Every so often, the chance to review a true gem of a menswear find crosses my inbox (in fact, that’s more likely the case every day — what a gig!). And in these times, especially as the sun sets earlier and temperatures turn ever more brisk, I’m always on the lookout for the right layers for the job at hand: In this case, one of the best men’s sweaters is a must-have, along with my rotation of the best denim shirts, stretch chinos and of course rugged leather boots aplenty.

And at least in my assortment of stylish men’s sweaters, I’ve been wildly impressed with one in particular as of late: That’d be The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan, a rugged winner of a piece that I simply can’t stop wearing.

I’m willing to bet you know The Tie Bar from this blog and elsewhere, as my reviews of The Tie Bar have dove into its highly affordable assortment of neckwear, tailoring and suiting accessories for the modern man.

But the latest and greatest — again, the The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan — presents a different look for the brand, offering up a sense of refined-yet-rugged appeal in modern merino fabric. Not bad for one of the best men’s cardigans, am I right or am I right?

The The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan is nothing less than ultra-soft and yet sturdy enough for seasonal layering, with thick ribbed knit stitching that gives it structure and shape.

The shawl collar is warm while framing the face, and this handsome shawl cardigan is able to be dressed up crisply (with a classic Oxford shirt, for instance) or dressed down ever so slightly atop a thermal henley. It makes for versatility aplenty, dependable style and dashing good looks that call to mind other menswear icons who love the shawl collar cardigan (looking at you, Mr. Steve McQueen).

There’s a sense of structure and style to the The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan, which also happens to be a downright steal at $128.

And it doesn’t hurt that its Nutmeg color is able to pair stylishly with dark indigo denim, with olive chinos or with grey or burgundy corduroy trousers, to name but a few ways you can wear your new favorite fall sweater. When temperatures plummet and reliable style and warmth remain top of mind, you’ve assuredly found a winner with this rugged-yet-versatile shawl cardigan, my friends.