Are you looking to add versatility and warmth to your wardrobe? Mastering how to wear a cardigan can unlock a world of fashion possibilities. From casual outings to professional settings, the cardigan is a timeless garment that offers both style and comfort. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to effortlessly incorporate cardigans into your outfits, ensuring you stay cozy and chic all year round.
The cardigan is a classic fashion piece for men that’s both versatile and stylish, allowing guys to create various outfits effortlessly. Whether you’re heading to work or hanging out with friends, a cardigan can adapt to any occasion. You can dress it up with a suit or keep it casual with a trendy shirt, chinos, and sneakers. Plus, cardigans are not just fashionable—they’re also cozy and warm.
From chunky knits for a laid-back day out to shawl collars for layering in colder weather, there are countless ways to style a cardigan. Some men prefer pairing it with a t-shirt and jeans for a relaxed look, while others opt for a button-up shirt and dress pants for a more polished outfit.
With so many options available, figuring out how to wear your cardigan can be tricky. To help you out, we’ve put together a guide on cardigan outfits for men. Whether you prefer classic black or trendy tan, or you’re into long or chunky styles, this guide has something for everyone. Explore these outfit ideas to discover cool and refined looks you’ll love.
What is a cardigan?
A cardigan is a knitted sweater with an open front, sometimes featuring buttons but not always. It’s a versatile and stylish wardrobe essential for men, perfect for layering in the colder months. You can wear a cardigan for a casual vibe or dress it up for a more polished look.
Cardigans have been around since the 1920s and come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different styles. For instance, a black slim-fit cardigan made with a silk blend can be worn with a trendy shirt and grey trousers for a fashionable appearance. Long cardigans are great for casual streetwear, while sophisticated men may opt for a luxury cable-knit sweater under a suit jacket or over a button-up shirt.
Experimenting with different cuts and designs is key to finding your perfect look. Remember to choose the right cardigan for the occasion and pair it with the appropriate shirt, pants, and shoes to elevate your style. With so many styles to choose from, there’s plenty of room to showcase your fashion sense and create fresh outfits.
Types of Cardigans
Long Cardigan
A long cardigan is effortlessly stylish and looks great on everyone. It’s longer than your regular cardigan, reaching down to your thighs or even your ankles. Usually, it doesn’t have buttons but might have a tie inside. Guys usually wear it open for a trendy look. To rock this style, pair it with fitted jeans and a snug t-shirt or a casual cotton shirt.
To appear taller, guys can wear dark colors like black jeans and a long cotton shirt underneath a brightly-colored long cardigan. These cardigans come in various fabrics, so you can wear them all year. They’re perfect for transitioning from summer to fall or winter to spring, keeping you comfy and stylish no matter the season.
Shawl Collar Cardigan
A shawl collar cardigan has a thick collar that wraps around the back of your neck, giving it a built-in scarf look. It’s usually made of thicker material, keeping you warm on chilly days and adding a classy touch to any outfit. You can button it up for a more formal look with jeans or khakis.
For a stylish yet comfortable outfit, guys can wear an open shawl cardigan with trousers and a fitted black t-shirt. A cream-colored cardigan gives off a preppy vibe, while earth tones give off a countryside feel, perfect for pairing with hunting boots, field watches, and Oxford shirts.
Button-Up Cardigan
The button-up cardigan is a classic style that instantly adds sophistication to your look. It’s a versatile piece that can really step up your fashion game. Guys should go for a simple, well-fitted cardigan that suits their body shape. Pairing a solid black cardigan with jeans or chinos creates a sleek and stylish outfit, while opting for brighter colors adds a playful touch.
To achieve a classy vibe, consider wearing a collared or buttoned shirt underneath your cardigan. Adding a silk-cashmere blend cardigan to a tailored suit can give your ensemble a friendly yet formal appeal, maintaining the suit’s powerful and masculine look. Modern men have the freedom to play around with different materials, blends, and colors to find their perfect style.
Chunky Knit Cardigan
When you need to keep warm while looking casually cool, a chunky knit cardigan is the way to go. Whether you’re hanging out with friends or going on a date, different knit styles can complement men’s outfits in various ways. Classic ribbed and fisherman-knit sweaters pair well with trousers, chinos, or jeans.
For a modern and polished look, try a chunky marled cotton cardigan with a stylish t-shirt and fitted jeans for a streetwear vibe. Cable-knit cardigans always exude class and style, especially when paired with trendy pants and nice shoes, giving guys a naturally sophisticated appearance. Opt for neutral colors like black, gray, or navy blue for a smart and versatile style.
Black Cardigan
The black cardigan is a must-have in any wardrobe due to its versatility. It looks fantastic with all kinds of outfits and effortlessly adds a touch of chic to your look. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, a black cardigan can be styled to suit any occasion. For a laid-back yet stylish vibe, guys can pair a black long cardigan with skinny jeans and a shirt.
