As we bundle up with increasing fervor across the frigid winter months, it’s important to remember — at least in my experience — that having a bit of fun in the process of scouring the market for winter style essentials is, well, also important. So, while you might have figured out your outerwear situation and ideally, the best winter boots on your feet, it pays off to have a touch of fun or at least a touch of the unexpected in your layering rotation.

That’s where Tecovas comes in: As fun as it is to step out in a pair of rugged Tecovas work boots or the brand’s ever-popular Western boots, it’s perhaps even cooler to discover something a bit unexpected, like one of the best winter sweaters for men. The Austin-based brand has shot to popularity across the past decade for embodying all things Western in matters of style and substance, and a rugged winter sweater like the Tecovas Desert Crew Neck Sweater can add a dash of dependability, flair and style to everything from a waxed trucker jacket to a flannel shirt jacket.

Helpfully, the Tecovas Desert Crew Neck Sweater is unexpected, it’s eye-catching and it’s built to last at a relatively fair price ($145 as of press time). Paired up with your favorite pair of handsome, durable Tecovas leather Western boots — of which the brand makes dozens of different styles — and you’ve got a stylish sweater you can layer up in versatile fashion.

Crafted from midweight Merino wool for temperature regulation and plenty of warmth (whether paired with a chambray shirt or straightforward long-sleeve cotton tee), this sweater gains variety from its half-cardigan stitch construction through the body. Pair that with shoulder and back yoke seed stitch detailing, plus rack stitching at the cuffs and hem — this handsome sweater is visually appealing all the way through, especially in Winter White.

Best of all is the attention to detail in constructing the Tecovas Desert Crew Neck Sweater — note the cow skull motif emblazoned across the back in bold, rugged fashion. It’s a one-of-a-kind sweater available in two crisp colors and practically made to be paired with expertly crafted light wash or dark blue jeans (which you can also score at Tecovas, as luck would have it!). The next time opportunity comes knocking in the form of a reliable sweater to layer up with during winter’s worst weather, I’d wager the Tecovas Desert Crew Neck Sweater is about as good as it gets.