What do you think of when you think of a crewneck sweatshirt? Perhaps a trusty athletic logo sweatshirt or even something more premium, right? Put all those thoughts to rest for just one second and consider that you haven’t yet seen one of the best sweatshirts for men, period: That’d be the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt, an exceptional take on the traditional crewneck sweater that blends both old-school athletic heritage and modern refinement in a surprisingly dressy and versatile final product. It’s part of Billy Reid’s Fall 2021 Collection, and it’s worth every penny. The Alabama-based designer has produced award-winning staples like one of the best casual shirts for fall for years now, and he’s also got quite the rotation of outerwear, like the famed Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, up for grabs. But before you can throw on a new jacket, start with the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt for comfortable layering, casually cool style and much more.

Billy Reid’s Dover Sweatshirt belongs in your closet

The perfect blend of old-school cool and modern style

Billy Reid made a name for himself merging the old and the new, winning menswear accolades aplenty in the process, and the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt, is a prime example of how it all comes together. It’s got the silhouette of a grey crewneck sweatshirt, but it’s cleaned up and accented with leather elbow patches and armhole piping. Your standard athletic sweatshirt, this is certainly not. And especially in a cool Heather Grey color, it’s about as versatile as you want it to be.

The Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt also features slight details that really showcase the Billy Reid difference, like the small patch accenting Billy Reid’s signature stripe design. It’s touches like those ones that make the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt a fitting piece to wear with tailored blue jeans or tan chinos to the office when you can mix and match pieces. You can also layer the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt beneath your favorite fall blazer or beneath a rugged field jacket, but to me, this classic crewneck sweatshirt is at its best when you showcase those handsome leather elbow patches and rock it solo for a weekend coffee outing. Note that it also comes in a sleek Black colorway with contrasting elbow patches, but Heather Grey is your best bet, in my humble opinion.

And because it’s made with a cotton-polyester blend, it’s not too heavy or bulky — it’s the ideal go-between sweater to wear as we move into October. You can throw it on over a classic Billy Reid Oxford shirt or a long-sleeve tee from Billy Reid, too: The choice is all yours. Now, be warned, because the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt will run you $195, quite the price tag. But that being said, it’s exceedingly rare to find a crewneck sweatshirt made with this much care and attention to detail. For my money’s worth, I’d say you need to make this one your new favorite fall sweater ASAP.