Best men’s knitwear 2025: Reiss to Gucci | British GQ

Mar 03, 2025

Our edit of the best jumpers, vests, and cardigans is a lovingly-compiled list of prime layering pieces, proving that just because the British weather can be unpredictable, the quality of your outfits can still be reliably strong

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The best men's knitwear really is versatile: from fine knit crew necks on balmier days to cashmere knit vests for smart layering, mohair cardigans for versatile dressing to thick Fair Isle for the most frigid of climates, this is a very rich category indeed, and one your wardrobe will benefit from mining.

If you’re the trend-following type, keep a look out for shrunken shapes, sleeveless designs (in both cardigan and tank top iterations) and slouchy finishes as you scroll. For the more classic among you, you’ll be hard-pressed to make a mistake in a simple, impeccably made crew neck — or a patterned cardigan if you want to push the boat out (but not too far). Adventurous or not, everyone’s men’s knitwear wish list should also contain a half or quarter zip, a turtleneck and a cable knit.

Explore our full curated selection of the best men's knitwear below, where we feature everything from tank tops to knitted polos to jumpers to cardigans from top brands such as Reiss and Cos on the high street, and The Elder Statesman and Drake's on the high-end.

SKIP TO: The list | What type of knitwear is in style for men in 2025? | How should men style knitwear in 2025? | What is the best fabric for knitwear?

To choose what constitutes the best men's knitwear we come with experience, we do extra research and we're always on a mission to surround ourselves with as many jumpers and cardis as possible.

Having been obsessed with clothes her entire life, our section head of menswear for GQ Recommends, Heidi Quill, spends a healthy amount of time up to her neck in samples, and having joined British GQ in 2021, has had plenty of time to assess what separates a fabulous Fair Isle from a rubbish one. Along with our team of contributing writers and freelancers (Jessie Atkinson, Faye Fearon and Adam Cheung), Heidi stays on the hunt for subtleties in cut and fit, recommending from labels she's seen or worn in person, or else that have excellent customer reviews.

Best cardigans | Best sweater vests | Best cashmere jumpers | Best roll-neck jumpers | Best sweatshirts | Best hoodies

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Sunspel

Sunspel

Sunspel

Spun in the Scottish hills using yarn from one of the world's oldest spinners, this Sunspel jumper has been left next-level soft thanks to its tightly woven construction. Once knitted, this jumper is soaked in Scottish spring water in all its melange-effect glory, sealing in its delicate texture. When it comes to styling, we suggest either indigo-hued denim or neutral-toned chinos.

Marks & Spencer

M&S

M&S

High street retailer Marks & Spencer has long been a faithful source for quality menswear staples at a less intimidating price, and a fine case in point is this classic crew neck jumper. Offered in an impressive series of shades – including grey, red, light green and camel – it's cut from pure cashmere and is fitted with ribbed trims for a snug finish. A hallmark piece of knitwear.

Hawes & Curtis

Hawes & Curtis

Hawes & Curtis

Claret is, in many ways, the hue of wintertime. It's the colour of mulled wine, wool throws in country manors and our favourite colour among Hawes & Curtis' new roll necks (just behind the royal blue). Lightly woven from merino wool (that's machine washable!), it's been inspired by the suavest mods of old with ribbed accents and subtle texturing.

Cos

Cos

Cos

Introducing a pop of colour to the knitwear proceedings, Cos’ blue mélange jumper will bring a lovely level of optimism to your winter wardrobe. Made from a tactile blend of alpaca, wool and recycled fibres, it’s shaped to an oversized fit through dropped shoulders and loose sleeves, and comes complete with extra ribbing around its crew neck for further warmth. Playful and versatile at once, it’s an affordable favourite for team GQ.

Wax London

Wax London

Layman geographers will know ‘Scafell (Pike)' as the tallest peak in England, but style lovers will soon associate the word with their favourite new knit, as designed by Wax London. Stitched together from black, blue and brown wool, this is a v-neck that is rugged enough to wear as a layer on a hiking mission, but fun enough to pair with a white shirt and colourful tie if your plans are looking decidedly more urban.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Pledge your allegiance to the flag of Ralph Lauren. An icon among the brand's collections, this jumper is a key piece of RL iconography, ready to be worn with pride. Just add denim, and you're good to go.

Percival

Percival

Team GQ loves a good fashion collaboration, especially when it comes courtesy of rising London-based brand Percival. Teaming up with fashion stylist Illaria Urbinati (whose clientele includes the likes of Chris Evans and The Rock), this fisherman jumper is a knitwear must: made from 100 per cent organic cotton, centred by a chunky rust collar and framed with a tonal stripe. Rest assured you won’t need to fish for compliments in this (as they’ll come naturally).

Drake's

Drake's

A signature design from Drake’s premium knitwear range, this shawl collared cardigan is the kind of style Steve McQueen would instantly approve of. Strikingly reminiscent of the actor's iconic wardrobe in The Cincinnati Kid, it's assembled in Scotland from an impeccably soft lambswool and nods to the label’s traditional design codes through the finishing tan leather buttons. A mid-layer for winter and a jacket for spring; you’ll definitely get your wear out of it.

Everlane

Everlane

Since its inception in 2010, Everlane has rapidly risen as a go-to source for quality menswear essentials. Naturally, this includes knitwear. A prime example of the Californian brand’s quality in action, this classic polo shirt is crafted from a luxe merino wool and features flattering details most associated with the style, from the flap collar and button placket to the ribbed hem and cuffs. Having recently been added to the label’s annual sale, take our advice and add it to your basket before it’s too late.

