Getting kitted out for winter can feel like a tough challenge, especially if you don’t want to end up looking like the abominable snowman. But if you know what key items to look for, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. Get advice from the sartorial oracles Pausemag or across at GQ, browse through high-street stores like Debenhams – which has a huge range of men’s knitwear – or take inspiration from this winter-wear guide. Here we’ve picked out our top five knitwear pieces that will help you tackle the cold weather and look great every day.
Cable-knit jumper
The kind of oversized, snuggly cable-knit jumpers that our grans used to make for us are back in fashion, and we couldn’t be happier about it. A thick cable-knit jumper is perfect for especially cold days and can be worn with pretty much anything. Don’t worry about fiddling around with knitting needles to get that homemade feel; plenty of high-street shops are now selling cosy, handmade-looking knitted jumpers in a huge range of colours and styles.
Patterned jumper
Inject some fun into your winter wardrobe with a patterned jumper. Go for a classic Fair Isle-pattern jumper in navy or grey, or if you want to make a bold statement, a fun, colourful motif jumper. It’ll be perfect for keeping you smiling when the weather’s not so good.
Breton jumper
You just can’t beat a Breton-striped jumper. Whether in classic navy and white stripe, or more modern colour combinations, the Breton jumper will be your ally throughout the colder months. Wear with chinos and brogues for a smart evening look, or with jeans and Converse in casual situations. Bonus points if you wear a Breton jumper with button-up shoulders.
Cashmere V-Neck jumper
Look smart and feel cosy with a super-soft cashmere jumper. Most high-street menswear stores sell cashmere-mix jumpers, so even if you don’t want to pay for 100 per cent cashmere (which is very expensive), you can still get the luxurious texture in your clothing. Wear over a shirt for work or with a T-shirt and jeans for casual nights out.
The cardigan
For when the weather is neither here nor there, a cardigan should be your weapon of choice. The great thing about cardigans is that you have the choice of buttoning up if it’s cold, or leaving them open if it’s quite mild. Cardigans are also generally lighter and thinner than most types of jumper, so you can more easily layer with a T-shirt or shirt underneath, and a jacket on top.
