How To Wear A Cardigan

The cardigan is a timeless men’s fashion piece that is versatile and classy, giving guys the ability to style a range of outfits. As a must-have wardrobe item, the cardigan sweater can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. This knitwear can help guys pull off a semi-formal look with a suit for work or a casually chic style with a trendy shirt, chino pants and sneakers. When it comes to light jackets, cardigans come in many styles and colors but these knitted closet staples are always comfortable, warm and elegant.

Whether you want a chunky cardigan for a relaxed day around town or need a shawl collar to layer during the fall and winter, there are many ways to style a cardigan. Some men will pair a cardigan with a t-shirt and jeans for a casual look, while others may dress up this sweater with a button-up shirt and dress pants for a business casual outfit.

With so many different types, it can be a challenge knowing what to wear over, under and with your cardigan sweater for a cool and refined ensemble. To inspire you with outfit ideas, we’ve compiled a guide on how to wear a cardigan. From black to tan and long to chunky, explore these cardigan outfits for men to find cool styles you’ll love.

What Is A Cardigan?

A cardigan is a type of knitted sweater that has an open front and can come with or without buttons. Cardigans are versatile and classy wardrobe essentials for men, offering an outer layer you can put on with style in the fall and winter. This men’s sweater can be comfortable and easy to wear for a casual look or dressed up with smart attire for a stylish outfit.

A closet staple since the 1920s, cardigans come in several different shapes, sizes and materials to fit every guy’s style. A black slim-fit cardigan made with a silk blend can be worn conservatively with a trendy shirt and grey trousers or dark utility joggers for a fashionable look. Long cardigan styles are casual streetwear attire, while sophisticated men who want a classy look may invest in a luxury cable-knit sweater to wear under a suit jacket or casually on top of a button-up shirt.

Timeless and trendy, guys can experiment with different cuts and designs. To get the perfect look you want, it’s important to pick the right cardigan for the occasion and style your knitwear properly with the right shirt, pants and shoes. To stand out with your fashion sense, you’ll want to experiment with the different styles of cardigans for men to create fresh outfits.

Types of Cardigans

Long Cardigan

Effortless and flattering, a long cardigan offers a loose and casual style that can extend down to your mid-thigh or all the way to your ankles. The longline cardigan might feature buttons or an internal loop-and-tie, but trendy men will typically wear this knitwear open. For a stylish contrast, pair a longer cardigan with fitted jeans and a slim-fit crew neck t-shirt or with a scoop neck cotton shirt for a cool look.

Guys can visually elongate themselves by wearing a dark monochrome base like black skinny jeans and a long cotton t-shirt under a brightly-colored longline cardigan. This relaxed outerwear comes in different weaves and lightweight fabrics, making it the most versatile cardigan. You can transition this comfortable piece from summer to fall and winter to spring with ease.

Shawl Collar Cardigan

A shawl cardigan is equipped with a thick stole collar that drapes around the back of the neck and inner shoulders, creating a cool built-in scarf. This collared sweater is usually made with thicker materials, providing warmth on cold winter days and a well-structured refinement to any outfit. You can wear this cardigan buttoned-up to add an elegant quality to jeans or khaki pants.

For a smart casual outfit that’s comfortable and dapper, guys should style an open shawl cardigan with trousers and a fitted black t-shirt. A cream-colored heavy-weave has a preppy vibe to it, while earth tones are countryside-classy, perfect with hunting boots, field watches, and oxford shirts.

Button-Up Cardigan

The button-up cardigan is a popular style that will make your attire look more sophisticated and put-together. When dressed properly, this versatile piece can elevate your aesthetic. Guys should choose a simple, fitted cardigan to complement their body type. You can wear a stark black cardigan with jeans or chinos for a sleek and flattering outfit, while brighter colors can be playful and bold.

Under your sweater, you may want to wear a collared or buttoned shirt for a classy look. Adding a silk-cashmere blended cardigan to a well-tailored suit can give your outfit an approachable quality, while still maintaining the suit’s formal, powerful and masculine aesthetic. Modern men can experiment with different materials, blends and colors for the perfect finish.

Chunky Knit Cardigan

When you want to stay warm and still look casually stylish, you can’t go wrong with a chunky knit cardigan. Whether you’re hanging out with friends or going on a date, different knits can complement men’s outfits in different ways. Ribbed and fisherman-knit sweaters are classic styles that can be paired with trousers, chinos and jeans.

