Sweaters can be true staple pieces in a man’s wardrobe. However, many men underestimate their potential. They are often seen merely as solutions for cold weather, without giving them the attention they deserve in shaping a personal style. This limited approach can lead to monotonous or personality-free outfits, especially when it comes to creatively combining sweaters.
This article is not descriptive but prescriptive. We will go through the seven main types of sweaters and provide two practical suggestions for each on how to incorporate them into casual and smart casual outfits. You’ll discover clear and easy-to-apply solutions to transform a simple sweater into a versatile and stylish element.
1. Shawl Collar Sweater
The shawl collar sweater is a classic and versatile piece. For a casual outfit, wear it over a white T-shirt, paired with jeans and sneakers for a relaxed and modern look. In a smart casual outfit, combine it with a white shirt, chinos, and derby shoes, leaving the shirt collar outside for a touch of nonchalance.
2. Crew Neck Sweater
The crew neck sweater works well for both casual and more formal outfits. It’s especially flattering if you have a short, thick neck. In a relaxed setting, pair it with jeans, casual boots, and a denim jacket for a complete look. For a smart casual outfit, wear the sweater over a collared shirt, add wool or flannel trousers, and finish with loafers—perfect for coffee meetings, for example.
3. Polo Collar Sweater
The polo collar sweater offers a sophisticated look with minimal effort. For casual style, pair it with chinos and sneakers—great for weekend outings. For a smart casual approach, wear it under a tweed blazer with brushed wool trousers and derby shoes for a refined appearance.
4. Turtleneck Sweater
Also called a helanca, this sweater entered the urban man’s wardrobe relatively late. Actors like Steve McQueen or Michael Caine popularized it in films. The turtleneck adds a classic note to any outfit. In a casual setting, wear it with jeans, boots, and a leather jacket for a rugged look. For smart casual, pair it with dress trousers and brogue shoes, an excellent choice for an informal dinner.
5. Shawl Neck Sweater
The shawl neck sweater is versatile and notable for its elegant design. It’s rare in stores, so consider yourself lucky if you have one. It works best for those with a long, slim neck. For a casual look, wear it with corduroy trousers, Jodhpur boots, and a vest. For a slightly more formal context, layer it over a simple T-shirt with wool trousers and loafers, achieving a comfortable yet refined style.
6. Cardigan
The cardigan is perfect for layering. In a casual outfit, wear it over a simple T-shirt with jeans and sneakers for a relaxed, cool-weather look. For smart casual, layer it over a shirt with a tie, add wool trousers, and derby shoes—ideal for office wear when no strict dress code applies.
7. Fisherman Sweater
The fisherman sweater is well-known from rustic Christmas tree photos. It’s perfect for very cold days, offering excellent warmth. In a casual setting, pair it with jeans, boots, and a parka jacket for a robust look. For smart casual, combine it with flannel trousers and brogue shoes, a great choice for informal events.
Sweaters are excellent for creating varied and versatile outfits. Each type has unique characteristics that allow them to fit into casual and smart casual looks, always providing stylish and practical solutions. If you’re a true knitting enthusiast, we previously wrote an article detailing each sweater type—see it HERE.
