Every man’s wardrobe should include a cardigan – and young men can carry it off too – but it is vital for the cardigan to coordinate with the outfit. Cardigans are a timeless garment because they are so versatile; they can provide warmth or pockets or be a fashion focus in their own right, and they can be worn as outer or middle layers in both casual and formal situations.
Cardigans vary in style, pattern, fastening, weave, colour, thickness of wool, and (very important) the neckline. All these things matter and there is a wealth of information online about styling your wardrobe for a classic, formal or casual design (see https://www.thread.com/gb/tips/men/knitwear-sweaters/how-wear-cardigan/) but here are some general tips.
Formal wear
A V-necked cardigan added to a suit can look just as smart as a waistcoat, but warmer. It is safer to avoid strong patterns but you can jazz things up with a dash of colour providing it matches the suit. For a more classic look choose a cardigan a shade lighter or darker than the suit. The cardigan should also coordinate with the shirt: as with ties, the rule is to pair a plain cardigan with a bright or patterned shirt or vice versa.
Casual wear
Both V-necked and round necked cardigans work over a T-shirt and pair of jeans. You can go for stronger patterns and colours but stick to the rule of pairing a bright cardigan with a plain T-shirt or vice versa. The look is perfect for an afternoon in the pub or a great date night look. A funnel necked cardigan will replace a sweatshirt and alleviate the empty space round the neck that sometimes appears when wearing round-necked t-shirts.
Semi-casual
A dynamic semi-casual look can be achieved by teaming a shirt and tie with a cardigan and casual jacket. If you prefer to ditch the jacket, use a thick-knit or shawl cardigan as they can provide the same structure and neckline as a jacket and look equally smart. Cardigans can also work with the Polo style – mens Ralph Lauren knitwear range includes many amazing options that could suit your requirements: take a look at the options available from EJ Menswear.
Follow the rules and cardigans are a great opportunity to make a bold style statement – whether formal, casual or semi-casual!
