Style Pick of the Week: Filson Bristol Cardigan – An Old-School, Seriously Rugged Winter Sweater for Men

Best shawl cardigans for men.

In the most trying of times, when winter’s worst weather simply won’t let up — a common theme these days from my Brooklyn abode and elsewhere across the polar vortex — what tends to work is some of the most reliable, toughest menswear on the market.

Even if you’re merely venturing across town rather than embarking far afield, the best winter style essentials make it count in terms of weather-readiness, functionality and plain ole classic style points. That’s where Filson should earn place of pride in your menswear wardrobe, my friends.

Of course, if you’ve kept up with this blog over the seasons, you know that to be true, as the famed Pacific Northwest retailer still delivers the good when it comes to the best waxed jackets, tough flannel shirts in a variety of fabric weights, sturdy waxed work pants and — in the case of today’s weekend style dispatch — one of the best shawl cardigans for men.

My Filson reviews as of late have praised the brand for dependability and performance in a range of iconic styles, the sort of gear outdoorsmen have trusted for decades — and it doesn’t hurt that a modern-day selection like the Filson Bristol Cardigan Sweater looks like something a style icon like Steve McQueen might have cherished “back in the day,” ehh?

Filson Bristol Cardigan review.

The shawl cardigan sweater is — as I’ve written about lately for sites like CoolMaterial — a style that, in similar fashion to the classic henley or the chambray shirt — can serve to make every guy look good, adding a dash of rugged appeal to reliable pieces like blue jeans and trusty leather boots.

And when it comes to the Filson Bristol Cardigan Sweater, the same mix of throwback charm and modern warmth holds true. The shawl collar frames the face while adding some heft and extra warmth around the back of your neck — and you can still knot a scarf looped down the front, if need be.

It’s certainly an investment at $349, but it doesn’t cut corners in manners of looks or material. Thick-knit 100 percent wool means the Filson Bristol Cardigan Sweater is going to prove extra warm when worn underneath a waxed field coat or an insulated Filson coat, while it’s woven in a thick fisherman’s vertical ribbed design (again, making the Filson Bristol Cardigan Sweater an utterly classic piece that menswear heroes of days gone by would have loved).

In two go-anywhere, wear-with-nearly-anything colors (that’d be Navy and Forest Green Heather), the handsome Filson Bristol Cardigan Sweater wears exceptionally well with a natural-hued henley or with a faded denim shirt out in the wild — or at your favorite distillery, for instance.

Two lower hip pockets deliver the classic style any good cardigan needs, and it just so happens that no matter where you go — from a wooded forest cabin to a mountainside retreat — a piece like the Filson Bristol Cardigan Sweater is built to take you there, back again and just about anywhere you dream up this winter.

See Now, Buy Now: This Shawl Cardigan from The Tie Bar is a Modern Merino Take on a Classic

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.

The Tuesday Steal: Save 30 Percent On This Elegant Cardigan from The Tie Bar

Best cardigans for men.

There’s a rarified air to some of the best style staples of the fall season, the type of pieces we talk about consistently here on this Brooklyn style blog — take the easygoing elegance and versatility of one of the best cardigans for men.

The cardigan, as we’ve talked about many a time on this menswear blog, is a throwback piece that’s had its moment in the sun as preppy pieces of all shades and varieties have come back around in the fashion cycle.

And although they’re perhaps best known for making wildly affordable neckwear and tailoring accessories, don’t sleep on the rest of the lineup at The Tie Bar — from crisp dress shirts to the Tie Bar Leisure Merino Cardigan shown above.

The brand has excelled in recent years at making the sort of style moves perfectly complemented by the right tie — so, crisp white dress shirts and surprisingly soft and affordable men’s sweaters and trousers are also on the menu. And today, the Tie Bar Sale section is primetime for stylish savings.

The Tie Bar Leisure Merino Cardigan takes some of the best of the best when it comes to fiber and fabrication — that’d be merino wool, which is naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, keeping you comfortable yet warm when needed, whether worn over a classic Oxford shirt or a slightly more rugged chambray dress shirt. Of course, you can also use a pick like the Tie Bar Leisure Merino Cardigan to replace a blazer when paired with wool dress trousers or rust-hued stretch chinos this fall season.

In a crisp and versatile shade of Navy — and especially when marked down to 30 percent off right now — the Tie Bar Leisure Merino Cardigan becomes a downright steal of a stylish sweater. Textured vertical ribbing up the body of this handsome sweater is offset by a horizontal ribbed placket for a touch of added design detailing (note that The Tie Bar also sells more burly shawl cardigans as well, if that’s more your speed).

