We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products The Best Sweaters for Men for Every Destination The perfect layering pieces for wherever you’re headed. By Joe Niehaus Joe Niehaus Joe Niehaus has been working in commerce and reviewing products for several years. He's reviewed products for sites like The Quality Edit and The Adult Man and worked with brands like Nike and Canada Goose. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 24, 2024 Comments In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Tips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski When the temperature starts to dip, a reliable sweater is a must-have. Sweaters and sweater dresses for women keep you warm, of course, but they should also elevate your overall appearance. Call me crazy, but I’m a year-round sweater wearer. Summer time? It’s AC on full blast with a cozy sweater while I type away indoors all day. During the winter months, it’s probably one or two fleece layers. From my favorite hand-me-down Everlane crewneck that I’ve worn hundreds of times (and even had to iron on patches because I wore it down so much) to my recent obsession with a few buttery-soft pieces from Vuori, sweaters are something that’ll always be in my travel wardrobe. The best sweaters fit well, are made of fabrics you feel good in, and have a touch of class. Whether you’re headed to Vermont for autumn leaf peeping or planning to stroll through a breezy European city this fall, these are the men’s sweaters you’ll want to have on rotation. Our Top Picks Best Overall: J.Crew 1988 Heritage Cotton Rollneck Sweater at Jcrew.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Amazon Full Zip Cotton Sweater at Amazon $28 Jump to Review Best Size-inclusive: SALE X-Ray Men’s Basice Mock Neck Midweight Pullover Sweater at Target $58 $29 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Vuori Ponto Performance Crew at REI $110 Jump to Review Most Versatile: Cuts Hyperloop Pullover Split-Hem at Cutsclothing.com Jump to Review Best With Pockets: Naadam Signature Cashmere Zip-Up Sweater Jacket at Naadam.co Jump to Review Best Sweat-wicking: Faherty Movement Crewneck Sweater at Fahertybrand.com Jump to Review Best Formal: Buck Mason California Cashmere V-Neck at Buckmason.com Jump to Review Best Odor-resistant: Cozy Earth Men’s Bamboo Pullover Crew at Cozy Earth Jump to Review Best Casual: Mack Weldon Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater at Mackweldon.com Jump to Review Best Overall J.Crew 1988 Heritage Cotton Rollneck Sweater PHOTO: J.Crew View on Jcrew.com Why We Love It Made of 100 percent cotton, it offers classic comfort that you can pair with just about anything. What to Consider Because of its compact knit, it may be too warm to wear on spring or summer days. With a nostalgic design and drapey construction, the J.Crew 1988 Heritage Cotton Rollneck™ Sweater brings classic tradition to the modern day. While its texture feels thick to the touch thanks to its dense cotton, this sweater can still be layered up with other pieces for extra warmth in colder weather conditions. The roll neckline and cuffs are a unique departure from the ordinary sweater look while the solid stitching prevents annoying loose fibers after wear. Available in seven sizes and five colors, including a classy shade of white for those who aren’t afraid of stains, it’s hard to go wrong with this sweater, which is one of J.Crew’s top-rated pieces. The Details: XXS to XL | Cotton Best Budget Amazon Full Zip Cotton Sweater PHOTO: Amazon $28 $27 at Amazon Why We Love It It’s simple, elegant, and unbranded. What to Consider The zipper can stick. While synthetic fibers like polyester and acrylic can offer nice performance features, sometimes we just want to stick with reliable 100 percent cotton. The Amazon Essentials Men’s Full Zip Cotton Sweater offers exactly that — and at an affordable price point. With a full zipper and regular fit, this sweater offers versatility and style fit for a dinner party with friends or a day at the office. The ribbed neckline, cuffs, and hem are also nice features to help you stay warm when you need it. This sweater is a great choice if you want a solid piece of good-looking clothing without draining your wallet. The Details: XS to 2XL | Cotton Best Size-inclusive X-Ray Men’s Basice Mock Neck Midweight Pullover Sweater PHOTO: Macy's $58 $29 at Target $48 at Macy's $38 at Verishop.com Why We Love It It comes in a ton of colors and sizes, making it a great option for all body types. What to Consider Its synthetic fabrics could be a dealbreaker for customers looking for natural materials. There’s no doubt that finding the right size can be a tough task for those who want clothes beyond the typical small-to-large spectrum. This pullover from X-Ray is available in sizes up to 6XL. With a mock neck and fitted cuffs that hold the warmth in tight, the Men’s Basic Mock Neck Midweight Pullover Sweater provides versatility