The 18 Best Men's Sweaters of 2023 | by Travel + Leisure - Travel + Leisure

Your mother was right, you should never leave home without a sweater. It's a doubly handy bit of advice to remember when packing for any trip. Weather has the tendency to turn at the worst possible moment, so it's always good to have your favorite sweater on hand, just in case. But what makes for a good quality sweater? According to Amanda Webster, business development consultant and founding member at Double-Major – a fashion and lifestyle consultancy – the first thing we should look at is the material: "100 percent wool, 100 percent cashmere, 100 percent cotton, those are your ideal [fabrics], especially for a sweater." While polyester or synthetic materials aren't necessarily a bad thing, it means the piece "is not going to be as breathable," says Webster. "When you get that weird, sweaty feeling inside of your clothes, it's coming from those synthetic materials."

Webster looks at materials and weight when picking out a quality sweater, as these things help determine whether or not it will be able to stand the test of time. For her, brands like Patagonia, Naadam, and The Elder Statesman are the best, and we tend to agree.

Our best pick overall is Patagonia's Men's Recycled Wool Sweater thanks to its durability, versatility, and choice of environmentally friendly materials. But if you're looking for something more budget-friendly or athletic-leaning, have no fear! We'll include 19 other sweaters for every kind of traveler.

Patagonia

Why We Love It

What to Consider

Patagonia has managed to build a brand that's trusted across the globe for its focus on sustainability, while competing in an industry known for doing the opposite. But while we're certainly fans of their business practices, this sweater was our top overall selection for many other reasons. The price point is attainable, which can be a challenge in a category filled with designer brands, and the design is classic, which means it's versatile and can pair with a variety of pieces.

We also love the four different color choices. Two are plain, hex gray and natural, while the other two have patterns, but no matter which you choose you'll be able to use it in any season, thanks to the warmth of the wool. It's extremely soft and durable, and the usual itchiness associated with wool sweaters disappears after a few wears.

Price at time of publish: $149

The Details: XS to XXL | 70 percent recycled wool, 26 percent recycled nylon, 4 percent other fiber

Amazon

Why We Love It

What to Consider

Available in 15 colors, this sweater is made with Fruit of the Loom's EverSoft ring spun cotton, which keeps it soft wash after wash. The front pocket keeps your hands warm, while the two-piece hood does the same for your ears. While it's not a sweater made for snow, it's the kind of piece that's perfect for fall and spring yard work that'll keep the sweat from sinking into your clothes.

Price at time of publish: $30

The Details: S to XXXL | 60 percent cotton, 40 percent polyester | Machine washable

Uniqlo

Why We Love It

What to Consider

Uniqlo can trace its origin all the way back to 1949, but it wasn't until 1998 that the brand opened its first store in Tokyo. Since then, they've expanded to over 2,000 stores located across the globe, and that's because they provide quality basics like the Extra Fine Merino Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Sweater. Available in nine different colors, this sweater is the definition of versatile and can be packed and worn almost anywhere without worry.

Price at time of publish: $50

The Details: XXS to XXXL | 100 percent wool | Machine wash cold on gentle or dry clean

Nordstrom

Why We Love It

What to Consider

Nike is known for making some of the best athletic gear on the planet, which gives them an advantage when stepping into the athleisure world. This lightweight hoodie is made from the brand's signature Dri-FIT fleece, which is designed to wick away moisture. It's the perfect piece of gym clothing that will keep you warm on cool mornings and evenings before or after your workout.

Price at time of publish: $80

The Details: Small R, Small L, Medium R, Medium L, Large R, Large L, X-Large R, X-Large L, XX-Large R, XX-Large L, XXX-Large R, XXX-Large L | 92 percent polyester, 8 percent spandex, 100 percent polyester mesh contrast | Machine wash, tumble dry

Madewell

Why We Love It

What to Consider

J. Crew-owned Madewell has managed to make a name all for itself thanks to its focus on well-made, classic designs that work for a variety of occasions. If you're looking for something you can wear year-round that's thin, easy to pack, and can be worn in a variety of different ways, this Cotton-Linen Long-Sleeve Sweater Polo is what you've been searching for. Linen is a temperature-regulating fabric, which means it helps you stay cool in summer and warm in winter, making this a piece that can be worn any time. It also pairs with just about anything or can even be worn on its own. It only comes in two colors but both are classics.

Price at time of publish: $128

The Details: XS to XXL | Cotton/linen | Machine wash

Banana Republic

Why We Love It

What to Consider

Banana Republic makes quality, upscale clothing for a reasonable price, and it's a great place to get a classic item like a turtleneck. The lovely thing about turtlenecks is that they are always versatile and straightforward, and that's the case here. Available in four colors, including black, this sweater is crafted from merino wool yarn by masters at Italy's Zegna Baruffa mill, which means it'll keep you warm from fall to winter and into spring.

Price at time of publish: $100

The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent responsible wool standard | Hand wash cold, dry flat, cool iron, or dry clean.

Amazon

Why We Love It

What to Consider

Founded in New York in 1997, Theory manages to toe the line between luxury and casual by making elegant, everyday clothing that seemingly works for all occasions. This crewneck sweater is a versatile addition to any wardrobe, and can be paired with jeans, chinos, or even sweatpants. It comes in five colors and is indulgently soft, so it's perfect to wear through fall, spring, and even mild winters.

Price at time of publish: $295

The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent cashmere  | Hand wash cold, hang dry; or dry clean with any solvent except trichloroethylene

Todd Snyder

Why We Love It

What to Consider

• It's intentionally oversized, so if you're looking for something tight fitting, this isn't it.

Since launching in 2014, Todd Snyder has managed to add a touch of New York style into every piece his brand makes. In this case that means embracing the city's posher side with a classic cricket sweater. While only available in one color, that's all you really need, and it's the perfect sweater for dressing up any occasion. It's sporty and oversized and therefore one of the more comfortable options when it comes to sweaters.

Price at time of publish: $248

The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent lambswool | Dry clean

Naadam

Why We Love It

What to Consider

Founded by college friends in 2013, Naadam gets its cashmere from Mongolia's Gobi Desert, meaning this classic hoodie has been to places and traveled distances we maybe never will. Still, this piece doesn't feel overdressed and is perfect for everyday wear. Suitable for errands and nights out alike, this is what all elevated basics should aspire to: it's comfortable, breathable, and good looking. It comes in eight different colors, including smoke, denim, and olive.

Price at time of publish: $145

The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent Mongolian cashmere | Dry clean or hand wash cold, lay flat to dry

Buck Mason

Why We Love It

What to Consider

• This is not a wool sweater, so if you're looking for something to get you through a cold winter, this probably isn't it.

Made in America and designed to last more than a single season, Buck Mason manages to blend style with versatility. This cotton sweater is the perfect expression of that thought process. It comes in four classic colors and can be worn for just about every occasion.

Price at time of publish: $148

The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent cotton | Machine wash cold on gentle, lay flat to dry

J.Crew

Why We Love It

What to Consider

J. Crew is everywhere and while they've had their ups and downs over the last few years, there's a reason the brand continues to be available from stores in most countries. Case in point, this cardigan. We love this sturdy, machine-washable cardigan that will last for years if treated right. While it only comes in one color, cauliflower, it's a classic that pairs with just about anything.

Price at time of publish: $158

The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent cotton | Machine wash

Clothbase