Modern and polished, a chunky marled cotton cardigan is the perfect addition to a streetwear-inspired look with a dressy t-shirt and fitted jeans. Cable-knit cardigans are always classy and fashionable with trendy pants and nice shoes, giving guys a natural look that represents success and elegance. For a smart style, make sure you get a knitted sweater in a neutral color like black, gray or navy blue.

Black Cardigan

As one of the most versatile color options, the black cardigan looks great with all types of outfits. Effortlessly chic and always on-point, the black cardigan can be dressed up or down with a fashionably sharp ensemble to create the right look. For an easy off-the-runway casual look, guys can wear a black long cardigan with skinny jeans and a shirt.

The shirt under can be white or colorful for extra contrast or blend more seamlessly into the sweater. For a dynamic combination, a thin fitted cardigan can add a layered dimension to your suit. With endless styling options, modern men should consider black cardigans a worthwhile closet addition.

Navy Blue Cardigan

While black means business, the navy blue cardigan offers a relaxed and trendy look that can elevate any semi-formal outfit. Still authoritative and stylishly formal, wearing a navy cardigan sweater is all about striking the right balance.

When paired with a black blazer and polo or dress shirt, this piece effectively bolsters your business casual look. Styled with khaki pants and leather boat shoes, your blue knitwear will create a nicer casual outfit. As the best of both worlds, navy is an excellent option for weekend meetings, date night dinners and upscale cocktail parties.

Grey Cardigan

The grey cardigan is an understated and elegant choice for guys who want to elevate their casual or semi-formal outfit without being loud about it. Grey cardigans go well with all men’s styles, including statement pieces such as like patterned pants, Mandarin collars and oversized watches.

A simple, quality-knit grey cardigan with fitted trousers and an Oxford shirt is a sexy gentleman’s look worth putting together. Grey is a wardrobe basic and allows you to experiment with unique knits, cuts and designs. You can wear a grey asymmetric longline fashionably with a scoop neck, while a grey four-bar Milano stitch is the perfect mix of hipster and classic.

Tan Cardigan

The tan cardigan is a great way to get a strong and rustic look or style a professional and smart outfit. While guys can choose from different cardigan styles, tan is a distinguished color that partners well with structured clothes like work boots, tweed suits, leather-strapped pilot watches and utility jackets.

For a handsome cultivated style, wear a tan cardigan with earth tones like forest green and amber or light shades like Air Force blue and cream to achieve an aristocratic countryside aesthetic.

Business Casual Cardigan Outfits

A cardigan can be the perfect way to level up your business casual outfit, offering a versatile wardrobe piece you can wear to work for a relaxed elegant look. The business casual cardigan can easily replace your blazer when styled with a button-up shirt and dark denim jeans or dressy pants. If you’re meeting colleagues at the bar for happy hour, just trade in your suit jacket for a simple cardigan to achieve a professional style.

Guys wearing a well-structured collar like an Oxford or a button-down shirt can even take off their tie. Complete your look with horsebit loafers for a worldly and dapper touch or put on traditional Derby shoes if you prefer a sharper finish.

For a modern and trendy outfit, sport a shawl collar cardigan with a spread collar shirt, tailored subtly-patterned tweed trousers, and brown leather dress sneakers. Attractive and cool, featuring cardigans in your business casual attire is all about balance.

Semi-Formal Cardigan Outfit

The cardigan can be dressed up to suit semi-formal and smart casual outfits but requires guys to choose fitted and well-structured styles. To take your look to the next level, you’ll need upscale materials like high-count micron cashmere, mulberry silk, silk blends and Pima cotton.

When styling a business or formal outfit, combine your cardigan with a luxury button-up shirt, tailored trousers and full-grain leather dress shoes. Guys should pick neutral colors during the fall and winter months and faded pastels in the spring and summer.

Since accessories complete any semi-formal style, you may consider wearing leather-strapped dress watches with black, white and brown cardigans. Swiss stainless steel sports watches look elegant when worn with champagne, light pastel and cable-knit designs.

What To Wear Under A Cardigan

When styling the perfect outfit, what you wear under your cardigan can make all the difference in creating a stylish look. While you can experiment with different styles, button-up shirts and t-shirts will always look best underneath. Guys should pair a nice crew or v-neck t-shirt with a cardigan for a casual style that will look effortlessly cool. Most times, you should stick with a white, black, grey or colors that will complement your top.

A relaxed button-down shirt under an open cardigan sweater can offer a smart look, while an Oxford dress shirt will suit men who need a business professional look around the office. Your ensemble will generally look better when your cardigan is darker than your shirt, allowing the contrast to make both pieces pop for a clean and handsome finish.