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When it's freezing outside, you can't sit near a cozy fireplace or warm heater all the time, so you have to learn to dress for the cold. Loading yourself up with multiple layers can restrict your movement and be uncomfortable. This is where a cardigan comes to your rescue. It saves you from the chilly weather and also makes you look cool and sophisticated. Furthermore, cardigans are relatively inexpensive garments. They are available in different designs, patterns, and prints, so finding the right product can be a little tricky. Additionally, cardigans may fade or fray around the edges and button area, so picking a good quality product is crucial. To help you out, we have reviewed and shortlisted some of the premier men’s cardigans of 2024 that will last a long while and take your style game a notch higher.
Detailing the Top Men's Cardigan of 2024
Goodthreads Cardigan — Best Overall
This cardigan is best for beating the cold weather and making you look classy. Its sophisticated appearance and smooth knit make it great to wear to work or class. There are five buttons so you can button up the cardigan to stay warm and prevent the chilly winds from passing through. It is so lightweight that you can keep it in your bag when you don't feel like wearing it. Additionally, it is made of 100% cotton, which makes the garment super soft. Its mid-weight yarn also ensures a high level of warmth. Since there are two front welt pockets, you can keep your keys, phone, or other essentials close by.
Pros
- 100% cotton and mid-weight yarn keep you warm and comfortable
- Front welt pockets to store small items
- Tapered through the waist to offer a slim look
- Narrow cuffs to prevent cold air from passing up the sleeves
Cons
- Pockets are little saggy
Amazon Essentials Cardigan — Best for Versatility
If you are looking for a versatile cardigan that you can pair with anything, such as jeans or loose pants, this is the one for you. It is made of pure cotton fabric with thick weaving to keep you warm in low temperatures. Since it is made with super soft fabric, it is extremely comfortable to wear all day. When the temperature drops below zero, you can wear it under a blazer or jacket. This cardigan has long sleeves with ribbed cuffs, so you can keep the sleeves extended down to the wrists or pull them up. Its waist is also ribbed, which offers a put-together look when it is buttoned up.
Pros
- Ribbed waist and well-hugging design to fit your body properly
- Long sleeves with ribbed cuffs to push the sleeves up or down
- Pure cotton fiber keeps it skin-friendly
- Can be machine washed
Cons
- May not be long enough on tall people
H2H Men's Cardigan — Best for Heavy-Duty Use
When you want to purchase a sweater that you can wear often, you cannot find a better product than this cardigan. It is made of 55% acrylic and 45% cotton for withstanding heavy-duty use. It is also slightly warmer than some of the other cardigans available, ensuring full warmth and comfort in chilly winters. Since it is ribbed around the cuffs and waist, it not only fits well but also makes you look good. The ribbed design also prevents the chilly wind from sneaking up through the sleeves or bottom of the sweater. Its collar is equipped with a double shawl that gives it a formal look. The utility pockets with ribbed openings that don't gape open when you have something inside make this product truly unique and high quality.
Pros
- Two utility pockets with ribbed style for securing items
- The blend of acrylic and cotton extends its durability
- Four-button design and double shawl collar make it great for formal occasions
- The lightweight fabric provides a cozy feel
Cons
- Not suitable for machine washing
PJ PAUL JONES Cardigan — Great for Value
This cardigan is perfect for making you look stylish and keeping you warm. The credit goes to its fabric, which is acrylic. Therefore, you don't have to wear two or more layers for warmth; this sweater alone is enough to keep you comfy. It has ribbed edges and elastic throughout that ensures it will fit bodies of all sizes. It doesn’t look simple like most cardigans you come across but has a cable pattern on both the sides and the collar. It will make you look elegant when you wear it. Additionally, it has eight buttons that let you choose how you want to style it.
Pros
- Eight-button closure for protecting you from cool winds
- The standing collar offers a professional appearance, making it great for the office or
- Soft and twisted fabric can resist light scratches and friction
- Acrylic fabric makes it extra soft as well as warm
Cons
- Doesn’t look good when worn inside a suit due to the cable pattern
NITAGUT Cardigan — Also Consider
Even if you have worn this cardigan just once, you will not be able to resist recommending it to your friends because it is truly excellent in all aspects. Its twisted cable pattern on both sides makes it great for casual or formal wear. It is made of 100% cotton, which feels soft and comfortable on your skin. Since the fabric is lightweight, you don't have to worry about feeling weighed down by a bulky, thick sweater. In fact, this cardigan is so comfortable you could sleep in it. The tight knitting ensures it will not release fabric balls or fray like other sweaters. It also has seven buttons that let you decide whether you want to keep it buttoned or unbuttoned. On top of everything, this sweater goes well with all shirts, chinos, or jeans.
