Anyone who still finds cardigans fusty, rigid or unbearably twee needs only to look to the best men’s cardigans of the past few seasons. Admittedly, the cardigans that trended a few years ago were thin, conservative sweaters that you might have worn with a simple button-down. But these days, designers have been putting their own unique twists on the style, resulting in wacky animal print sweaters, oversized preppy styles or beefy numbers that can stand in for jackets.
Some of our favorite cardigans are the kinds of sweaters Kurt Cobain might have worn. Others, Harry Styles would throw on. Some would suit Steve McQueen, and others A$AP Rocky. What they all have in common is that the best men’s cardigans in 2021 are laid back, tough and just plain cool. Wear them with your best T-shirt and most comfortable sweatpants around the house or layer them with a denim shirt and a pair of corduroys to embrace the outdoors and enjoy wildlife (even if the “outdoors” is your block and “wildlife” is your back porch).
Beyond a style perspective, cardigans are just plain practical. The button-front makes the best men’s cardigans easy to take off, so you can easily remove it when you get inside or throw it back on when you feel cold. Wear your cardigan buttoned when you want to look dressed up or unbuttoned for a more casual look. There’s basically no limit to how you can style a cardigan, and it gets even better when you have a few in your rotation. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite styles, including classics from brands like Pendleton and LL Bean and designer options from brands like Sandro and Needles.
1. Bonobos Yak Blend Ribbed Cardigan
BEST OVERALL
With a construction that uses a blend of yak and merino wool, this cardigan has a softness that feels almost royal to the touch. Consistency-wise, this cardigan has tons of similarities to cashmere with an extra-plush and warm approach. Instead of using a more flattened look, Bonobos chose to rib this cardigan instead for some added flair.
Buy: Bonobos Yak Blend Ribbed Cardigan $199.00
2. H&M Cotton Cardigan
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking for something simple and classic, this cardigan for H&M is a great option. It’s made from 100% cotton and comes in at only $40. It’s thinner than many of the other options on this list, making it great for wearing under a blazer. It comes in classic colors such as black, white and grey.
Buy: H&M Cotton Cardigan $29.99
3. Pendleton Men’s Original Westerley The Zip Up Sweater Cardigan
BEST THROWBACK
Pendleton is America’s most iconic wool mill, and the Westerley cardigan has taken on a life of its own thanks to it being worn by the Dude, as played by Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski. If the tan and brown color is a little too on the nose, get it in gray and white. The sweater has a zip front instead of traditional buttons, and the rolled collar makes this wool sweater a cozy but laid-back option.
Buy: Pendleton Cardigan $249.00
4. Goodthreads Soft Cotton Shawl Cardigan Sweater
BEST SHAWL COLLAR CARDIGAN
Of course, Amazon’s Goodthreads brand has one of the best-looking, most affordable cardigans that money has to offer. What else would you think? This relaxed cardigan has a shawl collar to keep your neck nice and toasty with a casual construction the whole way through. It’s made from 100% cotton and will cost you under $50, making it a premium option at a modest price. Two patch pockets on the hip are great for keeping your hands warm or storing your essentials. There are tons of colors available, too, so check out below and see if they’ve got your favorite.
Buy: Goodthreads Soft Cotton Shawl Cardigan Sweater $44.00
5. State Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan
BEST TREAT
If anything, this is the year to indulge and pamper yourself in soft cashmere. For the price, State’s cashmere V-neck cardigan could be considered more of a necessity than a dose of self-care. It also comes in nine other shades.
Buy: State Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan $165.00
6. Sandro College Wool Striped Cardigan
BEST PREPPY
This cardigan looks like a 60’s Yale yearbook come to life, in the best way possible. The classic navy color is enlivened by the addition of ribbed, striped panels across the front. Lean into the preppy influence by wearing it with penny loafers, but keep it modern by styling it with a graphic or plain tee.