and style in a single garment. Designed to keep you cozy at any time of the day (or year), this sweater is great for layering with a coat or showcasing alone with a T-shirt underneath. Available in 26 shades at a reasonable price, you may want to get several options to match more than just one pair of jeans or chinos. The Details: S to 6XL | Nylon, viscose, polyester Best Lightweight Vuori Ponto Performance Crew PHOTO: Vuori $110 at REI View on Vuoriclothing.com View on Fleetfeet.com Why We Love It Its relatively thin fabric makes it great for layering with other pieces. What to Consider The slim fit could be uncomfortable if you’re used to more relaxed gear. Vuori has been growing in popularity for years now, but this was the year I personally got really into it. My overall review? Buttery. Soft. Fabrics. Whether you’re working out at the gym or doing some last-minute grocery shopping, this lightweight sweater offers the comfort you need on those busy days. Thanks to its signature DreamKnit™ material, the Vuori Ponto Performance Crew provides fast-drying and moisture-wicking features perfect for all-day wear. Its elastane composition allows for the necessary stretchiness to offer limitless motion and it has a small zippered pocket on the right hip area to give you a secure spot to stash small items. Available in six flattering tones and eight different sizes, this sweater by Vuori can be a great choice if you’re in the market for a performance sweater. The Details: XXS to XXXL | Recycled polyester, elastane Most Versatile Cuts Hyperloop Pullover Split-Hem PHOTO: Cuts View on Cutsclothing.com Why We Love It It's preshrunk, so you don’t need to worry about delicate care. What to Consider The split hem may not be everyone’s preference. Cuts makes clothes “For the Sport of Business,” but this sweater can be used for just about anything. It’s made with a traditional performance blend of polyester for moisture management, cotton for natural softness, and spandex for a hint of stretch. While intended for work meetings and office days, you could easily get away with wearing this for a run or a long day in transit. The flattering build goes well with most types of shirts and bottoms and the seasonal colors add some fun flair depending on what time of year it is. This pullover is a great choice for guys looking for an all-around staple. The Details: S to XXL | Polyester, cotton, spandex Best With Pockets Naadam Signature Cashmere Zip-Up Sweater Jacket PHOTO: Naadam View on Naadam.co Why We Love It Its fuzzy fabric and two front pockets make it a solid statement piece. What to Consider It may be more effort to take care of. If you’re looking for something that can hold your valuables, we love this unique piece from Naadam, the brand known for offering high-quality cashmere at a reasonable price. It’s made from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere and scores a “Heavenly soft” rating on the brand’s softness scale. Although it’s marked as having a relaxed fit, it’s actually pretty slim and hangs just below the waist. We wouldn’t necessarily wear this with a collared shirt, but it’s perfect for casual fall Saturdays or simply lounging around the house. The Details: XS to XXL | Cashmere Best Sweat-wicking Faherty Movement Crewneck Sweater PHOTO: Faherty View on Fahertybrand.com Why We Love It Its thin build is perfect for layering. What to Consider It’s pretty expensive for the fabrics it’s made of (cotton and polyester). When you’re walking a lot — or sprinting to your connecting flight — in a long-sleeve, things can heat up. Faherty’s Movement Crewneck is made of a proprietary cotton-polyester blend that keeps you cool and dry. It’s intended for layering, but we think this would be the perfect piece to wear on its own in the spring or summer. While it’s quite pricey for what it’s made of, Faherty has a quality guarantee if anything goes wrong due to manufacturing issues. The Details: XS to XXL | Cotton, polyester Best Formal Buck Mason California Cashmere V-Neck PHOTO: Buck Mason View on Buckmason.com Why We Love It There’s an undeniable vintage feel in the neckline. What to Consider It only comes in two colors. Buck Mason is known for making classic American pieces, with a modern twist. The California Cashmere V-Neck is our pick for the best sweater for formal wear because while you could certainly wear it around the house, the deep neckline allows whatever shirt you’re wearing to really pop. It’ll pair perfectly with your favorite chinos or worn under a suit, and its versatile oat or navy colors will go well with just about anything in your wardrobe. Be careful though, the brand advises only dry cleaning or hand washing this garment, and you’ll want to take care of it for years to come. The Details: S to XXL | Cashmere Best Odor-resistant Cozy Earth Men’s Bamboo Pullover Crew PHOTO: Cozy Earth View on Cozy Earth Why We Love It Bamboo is a great fabric with tons of benefits that