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Men’s sweaters: are they still in fashion?

Are men’s sweaters still in fashion? This is a question that many men ask themselves when standing in front of their wardrobe on colder days. The answer is not only yes, but also more complex than it might seem, especially in the context of wearing men’s sweaters in various styles. The men’s sweater is currently experiencing a real renaissance, abandoning the image of a boring, purely utilitarian piece of clothing. It has become a key tool for expressing personal style, a canvas on which designers express their creativity and modern men express their individuality.

From Workwear to Pop Culture Icons: The Untold Story of the Men’s Sweater

Before the sweater became an inseparable element of men’s fashion, its history was written by needs, not aesthetics. Its evolution from a raw work tool to a symbol of style is proof that the best design is often born from pure functionality. This journey gives it the status of a timeless classic, not just a seasonal whim.

Utilitarian roots

The first sweaters as we know them were simple, thick garments worn by fishermen and workers in cold areas of Europe, such as the British Isles and Scandinavia. Their sole purpose was to provide warmth in harsh conditions. The characteristic braided weaves, which we see today as a decorative element, originally had a very practical use. A thicker, braided structure in the front part of the sweater was an additional barrier against penetrating wind and cold. It is this unbreakable bond with functionality and durability, as in the case of jeans or workwear , that has become the foundation of its enduring popularity. The sweater became a classic because it was first a reliable tool.

Cardigan’s Military Legacy

Another popular cut, the cardigan, also has its roots in practical use. It is named after James Brudenell, the seventh Earl of Cardigan, who popularized cardigans as part of the uniform of British officers during the Crimean War in the mid-nineteenth century. They were much more practical than pullovers, highlighting its heritage of combining functionality with military elegance.

Mainstream Entry and Icon Status

It was not until the twentieth century that the sweater permanently entered mass fashion. Patterns such as traditional tartan initially used on blankets gained popularity on sweaters as early as the 19th century. The real breakthrough, however, came in the 50s of the twentieth century, when the V-neck sweater became part of the informal uniform of youthful rebellion, worn by icons such as James Dean.

In the following decades, the sweater established its position in pop culture. From the flashy Christmas sweaters that gained ironic fame from films from the 80s and 90s, such as “In the Crooked Mirror: Hello, Santa Claus”, to the countless stylizations of movie characters, the sweater has become a carrier of specific cultural codes, capable of telling a story about its owner.

Autumn-Winter 2024/2025 trends: What do the catwalks and the street say?

Modern men’s fashion proves that the sweater is in the very center of attention. The autumn-winter 2024/2025 season brings a fascinating mix of a return to the classics with bold, modern interpretations that can enrich any outfit. Interestingly, the observed trends do not impose a single, rigid canon. Instead, they offer a wide spectrum of possibilities, reflecting the diversification of men’s style. A modern man is allowed to go for sharp, fitted elegance one day, and soft, nonchalant ease the next. A sweater is the perfect tool to express this versatility, especially depending on the occasion, e.g. in combination with a sweater with a shirt.

Cardigan’s Triumphant Return

If there is one cut that absolutely dominates this season, it is the cardigan. Designers from Louis Vuitton to Gucci are reinterpreting it, giving it the status of an absolute “must-have”. On the catwalks appeared both models resembling “sweaters from grandma’s closet”, decorated with embroidery and buttons resembling pearls, aimed at brave fashion lovers who want to choose something special. , as well as more subdued, elegant versions made of fine wool or cashmere, which can successfully replace a jacket in smart casual styles. The cardigan is worn classically, over a plain white shirt, which creates a stylish contrast, or in a more casual version over a T-shirt, paired with chinos.

New Elegance: Fitted V-neck Sweater

After years of domination of oversize cuts, men’s fashion is turning towards a more defined, classic silhouette. The key element of this turn is the V-neck, which should be more fitted to the body in the 2024/2025 season. This does not mean that it should be tight, but it should subtly emphasize the figure, not hide it. This timeless classic with a modern twist is extremely versatile – it can be worn with both jeans and elegant suit trousers, creating outfits from casual to business.