The brand says this easygoing-yet-sharp sweater is defined by the “refined comfort of premium Merino wool,” and for a price that’s just a shade above $60 on sale, that’s more than good enough in my book. Layer up right now with the discounted excellence of the Tie Bar Leisure Merino Cardigan.

See Now, Buy Now: This Mack Weldon WARMKNIT Cardigan Will Be Your New Autumn Favorite

Is it ever too early to prepare for what lies ahead in matters of style, performance and menswear? If you ask me, no sir — and that’s where it pays off to scour the digital shelves of a retailer like Mack Weldon, which has nearly perfected the equation when it comes to modern performance fabrics, comfort and innovative takes on classic styles.

So, what looks like a standard shawl cardigan (albeit a rugged and versatile one at that!) actually takes on a new tack entirely, all thanks to the New York City brand’s focus on quality fabrics and classic silhouettes. That led us to talk about one of the best men’s blazers for fall and winter just a few weeks back, and it leads us once more to now talk about the Mack Weldon WARMKNIT Wool Cardigan, which puts a fresh spin on rugged, classically inspired seasonal staple.

The Mack Weldon WARMKNIT Wool Cardigan gets its durability and long-lasting appeal from a blend of Shetland wool, nylon and spandex — those last two fibers should give this sweater enough rebound and durability to stand up to repeat wear (I like to keep my rotation of shawl cardigans handy as both house sweaters and as a replacement for a blazer during cocktail bar visits in New York City, of course).

The Mack Weldon WARMKNIT Wool Cardigan also boasts cable-knit stitching and classic details like two welt hip pockets, giving this modern number the sort of old-school appeal your grandfather would have loved.

But remember: The Mack Weldon WARMKNIT Wool Cardigan is crafted with lightweight Shetland wool, all the better to keep you from overheating as you layer this handsome sweater atop an Oxford or chambray shirt. I’d even work the Mack Weldon WARMKNIT Wool Cardigan into my rotation atop a Western-style buttondown for a further dash of rugged appeal.

It’s also a major bonus that this refined shawl cardigan comes in two wear-with-anything fall colors (True Navy and the deep olive Foxhole Heather). Each are certainly apt to wear alongside dark blue selvedge denim and a thermal henley, or else atop a crisp white dress shirt alongside charcoal wool trousers for a dash of crisp, office-ready style. It’s never too early to amp up your seasonal sweater rotation, and that’s where the latest and greatest from Mack Weldon is assuredly ready to step up to the plate.

Style Pick of the Week: Line of Trade Harbor Shawl Sweater – A Classic Winter Weekend Cardigan

Best shawl cardigans for men.

It’s hard not to admire modern brands that have a healthy respect for the classics, brands that know the in’s and out’s of a sturdy flannel shirt, a durable pair of work pants, a hard-working denim overshirt or the cozy, utterly classic nature of one of the best shawl cardigans.

Trusted by icons like Steve McQueen and Daniel Craig over the years — as you’ll well know if you’ve read this Brooklyn style blog for some time — the shawl cardigan lends more depth to the button-front sweater: It’s thick, it’s cozy, it’s just plain… cool. And my friends, the good folks at Line of Trade — as you might recognize from the pages of this Web site — have a new, stylish men’s cardigan worthy of your consideration.

Although they’re a relatively recent entry into the modern menswear canon, Line of Trade fits the bill when it comes to putting its own twist on Americana must-haves — including the fast-selling Line of Trade Harbor Shawl Sweater pictured above.

It’s the kind of sweater practically begging to be worn on brisk winter weekends, on cozy days and nights in front of a fire, or else worn alongside a trusted Oxford shirt as you contemplate what sort of bourbon you’d like in your Old Fashioned. The Line of Trade Harbor Shawl Sweater gets the details right, and then some, from the thick fold-over collar — meant to protect your neck from blustery winter winds — to the textured seed-stitch knit for added warmth and visual appeal.

Check another box for the impressively crafted Line of Trade Harbor Shawl Sweater, because even the faux horn buttons look impressive for a sub-$100 sweater. As the brand (once owned by our friends at Bespoke Post) says, “heritage nautical details combine in a cardigan sweater that yearns for the high seas.”

Especially in a rich shade of olive, it’s an apt pairing with everything from a faded denim shirt and black jeans to a crisp white Oxford shirt and dark, rust-hued chinos.

Best winter cardigans for men.

It’s a vision for the future that’s attractive and geared toward adventure, as many of the best menswear essentials happen to be, and a taste of the good life — in matters of style and ruggedly good looks — can be yours (for an affordable price!) with the Line of Trade Harbor Shawl Sweater.

