Let's reconsider the perception of the cardigan sweater. When you think of a cardigan, you might envision a grandfather by the fire or a college professor, which most likely doesn’t seem too exciting. However, these examples embody maturity, friendliness, and a sense of steadiness. Why not project that kind of confidence at any age? Embracing this kind of air signifies complete comfort with yourself and what you stand for. Although cardigans may have a traditional feel, it's entirely possible to wear them in a modern and stylish way. Balancing both style and stability doesn't have to be a contradiction.

Today, we'll take a fresh look at the cardigan outfit for men, exploring why the modern man should embrace it and how to style a cardigan for men with genuine flair.

10 Men's Сardigan Outfit Ideas

The cardigan is a versatile piece of clothing suitable for all the seasons. It serves as cozy outerwear in the early fall and spring, while the thicker varieties can even replace a coat entirely. Unlike a stiff jacket, the cardigan's soft knit offers great flexibility, making it a favorite among athletes. As temperatures drop in the late fall and winter, the cardigan becomes a handsome insulating layer that can be stylishly worn over long-sleeved shirts and under sports coats and jackets. 

Below, we’ve gathered men’s cardigan outfits in different styles so you can choose the direction that is most comfortable and suitable for you. 

Grunge

The grunge look has evolved from its original messy and bulky style to a cleaner and tidier appearance, now embraced by some of the best-dressed men in hip-hop. To achieve this look, pair a plain cardigan like the Chunky Knit Cardigan Niall with a simple tee such as the Mercerized Relaxed-Fit T-shirt Logra. Complete the outfit with wider-leg denim like the Straight-Fit Jeans Marty, or opt for cropped trousers for a modern twist. However, if you prefer skinny jeans, that's entirely up to you.

Sprezzatura

To master the cardigan, draw inspiration from the Italians who wear it with elegance and style as a mid-layer. The sprezzatura look is about appearing sophisticated and well-put-together, with personal touches that make the outfit uniquely yours. A men’s cardigan can be a key element in achieving this look. Wear the cardigan instead of a blazer or underneath one for a distinctive layered style. Use a tonal color palette to subtly signal your fashion expertise. Browns and creams, reminiscent of classic styles, work well when paired with relaxed tailoring in grey and taupe. For a chic ensemble, layer the Pattern zipped cardigan over the Crewneck loose-fit t-shirt and pair it with the Wool suit trousers Como. To elevate the look, add the Casual wool-blend blazer Jeffery L over the cardigan.

Normcore

Some creative individuals express their creativity by wearing seemingly non-creative attire. If you're one of those people, a simple Chunky knitted cardigan Nyman could be a staple in your wardrobe. The Normcore look is clean, slightly reminiscent of a grandfather's style, with a touch of mid-century fashion, lacking intricate textures and patterns. For added interest, opt for muted or tonal colors and experiment with proportions instead. Tuck your T-shirt, such as the Cotton t-shirt Late Night Service, into tailored trousers like the Tapered drawstring trousers Como. The higher break around your waistline will draw attention to the flattering length of the cardigan. Complete the look with unassuming footwear, such as a sensible pair of Derbies.

Loungewear

Why not rock the cardigan as loungewear? Pair it with joggers, comfy tees, and layers of fine knitwear—but make sure they're all dapper. Aim for the vibe of a well-groomed, laid-back look. The cardigan should be clean—that’s a must—but it can be relaxed and unstructured. Stick to athleisure colors like grey and heather. If you need to head out for errands, go for some low-key sneakers and a beanie. For our outfit, we've chosen the Highneck zipped cardigan over the Crewneck cotton t-shirt and completed the look with a pair of Seamless cashmere joggers.

Urban Outdoors

The men's cardigan often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a crucial role in layered outfits. During cold weather, it can take center stage, just like a cable-knit jumper or fisherman knit. When styled correctly, it becomes a warm and functional piece of outdoor gear that exudes urban sophistication. Opt for a chunky-knit design, such as the Chunky knit cardigan Niall, and layer it over a Check-pattern shirt Elja and a tee. You can even add a thinner gauge cardigan, but remember, each new layer should be thicker than the last. Pair it with neutral Tapered classic jeans Adler. If the weather calls for it, top it off with a down jacket or parka. Stick to earthy tones like green, stone, and brown to maintain a natural aesthetic without resembling a lumberjack at a costume party. Complete the look with sturdy boots that aren't overly rugged.

Full Suit

A slimmer, well-fitted cashmere cardigan can be layered under any suit jacket and subbed in for the vest or waistcoat. The knitted cardigan adds a touch of softness while introducing some visual appeal and an extra layer of warmth. Experiment with a brown suit paired with a grey or beige cardigan or a navy suit with a maroon cardigan. Maintain a sharp look, and you can sport this ensemble at a semi-formal gathering. We've elevated the Tiger of Sweden suit—the Slim fit blazer Jarretts with the Straight-fit trousers Tenutas—by pairing it with the Cotton shirt Desert and the Highneck zipped cardigan.

