How to Style Your Men’s Sweater
Men’s sweaters are a key staple in any man's wardrobe and offer a versatile and stylish way to keep warm during the colder months or cooler evenings. They can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and pair well with a range of different items to create a variety of looks and styles. We are going to cover some of the key elements to consider when styling men's sweaters including fit, color, and texture, plus some helpful tips for incorporating sweaters into different outfits for different occasions.
Proper Fit
The fit of a sweater is perhaps the most important aspect of styling it. While a well-fitted sweater can elevate your look, an ill-fitted one can detract from it. While a loose-fitting sweater is comfortable for lounging at home, a well-fitted sweater is more appropriate for work-from-home outfits.
The general rule of thumb is that a sweater should fit close to the body but not be too tight. The sleeves should reach your wrist and not be too long. The bottom hem of the sweater should fall just below your waistline or sit on the top of your hips. If you're layering the sweater over a shirt, the shirt should be thin enough that it doesn't bunch up underneath making the overall fit of the sweater look lumpy and unstylish.
Color
When it comes to choosing a color for styling your men’s sweater it's important to consider both the occasion and the rest of your outfit. Neutral colors like black, grey, and navy are versatile and can be dressed up or down, which makes them ideal for a range of occasions from the office to a nice dinner. Brighter colors such as red, green, and yellow can add a pop of color to your look and are great for casual, more laid-back occasions, or if you’re looking for that perfect statement outfit. When pairing a sweater with other items consider the colors to ensure that they will create a harmonious look. For example, red and navy look nice together while yellow and blue will offer a real pop or statement look.
Texture
Texture is another important element to consider when styling men's sweaters. Different textures can add depth and interest to an outfit and can also affect the overall feel of the look. Textures in sweaters often come from both the style of knit and the material the sweater is made from. For example, a cable-knit sweater has a more rustic feel and is great for casual outfits or outdoor activities.
While a ribbed sweater has a more sophisticated feel and can be dressed up with a men’s dress shirt for a more formal occasion. A cashmere sweater will look smoother, while a wool sweater will appear chunkier. Experiment with different textures to find what works best for your personal style and the occasion.
Layering your Sweaters
Layering is a great way to incorporate sweaters into your outfits and keep warm during the colder months. Start with a thin base layer, such as a long-sleeved shirt or a T-shirt. Then layer a sweater on top. You can also add a jacket or coat over the sweater for added warmth and a more dynamic look to your outfit. Men’s blazers also look great when layered on top of a well-fitted sweater. When layering, make sure that each layer fits well and isn't too bulky to ensure a streamlined look. For something more casual, feel free to throw your favorite chunky knit sweater on with a pair of sweatpants for cozy lounging around the house.
Dress it Up
Sweaters can be dressed up for a more formal occasion by pairing them with dressier items. Dressier pieces such as a button-up shirt, men’s dress pants, and dress shoes all make great accompaniments to your men’s sweaters. Opt for a sweater in a neutral color like black or navy as a great option for this look as the neutral tones will better complement the dressier items. Avoid pairing a sweater with a suit if you need to look formal as this outfit can look too casual.
Keeping it Casual
Sweaters can also be dressed down for a more casual look by pairing them with men’s jeans, chinos, or other casual pants. A sweater in a bold color or with a unique texture can add a pop of interest to a casual outfit such as your favorite laidback jean look. When dressing down a sweater be sure to keep the rest of your outfit simple and avoid adding too many patterns or textures, so you look and feel relaxed and not busy.
Experiment with Patterns
Sweaters with classic patterns, such as stripes or argyle, can add a fun and interesting element to your outfits. When incorporating patterned sweaters into your look consider the occasion and the rest of your outfit. For example, a bold patterned sweater is best suited for a casual occasion, while a subtler pattern is ideal for a more formal environment. Classic patterns such as plaid also work well around certain times of the year, such as the holiday season. Instead of going full-blown Christmas sweater, perhaps instead choose something festive such as Scottish plaid knit so you feel seasonally stylish without the quirky sweater designs.
Learning to properly style your men’s sweaters is a good way to improve your personal appearance, make a fashion statement, stay warm during the cooler seasons, and find some versatility in your wardrobe for different occasions. Look good and feel good with these styling tips.