Quick answer: Choose a fine merino or lambswool crewneck for layering over shirts and a chunkier cable knit or cardigan for warmth; the shoulder seams should sit at your shoulders and the hem at your belt; wash wool rarely, by hand in cool water, and dry it flat.
Why wool is worth it
Wool is nature's performance fabric. It keeps you warm when it is cold, breathes when you warm up, resists odors so it needs washing less often, and springs back into shape after wear. A good wool sweater can last a decade or more with simple care. For fall and winter, there is no more useful layer in a man's closet.
Know your yarns
Merino wool is fine and soft, ideal next to the skin and perfect for thin layering sweaters. Lambswool is a little thicker and warmer, with a soft, slightly fuzzy finish. Shetland and other rustic wools are sturdy and textured, built for real cold. Cotton and blended knits are lighter options for spring. Each product page lists the yarn so you know what to expect.
Crewneck, V-neck or turtleneck?
A crewneck is the most versatile: over a tee, over a collared shirt or on its own. A V-neck shows off a shirt and tie, which makes it a good choice for the office. A turtleneck looks sharp under a blazer or a coat and keeps your neck warm without a scarf. A classic wool sweater in navy or charcoal is the place to start.
The cardigan comeback
A cardigan is the most flexible knit there is. Worn open over an oxford shirt, it replaces a blazer for a relaxed office look; buttoned, it is a sweater; over a tee on a Sunday, it is pure comfort. A chunky shawl-collar cardigan can even stand in for a light jacket on mild autumn days.
Getting the fit right
Shoulder seams should sit at your shoulder bone. Sleeves should reach your wrist, with ribbed cuffs that hold them in place when you push them up. The hem should land around your belt line; too long and it bunches, too short and it rides up. You should be able to layer a shirt underneath without the sweater pulling across the chest.
How to layer
Start thin and build up: a tee or shirt, then a fine sweater, then a coat. Let the shirt collar sit outside a crewneck or inside a V-neck. Under a sport coat, choose a thin merino so the jacket still closes cleanly. With a heavy cable knit, keep the rest simple — straight chinos or dark jeans and leather boots or loafers.
Washing wool
Wool rarely needs washing. Air a sweater overnight after wearing and it will freshen up. When it does need cleaning, hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use the wool cycle if the care line allows. Never wring it: press out the water, roll it in a towel and dry it flat in its natural shape, away from direct heat.
Storing knitwear
Always fold sweaters; hangers stretch the shoulders out of shape. Store them in a drawer or on a shelf, with cedar blocks or lavender to keep moths away. Before putting knits away for summer, make sure they are clean, because moths are attracted to body oils. Remove small pills with a sweater comb to keep knits looking new.
Building a knitwear wardrobe
Two or three sweaters cover most of the cold months: a navy or charcoal crewneck, a lighter oatmeal or gray one, and a cardigan or a chunky cable knit for the coldest days. Choose colors that go with your shirts and pants and you will always have a layer ready. Browse our sweaters and knitwear in sizes S to XXL with free U.S. shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Is merino wool itchy?
Fine merino is soft enough to wear next to the skin; rustic wools are best over a shirt.
How often should I wash a wool sweater?
Rarely — air it between wears and hand wash only every several wears.
Should sweaters be hung or folded?
Folded; hangers stretch the shoulders over time.
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