The Best Sweaters for Cold Weather: A Men's Guide

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Sweater for Cold Weather?

  • Quarter-zip: the most versatile, for office and weekends.
  • Full-zip: layers like a light jacket.
  • Johnny collar: polished enough for business casual.
  • Best colours: navy, charcoal, black, brown, burgundy and olive.
  • Layering: wear over a collared shirt, under a sport jacket, blazer or wool-blend coat.

When the temperature drops, a good sweater does more than keep you warm. It adds texture and style to your winter wardrobe. Here's how to choose the right one.

The Quarter-Zip

A quarter-zip is a smart casual staple. Zip it up for warmth, or open it to show your collar. Wear it over a dress shirt for the office, or over a tee on weekends.

The Full-Zip

A full-zip sweater layers like a light jacket. Wear it open over a sport shirt indoors, or zipped up under a winter coat. Chenille full-zips add soft texture.

The Johnny Collar

A Johnny-collar sweater has a polo-style collar with a short placket. It looks polished on its own and sits neatly under a sport jacket.

Choosing Colour

Start with navy, charcoal or black for versatility, then add a warmer colour like burgundy, brown, olive or rust.

For fit tips, read how should a sweater fit.

How to Layer Sweaters for Winter

  • Office: a quarter-zip over a dress shirt, under a wool-blend overcoat.
  • Smart casual: a Johnny-collar sweater under a sport jacket.
  • Weekend: a full-zip over a long-sleeve tee, with a parka.

Learn more about how to layer for winter.

Care Tips

Fold sweaters rather than hanging them to avoid stretching, wash according to the care label and remove pilling with a fabric shaver.

Pair your sweater with the right long-sleeve shirts to layer underneath.

Bought a quarter-zip? Here's how to style a quarter-zip sweater for work and weekends.

FAQ

What sweater style is most versatile?

The quarter-zip. It works over a dress shirt for the office and over a tee on weekends.

Can I wear a sweater under a suit jacket?

Yes, for relaxed settings. A thin quarter-zip layers under a suit jacket. For dressier events, choose a suit vest instead.

What colour sweater should I buy first?

Navy or charcoal, since they go with almost everything.

Shop Sweaters at Tip Top

Find quarter-zip, full-zip and Johnny-collar sweaters and fall layers, and finish the look with winter accessories. Prefer to try it on? Visit one of our 80+ locations across Canada.

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