You can choose a white or colorful shirt underneath for a pop of contrast or a more seamless look. To add depth to your outfit, try layering a thin, fitted cardigan over your suit. With so many ways to wear it, modern men should definitely have a black cardigan in their closet.
The navy blue cardigan is a great choice for those seeking a relaxed yet trendy style that adds a touch of sophistication to any semi-formal outfit. It retains a sense of authority while offering a stylishly casual vibe.
Pairing a navy cardigan with a black blazer and polo or dress shirt strikes the perfect balance for a business casual look. For a more laid-back vibe, try styling it with khaki pants and leather boat shoes. Navy blue offers the versatility to transition seamlessly from weekend meetings to date night dinners and upscale cocktail parties, making it the perfect choice for various occasions.
Grey Cardigan
The grey cardigan is a subtle yet sophisticated choice for guys aiming to add a touch of class to their casual or semi-formal attire without drawing too much attention. It’s versatile and complements all men’s styles, even bold pieces like patterned pants, Mandarin collars, or oversized watches.
Pairing a simple, well-made grey cardigan with fitted trousers and an Oxford shirt creates a stylish and refined look that exudes charm. Grey is a staple color in any wardrobe, allowing you to experiment with different knits, cuts, and designs. Try rocking a grey asymmetric longline cardigan for a modern twist, or opt for a grey four-bar Milano stitch for a blend of hipster and classic vibes.
Tan Cardigan
The tan cardigan is perfect for achieving either a rugged or a polished look. It’s a versatile piece that can elevate both casual and professional outfits. Tan pairs nicely with structured clothing items like work boots, tweed suits, leather-strapped pilot watches, and utility jackets.
For a refined and sophisticated look, pair your tan cardigan with earthy tones such as forest green and amber, or opt for lighter shades like Air Force blue and cream for a classy countryside vibe.
How To Wear A Cardigan
Looking to style a cardigan? Start by exploring the different types and picking the one that suits your wardrobe best. Some popular styles include longline, shawl collar, button-up, and chunky knit cardigans. Colors like black, blue, grey, and tan are versatile and match well with most men’s fashion choices.
For a classy look, opt for fitted button-up cardigans, while loose and long designs offer a more relaxed vibe. Keep it casual by pairing your cardigan with jeans or chinos, a polo or t-shirt, and sneakers. For a fashionable smart or business casual style, team your cardigan with fitted chinos, a button-down shirt, a belt, and leather dress shoes or boots. You can even wear a cardigan with your suit instead of a vest or waistcoat.
Business Casual Cardigan Outfits
Adding a cardigan to your business casual ensemble can effortlessly elevate your look, offering versatility and style for a relaxed yet sophisticated appearance. Swap out your blazer for a cardigan paired with a button-up shirt and either dark denim jeans or dressy pants for a polished office-ready outfit. Heading to a happy hour with colleagues? Simply replace your suit jacket with a cardigan for a seamless transition to a professional yet laid-back style.
If you’re wearing a structured collar shirt like an Oxford or button-down, you can even skip the tie. Finish off your outfit with horse-bit loafers for a touch of refinement or traditional Derby shoes for a sharper look.
For a more modern and trendy vibe, try pairing a shawl cardigan with a spread collar shirt, tailored tweed trousers with subtle patterns, and brown leather dress sneakers. Incorporating cardigans into your business casual attire is all about finding the perfect balance between attractiveness and coolness.
Semi-Formal Cardigan Outfit
Dressing up a cardigan for semi-formal occasions requires choosing well-fitted and structured styles. To achieve a polished look, opt for high-quality materials like cashmere, silk blends, and Pima cotton.
For a business or formal outfit, pair your cardigan with a luxurious button-up shirt, tailored trousers, and sleek leather dress shoes. During fall and winter, stick to neutral colors, while in spring and summer, go for faded pastels.
Accessories play a crucial role in completing a semi-formal look. Consider wearing leather-strapped dress watches with black, white, or brown cardigans. Swiss stainless steel sports watches add an elegant touch, especially when paired with champagne, light pastel, or cable-knit designs.
What To Wear Under A Cardigan
Choosing what to wear underneath your cardigan is crucial for creating a stylish outfit. While there’s room for experimentation, button-up shirts and t-shirts are classic choices that always work well. Guys can effortlessly achieve a casual look by pairing a crew or V-neck t-shirt with a cardigan. Stick to versatile colors like white, black, or grey to complement your top.
For a smarter appearance, try layering a relaxed button-down shirt under an open cardigan. If you’re aiming for a professional look, opt for an Oxford dress shirt. It’s generally best to choose a cardigan that’s darker than your shirt to create a striking contrast and achieve a clean and handsome finish.