Oliver Spencer

Oliver Spencer

Made from 100 per cent organic cotton, this addition to Oliver Spencer’s knitwear department ticks the boxes for style and sustainability at once. The perfect piece to welcome in spring thanks to its blouson-like frame and midweight fall, the front panel of its body is jacquard-knitted with a chunky series of stripes – creating an age-old appearance which resembles Italian knitwear of the 1960s. Be sure to look up the men from this era for top references on how to style it.

Pangaia

Pangaia

It may not be pint in the garden weather any longer, but colder months have their benefits, not least the ability to get back into cosy knitwear (also known, on the internet, as “really dressing”). Allow us to suggest something in Barbie pink for your cashmere collection: it'll raise your spirits on damp mornings when spring feels very far off.

Gucci

Gucci

We can’t talk about the best men’s knitwear without bringing up Gucci. An instant way to inject some fashionable verve into your attire, the Italian house’s latest cardigan is emblazoned with the iconic GG intarsia motif, elevating its wool-crafted frame to a timeless luxury statement. Shaped with a dropped shoulder and fronted with two pockets, you’ll also feel as cosy as can be inside it.

Frescobol Carioca

Frescobol Carioca

It may not be warm enough to wear this cotton and linen blend tank top on its own until next spring, but for the winter sun wardrobe — or as a layer underneath a big coat and atop a T-shirt — it still qualifies as a sensible purchase in our books.

Marni

Mr Porter

The ultimate trans-seasonal piece, Marni’s crew neck jumper is just the style statement you need to see you through changing forecasts. Reflecting the Italian brand’s ultra-creative approach to must-have wardrobe staples, its mohair-blended body is adorned with a series of popping stripes, bringing just the right amount of attention to your upper frame while simultaneously keeping you warm through its insulating fabrication. What a beauty.

AMI Paris

Ami Paris

Pull off a wardrobe royal flush with this Ami Paris pick, which distils everything we love about the French brand’s best sellers into one: it’s high-quality, it’s timeless, and it perfectly balances subtlety with a touch of streetwear brashness. Wear with slacks and Converse.

The Elder Statesman

Mr Porter

Winter dressing is all about layering, and to do this well, you’re going to need a good cardigan. Just like your best crew neck, but with the ease of a row of buttons, a hearty cardigan is the ultimate trans-seasonal essential – and this pick from The Elder Statesman is a current standout. Knitted from a soft alpaca blend that’s warm and water-resistent at once, it’s emblazoned with a bold checkerboard motif, promising to inject the most fashionable level of pizazz to an otherwise practical ensemble. Big yes.

Massimo Dutti

Massimo Dutti

A knitwear staple as essential to a modern wardrobe as a white T-shirt or a pair of blue jeans, a knitted vest is the easiest autumn/winter building block for making it look like you put in more effort with your outfit than you actually did. This one by Massimo Dutti is in a long-lasting, touchably soft cashmere.

Toast

Toast

With wool sourced from Donegal, Toast's annual knitwear collection always catches our eye. This year, its thoroughly traditional high neck, rib trim sweater comes in charming flecked blue, green or red. Choose your colours and wear them with pride (and denim).

AllSaints

AllSaints

AllSaints may be most acclaimed for its leather jackets and rock-cued tailoring (if you’re yet to invest in those, you know what to do), but the London label also excels in knitwear – a fine case in point being this graphic jumper. Branded with an intarsia heart-shaped logo at the centre, it’s designed from an alpaca wool blend and is shaped to sit oversized for the most nonchalant effect. Layer it over your best straight cut jeans and leather boots for an effortless daily ensemble.

Asos Design

Asos

The primary principle of knitwear may be practicality, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego a dose of style in the process. Enter Asos’ latest design: this excellent cricket jumper. Pulling from the uniforms of the sport through its tipping V neck, striped hems and cable-knit effect, it’s shaped to an oversized fit and sidelined by dropped shoulders for the most effortless stance. Added bonus that it’s sold at a price which won’t break the bank.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo

Our go-to destination for quality knitwear at the most budget-friendly price, Uniqlo's latest unisex cardigan is as good for everyday excursions as it is for lounging days at home. Made from a 19.5 microns lambswool (carefully selected for its warm and fluffy qualities), it's shaped to a relaxed fit – therefore perfect for layering – and is fitted with two functioning pockets above the hem. An easy and affordable win.

Mr P.

Mr Porter

You can't go wrong with a well-crafted black cardigan, especially when it caters to the warmer seasons. We're specifically referencing Mr Porter's latest in-house design here: stitched from an open-knit cotton for pure breathability and finished with natural corozo buttons. Impressively made using 50 per cent lower-impact materials, it's ethical and stylish all at once.

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Should you find yourself perusing the trends of AW24, you might find that vests (knitted and otherwise) remain big on the runways, but that doesn’t mean that a good ol’ knit jumper and even the odd knit T-shirt or polo will go amiss. The truth is, that no matter the neckline or silhouette, a good knit or two is sure to make for valid and worthy new arrivals to your summer wardrobe. Whether you’re layering under the jacket, blazer, or letting it stand solo, hearty knitwear can speak for itself, no matter the location or occasion.

Well, dear reader, in truth it depends on the piece in question. Although we'd say that as a blanket rule, you can't go wrong when contrasting a knitted texture with some rich blue denim or pleated tailored trousers.

Seeking the double threat of durability and beauty? There are a few buzzwords to look out for before you head to checkout. First, we recommend prioritising luxury natural materials such as cashmere and cotton for knitwear you'll be feeling on your skin: that's things such as fine gauge polos and crew neck pullovers for layering. For thicker, warmer pieces that you’ll be wearing on top of a long-sleeve henley or turtleneck — and perhaps even under a coat — more sturdy animal fibres are preferable. Think merino or lambswool for cable knits and Fair Isles, and alpaca and mohair for zip sweaters and oversized numbers.