.jpg)
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
There was a dark time in history when wearing a cardigan was seen as straight-up nerdy. It was, you know, the kinda thing that you'd slip on if you were just asking to be stuffed in a locker. But in recent years, every single menswear guy out there has been stocking up on them. And honestly? We're not that surprised. Not even one bit.
It's one of the most versatile knits that any man can own. It looks great with a T-shirt or a polo, but you can also layer it with a big coat or a blazer. Jacob Elordi likes his Bottega Veneta ones baggy. Paul Mescal likes his Charles Jeffrey ones stripy. Ryan Gosling likes his King & Tuckfield ones sweet and pastel-y. And Cillian Murphy? Yeah, he likes his Studio Nicholson ones as dark and moody as possible. You do you!
But with thousands of different brands and styles to choose from, how do you even decide which one to get? And once you do get ahold of one, how do you even wear it? If you want to learn how to style a cardigan this autumn, sit tight as we chat to some buyers, designers, and stylists for some pointers on things you should definitely consider if you want to do it the right way.
#1: Play around with shapes
Cardigans have been around since the 1850s, and in the grand scheme of things, their design hasn't really changed all that much. Most styles are open fronted, they're knitted or woven, and they're fastened by buttons. But just because the overall look has remained more-or-less the same, in recent years, the shape has changed pretty drastically.
“We've always felt that there was a gap in the market for more contemporary knitwear,” says Jack Henderson, co-founder of About:Blank. “So, over the last two years, we've been experimenting with a lot of different cardigan shapes and silhouettes. It's very easy to stick to old school styles, but often enough, you'll find that these can be quite close-fitting and awkwardly long. So don't be afraid to play around with more cropped, boxy designs. These offer a more modern, streetwear edge, and you can style them with anything from wide-leg pants to faded denim jeans.”
#2: Try some lightweight ones
A lot of men's cardigans are quite thick and heavy. But these days, loads of guys are adding thinner, lighter ones to their wardrobes. Think Harry Styles, Jacob Elordi, Pedro Pascal, and Shawn Mendes. These are more wearable, and they'll still keep you nice and cosy when the temperatures begin to plummet.
“Many brands have started introducing thinner, more versatile cardigans that layer seamlessly under jackets or long coats,” says Luke Owen, styling creator and social media executive at THG. “These are ideal for those colder days when you need more warmth without the bulk. It also gives off a more collegiate vibe, so go all-in with the preppy look by adding some clean white trainers or loafers by Clarks or Kleman to your outfit.”
#3: Don't stick to one neckline
It's hard to beat a shawl collar cardigan. Sure, V-neck pieces have been running the show as of late, but labels like Drake's, Folk, Ralph Lauren, and YMC are showing us that the classic shawl is far from dead.
“V-necks are very popular, but there's no harm in trying out other styles, too,” says Jack Hearfield, senior assistant buyer, menswear heavyweight jerseywear and fleece at Next. “A beautifully-crafted lambswool shawl, for example, will look good everywhere, no matter if you're heading out for a few drinks, at the dinner table, or scaling Everest.”
#4: Experiment with textures
Playing around with different fabrics can add depth to any fit. In GQ's guide to layering clothes, we said: “No material is off limits, and the textures of your clothes play an important part in layering.” And this certainly applies when it comes to cardis.
“A textured cardigan can give a subversive aesthetic to any look,” says George Archer, buying manager at Mr Porter. "Fuzzy, mohair styles not only offer extra warmth, but they are also a statement and add a point of interest. They look great worn oversized and layered over plain T-shirts and generally contrast well with denim jeans. If it's your first time dipping your toe into this style, Celine Homme, Marni, and Loewe all have some great options to try.”
#5: Turn up the colour
If you're shopping for your first serious cardigan, you might be tempted to go for a no-nonsense monochrome colourway. And we get it! Black and grey and white ones can be worn with absolutely anything, and that means you can make the most of them. But cardigans don't have to lurk in the shadows, so get yourself a nice vibrant one that'll make all your fits pop off.
“A bold patterned or coloured cardigan can easily transform any drab look into something more fun and optimistic,” says Archer. “There are loads of great options out there this season, most notably from labels such as Ami Paris, Burberry, Our Legacy, Sacai, and The Elder Statesman.”
#6: Go mad with print
Speaking of colours, try to add some crazy graphics and patterns to your cardi game. When learning how to style a cardigan this autumn, your mind can sometimes wander to more neutral, earthy pieces, which is natural enough. But honestly? It doesn't have to be like that.
“Don't be afraid to play around with wacky prints,” says Hearfield. “There are so many to choose from. The Howlin' Knitwear x DJ Harvey's ‘General Store’ collection is a prime example that we can push out preconceived boundaries of knitwear.”
#7: Master layering
When it comes to layering, you can definitely just throw it over a plain tee and call it a day. But if you want to push it a little further, there are loads of other, not-so-obvious ways that you can layer knitwear.
“Pairing a cardigan with a shirt and some trousers creates a simple but streamlined outfit that looks extremely elevated,” says Ximena Guijarro, styling assistant and influencer and PR executive at THG. “To add a bit of warmth, consider layering a cardigan over a turtleneck. For a dash of personality, stack a statement shirt under a neutral cardigan to add some visual interest to the outfit without overwhelming it.”
#8: Replace your jacket
Back in 2020, houses such as Acne Studios, Bottega Veneta, Etro, and Ferragamo started sending cardigans down the runway in place of jackets. And while most menswear trends come and go after a couple of seasons, this one kinda stuck. Because four years later, big fashion guys are still doing it religiously.
“Cardigans look great worn as a lightweight jacket, and the right piece can easily replace all of your outerwear altogether,” says Archer. “Zip-up styles probably work better for this compared to button-down ones. As well as that, I would suggest opting for a dense or chunky fabric for a bit of extra warmth.”
#9: Go a little grunge
Grunge style is big, and it's only getting bigger. Popularised by the likes of Nirvana in the early '90s, it was rebellious, it was unapologetic, and it was gloriously stylish. And if you want to jump into the anarchic aesthetic, a cardigan is a true essential. Just look at the mythical mohair one that Kurt Cobain wore during MTV Unplugged in New York for reference.
“Want to get into grunge? Then having the right knitwear is key,” says Martin Tansey, head of menswear design at AllSaints. “We have a huge collection of styles that'll add some punkiness to any outfit. Some of these play on the classic houndstooth pattern, and they're crafted from hairy yarn. Others are oversized and damaged, and you'll also find some that lean heavily into plaid and tartan.”
#10: Try something different
Every single menswear brand now offers their own cool cardigans. So why not take it as an opportunity to get out there and try something new? Play around with some different designs! Play around with some different fabrications! Go crazy!
“Don't be scared to experiment,” says Hearfield. “Most of us think back to a knitted number when thinking of a good cardigan, but there are so many different options available now. There are some great heavyweight jersey ones that are made from the same materials as your hoodies and sweaters. There are some that are decked out in suede and leather. And there are even some with new collars and sleeves that we've never seen before, and these really stand out.”
