6 Ways to Wear a Cardigan Sweater | Cardigan Outfit Ideas for Guys
Not sure how to wear a cardigan? We've got you covered. Here are six outfit ideas that feature the classic lightweight front button cardigan (a.k.a., the v-neck cardigan).
We love Mr. Rogers as much as the next guy, but that doesn't mean we want to dress like him everyday.
That said, too many men avoid cardigans because they fear they'll stray into #grandpastyle territory. But here's the thing:
The cardigan is a versatile garment that can be worn in a variety of ways, from casual to formal, with jeans or suits.
It can be worn as an outer or middle layer, which makes it perfect for transitional seasons and cooler weather.
Cardigans are equally at home during lazy Sundays or Monday morning meetings.
So let’s look at six simple ways to wear a cotton cardigan sweater, in no particular order.
The V-Neck Cardigan
Usually made from extrafine wool or supima cotton, this is your classic lightweight front button cardigan (not the chunky shawl neck variety).
This is a refined garment that's very easy to dress up. It's especially great for smart casual and business casual outfits, but it can also be worn casually.
Let's look at some different men's outfit that feature the v-neck cotton cardigan.
#1: Cardigan Over T-Shirt with Jeans
Here's a comfy, casual outfit for lounging around the house or running errands on those days where you need a little extra warmth.
When you wear a cardigan like this, it's sort of like wearing a very lightweight jacket.
Button your cardigan up for a streamlined look, or leave it unbuttoned for a more casual, drape-y look.
#2: Over a Henley Shirt
This one is similar to the first outfit. Just swap the crew neck t-shirt for a long sleeve henley - another casual, masculine garment that has stood the test of time.
This is a cool and effortless outfit that's very comfy and functional. There's a reason celebrities like Daniel Craig and Ryan Gosling like this combo!
#3: With an Oxford Shirt
If you want to dress things up a little bit, swap the knit shirt for a collared shirt. One of our favorite collared shirts is the oxford cloth button down.
You can also wear any type of shoes, from sneakers to boots or even loafers. They're all going to look great with an OCBD and cardigan sweater.
#4: With a Dress Shirt and Trousers
If you want a polished business casual look for autumn and winter, look no further.
So many guys wear v-neck sweaters over their dress shirts during the cooler seasons, so a cotton cardigan will definitely set you apart (in the best possible way).
Can we guarantee you'll get a raise by wearing this combo? No, but we wouldn't be surprised if you did...
#5: With a Sportcoat or Blazer
Got a meeting with your boss's boss? Wear a sportcoat or classic navy blazer over your cardigan and call it a day.
The great thing about wearing a somewhat neutral colored cardigan (like navy or grey) is that it will work with almost any pant/shirt/jacket combo.
When it comes to jackets, you can never go wrong with a navy blazer, no matter the season.
#6: With a Suit and Tie
When you really need to step up your style game and make a strong impression, it's time to for the full suit and tie.
But instead of wearing a waistcoat, try a lightweight v-neck cardigan instead.
It has the same visual effect as wearing a three piece suit, but you're wearing a cardigan in place of the waistcoat (or vest).
This is an excellent look for fall and winter, and here's the best part: you can take your jacket off at any time, and you still look extremely put together.
How do you wear cardigans?
We hope these cardigan outfit ideas give you some ideas for how to wear this timeless sweater as the weather starts to cool down.
And if you don’t own a cardigan, maybe this is the year to pick one up and try it out!
Cardigans for Shorter Men
When it comes to wearing cardigans, fit is paramount. If your sweater doesn't fit, it's not going to look good, no matter what you wear it with.
So, focus on fit first. Make sure the cardigan fits well in the chest and sleeves (make sure the sleeves aren’t too long).
If you're below average height, or if you have a shorter-than-average torso and/or arms, you should try on a Peter Manning NYC cardigan.
These are specifically made for not-so-tall guys, which means they have shorter body and sleeve lengths than other brands.
Like all PMNYC products, they're made with high quality materials and top notch craftsmanship.
