The V-Neck Sweater is an essential because you’re going to need warm layering pieces for the cooler parts of the year and it allows you to mix and match your Essential Wardrobe a little better by layering it with a blazer or suit, over an oxford or semi-spread collar dress shirt and paired with simple dark wash jeans or wool trousers and a white sneaker, boots or oxford dress shoes. So how could I leave it off this list?

Why a V-Neck and Not a Crew Neck?

Crewnecks are okay, but they’re a more casual item. So for this reason, a V-Neck sweater is essential because it’s the classy mofo of the sweater world. V-necks add a touch of dressy formality that you just won’t get with a crewneck.

I love crewnecks, don’t get me wrong, but most guys don’t know how to wear them so then it starts looking really sloppy. I know some guys like the crew neck and tie or suit look, but I would choose a v-neck or cardigan sweater over a crewneck in this case almost every time.

V-Neck Sweater Do’s and Dont’s

Do

Wear them under Suits
Wear them under a Blazer
Wear them under Overcoats and Peacoats
Wear them under Leather Jackets
Wear them with or without a tie
Wear them with Semi-Spread Collar Dress Shirts with the collar tucked into the “v”
Wear them with Oxford Button Down Dress Shirts
Wear them with Wool Trousers
Wear them with Dark Wash Jeans
Wear them with White Sneakers
Wear them with Oxford Dress Shoes
Wear them with Boots
Let your partner borrow them to snuggle with or wear
Throw them out if they get worn or thin around the elbows or the collar gets stretched out

Don’t

Wear them with a dress shirt and have the collar resting on top of the “v”
Wear them with shorts
Wear them over Polo Shirts (ever)
Wear them over T-Shirts (ever)
Wear them without any shirt underneath – gross!
Wear them if they have any holes, pilling or they’re worn thin around the elbows

Fabrics

I prefer the V-Neck Sweaters I work with to be made of wool, – either regular or merino wool. Cashmere is also a great fabric, but it’s definitely on the pricier side. If you run a little warmer, then go for a wool/silk or cotton-blended sweater – Pima cotton is also great, but it stretches out very easily.

Colors

You need at least 1 black V-Neck Sweater in your closet. If you’ve got a black one already, grab a navy and/or charcoal gray version. These colors will go with everything else in your Essential Wardrobe. If you want a 3rd option, then a darker brown will also go pretty well with your wardrobe, too.

How Should a V-Neck Sweater Fit on a guy?

Check out my V-Neck Sweater fit guide for how (all) your sweater(s) should fit.

The Best Men’s V-Neck Sweaters

Designer Options

I love these because the fit, fabric weight, and overall construction is impeccable and I’ve worked with these brands many, many times.

Ermenegildo Zegna Black V-Neck Sweater

J.Lindeberg Black V-Neck Sweater

Burberry Navy V-Neck Sweater

Brooks Brothers Navy Saxxon V-Neck Sweater

Vince Navy V-Neck Sweater

Ermenegildo Zegna Black V-Neck Sweater

J.Lindeberg Black V-Neck Sweater

Burberry Navy V-Neck Sweater

Brooks Brothers Navy Saxxon V-Neck Sweater

Vince Navy V-Neck Sweater

Budget-Friendly Options

I love each one of these v-neck sweaters, especially the H&M and Life After Denim sweaters. Even though they’re budget-friendly, the quality, fabric weight, and overall fit is really good.