Sweater Styles

September 25, 2012
With summer weather nearly behind us, autumn is the perfect time of year to focus on sweaters.  Sweaters are a stylish way to stay warm when chilly weather sets in.  They are great in-between wear when the cool air warrants an extra layer, but not quite as much as a heavy coat.

There are countless sweater styles, ranging in fabric from cashmere to polyester, and whether it’s a cardigan, pullover, or vest, I believe there’s a sweater for everyone… or perhaps many!

Sweaters are an asset to any man’s wardrobe where cool climate exists.  They are not only functional, but excitingly stylish, too.  They can be a great option to a sport jacket, and give diversity to any outfit by adding dimension and color to everything they’re worn with.  Sweaters also multiply a wardrobe by giving additional outfit options.

Aside from keeping us warm and stylish, sweaters have the ability to add size and bulk to a thin guy’s physique, and conceal a heavier man’s torso.  Of course, choosing the proper style and weight sweater for your body type is crucial for successful “smoke and mirror” dressing, but with so many to choose from, this is an easy accomplishment.

Let’s take a look at the various sweater styles and discuss when to where each kind.

Cardigan – Zip & Button Down

If you’re old enough to remember Mr. Rogers, he probably pops into your head when you think cardigan.  Understandably so, but gone is the “old man” stereotype that used to accompany the cardigan.  Today’s cardigan is not your grandfathers sweater!  They are as dynamic as today’s modern man, and make a bold statement about his sense of style.

This classic button down version can substitute most jackets in casual and semi-dress  situations.  They look great with a pair of jeans, chinos, corduroys, or khakis, and compliment dress slacks when dressed up for a night on the town.  Wearing a cardigan instead of a jacket in the work environment needs discretion and depends on the workplace.  Definitely leave it home if you work in an office where suits are worn.

Cardigans are so versatile they can be worn with most styles of shirts.  From t-shirts and henleys to dress shirts and ties; cardigans add sophistication to any ensemble.  Opt for lightweight, thinner sweaters to avoid the added bulk of heavy sweaters.  If you’re going for a slimmer appearance, avoid ribbing and pockets.  Cardigan necklines come in both v-neck and crew varieties, and also come with zippers or buttons.  Shawl and stand-up collars are popular with cardigans, too.  All styles are worth including in your wardrobe arsenal, for each one lends a different flare and adds to outfit options.  Regardless of the style, leave the bottom button undone for a relaxed look and ease of movement.  Top buttons can also be unbuttoned if you’d like.  If your wardrobe is missing this versatile article of clothing, consider adding it to this year’s attire.

V-Neck

This is a pullover style sweater that has a “V” shaped neckline.  This neckline is both flattering and sexy, especially when it’s worn without a shirt; however, they look just as good with one.  Because v-necks reveal more open chest area, they are slimming and give the illusion of an elongated neck and thinner face, which is an asset for most of us, especially the heavy set guy.  Avoid plunging necklines with exceptionally low Vs, and leave them for the ladies to wear.  The v-neck sweater is a classic that won’t go out of style, giving years of service.

These sweaters can be worn with most outfits: jeans to suits, with or without a jacket, social or work environments.  Opt for lightweight fabrics, particularly if wearing under a jacket, to minimize bulkiness.  When wearing this or any sweater with a suit, make sure it’s a two-piece suit.  Keep sweaters simple in design and color for maximum sophistication, especially in the workplace.

Crewneck

This is the most popular sweater style.  The only difference between this and the v-neck is the collar.  The crew neckline lends a more casual style to this sweater; however, it can be dressed up with a button down shirt.  Lightweight crews are more versatile than heavy ones; making them more suitable for both dressy and casual outfits. Heavyset men need to be careful with this neckline, for it draws the eye to the jawline.  It is not the best choice when going for a slimming look.

One advantage of the crewneck sweater is it conceals what’s underneath.  This enables even the worse shirts to be worn without being seen; however, it’s probably best not to wear anything that’s too nasty if you might take the sweater off.