not many other brands use. What to Consider It has a subtle embroidered logo on the bottom left, so if you’re like me and love ultimate unbranded minimalism, this is something to consider. Bamboo clothing? Absolutely – and it’s actually quite functional. Cozy Earth uses viscose, the actual fabric that is derived from bamboo, to offer natural, sustainable breathability and odor resistance. This sweater has a relaxed, slim fit that’s extra soft — almost silky. Don’t worry about pilling, the brand guarantees against it alongside any other workmanship defects. The Pullover Crew comes in seven earthy colors that make it great for pairing with everything from jeans to gym shorts. If you absolutely love this sweater, Cozy Earth even has a matching pair of jogger pants available and you can get the whole set at a nice discount. The Details: S to XXXL | Viscose, acrylic, spandex Best Casual Mack Weldon Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater PHOTO: Mack Weldon View on Mackweldon.com Why We Love It It has a comprehensive blend of functional materials. What to Consider Although cashmere is in the name, it’s barely made of it. With an ultra-soft merino wool and cashmere exterior, and a cool cotton interior, the Mack Weldon Tech Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater gives an elevated casual look with some nice performance features. Besides having a great fit and a high-quality blend of materials, its slim construction allows you to style it with just about anything in your wardrobe. It’s also super easy to take care of, as you can just throw it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Available in five sizes and four colors, including a flattering dark shade of green, this sweater also comes in a classic V-neck design. The Details: S to XXL | Merino wool, cashmere, cotton, cooling yarns Best Breathable lululemon Textured Knit Crewneck Sweater PHOTO: lululemon $128 at Lululemon Why We Love It It’s heavy yet still breathable. What to Consider It’s on the pricey side. I had the previous version of this sweater in a slick baby blue, and although it’s weighty, it’s actually super breathable as well. It’s made of a knit fabric that almost feels like a thick woven scarf with inherent perforation — you can feel the breeze as you walk around. I’d recommend ordering a size down as it can be a bit baggy. The Details: XS to XXL | Cotton, polyester, nylon Best Crewneck Peter Millar Excursionist Flex Crew PHOTO: Peter Millar View on Petermillar.com Why We Love It If you want quality and simplicity without the flashiness, this sweater is for you. What to Consider It has some polyester, which isn’t ideal if you’re trying to stay away from synthetic fibers. With a build that stands between a slim and a regular fit, the Peter Millar Excursionist Flex Crew will look like it was tailored just for you. Its blend of fine merino wool and a little bit of polyester offers supreme softness and performance for those busy days of travel. This piece also has a delicate line around the collar that provides an elegant finish for those who don’t want to sacrifice style for comfort and versatility. Available in four colors, the Excursionist Flex Crew is the perfect garment for spending the evening by the beach or hanging out in the backyard. The Details: S to XXL | Merino wool, polyester Best Quarter-zip Cutter & Buck Lakemont Half Zip Sweater PHOTO: Cutter & Buck $84 at Amazon $110 at Nordstrom View on Fanatics.com Why We Love It Its classic, quarter-zip build makes it great for chilly button-down occasions. What to Consider It’s only available in dark shades. With a true-to-size, classic fit, the Cutter & Buck Lakemont Half Zip Sweater serves up classy style. The blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex offers softness and stretchiness, while its reinforced construction and discreet zipper provide a look that’s polished enough to wear at the office or potentially even to a destination wedding. Since it’s designed to give you extra space around the chest and waist areas for maximum mobility, this sweater should be a must in your travel wardrobe if you’re looking for a piece that gives you freedom and style at the same time. The Details: S to XXXL | Cotton, nylon, spandex Best Cashmere Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater PHOTO: Naadam $98 at Amazon View on Naadam.co Why We Love It It’s pretty affordable for a cashmere sweater. What to Consider It can run small, so it may be necessary to size up. Late this past winter, I picked up two cashmere pieces from Naadam. The brand’s signature crewneck comes in several muted colors that go well with many different outfit choices and in every season throughout the year. It has a ribbed neckline, cuffs, and hem, which provide a nice stretchiness to accommodate any body type. While you can pair it with a collared shirt or T-shirt, I often wear it on its own — it’s really that soft. My only hangup about cashmere is