Pros
- 100% cotton fabric for exceptional warmth and comfort
- A high neck collar, ribbed cuffs, and eight buttons make it great for wearing in chilly winters
- Knitted design and twisted cable pattern to match any outfit
- Elastic sweater adjusts with the body shape
Cons
- No pockets
Buying Guide: Finding a Men's Cardigan
If you are bored of regular sweaters and hoodies, it's time to turn to cardigans, because they provide you the same warmth but are much more stylish and trendy. They are high in demand because they look good no matter what outfit you pair them with. Since you are all set to purchase a cardigan, we want to save you from choosing a low-quality product, so we have created this buying guide to help you on your cardigan-buying journey.
What Should You Know About Men's Cardigans?
Earlier, cardigans were typically only worn on top of a dress shirt. People used to wear them under a suit for formal occasions. However, there have been a lot of changes in style recently. Now, cardigans are not only fit for formal occasions but can also be worn casually. Some men love pairing their cardigans with a pair of jeans and a cool graphic tee. They also work great for formal occasions, such as an interview or for going on a date. Additionally, they are popular thanks to their ability to keep you warm and comfortable on cool winter days.Â
How Can You Find the Best Men's Cardigan?
These factors will help you get your hands on the best men's cardigan.
Material
You can select a cardigan made of 100% cotton because they are super soft on the skin and won’t cause irritation; however, they are not the warmest option available. However, cardigans made of 45% or more acrylic are more durable and offer more warmth. They are ideal for very cold winters. Choose a cardigan based on how cold it gets where you live and work.Â
Buttons
Different cardigans have different numbers of buttons. They can have as few as four buttons or as many as eight buttons. You can select whatever style suits your preference. A cardigan with more buttons prevents cold winds from getting in when you have buttoned it up. On the contrary, cardigans with fewer buttons allow you to show off your shirt underneath.
Pockets
Some cardigans have two pockets on the bottom front, while others have none. You should opt for a sweater with pockets if you tend to carry a lot of trinkets with you. Pockets with ribbed openings are better because they don't gape open when items are stored inside.
Cuffs
The cuffs of a cardigan have no buttons like shirts, but instead are narrow and ribbed. This design allows them to grip your wrist nicely and ensures no cold air travels up your sleeve. You can also pull them up to add a dash of style to your look.
How is a Cardigan Different From a Regular Sweater?
A sweater is suitable for very, very cold winters, while a cardigan cannot handle extremely low temperatures. If you still want to wear a cardigan in a freezing climate, you can do so by layering it. You can also put a coat or a jacket over it. Additionally, sweaters have thick fabric with a rough texture that may irritate your skin. Therefore, wearing them for extended periods can be uncomfortable. This is not the case with cardigans, because they are made with lightweight fabric. Consequently, they are comfortable enough to wear all day long. Since they are thin and lightweight, they are easy to fold and carry in a bag. At the same time, sweaters are hard to carry because they take up more space in your luggage.
How to Maintain the Quality of a Men's Cardigan
The clothes that take care of you in the winter deserve care too. Here are some tips to keep your cardigan looking like new months after your purchase.Â
- Don't wash it frequently.Â
- If you really need to wash it, use cold water and a gentle detergent. Never use hot water.
- Don't scrub or rub it. Simply swirl it around and then rinse with water.Â
- Don't put it in the washing machine unless mentioned that it is safe to do so in the product description. If you are machine washing it, make sure to use the gentlest settings.Â
- Once washed, squeeze it gently to remove excess water. Don't squeeze too hard, as this will warp the fabric
- To dry it, you can lay it flat on a rack.Â
- After the cleaning process is completed, store it in a drawer. Keep it away from sunlight.
- Ensure that it is not touching any rough objects, because friction causes pilling.
How Much Does a Cardigan Cost?
A cardigan is the most affordable winter wear you will ever purchase. One of the biggest benefits is that it will last a long time if you take good care of it. You can purchase a cardigan for as little as $20. Cheaper cardigans are thin, lightweight, and suitable for mild winters. On the other hand, a warmer cardigan will cost you around $45. Evidently, the products will cost more if they are thicker.