Buy: Sandro College Wool Striped Cardigan $345.00
7. L.L.Bean Classic Ragg Wool Cardigan Sweater
MOST OUTDOORSY
When spending time outdoors, you’re going to want a cardigan that keeps you warm in chipper weather. And, lucky for you, it looks like we found it. The thick texture and shawl collar here are both made to keep you warm. As for those interior pockets? Well, they make this already cozy sweater even better. Because who doesn’t love an interior pocket? The heavy-duty construction makes this sweater ideal for winter, whether you’re trawling through the backwoods or wandering around Bushwick.
Buy: L.L.Bean Classic Ragg Wool Cardigan Sweater $99.00
8. COS Relaxed-Fit Merino Wool Cardigan
BEST MINIMALIST
This sweater from COS updates the cozy cardigan and gives it a modern, minimalist edge. It’s available in both copper and black, and pairs perfectly with dressy trousers and a crisp white T-shirt. The V-neck shirt-style collar combined with merino wool and alpaca fluffiness you won’t believe make it something of a hybrid between a jacket, a knitted polo and a cardigan. But despite its Frankenstein construction, it’s a surprisingly versatile and classic-looking piece.
Buy: COS Relaxed-Fit Merino Wool Cardigan $125.00
9. Todd Snyder Alpaca Cardigan
BEST DESIGNER OPTION
A little Todd Snyder never heard anybody. As one of our favorite menswear designers, we simply couldn’t leave out this classic-looking alpaca cardigan. This cardigan has an obviously cozy consistency with colors available from greens to blues to blacks. Pair it with faded jeans and suede boots, navy chinos and loafers or even dress pants for easy wear three out of four seasons of the year. Complete with hand welt pockets and genuine horn buttons, you’re going to be the most handsome guy on the street.
Buy: Todd Snyder Alpaca Cardigan $199.00 (orig. $288.00) 31% OFF
10. Cristina Martinez Merino Blend Shawl Collar Cardigan
FOR THE ARTIST
Life’s short, why not step your style up a notch with a kooky pattern to show off your inner artist? The Cristina Martinez Merino Blend Shawl Collar Cardigan speaks volumes without even speaking at all. Like, come on, look at all of those faces. They’ve surely got something to say. The illustration provides a bold look with toned-down coloration for a striking look that won’t put you too out there. With a merino wool blend, you can expect this puppy to be soft, too.
Buy: Cristina Martinez Merino Blend Shawl Collar Cardigan $89.50
11. Everlane No-Sweat Waffle Cardigan
BEST WAFFLE-KNIT
Sure, waffle-knit might be an excellent way to construct a cozy robe, but why not a cardigan? Cardigans are kind of just, like, tinier robes anyways, right? That said, Everlane took it upon themselves to make the world’s coziest waffle-knit cardigan. But you might be scared when looking at the cardigan below. Because, yeah, it’s grey. And who wants underarm sweat stains? Luckily, this cardigan is made from recycled COOLMAXⓇ EcoMade polyester that wicks away moisture, meaning no unsightly pits. Just dry comfort all day long!
Buy: Everlane No-Sweat Waffle Cardigan $98.00
12. Treasure & Bond Nep V-Neck Cardigan
BEST FLECKED
A flecked pattern is the perfect look for adding a little extra spice to your cardigan without going above and beyond. This navy cardigan has a perfectly muted look that goes with just about everything. With white flecks spattered throughout, there’s just enough flare to bring your whole look up a notch. This cardigan is made with a comfortable cotton-blend cardi knit and is topped off with ribbed trim.
Buy: Treasure & Bond Nep V-Neck Cardigan $59.90
13. ASOS DESIGN Knitted Cloud Cardigan
WILDEST PRINT
Fluffy, fuzzy cardigan sweaters are in, we’ve established that. So, if this is the fluffiest, fuzziest cardigan sweater, could this be one of the best men’s cardigans out there? It even has a whacky lilac cloud scenario going on. Whether or not it is the best, it’s a cozy sweater that wouldn’t look out of place at your local pub or when you’re binging Netflix.
Buy: ASOS DESIGN Knitted Cloud Cardigan $60.00
Cozy On Up With the Best Men’s Sweaters to Don All Winter Long
