Best Sweaters for Men Over 50 in 2024

Grandfather clause

Gen Z may call the style “grandpacore”, but the cardigan has more than shed its fusty image since Mr. Rogers’ day. Banana Republic’s Brushed Cashmere Polo Cardigan ($280, bananarepublic.com) crosses a button-front style with a polo collar for a luxurious look. In a muted black slate, Lands’ End Mock Full Zip Sweater ($120, landsend.com) updates the cardigan in a chunky Shaker rib-knit made of soft combed cotton. And Bonobos hits the bullseye with its midweight Washable Merino Cardigan ($119, bonobos.com) in a soft charcoal that’s as easygoing as its relaxed fit. 

The V zone

Charles Tyrwhitt’s Merino V-neck ($129, charlestyrwhitt.com) renders the classic pullover in extra-fine merino wool with a sand-colored silky look that’s both soft and naturally breathable. In a muted cobalt blue, Brooks Brothers Supima Cotton V-Neck ($76, brooksbrothers.com) features a finer cotton weave for seasonless wear and durable longevity. Or try Naadam’s Original Cashmere V-Neck ($98, naadam.com) with ribbed detail for a timeless look. Crafted from premium, sustainable cashmere, this year’s limited-edition colorways include a smoky olive.

Macy’s Club Room Textured Cotton Turtleneck ($25, macys.com) in Red Plum (left) and Mongolian Cashmere Cableversion ($120, quince.com) in Charcoal (right).

AARP (Macy's, Quince)

Ahead by a neck

The enhancing qualities of a men’s turtleneck cannot be overstated as the classic throws attention to the face, sharpens your silhouette and looks as good worn with jeans as under a blazer. Quince’s ethically produced Mongolian Cashmere Cableversion ($120, quince.com) features a cozily soft and warm cable pattern and comes in a wear-anytime heather gray. An elevated basic with fine-ribbed flair that comes in a raft of colors including red plum, Macy’s Club Room Textured Cotton Turtleneck ($25, macys.com) makes a great base layer beneath a shirt jacket or sport coat. Barbour’s Masham Turtleneck ($200, bloomingdales.com) strikes a rugged but refined attitude in an off-white marled-pattern cotton knit that makes a statement all on its own.

Sweater-jacket weather

In newly brawnier takes, sweaters double as outerwear, bringing an appealing outdoorsy vibe as well as standing in when a heavy coat seems like too much trouble. The Inverness Sweater Jacket from Marine Layer ($168, marinelayer.com) recalls the rugged Scottish Highlands and has a full zip closure, a cozy mock neck and a gutsy cotton-blend weave in tweedy charcoal that holds its shape over time. Royal Robbins Baylands Lined Half-Zip Sweater ($117, rei.com) stands up to blustery days with aplomb. Wind protection comes from a recycled stretch-woven liner to block the wind and a chunky merino-wool outer with a tall collar provides warmth. On the other hand, Hawker Rye’s Sweater Blazer Cardigan in Brown, Gray or Navy ($78, stitchfix.com) makes its style points indoors, keeping jeans or khakis and a shirt looking casually pulled together during the festive round of holiday parties.

(Left to right) Paige’s Finbury Sweater Polo ($209, ) in Heathered Bordeaux, Lands’ End Long Sleeve Cashmere Sweater Polo ($220, ) in Charcoal Heather, and Heritage Cotton Cable-Knit Cardigan Sweater-Polo from J.Crew in Darkest Indigo Navy.

AARP (Paige, Lands' End, J.Crew)

Pony up to a polo

In fine merino wool with a meltingly soft feel, Paige’s Finsbury Sweater Polo ($209, paige.com) comes in an offbeat but versatile brownish-burgundy hue. Stitching detail at the collar and seams adds additional polish, whether it’s paired with jeans or a pair of trousers. The Heritage Cotton Cable-Knit Cardigan Sweater-Polo from J. Crew is a nifty hybrid of a cardigan and a polo that can be styled all done up or casually unbuttoned as the mood strikes ($60, jcrew.com). In darkest indigo navy, it’s sure to sharpen up any look, with the comfort of sturdy but breathable cotton knit. Lands’ End Long Sleeve Cashmere Sweater Polo ($220, landsend.com) is an amazingly soft sweater that feels luxurious next to the skin, made from 100% world-class cashmere from Inner Mongolia. From now until spring, this classic in charcoal gray heather would get regular rotation in any guy’s wardrobe.