These Cable Knit Sweaters Are the Easiest Way to Look Good in the Cold

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NOTHING READS laid-back elegance in cold weather quite like cable knit sweaters. A timeless knitwear style, men’s cable knit sweaters use raised, textured stitches that cross over each other to produce thick twists, braids, woven ropes, or cord-like patterns. Often made of thick fabrics like wool, cashmere, and knitted cotton, men’s cable knit sweaters will offer coziness and heat insulation. The best men’s cable knit sweaters should be versatile enough to sport on the everyday street, in the ski lodge, or even in the office.

Long before Chris Evans graced our screens in Knives Out, men’s cable knit sweaters were originally crafted for seafaring. Around 1900 these thick knits were produced on the Irish islands of Aran to keep fishermen warm at sea. Initially, the thick, encompassing patterns were intended to make the garments warmer and to protect against the elements.

Thankfully, men’s cable knit sweaters have remained a mainstay in the modern menswear wardrobe by continuing to reinvent itself without straying far from its sea-swept origins. Elvis Presley famously popularized a rebellious collar-popped fisherman knit in Jailhouse Rock in 1957. Not so long after, Steve McQueen was often photographed in his favorite cream knit throughout the ‘60s–further instilling it as a sophisticated and timeless style. And who can forget Adam Driver’s apres-ski turtleneck in House of Gucci?

Today, men’s cable knit sweaters are a one-stop shop of clothes: comfortable and stylish to wear as part of your casual fits anywhere. Below, our editors have picked and reviewed the 18 best men’s cable knit sweaters, from cardigans to crewnecks to turtleneck sweaters, that’ll keep you on top of your style game on colder days.

Cable-Knit Crewneck Sweater

Nautica's familiar favorite is made from breathable, lightweight 100% cotton, meaning you can wear this cable knit sweater even when the weather is a bit warmer. The classic, relaxed fit means that you can easily wear it as your top layer over a button-down shirt or polo shirt for a business casual look.

Midweight Cable Crew Neck Sweater

From the office to the bar to the Michelin-starred diner, Bonobos’ cable knit sweater will accompany you while never letting you down in either style or comfort. Seriously, this sweater is sophisticated when you want it to be, and looks casual when the occasion suits. Wear it with button-downs, polos, jeans, chinos, and dress pants—you name it.

Aran Cable Cardigan Sweater

Flint and Tinder’s cable knit sweater cardigan is inspired by the pattern worn by style icon Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair, except the cable knit is much chunkier and funkier, and makes a style statement like no other cardigans out there. The look is timeless and will pair well over tees or another sweatshirt underneath. The lambswool is soft and made with stretch for better comfort on the go. The midweight feel makes it almost like a jacket too.

Lambswool Cable Crew

This take on the heavyweight knit made from extra fine lambswool yarn is light enough to be worn as a layering piece throughout the year and warm enough to be worn on its own to fend off the cold. It’s thick but naturally and super stretchy, soft like butter, and cozy as hell. You’ll want to wear it to the office, to the tennis and golf court, or to attend any fancy event you’ll no doubt be invited to.

Signature Cotton Fisherman Sweater

A classic among classics, L.L.Bean’s cable knit sweater is a favorite ivy-league style that has managed to look good for decades and can be worn in any season. The fisherman stitchwork is recognizable and versatile to style with, and the fabric is cozy, heavy, and perfect for cold weather.

Donegal Tweed Cable Crew

Buck Mason's midweight cable crew features details like ribbing at the collar, cuffs, and hem for extra warmth. Knitted in light, breathable Italian yarn-dyed wool in the style of Donegal tweeds, this cable knit sweater can be easily dressed up or down and can be worn as a layering piece all seasons long.

Cotton Stand Collar Aran Knit Cardigan

Replace your zip-up hoodies with this cable knit cardigan. No shawl collar means no drawing attention to you, but the chunky and sophisticated knit of this sweater will still keep you looking elegant. The fabric is also breathable, light, and crazy cozy. Think of it as your office vest but much more stylish.

