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The Best Cardigans for Men Will Make 2020 Your Cosiest Year Yet
It's time to invest in some chunky knitwear
Why are we all dressing like early-season Friends extras? Wherever you turn, billowy shirts, wide-legged trousers and baggy knits abound. Maybe it's because we, too, are pent up in our flats all day, save for coffee dates with our five government-prescribed mates. Maybe it's because outsized Nineties nostalgia is a safe way to experiment with shape in a world that's ditched 'office appropriate' formality. Or maybe, after half a year of working from our settees, we're beginning to understand the true value of comfort? (See also: Birkenstocks.)
Whatever the case may be, big cardigans are big right now. They have been for a while, sure – Gucci's Alessandro Michele is a fan, and they were a mainstay in many brands' A/W'20 line-ups – but it's fair to say they've never felt more relevant. That's because investing in a slouchy knit is the perfect way to usher in autumn and ensure that your WFH situation is as cosy as possible. Here are our favourites.
Universal Works
£130
Straight from the Esquire Edit 2020, we've worked together with one of our favourite British brand, Universal Works, to create this very lovely two-tone wool cardigan with a baseball-collar.
Acne Studios
£440
Channel Kurt Cobain with this baggy camel cardie from Swedish design collective Acne Studios, which is crafted with a soft wool and cashmere blend (the addition of nylon helps to maintain its longer relaxed shape). Grunge, but grown up.
£115
You can always trust COS to do something a little different with its knitwear. A high neck here, a huge pocket there – it's a brand that knows how to keep things exciting. We're big fans of the colour blocked arms on this, and the fit is perfect. It's pretty thick though, so maybe save it for winter time.
A rare button sighting for the British brand, who often opt for a draped fit with knitwear. This oversized effort comes in cinnamon brown and black (well duh, it is All Saints after all), and features a brushed texture to keep things looking suitably vintage. Top stuff.
£374
The recent A/W'20 drop from New York brand Aimé Leon Dore was ransacked within minutes, but there are still a few green, prep-inspired cardigans left (the red and blue versions are sold out). Get in there quick, though.
The English Difference
£260
It's not technically a cardigan (they're calling it a kimono, which doesn't feel quite right either) but this heritage-inspired piece from Garbstore's house label The English Difference more than deserves its place on this list.
Jamieson's of Shetland
£149
Another colour block option, this time from a historic Shetland Island knitwear brand. Founded in 1893, the family business has been spinning pure Shetland yarn across generations. This cardigan – in sky, denim and midnight shades of blue – is made of 100 per cent pure new wool.
Wacko Maria
Amiri
£760
Tie-dye isn't going anywhere. In fact, DIY tie-dying was a big thing over lockdown – alongside abandoned bread projects and increasingly mind-numbing Zoom quizzes. It's best to leave things to the professionals, like California label Amiri: it's eschewed psychedelic swirls for cloudy water colour splats.
NN07
£180
Simple – or as Scandinavian label NN07 puts it, 'lagom' – is good. This army green wool cardigan (also available in navy) is super adaptable and autumn-ready. The fit isn't tailored, but we'd probably advise going a size up if you're looking for extra slouch.
AMI
Bold, bright and beautiful. Made from insulating wool in an oversized silhouette, dropped shoulders and rib-knitted edges, Alexandre Mattiussi takes inspiration from his childhood for this cosy lilac cardigan. Pair white a white T shirt, navy cords and white sneakers.
Ami de Cœur-Intarsia Wool Cardigan, £360, matchesfashion.com
Gucci
Made in Italy from a brushed mohair blend in a relaxed silhouette, this cardigan from Gucci's AW20 collection is a luxury take on your Grandads knitwear drawer, remember that? Even Alessandro Michele delved deep into his childhood memories for this grey, brown and yellow-ochre harlequin-jacquard knitwear number.
Harlequin-Jacquard Mohair-Blend Cardigan, £850, matchesfashion.com
Our Legacy
Add some texture to your looks with this wool and alpaca blend v-neck cardigan from Swedish label, Our Legacy. Knitted with a fluffy handle, drop shoulders and two big'old pockets for all your bits and bobs. This relaxed cardi is perfect for those chilled winter weekends.
V-neck cardigan, £315, matchesfashion.com
Samsoe & Samsoe
A simple, yet stylish cardigan that can be worn under suit jackets or over shirts; a utilitarian knitwear piece perfect for your winter wardrobe. On the weekend? Pair with a white T-shirt and faded blue jeans. Easy.
Viktor Wool Cardigan, £150, samsoe.com
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