Men’s Cardigan Style Guide: 6 Outfit Ideas

Are cardigans still in style in 2026? Is a cardigan too casual? These are some questions that often come to mind when going for the sweater selection. Many people might consider cardigans old-fashioned or formal types, but that’s not true. The way they transform a person’s appearance, hardly any other type of sweater does. They can give you a decent and elegant appearance with just a few layers. Here is a guide that can clarify things to change your mind in the sweater selection process.

V-Neck Cardigan on T-Shirt with Cotton/Jeans/Wool Pants

The classic one is the first to try here. V-neck cardigans are the evergreen ones that look great with both casual and formal attire. Let’s talk about the casual one first. V-neck cardigans look great with a white t-shirt and a pair of denim jeans. That is really a beautiful combination since it creates a contrast from dark to light. A white tee with a dark cardigan or vice versa makes a person look perfect for any casual event.  

What body type looks best in a cardigan?

It all depends on how a person appears, because sometimes what really matters is the age and appearance. Some people have a skinny appearance, and some have a chubby look. A slim-fit cardigan suits a skinny person most of the time. A relaxed fit or a regular fit cardigan will be better for a muscular or bulky person.

Try a Zip Up Cardigan or a Bomber Cardigan for More Coverage

Sometimes, you need more coverage to style as well as to protect your body from the cold. For this purpose, try a zip-up cardigan or a bomber cardigan. These styles offer eccentric looks to match casual outfits mostly. They can enhance the appearance by matching with a t-shirt, a golf shirt, or a button-down shirt. Then you can wear a pair of cotton or jeans to complete the combination. Printed cardigans are also trending nowadays, and they look really beautiful in a bomber format.

Do you wear anything under a cardigan?

Yes, it is good and skin-friendly to wear something like a t-shirt, a golf shirt, and even a sweatshirt. It depends on the weather type, and one can layer accordingly. Not wearing anything under a cardigan is a bad idea since the fabric can cause itching on the skin.  

A Shawl Collar Knit Cardigan Looks great on a T-shirt and Jeans

Wearing a shawl collar cardigan gives a fuller look since it covers the neck section. Moreover, a knit cardigan is thicker than the standard one. This type is better for colder regions where one needs to layer more. Also, people with muscular bodies get the best match from these cardigans. A t-shirt inside with a pair of jeans provides a casual and also a business-casual appearance for some.

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Business Casual Looks with a Button-Up Shirt with Cotton/Wool Pants 

If you want a more business casual look that meets formal style, try a standard V-neck cardigan. This time, you need to wear a button-up shirt inside and a pair of cotton or wool pants. That will be less casual and more formal. Also, a tie will complement in the best way, since a cardigan can fulfil the formal requirements of it. 

A Shawl-Collar Cardigan Gives a Touch of Prestige 

Even if you are trying to wear a shawl-collar cardigan in formal attire, it will enhance the prestige. A white, grey, or beige shade looks more sophisticated on formal pants and shirts. Layering it on formal attire can complete your look for a quick official meeting. 

Are cardigans old-fashioned?

No, not at all. They are evergreen sweaters that look great on all ages of people. Both men and women can wear them for formal and casual settings.

Knit Cardigan and Thick Pants Create a Superior Warmth 

Freezing weather requires thicker sweaters, and knit cardigans are the best for them. You can do styling for both casual and formal events with them. They look elegant, especially with thick pants like corduroy and wool types. These fabrics are versatile for formal and semi-casual outfits. The cold will be away from the body, and everyone’s attention will be on you. 

Layering on a Sweatshirt Adds More Warmth and Style

A pair of thick corduroy pants, a sweatshirt, and a knit cardigan is all you need for a freezing night. Going to a casual event or market will only give this combination a chance to grab everyone’s attention wherever you go. Choosing the same range of colors or contrast will look beautiful in it. You can also go with a pair of jeans, a grey sweatshirt, and a white, cream, or black cardigan. 

Cardigan on a Golf Shirt Fits for Both Casual and Semi-Casual Events

 Many men wear gold shirts under cardigans, which gives them a holiday look at a golf course. Even if you don’t like golf or tennis, this combination is a classic one for usual gatherings. Both casual and semi-casual meetings will need just this combination to make everyone listen to you. That is the class of this attire, especially if there is a white or cream golf shirt under a slightly dark cardigan. A pair of cotton pants or formal pants will both complete this attire. 

Three-Piece Suit with a Cardigan Grabs Everyone’s Attention

Then there are some people who look for a complete formal setting. That is about wearing cardigans in a suit. Cardigans turn that suit into a three-piece suit. Instead of a formal vest, you can wear a cardigan for style and warmth. Wearing a deep grey suit with a navy or black cardigan inside looks really classic. Likewise, a darker suit with a light cardigan or the same dark shade will give a similar powerful look.

Do cardigans count as sweaters?

Yes, cardigans are sweaters. They provide warmth just like sweaters, and they are actually one of the types of sweaters. Also, there are different thickness types, where the thicker ones are known as knit cardigans.

Chore Jacket and a Middle Layer of V-Neck Cardigan 

Teens and many adults like to do layering with chore jackets and V-neck cardigans. It is an elegant combination where a person gets a fuller and more complete look. A chore jacket provides final coverage, while the cardigan provides a warmth layer. It is a suitable choice for casual and business-casual settings. Contrast colors like military green chore jackets, cream cardigans, and black cotton pants are good ones. Make sure to try a dark jacket and a light cardigan or vice versa to make the visual contrast. A pair of denim jeans, cotton, or corduroy pants will match this combination.

Conclusion

These are all the combinations that are popular with cardigans. Teens, adults, and even senior citizens can wear them with grace. Cardigans provide warmth and also a decent appearance, which fits both casual and formal settings. The section of type and color matters a lot because contrast is essential in the combinations. Also, the body shape will be another factor in the size selection, where a relaxed fit is the ideal choice for all types of bodies. 

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