Men's Knitwear Styles Guide | Crew Neck, V Neck & More
The right knitwear does far more than keep out the cold. A well-chosen jumper or cardigan can bring an outfit together, whether you’re dressing for the working week, heading away for the weekend or simply looking for an extra layer when the temperature drops. From the ever-reliable crew neck and traditional V neck to half zips, roll necks, polo collars and classic cardigans, each has its place in a gentleman’s wardrobe.
At Joseph Turner, we believe good knitwear should be comfortable, practical and made to last. Our collection is crafted from carefully selected natural fibres, including lambswool, merino wool, cashmere and yak, chosen for their warmth, softness and enduring quality.
Here, we take a closer look at the key men’s knitwear styles, what sets them apart and how best to wear them.
Crew Neck Jumpers
Few pieces earn their place in a wardrobe quite as readily as the crew neck jumper. With its simple round neckline and unfussy appearance, it’s an easy style to wear and one that works particularly well across the seasons.
For a relaxed look, wear a crew neck jumper over a classic crew neck T-shirt and pair it with jeans, chinos or cords. When something a little smarter is called for, layer it over a favourite shirt with chinos or tailored trousers. Its neat neckline also sits comfortably beneath a jacket or coat when an extra layer is needed.
The choice of yarn can make all the difference. Lambswool provides dependable warmth through the colder months, while fine merino is lighter and particularly well suited to layering. Traditional Aran, Shetland, Fair Isle and Nordic knits add texture, colour and character.
Perfect for: Everyday wear, layering and smart-casual dressing.
V Neck Jumpers
A V neck jumper is a traditional choice and a particularly useful one when a shirt is called for. The open neckline frames a collar neatly, making it equally at home in the office or at a smarter occasion.
For a classic business look, wear yours over a shirt and tie with tailored trousers. Away from work, an Oxford shirt and chinos make for an easy combination that feels smart without being overly formal.
A fine-gauge V neck in merino or lambswool is also an excellent layering piece, providing welcome warmth without adding unnecessary bulk.
Perfect for: The office, wearing over shirts and smarter occasions.
Half Zip Jumpers
Practical, comfortable and easy to wear, the half zip has become something of a modern staple. The zip neckline gives you the option of fastening it on colder days or wearing it open with a shirt underneath.
It’s particularly useful for weekends and days spent outdoors. Pair one with a checked shirt, cords and sturdy boots for a traditional country look, or wear it with chinos for something a little smarter.
A good half zip is also an invaluable extra layer for weekends away, when the British weather inevitably decides not to honour the forecast.
Perfect for: Country wear, weekends and practical layering.
Roll Neck Jumpers
There’s something reassuringly timeless about a roll neck. The high, folded collar provides extra warmth while giving the jumper a clean, distinguished appearance.
A roll neck works particularly well when the weather turns colder. Wear one with corduroy trousers and a tweed jacket for a traditional autumn look, or beneath a tailored jacket when the occasion calls for something a little more polished.
Warm without being cumbersome and smart without trying too hard, it’s a dependable choice for autumn and winter.
Perfect for: Colder weather, smarter occasions and wearing beneath tailoring.
Polo Neck Jumpers
For those occasions that sit somewhere between casual and formal, a knitted polo is a particularly useful choice. Combining the comfort of a jumper with the familiar collar and buttoned placket of a polo shirt, it offers a neat, considered appearance without feeling overdressed.
Wear yours with chinos or cords for lunch or a weekend away, or beneath a jacket when a shirt feels a touch too formal.
Crafted in fine natural fibres, a knitted polo is comfortable enough for everyday wear while still looking suitably put together.
Perfect for: Smart-casual occasions, weekends and wearing beneath a jacket.
Shawl Collar Cardigans
With their generous folded collars and substantial feel, shawl collar cardigans offer plenty of warmth and no shortage of character.
Rooted in traditional country knitwear, they make an excellent alternative to a lightweight jacket when the weather is cool but not quite cold enough for a coat. Wear one over a brushed cotton or Oxford shirt with jeans or cords for an easy weekend combination.
Their heavier construction also makes them particularly useful for evenings at home, weekends in the country and those awkward in-between days when the weather cannot quite make up its mind.
Perfect for: Relaxed weekends, country dressing and wearing in place of a jacket.
Classic Cardigans
A classic button cardigan is one of those pieces that quietly proves its worth year after year. Easy to pull on when an extra layer is needed, it provides warmth without the weight of a jacket and can be dressed up or down with very little effort.
Wear one over a shirt with chinos or tailored trousers for a smarter appearance, or leave it open over a polo or T-shirt for more relaxed days.
The beauty of a good cardigan lies in its versatility. Smart enough to wear out, comfortable enough to wear at home and useful through much of the year, it’s a piece no well-rounded wardrobe should be without.
Perfect for: Everyday layering, smart-casual outfits and year-round wear.
Button Neck Jumpers
A button neck jumper offers a versatile alternative to the classic crew neck, with a buttoned neckline that can be adjusted to suit the weather and occasion. Fasten the buttons for added warmth or leave them open over a shirt for a more relaxed look. Easy to wear with chinos, cords or jeans, this practical style works particularly well for weekends and everyday dressing. Its adaptable neckline also makes it a useful layering piece throughout the cooler months.
Perfect for: Everyday wear, relaxed layering and cooler weather.
Sleeveless Jumpers
Sleeveless knitwear is a practical choice for adding warmth without the extra weight of a full jumper. Designed to layer comfortably over a shirt, it offers plenty of freedom of movement while keeping your core warm.
A natural choice for smart casual dressing, sleeveless styles pair particularly well with Oxford or checked shirts, chinos and cords. They can also be worn beneath a jacket when an extra layer is needed, making them a versatile addition to your wardrobe throughout the changing seasons.
Perfect with: Oxford shirts, checked shirts, chinos, cords and tailored jackets.
Whether you favour the simplicity of a crew neck, the versatility of a half zip or the warmth of a roll neck, there's a knitwear style for every wardrobe. Discover our collection of timeless designs crafted from quality natural fibres. Discover Men's Knitwear