For guys who want that extra layer of warmth, try a heavier-weight knit like thick cotton, wool, polyester, or wool-blend sweater.
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How to wear a crew neck sweater
Crew neck sweaters, next to tee shirts are the easiest thing to wear. Wear a crew neck sweater with corduroys and Chelsea boots. Try it under a moto jacket and dark jeans. Dress up a button up shirt when worn under crew neck sweater, and then paired with a blazer and worn with either chinos or trousers and dress shoes. A linen or light cotton sweater looks on-trend when worn with shorts and slides.
1. Bonobos Washable Merino Crew Neck Sweater
Merino wool is prized by travelers because it’s the perfect layering item. Light enough to be worn solo, it keeps you warm when worn over a shirt. This year-round crew neck sweater is your go-to for work or weekend. Best of all, it can be tossed in the wash.
2. GAP Donegal Rib Crew Neck Sweater
When a sweater mentions Donegal, it references the type of wool yarn used for the sweater. Donegal is a yarn that has tiny flecks of color that create a speckled appearance. Used in this ribbed sweater, the Donegal yarn levels up its style, giving a luxury touch.
3. Goodthreads Lambswool Crew Neck Sweater
GoodThreads is one of Amazon’s private fashion labels. Don’t let the wallet-friendly price fool you, the sweater is made from high quality lambswool. This wool sweater uses heritage style patterns which in turn elevates the sweater and makes it look more expensive than it is.
4. Reiss Marcus Parks Merino Wool Crew Neck Sweater
UK-label Reiss is known for modernizing and elevating classic wardrobe must-have items. Their touchably soft and thick merino wool sweater is cut slightly oversized and has dropped shoulders. Try it with tapered jeans and lace-up boots.
5. L.L. Bean Wicked Soft Cotton Cashmere Sweater
Starting out as a camping outfitter, L.L. Bean has dressed generations of college kids, their parents and siblings. This sweater combines soft cotton with even softer cashmere. It comes in four other colors, and sizes range from S to XXXL.
6. Wills Aran Cable Crew Sweater
According to Huckberry’s website, this wool sweater knitted in a timeless pattern, was inspired by the Steve McQueen’s one in “The Thomas Crown Affair.” Made of thick, resilient wool, it’s can be worn with a blazer or a button up shirt.
7. Robert Graham Time Traveler Sweater
Eye-catching, this cotton and linen blend sweater is like wearing a painting. The abstract print has so many colors in it, you can match it with everything you own.
8. Billy Reid Pelican Fair Isle Crew
A little “Coastal Grandpa,” and a touch cottagecore, this is a sweater that sparks conversations and keeps you warm. The two-tone herringbone pattern uses a blend of merino wool, silk and cashmere.
9. Abercrombie & Fitch Scenic Crew Sweater
Made in a relaxed cut, this cotton-blend sweater is just the thing to pop on and wear sitting in front of a fireplace after a day on the slopes. The mountain-themed sweater can also be paired with wide-wale corduroy trousers and Chelsea boots for a more sophisticated look.
10. Scotch & Soda Multi-Colored Jacquard Sweater
Back in the 1980s, COOGI created these sweaters that was a crazy blend of colors and patterns. Nowadays, guys spend serious time trying to hunt them down to wear out. Why do a deep dive thrifting, when you can buy a modern version that fits perfectly and doesn’t have a moth hole. This retro chic alpaca-blend sweater has black trim on the neck and cuffs.
11. J. Crew Cashere Cable Knit Sweater
Possibly because cable knit patterns are pricey to begin with (it’s a complicated knitting pattern), a cable knit cashmere sweater is usually in the triple digits. Thankfully J. Crew is having a sale, and you can snag this handsome sweater at a great price.
12. Mack Weldon Tech Merino Crew Neck Sweater
The ethically sourced merino wool used in this sweater has a touch of stretch added to the knit, so the sweater moves with you and never feels constricting. The material also has moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties. The sweater also features extra pilling protection.
13. Orvis Tweed Crew Neck Sweater
If you’re inspired by the wardrobe from Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentleman,” or that landed gentry vibe, Orvis’ thick lambswool sweater would integrate perfectly in your wardrobe. Knitted in a green tweed pattern, the shoulders and elbow patches have a contrasting knitted tweed pattern.
14. Everlane The No-Sweat Sweater
Since its inception, Everlane has made eco-friendly, sustainable clothing. Their permanent Uniform collection is comprised of 12 clothing items that come with a 365-day guarantee. This sweater is part of that grouping; if this sweater gets a hole in it, fades or falls apart, you’ll get a free replacement. It’s made with organic cotton and COOLMAX eco-made recycled polyester. The material has moisture-wicking properties and can be washed in the machine.
15. Madewell Checkerboard Sweater
The woven checkerboard pattern adds depth, texture and adds a little extra that levels up jeans and pants. Made with organic cotton, it’s warm but not heavy.