See Now, Buy Now: This Todd Snyder Cardigan is a Luxe Update to a Classic Wardrobe Staple

Best cardigan sweaters for men.

If you’ve been keeping up with this Brooklyn style blog over the years, you very well might notice that some things have stayed consistent: A love of the best chambray shirts, classics like blue jeans and of course, staples like rugged leather boots.

But what about the erstwhile cardigan — one of the best sweaters for men, in my opinion, and one made to great fanfare (and quality) by one of the country’s best menswear designers, Todd Snyder. Yes indeed, what do you make of this style, my friends?

Even the most classic cardigan can look a touch trendy for some — or even a touch too retro or stuffy — but there’s no doubt (in my experience) that the Todd Snyder Organic Cotton Cardigan is a picture-perfect example of the style if you want to switch up your rotation of the best men’s sweaters.

Best sweaters for men.

The Todd Snyder Organic Cotton Cardigan gets the details correct in terms of casually cool style — the ribbed texture gives it a dash of visual interest and appeal, while cardigans made from fibers like cashmere might be more refined.

A contrasting placket also adds a dash of intrigue — the Todd Snyder Organic Cotton Cardigan is a crisply cut sweater that’s as at home over a stretch dress shirt as it is atop a T-shirt or a long-sleeve waffle henley.

The Todd Snyder Organic Cotton Cardigan is part of the perfect mix of high-low style: Try it underneath a blazer (but atop a T-shirt in a solid color), or else style yours with the aforementioned dress shirt, a knit tie and chinos at the office.

The Todd Snyder Organic Cotton Cardigan is even fashioned with raglan sleeves for a further shot of contrast and a flattering fit — this luxurious sweater is pricier than other sweaters in your rotation, but worth your hard-earned cash all the same, particularly given its versatile color. As the brand says, your new favorite sweater is here, and it might just be the Todd Snyder Organic Cotton Cardigan

The Thursday Buy: This Billy Reid Shawl Cardigan is a Fresh Twist on a Menswear Staple

If there’s one thing to carry through from 2024 into 2025 in terms of menswear essentials, it’s got to be a sense of respecting menswear classics while bending the rules ever-so-slightly in tasteful fashion. That might seem like a tall task, but when Billy Reid steps up to the plate, the Alabama-based designer’s wares tend to shake things up in pleasing fashion.

That certainly goes for one of the best cardigans shown above, of course, but one with a noticeable twist. Just as the famed brand takes staples like a shirt jacket and crosses it with a puffer jacket for rugged appeal (resulting in one of the best shackets for men) the designer is an expert at elevating everyday staples into more refined territory, like a classic cardigan given an eye-catching double-breasted design.

Best cardigans for men.

Thus, the Billy Reid French Terry Shawl Cardigan puts a surprising, tasteful twist on a classic, upgrading your rotation of the best winter sweaters for men in the process.

And while the Billy Reid French Terry Shawl Cardigan isn’t quite as versatile as your trusted V-neck or cashmere crewneck sweater to wear at the office, it’s just as visually appealing and ready for a day of meetings or a crisp night out at a moody speakeasy. Not a bad amount of range for one cardigan, right?

And as with all things Billy Reid, the design and fabrication of the Billy Reid French Terry Shawl Cardigan truly place it a cut above the rest, at least in my experience. The flattering shawl collar gets an upgrade in a small-yet-refined way with a suede loop closure at the top button — the details truly do make the difference when it comes to one of the best men’s cardigans.

Soft French Terry cotton should prove easy to layer over a mid-weight flannel shirt, a stretch dress shirt or a thermal henley for rugged-yet-refined appeal. Distinctive hip patch pockets get a classic Billy Reid finishing touch, and the overall effect of the handsome (whether in colors like Oak Brown or Carbon Blue) is one of elegance yet laidback style in spades — it sounds to me like your new favorite cardigan might have just hit the scene, folks.

See Now, Buy Now: This Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan is a Luxurious Winter Sweater Upgrade

Best cashmere sweaters for men.

On today of all days, a luxurious and leisurely Christmas Day (Merry Christmas to all!), it feels right to be talking about as fine a winter style upgrade as you’re apt to find: Stepping into one of the best cashmere sweaters for men, and trusting one of the country’s best menswear designers to deliver a stylish version of the retro classic.

It’s a refined choice, and when it comes to this Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan, it’s about as versatile as it gets.

Yes, that’s right: One of the best cardigans for men is a versatile entry into your winter knitwear rotation. Let’s count the ways, shall we? Your new favorite cardigan works quite well for more than a few pursuits, including lounging at home alongside merino wool joggers.

