The Best Crewneck Sweaters, Tested by Style Editors

After testing a lineup of crewneck sweaters, Polo Ralph Lauren’s offering easily stands out as the clear winner. This decision was not weighed solely based upon looks; the piece is a masterclass in design and style.

For starters, the material is a luxurious blend of wool and cashmere, which means it’s incredibly soft to touch while still being warm enough to handle those crisp fall days. The cable-knit pattern has a classic vibe, and offers a texture that’s both visually appealing and incredibly comfortable. In terms of fit, it’s thoughtfully cut to be a bit wider in the chest, providing a comfortable relaxed feel without veering into baggy territory. Despite that extra room, it maintains a modern silhouette, giving you a polished look that works just as well in a casual setting as it does dressed up. In fact, the number of ensembles you can create with this garment speaks volumes about its versatility.

You can throw it over an oxford shirt, paired with off-white jeans or chinos for date night or a rooftop soiree. Or, flip the script and layer it under a travel blazer with sleek trousers for a cocktail party or work meeting. All in all, it’s not just a crewneck sweater that you toss on; rather a work of art that takes your entire outfit to the next level.

Read More: Best Shackets for Men

Uniqlo’s ribbed crewneck sweater is perfect for simple outings, like a coffee meetup or weekend brunch. Designed for everyday wear, it looks great in casual settings as it does in professional spaces. The affordable knit is made with a blend of cotton, polyester and rayon, which means it’s soft and comfortable, yet strong and easy to care for, with a nice drape and polished look. And there’s a bit of stretch, so you can move any which way without restriction.

We found this piece offers a more clean, refined appearance than most options we’ve given a test run. It’s got that extra something that makes it look a cut above the rest. The ribbing on the collar keeps it in shape and adds a subtle texture, providing a durable and neat finish. Did we also mention it was machine-washable? That’s right, it’s super low-maintenance and doesn’t require special care in order to remain fresh.

The beauty of a waffle crew stems from its unique weave that creates small air pockets for maximum breathability. Take Abercrombie’s version. It arrives in an oversized fit, so you get all the cozy vibes and room to chill out in style. During our testing, we’ve worn it solo on mild days and styled the piece under a light jacket on breezy mornings. It pairs well with everything from jeans to chinos, perfect for casual outings and professional work settings.

We found the fabric feels comfortable and isn’t too heavy, making it a versatile choice for various seasons. As for its durability, the material tends to hold its shape well over time, which means you don’t have to worry about it stretching out or losing structure after a few wash cycles. Plus, the textured knit adds a bit of dimension to the sweater, giving it a more rugged, laid-back feel.

Cashmere crewneck sweaters are like a hug you can wear—ridiculously soft and cozy. Enter J. Crew’s cable-knit version. Even though it has the same design as Polo Ralph Lauren, the price is higher because it’s made from 100% cashmere, which is loftier, giving it that extra plush feel. Not to mention, it keeps you warm in colder temps without making you feel like you’re buried in layers, so you stay comfortable and look sleek at the same time. Our fashion editors have worn this style during fall festivals, holiday gatherings and shopping outings.

With this cut, you may have to size up because it falls on the slightly smaller side, that’s if you prefer extra room for movement or plan to layer over other duds like a turtleneck. Otherwise, it’s great for someone looking for a tailored, fitted look. This can be especially flattering for those with a slimmer build, as it hugs the body and creates a sharp, clean silhouette.

Need some serious warmth? A wool crewneck sweater like this one from Filson is your best bet. For optimal heat retention, it’s spun with five-gauge yarn that’s relatively thick and more robust than others on the list. But don’t worry—the knit is not so substantial that you’ll be sweating like crazy. The material’s natural fibers wick away moisture and allow air to circulate, which helps regulate a cool temperature to keep you comfortable no matter what.

Despite its density, we found the piece to be fairly lightweight on the body. We didn’t feel suffocated or stuffy at any point. The collar, cuffs and hem each have a ribbed-knit finish, meaning these areas have stretchy, textured pattern that helps it fit snugly and stay in place.

Pros

• Wicks moisture away from the body
• Perfectly transition from the office to date night
• Naturally regulates body temperature

When it comes to comfort, Everlane really hit the mark with this crewneck sweater. Produced with merino wool, this style feels like a dream against your skin and offers optimal warmth for those days with a chill in the air. Unlike Filson’s offering made with regular wool, merino wool fibers are finer and less coarse, making it comfortable enough to wear all day. Another great touchpoint is its natural breathability.

We found it keeps you cozy when it’s cold but also cool as a cucumber when it’s hot. Plus, the material resists bad odor and wicks moisture away from the body, which helps you stay dry, whether you’re active or just taking it easy. Our fashion editors are all about this top because it works for chilling great at a coffee shop and turning heads at a gallery opening.

Having a ribbed crewneck sweater is all about combining style, comfort and durability. Buck Mason’s version piles all three qualities into one seamlessly. The rich texture isn’t just for decoration—it’s what gives this quality knit that perfect mix of stretch and structure, so it fits you just right without feeling stiff. The homespun yarn-dyed cotton has a unique character because it often shows off slight variations in color that adds charm and provides enough durability to handle whatever you throw at it.

During our testing, we found that it has an effortless vibe that works for pretty much any occasion regardless if it boasts an old-school fisherman aesthetic. Our style team has worn it with light wash jeans and dark color denim for a casual lunch and museum visit.

If you want a lightweight crewneck sweater to sport year-round, check out this one from Todd Snyder. It’s made with merino wool and waffle stitching that allows extra breathability to keep you cool at all times. We found it serves perfectly as a layering piece beneath your fall and winter fits, but also can stand alone on its own as seasons pass.

Drawing inspiration from vintage military thermals, it brings that classic, functional vibe with a modern twist. The cut is designed to hug your chest and shoulders, without being too tight. Our editors like the sleeves because they’re pretty snug, highlighting your biceps and tapering slightly down to the wrists. As for the body, it should have a streamlined shape that doesn’t billow out, keeping things sharp and sleek.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a crewneck sweater?

A crewneck sweater is a pullover sweater with a round neckline that sits at the base of the neck, offering a classic and versatile style suitable for layering and wearing on its own. The main difference between this silhouette and a v-neck sweater is the latter has a v-shaped neckline that dips down, creating a more open look.

How should a crewneck sweater fit?

A crewneck sweater should fit comfortably without being too tight or too loose. The shoulders should align with your natural shoulder line, the sleeves should hit just at your wrist, and the body should skim your torso without clinging.

How do you care for a crewneck sweater?

Care instructions depend on the material. Cotton sweaters are usually machine washable, while wool and cashmere may require hand washing or dry cleaning. Always check the label for specific instructions to maintain the sweater’s quality.