Guide to quality knitwear - crew neck sweaters
I am wearing Poszetka Off-White Shetland Cable Knit Crewneck
After exploring the differences between knitwear fabrics and various styles of knitwear, I thought it would be very helpful to create a list of the best options for each style. I'll start with the easiest and most common style to wear—a crew neck sweater.
This style has a round neckline that pairs well with collared shirts or a simple tee. It’s the simplest knitwear style, which is why I recommend it as a first knitwear choice for everyone. The thickness of the sweater is what makes the difference: thinner versions are more appropriate for dressier looks and work well with tailoring, while thicker versions provide a more relaxed aesthetic and are perfect for casual outfits.
Fine Crew Neck Sweaters
These sweaters are usually much thinner than average knitwear and have a very fine, consistent texture. They should be more fitted and are perfect for formal looks, or you can even wear them with a suit. Usually, these sweaters are made from cashmere, fine merino wool, or even cotton.
From left to right: John Smedley Lundy - Extra Fine Merino Wool Jumper, William Crabtree Linen 2 Ply Lambswool Crew Neck Jumper, H.N.White Azure Cashmere-Linen Crew Neck Jumper, Colhay's Superfine lambswool crew neck
Casual crew neck sweater
These are thicker sweaters and often have a richer texture. In some styles, you can clearly see the knitting pattern. Some of these sweaters may be too thick to wear with a sports coat and are typically used as a middle layer between outerwear and a shirt or tee. They work well with all types of pants.
Top Row from left to right: Colhay's Cashmere wool chalet cable sweater, FOX x CORGI Welsh Wool Fisherman Pullover, Private White The Cashmere Raglan Crew Neck, William Crabtree Ash Cable Shetland Knit Jumper
Bottom Row from left to right: Malloch's Linen Kielder Fishermans Jumper, Inis Meáin Ridges Aran Sweater, Rubato Standard Crew Neck, North Sea The Ranger
Shetland crew neck sweater
This is just one of the casual styles of knitted crew neck sweaters, but I find its rich texture perfect for wearing over a tee and paired with jeans. But it goes well with anything. Shetland sweaters also come in the widest range of color variations, so you can find practically any color you want. Because I love this style and the endless color options, I decided to create an extra section for them.
Top Row from left to right: Harley of Scotland Shetland Sweater, Malloch's Brushed Shetland Jumper, Rubato Brushed Shetland, Natalino Shetland Wool Crew Neck Sweater
Bottom Row from left to right: Poszetka Shetland Crewneck, Bryceland's Shaggy Shetland Sweater, Jamieson's of Shetland Crew Knit, Gloverall Windsor Lambswool Jumper
I am not sure if I could personally decide which style I like more, a crew neck or a roll neck. Luckily, I don’t need to! There is no doubt that a crew neck sweater is more practical since you can wear it all year long. On the other hand, a roll neck comes in very handy on cold and windy days. As I mentioned before, Shetland is my favorite type of crew neck, but I also appreciate a chunkier sweater with a great knit pattern. Unfortunately, thicker sweaters don’t really work for me because of my body proportions.
Do you have any preferences when it comes to crew necks!