Middle Layer

The lightweight cardigans, like our Highneck zipped cardigan, work perfectly as middle layers because they easily fit under any outerwear. In this outfit, the outer layer is a Bouclé overshirt Lennon, which is also on the lighter side, but you could also opt for a heavier jacket. Wear a plain white Mercerized relaxed-fit t-shirt Logra under the cardigan and finish the look with the cargo Lightweight cotton trousers.

Business Casual

Gone are the days of stuffy office attire. Your workplace might not welcome your favorite hoodie, but you can meet halfway with a sleek cardigan. Layer it under a blazer for a business casual look, or wear it over a button-down and chinos for a more relaxed vibe. You can even keep the tie, but feel free to swap out your Oxfords for minimalist sneakers or loafers. For this look, we’ve styled our Pattern zipped cardigan with the Mellange suit trousers Como and the Relaxed-fit linen shirt Sankt underneath.

Preppy

A lot of guys avoid pairing a cardigan with a polo because it seems like an odd combination. Cardigans are for fall/winter, and polos are for spring/summer, right? But the truth is, a cardigan over a polo shirt is actually a really underrated layering combo that’s surprisingly easy to wear. For example, the mix of the Chunky knit cardigan Niall and the Piqué polo shirt is a great starting point. Pair it with some Relaxed rise jeans Finn and low-top sneakers to complete the look, and you'll rock this preppy style. 

Coldproof

The thick, chunky style of cardigans suggests that they pair well with substantial pants. For this look, we've combined the Chunky knit cardigan Niall with the Wide-leg wool trousers Lan for a knitted base and added the Merino rollneck pullover Nevile as an additional layer. This ensemble is ideal for individuals working in a business casual environment and residing in a cold climate. If extra warmth is needed, opt for the fashionable Down puffer jacket Narvik. The contrast between understated knitwear and bold puffer will look just right.

Types and Styles of Cardigans for Men

What are the main types of cardigans for men, and which will be the most suitable for your wardrobe? Read further and choose!

• V-neck Cardigan: The V-neck cardigan is a sleek and understated choice for men's fashion. It's great for professional settings as it allows room for a tie. The V-shaped design also directs attention to the face, which is why actors and artists favor it. 

• Shawl Collar Cardigan: A shawl collar is a rounded, turned-down collar commonly found on cardigans. Cardigans featuring a shawl collar are typically thicker and chunkier, making them ideal for colder days. The added weight and the structure of the collar give these cardigans a polished and sophisticated look.

• Hooded Cardigan: This cardigan is perfect for when it's a bit chilly but not cold enough for a jacket. The hood is a great addition, providing extra protection from the elements without feeling too bundled up.

• Button-Front Cardigan: A button-up cardigan is a popular choice that, when styled correctly, can give off a sophisticated and polished look. To keep it contemporary and masculine, opt for a well-fitted design with simple buttons.

• Zip-Up Cardigan: A full-zip cardigan is a versatile fall/winter sweater that's easy to style. Whether heading out for a camping trip or braving a cold winter day, it serves as an excellent outer or inner layer. It's perfect for layering over a button-up, T-shirt, or casual shirt, providing warmth in chilly weather.

• Chunky Knit Cardigan: A chunky knit cardigan keeps you warm and helps you create a stylish casual look. When picking a chunky cardigan, opt for styles that stand out. Consider cable knit designs, longline styles, and unique fastenings.

• Longline Cardigan: The longline cardigan's elongated silhouette creates a relaxed vibe perfect for weekend outfits. Made mostly from lightweight knitted fabrics, this style is also an ideal transitional piece for spring and autumn.

Do's and Don'ts of Wearing a Cardigan

Now that we've covered what to wear under a cardigan and over it and how to differentiate between a longline and a shawl one, let's explore how to wear a cardigan and avoid common styling mistakes. At first, cardigans might seem tricky, but with a few tips, you'll be able to pull off the look.

Do’s

• Make sure your cardigan fits nicely, with sleeves that reach your wrists and a snug body but not too tight.
• Experiment with layering by adding shirts, tees, or scarves to add depth and interest to your outfit.
• Combine different textures to create a well-balanced look, such as pairing a chunky cardigan with smooth trousers.
• Select cardigan colors that complement your skin tone and other clothing pieces for a cohesive look.
• Elevate your outfit with thoughtfully chosen accessories like belts, watches, or a well-picked hat.
• Diversify your wardrobe by trying V-neck, shawl collar, or button-up cardigans to find the most flattering options.
• Invest in neutral colors and classic cardigan styles that can be worn for various occasions.

Don’ts

• Don’t drown your frame in oversized cardigans despite their trendiness.
• Limit patterns to one piece, whether the cardigan or another clothing item.
• No to baggy trousers with a cardigan, as they can make you appear shapeless.
• Avoid mixing too many colors to prevent looking too busy.
• Opt for subtle accessories over attention-grabbing ones.
• Avoid clashing styles.