Men’s sweaters take center stage again: it’s that time of year when the men’s wardrobe gets a new look. But faced with a men’s knitwear collection featuring crew necks, turtlenecks, V-necks, zips, vests and polos in merino wool, regenerated cashmere, blends and pure cashmere, choosing can be confusing. That’s what this guide is for: to help you figure out which sweater is right for you, based on the fiber, style, weight and how you’ll wear it.
Men’s sweaters: the fiber comes first, then everything else
It’s the choice that makes the biggest difference, both in how it feels against your skin and how long it lasts.
Short supply chain merino wool. This is the collection we’re proudest of: Sopravissana merino wool, a historic breed from central Italy, sourced from selected farms in Lazio, including Controra, then spun and knitted entirely in Italy. It’s a warm, stretchy and durable wool that’s comfortable for everyday wear and has a story you can trace from pasture to workshop. If you’re interested in the process, you can find out more on our page about the short merino wool supply chain and in our report from Maria Grazia’s workshop in Piacenza.
Regenerated cashmere. Soft, lightweight and warm, with a much lower environmental impact than virgin cashmere (Carbonfact estimates a 97% reduction in emissions per kilogram) because it is made from reclaimed cashmere. We discussed it in detail, including its pros and limitations, in Regenerated Re.Verso cashmere or virgin cashmere: the (almost) invisible differences. It's the right choice if you want the feel of cashmere at a more accessible price.
Cashmere, silk, and extra-fine merino blend. A three-fiber yarn designed to combine softness, sheen, and warmth: the crew neck, for example, is made of 70% extra-fine merino, 20% silk, and 10% cashmere. It’s a refined, lightweight sweater, perfect under a jacket.
Pure virgin cashmere. For those seeking the finest fiber and who don’t consider price their first priority. The men’s collection includes crew necks, V-necks, vests, and sleeveless jackets.
Men's sweaters: 6 styles and how to wear them
- Crew neck. The classic that goes with everything: with a shirt and the collar showing, a T-shirt, or nothing underneath. Available in both short-supply-chain merino wool and regenerated cashmere, as well as blends.
- Turtleneck. The warmest style: it protects your neck without a scarf and is perfect on its own or under a jacket. We offer it in regenerated cashmere in two versions, which we’ll look at below.
- V-neck. The most formal style: it shows off your shirt collar and is best suited to the office.
- Zip and half-zip. Sportier and more versatile: adjust it to the temperature, and they work well as a light jacket.
- Vest. The layering essential: adds warmth to your torso without restricting your arms, and works perfectly over a shirt.
- Polo shirt. For those who don’t want a traditional sweater: our long-sleeved polo shirt in short-supply-chain merino wool is featured in The polo shirt from day to evening.
7-gauge or 12-gauge? A distinction that matters
The gauge indicates how tightly the knit is made. A higher gauge, such as 12, produces a thinner, more refined fabric, suited to wearing under a jacket or during a long transitional season. A lower gauge, such as 7, produces a thicker, warmer sweater that’s “made for real winter.” For our regenerated cashmere turtleneck, we offer both: 7-gauge for the coldest weather and 12-gauge for a slimmer, cleaner look.
The fit: the sweater should fit you, not cling to you
The advice is always the same: start with your usual size and check the measurements on the product page, as the fit varies from one style to another. The short-supply-chain merino wool crew neck is available in sizes S, M, and L, while the recycled cashmere turtleneck goes up to XXL. If you’re between sizes and wear the sweater over a shirt, opt for the larger size; if you wear it against your skin and prefer a close fit, choose the smaller one. To see how a Sopravissana wool sweater fits, find measurements and tips in the guide to your first Sopravissana wool sweater.
How to choose in three questions
- When will you wear it? Every day and in really cold weather: short-supply-chain merino or a fine-gauge 7 turtleneck. For the office and special occasions: V-neck, cashmere and silk blend, gauge 12.
- Interested in the garment’s story? Short-supply-chain Sopravissana wool for traceability back to the flock; recycled cashmere for circularity.
- What’s your budget? From around €91 for a short-supply-chain merino crew neck to €157 for pure cashmere, with recycled cashmere in between, at around €119. (Prices as of October 2026; always check the product page.)
How to style it: three layering ideas
Layering is the rule in autumn. A turtleneck under a tailored jacket and a lightweight coat creates a minimalist look. A crew neck over a shirt with the collar showing works from the office to dinner. A vest over a polo or shirt adds warmth without bulk. And to complete the look, accessories: men’s hats, scarves, and gloves in recycled cashmere or wool, which also make great gifts.
How to make it last
Hand-wash or use a cold, delicate cycle with detergent for wool and cashmere. Dry flat, let it rest between wears, and if pilling appears, use a dedicated comb. If the garment needs mending, we’ll take care of it with the Lanaioli repair service: buying less but better also means making what you own last.
Discover the full range in the Men’s Knitwear collection, or start with short-supply-chain merino wool and recycled cashmere.