Master of Nonchalance: Polo Collared Sweater

An absolute hit for winter 2025 is a sweater with a polo collar. This silhouette masterfully blends elegance with casualness, offering a nonchalant yet sophisticated look that’s perfect for casual gatherings. It’s the choice of the most fashionable men and celebrities, such as Jacob Elordi, who appreciate his vintage style and versatility. A polo sweater does not need many accessories – it looks best in simple sets, for example with classic jeans, because it is an expressive element of styling in itself. Its popularity is confirmed by the collections of fashion houses such as JW Anderson and Dries Van Noten, which often introduce men’s cardigans to their lines.

The Art of Layers and the Power of Texture

Layering is the key word of this season. Designers encourage fashion experiments, such as wearing a turtleneck under a shirt or even wearing a sweater over a sweater. The texture of the knitted fabric is equally important, as it affects the comfort of wearing men’s sweaters. The variety of weaves allows you to build depth and character of the styling. Thick, fleshy sweaters with a braid or jacquard weave add a rustic, cozy character to the outfits and are perfect for everyday styling. On the other hand, smooth, thin models made of merino wool or cashmere are an excellent choice for elegant, business outfits, for example under a jacket.

The Palette of the Season: From Calm Neutrals to Bold Accents

The basis of men’s wardrobe for the upcoming season remains subdued, universal colors. Black, shades of grey, beige, navy blue and bottle green are safe and always stylish choices, which is a great basis for building more complex outfits. However, designers also encourage breaking up this neutral palette with bold accents of color. Intense red, which gives you confidence , and even pink, which in men’s fashion symbolizes new, more conscious elegance , enliven autumn-winter looks and allow you to stand out from the crowd.

The ABCs of the Modern Man: A Guide to Sweater Styles and Their Use

Understanding the differences between individual styles of sweaters is the key to building a conscious and versatile wardrobe. Each cut has its own unique character and works best in specific situations. The following guide is a practical cheat sheet that will help you navigate the world of men’s knitwear with confidence so that you can choose the perfect sweater for your outfit.

Crewneck (Okrągły Dekolt)

• Features: a sweater is not only a piece of clothing, but also a style expression. This is the most classic, versatile and most popular cut of a men’s sweater. Its simple round neckline makes it extremely versatile.
• How to wear elegant men’s sweaters: Crewneck is the perfect base for layered looks, especially in combination with hoods. It can be worn solo, directly on the body, or with a T-shirt underneath – but remember that the collar of the T-shirt should not protrude in an unsightly way. It also looks great worn over a shirt, with a collar tucked under the neckline or elegantly lined on top.

V-neck (Dekolt w Serek)

• Features: Considered slightly more elegant than a crewneck, the V-neckline optically slims the silhouette and lengthens the neck.
• How to wear: A long sweater can be a great addition to any outfit. Its biggest advantage is that it perfectly exposes the collar of the shirt and tie, which makes it an ideal choice for smart casual outfits. It can successfully replace a jacket in less formal office situations. In a looser version, it goes well with a simple T-shirt and jeans.

Turtleneck (Golf)

• Features: A turtleneck is a symbol of timeless class and intellectual chic, associated with icons such as Steve Jobs or agent 007, and wearing a sweater can create a unique outfit. It is not only stylish, but also extremely functional – the high collar wraps around the neck, so it can successfully replace a scarf on cold days.
• How to wear: It looks great both worn solo, as the main element of the styling, and in a duet with a jacket, creating a sophisticated, modern look, perfect for any occasion. Thicker turtlenecks with a braid weave go well with chinos, and thin, smooth models made of merino wool or cashmere – under an elegant coat or a long sweater.

Mock Neck (Turtleneck)

• Features: A turtleneck, i.e. a sweater with a low stand-up collar, is the perfect compromise between a turtleneck and a round neckline. It is less formal than a turtleneck but more elegant than a crewneck.
• How to wear: It is a versatile model that goes well with both elegant coats and sports bomber jackets. In the 2025 season, turtlenecks in deep, saturated colors such as burgundy, graphite or warm brown are especially fashionable.

Cardigan (cardigan)

• Features: An extremely versatile zippered sweater that can be buttoned or zipped. Its formality depends on the thickness of the weave and the material.
• How to wear: Thin wool or cashmere cardigans can be a stylish alternative to a blazer in the office, especially in different colors and patterns. Thicker models with a clear weave, often with a shawl collar, create a casual, cozy look, perfect for the weekend. They can be worn over a shirt with a tie, a T-shirt or even over another, thinner sweater.

