The best cardigans for men: from normcore prep to cosy statement
Cardigans are set to make a rather massive comeback in the coming season. From Reiss to Thom Browne, here’s GQ’s pick of the best you can buy
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Cardigans are back in a big way, and channelling Mr Rogers has never been so chic. That said, now longer just a nod to the kitsch and cosy button-up knitwear of our grandfathers, brands across the fashion spectrum have been showcasing cardigans that are entirely worthy of any stylish man's 2024 wardrobe, be they statement-making or smart-casual layering staple.
An essential investment as we move deeper into the winter season, sub a plain cardigan in for a waistcoat for a decidedly more casual take on a three-piece suit. Alternatively, take your cues from the Milan runways, where the likes of Gucci, Dsquared2 and Marni showed oversized cardigans intended to be worn as coats, for a transitional layering piece that's bang on trend.
And so, here to steer you in the right direction, we've scoured the rails for our take on the best cardigans you can buy before the chill sets in.
What are GQ's best cardigans for men?
You'll find all the cardigans worth your consideration in the gallery below, but first, here's what our editors are wearing this season:
- Best overall cardigan: Percival, £159, percivalclo.com
- Best budget cardigan: Arket, £97, arket.com
- Best designer cardigan: Ralph Lauren, £1,010, ralphlauren.co.uk
- Best patterned cardigan: Dickies, £105, endclothing.com
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1/11Percival
- Fabrication: Wool
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Navy
Percival has mastered the art of mid-priced menswear which serves pure quality and style. Case in point? This mohair wool cardigan. Shaped to an oversized silhouette to give comfort to your off-duty days, it also ensures a strong artistic style stance upon wear thanks to the abstract dye print across its body. Detailed with a rib placket and matching buttons, it’s a fashion favourite for team GQ. £159. At percivalclo.com
2/11Ralph Lauren
- Fabrication: Silk-cotton blend
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Black
The luxe face of everyday knitwear, this Ralph Lauren cardigan is defined by its opulent silk-cotton blend while its silhouette keeps everything else nice and simple. The ultimate balancing act. £1,010. ralphlauren.co.uk
3/11Ted Baker
- Fabrication: Wool
- Sizes: 34-48
- Colours: Taupe, navy
Made from 100 per cent wool, Ted Baker's fresh ‘Alman’ cardigan confirms the effectiveness of simplicity. The kind of design we can picture being sported by old Hollywood stars (think Cary Grant and Steve McQueen), its taupe-shaded frame features an all-over ribbed effect to bring that extra bit of cosiness to your casual ensemble. Layered over indigo jeans and suede boots, you're guaranteed to feel comfortable whilst looking chic, and what's better than that? £125. At selfridges.com
4/11Reiss
- Fabrication: Merino Wool
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Black, navy, beige, grey (+2 more)
Doing cardigans with panache since day one, Reiss' take on classic knitwear injects timeless styles and fabrications with just a whisper of modernism. A piece that proves it: this ‘Forbes’ long-sleeve cardigan, which is elevated by its ultra-soft merino wool construction and ensures versatility through its rich navy hue. £118. reiss.com
5/11Mr P
- Fabrication: Mohair blend
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Orange
Sitting in the ‘Consciously Crafted’ section of Mr Porter’s in-house range, this mohair-blend cardigan is perfect for those looking to serve a mod-like stance via their wardrobe. Jacquard-knitted with a zigzag striped motif from head-to-toe, its cut with a deep V-neck and finished with monochrome edges down the collar, hem and cuffs. Stick to black and white pieces with the rest of your attire for maximum effect. £245. At mrporter.com
6/11Arket
- Fabrication: Linen blend
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Off white
To those in search of a simple and stylish cardigan at a less expensive price point, we suggest taking a trip to Arket. Specifically, for this off-white style. Crafted from a blend of linen and cotton, its lightweight textural combination and relaxed fit makes for the perfect finishing layer during warm Spring days, fitted with a classic V-neck and fastened with corozo buttons. Be sure to keep your surrounding layers simple for enduring appeal. £97. At arket.com
7/11Marni
- Fabrication: Mohair blend
- Sizes: 44-56
- Colours: Orange, blue
Milanese brand Marni has been making waves in menswear for the past three decades, and this is largely due to its excellent approach to knitwear. Defined by striking and ephemeral silhouettes, its latest addition to the cardigan department is this striped design: impeccably soft through its mohair-blend material and undeniably eye-catching through its red and orange colour palette. Instant pizazz ensured. £1,100. At mrporter.com
8/11Dickies
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: S-XL
- Colours: Blue
Dickies may most commonly be known for its utilitarian silhouettes, but the American workwear brand also knows how to excel in elegance: a fine example being this button-down cardigan. Assembled from a robust knitted cotton which promises a good dose of warmth whilst wearing, it's blue striped body is shaped to a relaxed fit and detailed with a brand tab across the chest. Trade your overcoat for this to see you through the warm days in style. £105. At endclothing.com
9/11Cos
- Fabrication: Wool blend
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Cream
Cos is synonymous with menswear staples, making it a smart port of call for a cardigan to last. Our current favourite? This classic cream design. Crafted from a tasteful blend of ribbed wool and cashmere, it's shaped with a relaxed cut and dropped shoulders, falling to a V-neck with contrasting tortoiseshell buttons. Serving premium quality at a more budget-friendly price, add it to your basket before we beat you to it. £150. cos.com
10/11Celine Homme
- Fabrication: Mohair blend
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Orange
Hats off to Celine Homme for stamping a subversive take on the classic button-down cardigan. Relaying the French brand's fondness for punk culture, this latest style references the brazen style of the community through its fuzzy mohair-blend, alternative argyle print and slightly cropped shape. Rest assured that you'll draw the right kind of attention in this – especially if you're brave enough to base it with leather 'kecks. £2,450. At mrporter.com
11/11Ralph Lauren
- Fabrication: Merino Wool
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Green, pink, red, navy (+20 more)
Riffing on varsity styles, Ralph Lauren’s woollen cardigan is channelling pure Chuck Bass thanks to its intarsia knit motif and preppy colourway. Oh, and it’s fully customisable, leaving space for you to add your own initial (or initials) to its two-toned design. £215. At ralphlauren.co.uk
