The 9 Best Sweaters for Men, Tested by Style Editors

Amazon Essentials offers everything from the best men’s basics to sharp sweaters, and this one’s proof that affordable doesn’t mean cheaply made. This V-neck style is breathable in the winter, easy to layer, and feels surprisingly premium for the price. Our editors wore it under blazers and sport coats, and then over a crisp shirt with the collar peeking. (Don’t wear it with a T-shirt unless you’re going for a laid-back look). The regular fit is relaxed–but-not-boxy, and forgiving if you’ve just had a burger.

The 100% cotton knit feels soft against the skin with just the right amount of stretch, so there’s no restriction when I raise my arms or reach for my coffee. Given its price, you’d think it would become dingy after a few wears or washes, but that’s not the case. Despite months of wear and multiple wash cycles, it held its shape without fading or pilling. Bonus: it comes in a range of colors and argyle prints, so you can stock up and keep your office fits in rotation.

If outdoor running is part of your winter routine, you should consider Vuori’s Performance Crew. It’s designed with both comfort and functionality in mind. Made from a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric, it keeps you dry and moves with you, whether you’re running errands or working up a sweat. By the way, the brand’s signature DreamKnit fabric feels like a dream and won’t overheat you when layered over a lightweight T-shirt or tank top. It's by far the smoothest, most buttery-soft fabric we’ve ever tested. With a modern athletic fit, the cut follows the natural shape of your body without being too tight or loose. You still have the freedom of movement while still looking put-together, so it’s perfect for intense workouts and casual wear.

If you’re going to wear a sweater, make sure it’s in a classic color that won’t feel dated after one season. This style comes in a nice red or grey that are bold enough to stand out but not overwhelming that you’ll regret it in photos later. It plays well with dressier trousers for a dinner or intimate gathering. The unique ribbing along the sides, neckline, and hem gives it some nice texture, while the standard fit hits that sweet spot between relaxed and put-together. It might feel a bit boxy if you prefer a more tailored, close-to-the-body look.

The merino wool and nylon fabric blend feels sturdy but not stiff—it’s thick enough to keep you warm on chilly mornings but breathable once you’re indoors. One of our testers even wore it on a coffee run and didn’t break a sweat under a jacket. It’s got just the right amount of stretch too, so you can move around without feeling like you're trapped in a knit straightjacket. The vibe is rugged but still polished, which means it works just as well with jeans and clean sneakers, as well as with tailored trousers and loafers.

A good cashmere sweater feels like wrapping yourself in a cloud, and Naadam’s version is one of our style team can’t get enough of. The first time I pulled it on, I understood why: it’s ridiculously soft—way softer than regular wool so it feels amazing against my skin without any itching. It’s lightweight too, so you don’t overheat when the radiator’s on full blast, but still warm enough for windy commutes.

After a few wears, I noticed it never lost its shape and didn’t pill as fast as cheaper cashmere sweaters I’ve tested (a small miracle at this price). Keep in mind: cashmere is delicate, so this one requires more care than cotton or polyester sweaters. I’m also a fan of how many colors they offer, including cobalt and tangerine that really stand out without being loud. For guys with athletic builds, it’s the perfect cut. It skims your frame just right, showing off your shoulders and giving your biceps a little spotlight. Just note: sizes do run small, so if you’re between sizes, go up.

I’ve tested a bunch of budget knits, but this one from Uniqlo punches way above its price tag. The cotton-blend fabric feels soft straight out of the package, and has a tight ribbed construction that keeps its shape after a dozen washes, and somehow still looks brand new. Although it doesn’t have the weight or the luxe feel of higher-end knits, I’ve worn this for months and found no fading, stretching, or weird pilling.

The synthetic blend gives it that smooth, premium hand-feel with a bit of stretch, so you can reach, twist, and move without feeling boxed in. I also love how the fit strikes that sweet spot between tailored and relaxed—it skims the body without clinging, which makes it look sharp enough for the office but laid-back enough for Sunday coffee runs. The ribbing on the collar keeps it in shape and adds a subtle texture, providing a durable and neat finish. And since it’s machine washable, you can toss it in with your regular laundry and forget about dry cleaning.

I’ve always loved turtleneck sweaters—they’re dressier and provide more coverage than your standard crewneck. But if you’re on the shorter or leaner side, a full turtleneck can sometimes feel like too much fabric stacked around your neck. Suitsupply’s roll neck solves that problem perfectly. It delivers the same refined look and warmth of a turtleneck, just with less bulk so you don’t need a scarf. I found it especially handy during the freezing winter mornings. The merino wool breathes surprisingly well, so I didn’t overheat when layering it under a blazer or waiting for the train in a muggy subway station.

You can skip a trip to the dry cleaners because the fabric is tough enough to handle a spin in the washer and come out looking sharp with zero shrinkage or sagging. Plus, it’s odor-resistant, so I stayed fresh from my morning commute through my evening dinner. What I love the most is the versatility. Thanks to its minimalistic look, I’ve layered it under everything from a bomber jacket for errands to a tailored suit for a fancy holiday party. Whether you’re going for laid-back or dress-to-impress, this turtleneck fits the bill perfectly. The slim fit is clean but not constricting—enough to streamline my upper body without being tight, and yes, it gives the pecs a nice little lift. Guys with bigger chests or arms may have to size up for a comfortable fit.

This ribbed crew is one of those pieces that just feels right from the first wear. It’s made from a richly textured cotton rib that gives it some real weight—thicker than your average knit but never stiff or bulky. The texture adds that broken-in look while the classic fit keeps things clean and flattering. It sits close to the body without squeezing you, which makes it great for guys with broader shoulders who want structure, and it gives slimmer builds a sharper, more defined shape. It drapes clean through the shoulders and arms, and has just enough give whether you’re layering it under a jacket or reaching for something on a shelf.

What really sets it apart from other sweaters is the feel—it’s got that hearty, hand-knit texture you usually only get from a vintage find, but it wears lighter and breathes better than heavy wool. After its first wash, the ribbing softened up so much we wanted to wear it three days in a row. The look lands somewhere between rugged fisherman and clean-cut. Yeah, it’s not cheap, but the rich construction, flattering fit, and durability make it worth the investment.