The Orr Sweater

Taylor Stitch’s cable knit sweater feels worn- and lived-in right off the rack, meaning the coziness and softness of this sweater will not let you down. We are, however, most impressed by the chunky and intricate cable knit across everywhere in this sweater that truly makes a statement.

Solid Cable Turtleneck Sweater

Turtleneck sweaters can be a great addition to your business casual and cocktail attires, and Bugatchi turns the style into a classic, rugged sweater with cable knit, and a comfortable wardrobe essential with a fine merino wool blend. Wear it over jeans or chinos, you’ll look stylish and elevated as hell.

Rugged Merino Wool-blend Half-zip Cable-knit Sweater

J. Crew's "rugged" blend of breathable merino and hardy nylon makes for a sweater that's both snug and durable, and very performance-friendly—it’ll move with you while keeping you cool, dry, fresh, and cozy. In a quarter-zip style, it gives off a Wall Street bro vibe, meaning it looks super swell over a pair of dress pants inside the office.

Seawool Fisherman Sweater

Wellen’s fisherman-style cable knit sweater uses oyster shells, nylon, polyester, and Merino wool to be soft to the touch, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, temperature-regulating, and odor-fighting. In short, this could be your go-to sweater layer whenever you head out into the wild.

Cashmere Cable Knit Hoodie

Naadam puts a hood on its cable knit sweater and calls it a day. Made with cashmere, it’s truly the elevated hoodie you’ll want to wear with your best smart casual fits. It can instantly dress up your attire but is still relaxing enough for you to lounge in it all weekend long.

The Iconic Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater

Made with a flattering classic fit that’s versatile for layering or standalone wear, Ralph Lauren’s Fisherman cable knit sweater looks elevated, partially thanks to the fine cashmere fabric that’s extra textured to look extra sophisticated. We’ve no doubt that every distinguished gentleman has or will have this in their wardrobe.

Chunky Cable-Knit Crewneck Sweater

It’s true that cable knit sweaters might not be the most professional- or formal-looking piece, but Ben Sherman’s makes some pretty discreet-looking (meaning the cables aren’t as chunky and thick) cable knit sweaters that will effortlessly work their way into your office and business wardrobe. Made from wool and acrylic, they are also extra soft and stretchy, and look very good over dress shirts.

Mongolian Cashmere Cable Crewneck Sweater

Cashmere sweater at under $99? Sign us up. Quince’s affordable but just-as-high-quality take on cable knit sweater is made in light, soft, and stretchy cashmere that doesn’t feel thick or hefty. Wear it as a layer over undershirts or as a standalone piece, and it’ll turn eyes.

Merino Wool-Cashmere Aran Cable Crew Neck Sweater

Knitted in cashmere and Merino wool, this is by far the warmest cable knit sweater we’ve ever worn—so warm that it in fact can work on its own as a defense against the cold. The cashmere seals in the heat, and the Merino wool keeps you cool and dry. In a relaxed fit, it also works as an outer layer.

Cable Knit Jumper

If you want a cable knit sweater that really screams “cable knit,” Sunspel’s jumper really emphasizes the style with extra thick and chunky woven patterns across the item. Made in merino wool, it’s extra soft and durable and can be worn all day long.

Cable Stitch Crewneck Wool Blend Sweater

Known for their outerwear, Schott's rich wool blend is bound to keep you super warm. At under $150, it's a quality yet affordable piece that lasts.

How to Style Men's Cable Knit Sweaters

Versatility is key to achieving a timeless yet stylish look when it comes to dressing with cable knit sweaters for men. Classic colors like navy, charcoal, or camel in cable knit sweaters will offer a sophisticated touch that works anytime, anywhere. Then, pair your cable knit sweater with jeans, chinos, and khaki slacks to strike a balance between casual and elevated, or even with dress trousers if you’re aiming for a more professional dress code. For layering men’s cable knit sweaters layering, go for a crisp button-down shirt or polo shirt for a polished aesthetic, or cop a more relaxed vibe by teaming up with a plain t-shirt. As for what to layer over a cable knit sweater, a leather or suede jacket will always work.

Read More

Best Thermal Shirts | Best Fleece Jackets | Best Thermal Underwear | Warmest Socks | Best Winter Gloves | Best Sweaters | Best Winter Jackets

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