A truly exceptional sweater has the power to grant you menswear immortality. Case in point: It’s been 36 years since When Harry Met Sally, and we’re still talking about Billy Crystal’s righteous cream cable knit. And this autumn, there are so many elite options on the market—from rugged rollnecks to swanky cashmere cardigans—you’re more likely than ever to find your knitwear soulmate. To help you navigate the vast selection, we’ve called on five serious menswear experts to predict which styles will dominate the season ahead.
Jian DeLeon, men’s fashion director at Nordstrom
Menswear vet DeLeon is especially excited about two sweaters this fall: a chunky zip cardigan from Our Legacy with a boxy, cropped fit—ideal for the current fashion moment—and a Maison Margiela crewneck featuring leather elbow patches. “It’s a perfect throwback to the Margiela men’s sweaters that I stocked up on back in the mid-2000s,” he says of the latter. “I’m so glad they’ve made a comeback.”
For “great statement pieces that don’t break the bank,” meanwhile, DeLeon recommends the sweaters from both NN07 and Nordstrom’s in-house label Open Edit. And when asked to name knitwear styles that seemed poised for a breakthrough moment, DeLeon nodded to rugby shirts and full-zips. “Rugby sweaters tap into the prep trend while adding a substantial texture just in time for the cooler weather,” he explains.
Nolan Daniel White, content creator and creative consultant
“If you can handle a rougher sweater, Howlin’ is a no-brainer,” says White, referring to the cult-favorite Belgian knitwear brand known for its vibrant designs largely cut from fuzzy Scottish wools. Unfortunately for White, who is sensitive to rougher textiles, he can only “admire from a distance.” Instead, his go-to layers at the moment include vintage cotton Lands’ End sweaters and a Studio Nicholson pullover that blends fluffy alpaca and merino wool.
A dedicated vintage hunter, White suggests browsing eBay and other secondhand websites for affordable cashmere. He suggests seeking out older garments from department store labels—like Nordstrom, Saks, or Bergdorf Goodman—as well as the heritage knit specialist Pringle of Scotland. As for big trends this season? “I think V-necks are going to have a real moment, both thick and thin,” White predicts. “Shetlands, too.”
Jeremy Kirkland, host of Blamo!
Uber-stylish podcaster Kirkland is a certified sweater guy. One of his go-to brands is Rubato, a Stockholm-based label that specializes in classic menswear staples in a range of minimalist neutrals—subtle grays, earthy browns, and soft off-whites. “Their sweaters are very rugged and made to be worn the way you want,” Kirkland says, noting that the brand’s standard crewneck features a relaxed, slightly boxier cut. “That gives you the freedom to pair them with higher-rise jeans or chinos.”
Kirkland is also a big fan of a shawl-collar cardigan in a heavier knit, which can double as a jacket on brisk fall days. And for traditionalists, he points to the timeless Shaggy Dog sweater from prep mainstay J. Press. “It’s never let me down,” he says.
Monica Palucci, designer at Noah
New York’s Noah has built a reputation for killer knits—and for the last few seasons, Palucci has helped bring those pieces to life. Her three favorites from label’s current collection include a classic Shetland in a versatile dark green, a crewneck fisherman cardigan, and a striped Donegal sweater that’s rich in texture. “It’s the perfect blend of an inherently Irish sweater with some New England prep,” she explains.