Sweater Vest

• Features: The vest, which is experiencing a renaissance (often confused with a pullover, which in the classic sense is a sleeveless sweater) is a perfect tool for creating layered outfits. It most often has a V-neckline, which makes it perfect for wearing with loose shirts.
• How to wear: It’s made to be worn over a shirt, allowing you to achieve a sleek, slightly academic look without having to wear a blazer. It looks great in combination with a tie, chinos or woolen pants.

Blazer

• Features: It is an interesting hybrid between a sweater and a jacket. Made of knitted fabric, but with a jacket-like cut, often fastened with one button, it is a great choice to wear with a shirt and tie.
• How to wear: It is a soft and less formal alternative to a classic jacket. It is perfect for an office where there is no rigid dress code, or for casual meetings where a suit would be overkill.

Style Lessons from the Masters: How Steve McQueen and Kurt Cobain Wore Sweaters

Nothing illustrates the versatility of a sweater more than looking at how style icons wore it. Two characters standing at opposite aesthetic poles – Steve McQueen and Kurt Cobain – prove that the same item of clothing can be used to communicate completely different values and identities. Their examples show that a sweater is not just a piece of clothing, but a powerful tool for self-expression, a real canvas for individuality.

Steve McQueen – the king of timeless casual

Steve McQueen, nicknamed the “King of Cool”, was the embodiment of simple, masculine and nonchalant elegance. His style was based on high-quality, timeless pieces of clothing that, although simple, were always worn with extraordinary sensitivity, especially when paired with a shirt and tie or longsleeve. His wardrobe was dominated by clothes in neutral colors – beige, gray, navy blue – and smooth materials, which, however, often had a clear, rich texture.

His favorite sweater styles were those that emphasized raw, masculine competence. He was often seen wearing thick fisherman knits, which he wore with jeans. His other trademarks were turtlenecks, which he wore both solo and under a tweed jacket, and simple crewneck sweaters. His stylizations were well-thought-out and purposeful. To recreate his look, simply combine a navy blue crewneck sweater made of light cotton with beige chinos and suede chukkas – the quintessence of his timeless style.

Kurt Cobain – The Cardigan as a Manifesto of the Grunge Generation

At the other end of the spectrum is Kurt Cobain, the leader of Nirvana and an icon of Generation X, whose loose style was a manifesto of anti-fashion. The centerpiece of his wardrobe that has become legendary was the worn-out, olive-green cardigan made of a mixture of mohair, acrylic, and lycra that he wore during the iconic MTV Unplugged concert in 1993.

This sweater, probably bought for a few dollars at a thrift store, had a cigarette hole burned through it and was missing one button, which only added to its authenticity. In Cobain’s hands, the cardigan – originally a symbol of warmth, comfort and a friendly, almost paternal style popularized by the television character Mister Rogers – has been completely reevaluated. He became a symbol of rebellion, sensitivity and rejection of the polished image of the rock star. This damaged sweater, sold at auction in 2019 for a record $334,000, is proof of how powerful a garment can be as a means vehicle.

An Investment for Years: A Guide to Materials and Care

Choosing the right sweater is not only a matter of cut and color, but above all the material, and natural materials are always in vogue. It determines comfort, appearance, durability and price. Understanding the properties of individual fibers and how to care for them is the key to making conscious purchases and enjoying your favorite sweaters for many seasons.

Anatomy of a sweater – understanding the material

High-quality sweaters are mainly made of natural raw materials, although often with small synthetic admixtures that improve their functional properties, making them an ideal choice for an elegant outfit.

• Wool (including Merino): It is a natural, “breathable” fiber with excellent thermal insulation properties. Its noble variety, merino sheep wool, is extremely thin, soft and gentle on the skin, so it does not “bite”. What’s more, it has natural antibacterial properties and does not absorb odors, so it does not require frequent washing – often it is enough to simply air it out, which increases the comfort of use.
• Cashmere: a material that adds luxury and elegance to any outfit, especially when combined with men’s cardigans. Considered one of the most luxurious fibers in the world, it is extracted from cashmere goats. It is extremely soft, light, and at the same time even several times warmer than sheep’s wool. It is one of the most expensive materials, which is why cashmere sweaters are an investment for years.
• Cotton: Ideal for warmer days and transitional periods. It is skin-friendly, “breathes” and is relatively easy to care for. Cotton sweaters are a great, cheaper alternative to wool.
• Alpaca: Alpaca wool is extremely durable, light and warm. Importantly, it is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin, ensuring that it is comfortable to wear.
• Synthetic blends (acrylic, polyamide): These fibers are often added to natural raw materials to increase elasticity, softness, crease resistance, and reduce price. However, sweaters made of 100% acrylic should be avoided – they do not provide warmth, do not allow air to pass through and pill quickly.

