How to Style Mens Shawl Collared Sweaters, by The Dapper Aristocrat on YouTube. 6 min 12 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 12 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Choose a sweater that sits close to your shoulders and stops at your hip bone. The shawl collar should lie flat against your chest, not gape open.
Pick a mid-weight knit in navy, charcoal, oatmeal or burgundy first. These colours work with most of the trousers and shirts you already own.
For a smart look, wear a collared shirt underneath and let the collar sit inside the sweater's shawl. Tuck the shirt in and add a belt.
Fasten the middle buttons only on a cardigan and leave the bottom one open. This keeps the shape neat around your waist.
Pair it with dark jeans and leather boots for weekends. Swap to wool trousers and derby shoes for dinners or the office.
Keep the rest of the outfit plain. Skip a scarf, tie and loud watch together, since the wide collar is already the focus.
Layer a thin thermal top underneath in cold weather instead of a bulky hoodie, which will bunch under the knit.
Check the mirror before you leave. Smooth the collar flat, straighten the hem line, and make sure no shirt tails hang below the sweater.
Tips and common mistakes
A shawl collar already adds width at the neck, so avoid chunky cable knits if you are broad shouldered.
Wash knitwear cold and dry it flat so the collar keeps its shape.
Navy, grey and cream mix easily, so two sweaters cover most of your week.
Roll the sleeves of a cardigan once if they run long, rather than pushing them up your forearm.
Questions
Can I wear a shawl collar cardigan with a t-shirt?
Yes. A plain white or grey crew neck tee works well for casual days. Keep the tee fitted so it does not bunch under the knit.
Is a shawl collar sweater smart enough for the office?
In most workplaces, yes. Wear it over a button-down shirt with tailored trousers and you have a smart, comfortable outfit.
Should I button a shawl collar cardigan all the way?
No. Fasten the middle buttons and leave the bottom one open so the cardigan sits flat and does not pull across your stomach.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