that it’s a headache to clean; I had to buy a special detergent just to hand wash it. The Details: XXS to XXL | Cashmere Best Merino Wool Italic Merino Lightweight V-Neck Sweater PHOTO: Italic View on Italic.com Why We Love It It’s made in the same factories as other luxury brands, and is a fraction of the price. What to Consider It only comes in a few colors and tends to run big. Italic’s model is similar to Costco’s Kirkland brand — you can buy a membership and get access to name-brand quality at a much lower price. Italic’s line is produced by the same companies that make well-known brands’ goods. The Cole Merino Lightweight V-Neck Sweater is a simple top made of 100 percent merino wool with a V-shaped neck that goes well on its own or worn with dressier shirts. While we wish it came in a few more colorways, it’s hard to pass up such a good value for merino wool. The Details: XS to XL | Merino wool Best Athleisure Everlane No-Sweat Sweater PHOTO: Everlane $88 at Everlane Why We Love It Everlane makes some of the best basics for men, and this sweater is no different. What to Consider Its slim fit and earthy colorways may not be to everyone’s tastes. Perfect for layering thanks to its slim-fit build, Everlane’s The No-Sweat Sweater offers enough functionality to become your go-to garment throughout the week. Whether you’re spending a chilly day at home or going for a quick walk around the park, this sweater provides ample coziness and breathability through its signature fabric that keeps moisture away from your skin. It’s also made with organic cotton, a nice bonus if sustainability is high on your wishlist. The Details: XS to XXL | Cotton Best Everyday L.L. Bean Textured Washed Cotton Sweater PHOTO: L.L. Bean $60 at L.L. Bean Why We Love It It costs well under $100 from one of the most iconic brands. What to Consider The washed-down knit can look a little informal for some occasions. L.L. Bean has been loved for generations because of its value, reliability, and generous customer service. The Textured Washed Cotton Sweater is an extension of that brand recognition. It has a traditional fit, can be combined with multiple types of shirts, and comes in a few fun colors. Though the waffle-like touch may not be for everyone, this is the epitome of fall coziness. The Details: S to XXXL | Cotton Best Cardigan Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan Sweater PHOTO: Quince View on Quince.com Why We Love It Its lightweight, soft build makes it great for layering on chilly days. What to Consider Cashmere is tough to take care of. With faux horn buttons and a preppy look, the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan Sweater is a great choice for those who want a stylish sweater for nicer occasions. Made with high-quality Mongolian cashmere and ethically produced in Business Social Compliance Initiative-certified factories, this cardigan will meet all your needs — whether you’re wearing it solo or layering it with a jacket. Soft to the touch, easy to unbutton, and exceptionally lightweight, this piece has all the things that make it great for business trips or a couple’s vacation. The Details: S to XXL | Cashmere Tips for Buying Men's Sweaters Prioritize versatility Since sweaters are bulkier items, you’ll only want to pack one or two pieces that you can wear multiple times throughout a trip. A good rule of thumb to follow is having one sweater that you can wear to dressier settings, like happy hour or a dinner meeting, and one sweater you’re not afraid to get dirty for workouts or wear when you’re in transit. Consider care instructions When you’re on the road, your options for washing clothes are much more limited. A sweater that’s a pain to wash or requires dry cleaning is likely not going to be a good choice to pack when you have limited suitcase space. Frequently Asked Questions How should I pack a sweater? The most space-efficient way to pack a sweater is to lay it face down, fold the arms across the center, and then fold it up vertically in three sections. This will also help to avoid wrinkling or creasing while in transit. How do you know if a sweater is good quality? It’s hard to judge a sweater’s durability without actually wearing it for several months, though you can keep an eye out for a few key indicators. The fabric should be fairly thick and weighty, ideally the hardware is metal or a strong plastic, and the seams should be well aligned. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Growing up in the Midwest, T+L commerce writer Joe Niehaus is no stranger to chilly days. He specializes in men’s apparel, fabrics, and online brands and for this story, he sifted through dozens of styles to find the best sweaters based on material selection, customer feedback, and personal experience. Joe has personally tried pieces from several brands featured, including J.Crew, Vuori, and Everlane. The 7 Best Heated Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more