Worn to work, the crew works well with dress shirts and ties.  Remember to always keep the shirt collar tucked inside the sweater whether a tie is worn or not.  Solid, more conservative colors are best for work, and a slim appearance.  Argyle sweaters are a great choice for work, provided their colors are conventional and professional.  Crewneck sweaters can also be worn with two-piece suits.

When casually dressed, crewneck sweaters can be worn with or without a shirt, and we all know how great they look with any style pants.

Polo Collar

This sweater can be considered part sweater and part shirt.  The polo collar and three button placket give the sweater its style and versatility, and allow it to be worn with or without a button down shirt underneath.  Another feature this style offers is the option to tuck it in.  If left untucked, be sure the hemline is straight, and it’s not so long that it hangs more than a few inches past the waistline.  Also, this style should be more form fitting than other sweaters, since it can be worn in place of a shirt.  It looks sharp and works well under a sport jacket, since it’s not bulky.

The polo sweater can be worn with most outfits: casual, business casual, and semi-dress attire.  Typically, this type sweater is found in lightweight yarns like cashmere, lamb’s wool, merino wool and cotton – for elegance and fit.  It’s the perfect choice when a coat and tie is too dressy, and jeans and tees aren’t enough.

Aran

This sweater originated in Ireland years ago to protect the fisherman from the cold, damp weather of the sea.  Made to wear over shirts, this sweater is too bulky to wear under a sport jacket.  It can be worn under heavy winter jackets and coats if it fits, but is so dense and warm, it does great as an outer layer.  It can be found in cardigan, v-neck, crew and turtleneck styles.  Traditional fabric is 100% wool, but Arans can also be found in wool blends and synthetic yarns.  Beautifully designed and cabled, this heavy, hulking sweater looks best on thinner guys. Wear the Aran sweater in casual environments with jeans, cords, khakis, or slacks.

Turtleneck

Identified by the long, turtle like neck that slips over the head and covers the neck, this is another versatile sweater that can be worn instead of a shirt with sport jackets, or on its own with any pants from jeans to dress pants.  This sweater works well with two-piece suits, also.  Choose thin, lightweight turtlenecks for a sophisticated, debonair style; leaving heavy, bulky ones for casual times.  Turtlenecks can be worn under other sweaters as long as the fabric is thin.

When wearing a turtleneck to work, keep colors dark and conservative.  Turtlenecks come in countless fabrics, so choose more refined ones for work and dressy occasions.

This style draws attention to the neck area, so if you have more than one chin, it’s best to avoid wearing them.  Although it seems a turtleneck would camouflage a heavy neck, it actually accentuates it.

Vest

This is basically a sweater without arms that comes in both v-neck and crewneck styles, with optional shawl and stand-up collars.  Today, vests are worn with t-shirts, as well as button-down shirts, and lightweight turtlenecks.  They should not be the same color as the shirt, but instead compliment it, while matching the pants or jacket if one is worn.  Vests should fit properly by not being too baggy or tight.  As important, any shirt worn under a vest needs to fit well, in order for the vest material to lay correctly and not bulge.

Vests look great with everything from jeans to suits, and if lightweight enough, even with shorts during warm weather.  Pair it up with a dress shirt and tie, sport jacket, or other shirt that reflects your individual style.  Vests can be worn to the office, as easily as any casual event.  Solid colors are always safe, particularly at work, but subtle patterns and colors are acceptable and add diversity to any outfit.  Always wear a shirt under a vest and never by itself.

When Shopping for Sweaters

When shopping for sweaters, try on various styles and colors to see which look best on your body type.  Sweaters should fit without appearing too large or small, and fabric should be appropriate for its use.  Keep themes in mind – dressy sweaters with dress attire, and casual sweaters with informal outfits.  Sweaters are an optional piece of clothing that not only add variety to a wardrobe, but reflect our own individual and unique style.  If you don’t wear sweaters, hopefully, this article will encourage you to try one!

by Aaron Marino

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