How to choose a men's sweater or cardigan

In autumn and winter a sweater becomes one of the most-worn pieces in a man's wardrobe. It keeps you warm on cold mornings, and at the office or in a restaurant, worn with a shirt, it looks smart without being too formal. To make a sweater last several seasons and work with the rest of your wardrobe, think about the neckline, the yarn and the fit when you choose.

Choose the neckline

The neckline decides what you'll wear the sweater with and where.

• Crew neck: the most versatile option. Wear it over a T-shirt or a shirt, or under a blazer.
• V-neck: the classic choice over a shirt and tie, as the tie knot stays visible.
• Half-zip: a little sportier, but it works well with a shirt too: lower the zip slightly so the shirt collar shows.
• High neck (turtleneck): an elegant option that can replace a shirt and tie under a blazer, or even a suit.
• Zip-through cardigan: worn like a light jacket over a shirt or T-shirt, and easy to take off indoors.

Yarn and fabric

The composition on the label tells you how warm a sweater will be and how well it will keep its looks.

• Wool is warm and breathes well. Even a small share of wool makes a sweater warmer.
• Cotton is soft and pleasant on the skin, good for a mild autumn and a heated office.
• Viscose is smooth and soft, drapes nicely and works well under a blazer.
• Synthetic fibres (acrylic, polyamide, polyester) make knitwear more durable, help it hold its shape and make it easier to care for.

The Pierre Cardin sweaters in our range are mostly blends, for example cotton with acrylic or a wool blend. The composition of each model is listed on its product page.

Size and fit

• Shoulders: the shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder. If it slides down your arm, the sweater is too big.
• Sleeves reach your wrist, and the ribbed cuff keeps them in place.
• Length: the hem covers your belt but doesn't fall below mid-hip.
• Fit: if you'll wear the sweater over a shirt, choose a regular fit, or check that the shirt doesn't bunch underneath. A slim fit looks best over a T-shirt or under a blazer.

Wearing it with a shirt and trousers

• With a crew neck, let the shirt collar sit fully outside, and let the cuffs show by about 1 cm.
• Match colours with a simple rule: a navy sweater with a white or light blue shirt; beige or brown with white or blue; black with white or grey.
• Good trouser choices are tailored trousers or chinos, and jeans on more relaxed days.

Under a blazer

Under a blazer or a suit, choose a fine-knit sweater with a crew neck, V-neck or high neck. Thick, chunky knits add bulk and pull the jacket across the shoulders, so they're better worn on their own or under a coat.

A high-neck sweater under a navy or grey blazer is a modern alternative to a shirt and tie, especially for evening plans.

Care

• Wash according to the label, ideally turned inside out.
• Dry flat: a wet sweater on a hanger stretches and loses its shape.
• Store it folded, not on a hanger.
• Any small bobbles that appear over time can be removed gently with a fabric shaver or comb.

Quick checklist

• The neckline suits what I'll wear the sweater with
• The yarn suits the season and the occasion
• The shoulder seam sits at the edge of my shoulder, and the sleeves reach my wrist
• I tried it on with the shirt I'll wear it with
• Only fine knits go under a blazer

You'll find Pierre Cardin sweaters and cardigans in our online shop or in the Pierre Cardin stores in Yerevan Mall, MegaMall Armenia and Rio Mall (open daily 10:00–22:00). We deliver anywhere in Armenia for 1,500 ֏, and within 2 hours in Yerevan. If the size isn't right, you can exchange or return an item within 14 days at one of our Yerevan stores, unworn and with its tags on.