The Best Men's Shawl Collar Cardigans in 2022

Oct 07, 2023

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Sweater weather just got a whole lot cozier.

OH, GRANDPA sweater, you say? We don’t care if that designation sticks, shawl collar cardigans are one of the most dashing winter wardrobe essentials out there. Don’t believe us? Just look to style icon Steve McQueen, and more recently, 007 himself, Daniel Craig.

The knitted garment—distinguished from other woolen counterparts by its open front, buttons and, of course, turned-over collar—has endured for two simple reasons: its classic design and its comfiness factor.

Shawl collar cardigans are incredibly versatile, meaning that the best of them can do double duty as tops for both casual and more formal dress codes. Compared to regular cardigans that usually sit closer to the body, the shawl collar cardigan’s baggier silhouette gives off a more relaxed vibe. That said, most still layer wonderfully. Then there’s their material construction, which includes popular fabrics like cashmere and wool that’ll keep you nice and toasty.

So, go on, wrap yourself up and stay fashionably warm this winter with our assortment of the best men’s shawl collar cardigans to buy now.

Best Cardigans | Best Sweaters for Men | Best Cable-Knit Sweaters | Best Cashmere Sweaters | Best Turtleneck Sweaters | Best Crewneck Sweatshirts | Best Blazers | Best Undershirts | Best Winter Jackets

The Luca Faloni brand only sources its materials from the most esteemed artisans across Italy. Take this chunky shawl collar knit, for example, which uses pure four-ply cashmere from the Cariaggi yarn factory. The ribbed-handle design ensures extra warmth and durability without compromising on suppleness.

Made from ultra-soft lambswool, Todd Snyder’s take on the characteristic cardigan features an adaptable shawl thanks to a secret button and loop that’s close to the collar. The leather-covered buttons, two welt pockets and the ribbed hem and cuffs are the sort of details we appreciate.

A sweater with a traditional fair isle pattern is a cold-weather staple that never goes out of style. L. L. Bean’s shawl collar cardigan is cut from first-class cotton in a slim fit. This piece also perfectly exemplifies how one great item can add more texture to your outfits.

We all need to make more sustainable fashion choices. Wellen—the German word for “waves”—is a clothing line by retailer Huckberry that aims to make that possible. This fisherman shawl collar cardigan in a regular fit is crafted from soft Seawool, a mixture of recycled plastic bottles and oyster shells.

Staying warm and looking sharp doesn’t have to break the bank. You can rely on Amazon Essentials to take care of all your basics at decent prices—and that includes shawl collar cardigans. We’re especially drawn to this one in a dark camel color.

Read more: Best Winter Sweaters

Merino wool’s naturally moisture-wicking properties and silky-smooth feel make it an obvious choice for shawl collar cardigans. And J.Crew blended in some nylon to make an extra resilient sweater. Grab one in navy and you’ll wear this knit with pretty much everything.

Supplement your sweater rotation by opting for a marled knit—that is, one that’s constructed using different color yarns in the knitting process, creating a speckled surface effect.

Buck Mason’s shawl collar cardigan in a relaxed fit embodies that chic countryside life. This one, in black, is a grand pick for when you’re home alone curled up by the fireplace, or grabbing drinks with friends at the pub.

The Spanish retailer specializes in wool and cashmere clothing, making this shawl collar cardigan in beige a worthy wardrobe add-on. The knowledge that no less than 20% of this item incorporates recycled wool is a definite plus.

Read more: Best Thermal Shirts

This heavily-textured knit by Ralph Lauren’s Americana-inspired Double RL line is crafted from a blend of wool, cotton and linen. And honestly, it just screams comfort.

Everything you’re looking for in a shawl collar cardigan—but with old-school corduroy elbow patches. Hello, professor.

Abercrombie & Fitch’s marled-knit shawl collar cardigan with a tad bit of stretch upgrades the average black sweater to one that’s actually exciting to pair with all your favorite fits.

Proof that a cashmere shawl collar doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Match this cardigan with jeans and sneakers for more casual settings or chinos and loafers for more elevated occasions.

This standard fit shawl collar cardigan drapes like a dream—and it’ll layer like one, too. Your styling options are endless.

Donegal yarns together with bird’s-eye stitching make for a deliciously textured shawl collar cardigan.

Bernd Fischer is a freelance writer based in London covering style for Men’s Health. Before relocating to the United Kingdom, Bernd was a Content Editor at GQ Middle East in Dubai, having previously served in the same role at GQ South Africa in Cape Town. He has written for Paper, The Manual, Mic, Splinter, and the South African editions of Glamour and House & Garden. Bernd is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School in New York.

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