After all, if you’re going to invest in something as nice (and relatively pricey) as the Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan, you might as well make the most of it.

And in my book, this handsome cardigan assuredly qualifies as the ultimate “house sweater,” so to speak, but it goes well beyond that as far as the best men’s cashmere sweaters are concerned. For dressing up slightly for post-holiday affairs alongside dark blue jeans, or for going all-out with charcoal corduroy trousers and a crisp white dress shirt, then yes, the Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan works quite nicely, indeed.

Take what Todd Snyder has to say, calling this cardigan an “elevated take on sporty essentials,” with a mid-weight fit that layers easily over Oxford shirting, a chambray buttondown or a performance dress shirt in equal measure.

The Snyder Olive color is another signature of the designer that makes the Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan both winter-friendly and yet perfectly well-suited to spring and fall layering — again, you’re going to want to get the most out of this cardigan by rocking it in multiple seasons.

And of course, starting right this instant — after Christmas and before the New Year — the Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan is an elegant, easily wearable choice that feels like a great style “splurge” to make right now. If you agree, then you’re in luck. Happy shopping, my friends.

The Sunday Sale: This Faherty Cardigan Is 50 Percent Off Right Now for Winter Layering

Faherty shawl cardigan.

It seems that here on the blog as of late, we’ve been talking a lot about the best cardigans for men in pursuit of giving you plenty of stylish options for winter layering. I’m personally a huge fan of the shawl cardigan, with its rugged roots and its flattering look.

Between the face-framing shawl collar and the nicely textured knit on most of my favorite cardigans, it’s a classic option that shows why the shawl collar cardigan was a favorite of style icons like Steve McQueen (as I so often mention here on the blog).

And if you were interested in upgrading your wardrobe of men’s style essentials while saving a few bucks, well, allow me: The Faherty Marled Cotton Cardigan is now 50 percent off for a limited time, and it’s very much worth a look. I’ve tried out this cardigan, and I can’t say enough about it.

Faherty cotton cardigan review.

I loved the soft handfeel and luxurious knit, along with the fact that you can layer it easily over an Oxford or chambray shirt — the fit runs true to size, and it’s got a substantial feel that’s not overly heavy. The And if you were interested in upgrading your wardrobe of men’s style essentials while saving a few bucks, well, allow me: The Faherty Marled Cotton Cardigan is made with a blend of cotton for structure and cashmere for softness, while real horn buttons give it an even more premium feel.

In short, it’s a stylish men’s sweater that’s much more expensive than its current price tag, with a flattering fit and timeless appeal (Faherty wouldn’t have it any other way, after all). If you like what you see above, then you’ve just found your next winter wardrobe upgrade.

Style Pick of the Week: Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan – An Expertly Crafted Winter Sweater

Best shawl cardigan for men.

We’re right in the thick of it, if you ask me: That is, the cold, dreary days of winter, and that calls for some seriously stylish, cozy, rugged men’s style essentials. And the best place to start? Your layering game, which is why we’re gathered here today with our friends at Huckberry. They’re a likely place to start for a modern twist on the classics — the retailer has a knack for unearthing finds that take the “expected” and turn it into the “unexpected.”

Best sweaters for men at Huckberry.

Of course, this is the case if you’re familiar with Relwen, the Ohio-based brand that respects the classics and amps them up with modern materials — like one of the best shawl cardigans for men, of course. Yes, you’ve known the shawl cardigan for its prowess since the days of Steve McQueen, but here’s where things get even more interesting.

The Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan nods to that classic style, but its use of modern materials is an extra step up, one that’s going to shake you out of the doldrums of winter. You see, it’s made with merino wool, which is naturally insulating while regulating your temperature and resisting odor and bacteria. It’s a far cry from the scratchy wool sweaters of days gone by, right?

Plus, it boasts stylish details like two higher shawl collar buttons to give your neck extra coverage on brisk days, and this handsome cardigan also features a chest pocket for an added bit of detail. Relwen has certainly thought of everything, haven’t they?

Your new favorite shawl cardigan is part of Huckberry’s assortment of smart-casual sweaters: Sweaters that are cozy and warm, sure, but every bit as stylish for a brisk winter date night or a Zoom meeting as they are for a weekend winter retreat. Visually appealing, ever-so-slightly rugged and simply cool as heck: The Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan fits the bill nicely.

Oh, and this timeless piece is even lined with cotton for a super-soft feel and an easy wearing experience, even if you happen to slip the Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan atop your favorite T-shirt for days at home. From your couch to your coffee shop and beyond, Relwen’s latest and greatest sweater delivers — winter days don’t stand a chance.