Considering buying a sweater but don’t know where to start? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to buy a quality sweater that will keep you warm for years to come. 

Many stylish men look forward to cold weather. One major reason is that when the mercury plummets, it’s time to break out sweaters. Every guy should have at least a few great sweaters in his wardrobe.

If you’re reading this during spring or summer, it’s actually a great time to shop for sweaters and other cold-weather essentials because shops are trying to get rid of last year’s stock. This often means that you can find deep discounts. 

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From sleek turtlenecks to oversized quarter zips, the 20th century saw the rise (and rebirth) of many different types of sweaters. Today, sweaters are an almost indispensable part of the modern Western wardrobe for men and women alike. 

How Should a Sweater Fit?

When buying a sweater, it’s important to nail the fit off the rack because it can be difficult to get sweaters tailored. If you do need to get a sweater altered, be sure to find a tailor that has experience with knitted fabrics. 

Ideal sweater fit depends on the type of sweater and how you plan to wear it.

For instance, a v-neck sweater that you intend to wear under a suit coat and paired with a dress shirt and tie should be close-fitting — skimming the body without clinging to your chest or midsection. However, a chunky Aran sweater can be cut a little looser and still look good. 

The shoulder seam of the sweater should line up with the end of your shoulder, just like a t-shirt. However, if you plan on wearing your sweater on top of several layers, you may want to opt for a slightly looser fit in the shoulders and body.