How to Pick the Best Men's Sweaters

Section: Building Your Wardrobe - Blog

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If you need help building a functional wardrobe on a shoestring budget, think sweaters. These versatile garments add color to your outfits and can be mixed and matched with other pieces in various ways.

As you start building an accessory wardrobe to supplement your foundation garments, focus on go-with-everything basic staples. Once you have the basics,you can experiment with colours, textiles and styles.

Don't Sweat Men's Sweaters

Select your sweaters carefully because you could ruin that all-important first image if your sweater doesn't fit properly. Focus on fit and fibre types when shopping, and you'll avoid expensive buying mistakes.

Colour and style are also important factors, but if the fit's wrong or the fibre is uncomfortable, the sweater spends more time in the closet than it does on your body, so you've lost time and money on that investment.

Sweater Selection Criteria

Your budget, as well as the climate of your locale, are key selection factors because most men don't wear sweaters on sweltering hot days. So, if you live where it is cooler, we recommend you own four or more classic sweater styles for work or leisure.

Those in warmer climates can usually manage with one or two all-purpose sweaters in basic colours and breathable fibres, such as cotton or wool, which feel comfortable regardless of temperature. Versatile sweaters like these are useful if you travel a lot.

Best Fibre Choices

Superfine merino wool from Australia and New Zealand makes for excellent all-round sweaters that look good underneath a business suit jacket in the winter or paired with jeans for leisure time.

For business casual, they can make an appearance under sport coats or blazers. If you invest in solid colours, you'll maximise their interchangeability, thus increasing their value.

Wool sweaters are more suitable for cooler climates. It's best to always invest in 100% wool (or other natural fibres). Natural fibres breath better (which helps you to keep your cool, if you need it). Cotton sweaters may sag or bulge around the waist with repeated use, so if you can afford it, go for 100% wool.

Fit Is King

Regardless of colour, fibre or style, a perfect fit is imperative. While it is not impossible to alter a sweater, it is an arduous task, which most alteration shops want to avoid. Therefore, get it right the first time and save yourself the hassle.

If you'd like some style ideas on how to mix and match sweaters with suits, sports coatsand blazers, treat yourself to a free styling session at Montagio Custom Tailoring. Our expert staff will suit you up so you can strut your stuff in style.

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