Material	Main Features	Advantages	Disadvantages	Key care tips
Merino wool	Gentle, soft, thermoregulating, antibacterial	It does not “bite”, breathes, does not require frequent washing, wicks away moisture	It can be more expensive than regular wool, it requires gentle washing	Wash rarely, air out. Hand wash or in a wool cycle (max 30°C). Dry flat.
Cashmere	Extremely soft, lightweight, very warm, luxurious	Exceptional comfort, excellent thermal insulation, elegance	High price, very fragile	Only hand wash in lukewarm water or dry cleaning. Use special detergents. Dry flat.
Cotton	Natural, “breathable”, skin-friendly	Versatile, ideal for spring/summer, easier to care for, cheaper	Less warm than wool, can stretch when wet	Machine washable (according to the label), which is important for people who wear elegant men’s sweaters, especially in the case of cashmere sweaters. Dry flat to avoid deformation.
Acrylic Blends	Flexible, soft, cheap	Increase durability, reduce price, crease-resistant	Poor air permeability, can pill, do not heat like natural fibers	Follow the label. Avoid high washing and drying temperatures to maintain the quality of elegant men’s sweaters.

The Art of Care – How to Care for Sweaters to Last for Years

Proper care is the secret to the longevity of your sweaters. Improper washing or drying can irretrievably destroy even the most expensive cashmere model.

Laundry

• Rule No. 1: Always check the tag. This is the most important step. There you will find the manufacturer’s precise washing and care instructions.
• Hand wash (recommended for wool and cashmere): This is the safest method. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water (approx. 30°C) and add a small amount of special, gentle wool detergent (or mild baby shampoo). Dip the sweater, knead it gently, but never rub or wring. Rinse in clean water at the same temperature until the detergent is gone.
• Machine wash: Only acceptable if the label allows it. Use a program to wash wool or delicate fabrics, set a low temperature (max 30°C) and a low spin speed (max 400-600). It is worth placing the sweater in a special laundry bag to minimize friction.

Drying

• ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN: Never hang a wet sweater on a hanger or string. The weight of the water will irreversibly stretch and deform it. Similarly, never use a tumble dryer – high heat will cause the fibers to shrink and felt.
• Correct method: After washing, gently squeeze out excess water by wrapping the sweater in a clean towel. Then lay it flat on a dry towel or a special drying net. Make sure it has its original shape. Dry in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and radiators.

Storage Maintenance

• Store: Sweaters should be stored folded into cubes, on shelves with elegant men’s sweaters that attract attention. Hanging them on hangers causes unsightly deformations on the arms.
• Moth Protection: Wool and cashmere are the delicacies of moths. To protect your sweaters, place bags of dried lavender, cedar balls, or other natural repellents in your closet.
• Pilling removal: Natural fibers tend to pill (pill) at friction points. This is a normal phenomenon. Remove the resulting balls regularly with a special clothes shaver so that the sweater always looks like new.

Sweater – An Essential and Reliable Element of Your Wardrobe

Going back to the original question: yes, men’s sweaters are definitely in fashion, especially those made of natural materials. What’s more, they are more versatile, relevant, and exciting today than ever before. They are no longer just a practical way to warm up on a cold day, but have become a fundamental element of men’s style, capable of expressing both subtle elegance and non-conformist rebellion.

As we’ve shown, the sweater has a rich history that gives it the status of a timeless classic. It is the centerpiece of the latest trends for the fall-winter 2024/2025 season, offering a wide range of cuts, from slim V-necks to nonchalant cardigans. It is a tool for creating identity, which is proven by such diverse style icons as Steve McQueen and Kurt Cobain. Finally, if it is made of high-quality materials and properly cared for, it becomes a lasting investment for years.

We encourage you to consciously build your wardrobe and experiment with different cuts. Treat the sweater not as a seasonal duty, but as a reliable ally in creating your image on a daily basis. Because a well-chosen sweater is much more than just a piece of clothing – it’s a silent message about who you are.