Men's Sweater Guide - Crewneck, Cardigan, Shawl Collar Cardigan - wool, cashmere, cotton, by Mens Fashioner on YouTube. 5 min 33 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 33 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Check the shoulder fit first. The seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder, and you should be able to button it without the fabric pulling across your chest.
Pick the fabric for the weather. Wool and cashmere hold warmth for cold days, while cotton and fine merino suit milder days and layer more easily under a coat.
Choose a versatile colour. Navy, charcoal grey, oatmeal or camel work with most trousers and jeans and make the cardigan easy to repeat through the week.
Start with a simple base layer. A plain crew neck tee keeps the look casual, while a button-down shirt with a small collar looks sharper for the office.
Button it with care. Fasten the middle buttons and leave the top one open so the collar sits flat. Buttoning every button can look stiff and tight.
Keep the layers thin. Wear a light tee or fine-gauge shirt underneath rather than a chunky sweater, so the cardigan sits cleanly over your chest and waist.
Balance the bulk below. Pair a thick shawl collar with slim or straight trousers and simple shoes such as loafers, derbies or leather boots.
Wear it under a coat. Choose a cardigan that fits close to the body, then add an overcoat or peacoat on top without squeezing the shawl collar flat.
Care for the knit. Fold it rather than hanging it, and follow the label for washing. Wool often needs a cool hand wash and flat drying to keep its shape.
Tips and common mistakes
Skip a hoodie or thick sweatshirt under the cardigan, as it adds bulk at the neck and shoulders.
Check the sleeves: they should end at your wrist bone so shirt cuffs can show by about half an inch.
A fine knit suits tailoring, while a chunky knit suits jeans and boots.
Keep the shawl collar flat and avoid stuffing the pockets, which can pull the front out of shape.
Questions
Can I wear a shawl collar cardigan with jeans?
Yes. A chunky wool cardigan with dark jeans, a plain tee and boots is a simple smart casual outfit.
Should a shawl collar cardigan be buttoned?
Fasten the middle buttons and leave the top one open. This keeps the collar flat and stops the cardigan looking tight.
Is a shawl collar cardigan formal?
It is usually smart casual. A fine wool or cashmere cardigan in navy or grey can work with trousers and a shirt, but not with a formal suit.
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.
