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Winter is here, and with it, the age-old question: what does one wear when it gets cold? This is not a trick question — it can be genuinely difficult to choose a layer that’s warm and functional and avoids telegraphing broke tech bro. You’ve probably already inferred from the headline, but our proposed solution rhymes with the fisherman fletter. As solid as your trusty shacket and an absolute classic of knitwear, the fisherman sweater is a timeless staple for a reason: it’s got insulating versatility, preppy curb appeal and cozy charm on lock.
What Is a Fisherman Sweater?
Thought to have originated from the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland in the early 20th century, fisherman sweaters go by many names — cable knits, Aran jumpers, seafaring knits — but the style is unified by a series of woven, patterned ribs down the exterior of the sweater and a hearty construction that originally leaned on unscoured wool for their lanolin-ladden, water-resistant properties.
The Official Guide to Wearing Turtleneck Sweaters
The turtleneck is the most versatile garment you can rock this winter. Here’s how to do it.While the fisherman sweaters of today often opt for more comfortable wool or cotton blends, the same qualities that made the garment so desirable over a hundred years ago — warm, hardy, chunky — remain as relevant as ever. And while the style has been majorly moored to the metropolitan, its robust origins make it more than a match for bitter winter days. This time of year, you can spot the style in every Aspen ski chalet, at every “for you consideration” junket and on the back of every goddamn Kennedy around.
Fisherman vs. Cable Knit vs Aran: What’s the Difference?
As we alluded to before, there are a variety of names associated with a patterned, woven knit we typically call a fisherman sweater. While they all describe the same style of sweater, there are subtle differences in the terminology — an Aran sweater, for instance, is referential to the birthplace of the fisherman sweater and may indicate that the knit originates from the Irish coast. Likewise, while many feature some sort of cable-knitting, it’s specific weave is not exclusive to fisherman sweaters and can be utilized by other knit garments.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Fisherman Sweater
- Material: As we’ve previously mentioned, wool and cotton are the main culprits when it comes to fisherman sweater materials, and rightfully so — the purpose of the weave is to keep the wearer warm and dry, so only a heavy, insulating fabric will do. As such, consider well-sourced materials (Scotland is considered the primary exporter for high-grade wool) for a warmer, denser weave, but be forewarned — the chunkiest of fisherman sweaters are anything but breathable.
- Cut: Fisherman sweaters are typically imagined in a classic crewneck cut, but other versions exist, from long-line cardigans to rustic rollnecks, each offering their own benefits. Regardless, most fisherman sweaters are prone to shrinkage (especially when they come in contact with hot water), so factor in some minor size difference when choosing which shape is best for you.
- Price: Influenced by everything from the aforementioned material and cut to import fees oversees, it can be difficult to know exactly what to pay for a solid fisherman sweater. Expect to shell out $150-$250 retail for a quality knit that won’t fall apart instantly, with some caveats — tons of versions of the fisherman sweater often hit sale sections and can be snagged for well under $100 (many of which are included below). Likewise, a particularly pricey knit (the ones we’ve called out, at least) can be worth its weight in gold, whether for its sheer durability or unmatched clout, and we wholeheartedly support dishing out for some serious seawear.
The Great Seasonal Sweater Upgrade Is Nigh
The best thing you can do right this instant? Invest in some quality knitwear.We’ve taken the liberty of assembling our favorites, from the likes of a British outfitter that’s been around since 1796 to Orvis’ Americana take to a good old-fashioned L.L. Bean knit. One of the options is even made from a blend of pulverized oyster shells and recycled plastic bottles. The through line? Each of them looks rugged, feels incredible and will make you feel like a bona fide longshoreman. Below, the best fisherman sweaters for men in 2024.
The Best Fisherman Sweaters, According to Style Editors
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: S-3XL | Fit: true to size | Colors: 11 |
Fisherman sweaters wear in immaculately, which is why they often come with hefty price tags. Here’s a more approachable option from a brand that rarely misses. Note — this guy runs a touch small, especially if you end up shrinking it in the wash.
Material: 100% lambswool | Sizes: S-XXL | Fit: runs small | Colors: 3 |
There’s no brand we’re more excited about right now that U.K.-based Drake’s — the suiting-heavy label has been making menswear fun again with a mash of fresh faces and modern takes on tried-and-tested classics. Case in point: The Shetland Cable Crew incorporates authentic ’30s-style construction and cloud-esque lambswool with a playful modern grey.
Material: 100% wool | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fit: runs slightly large | Colors: 4 |
Alexander Skarsgård in Succession. That’s it. That’s the post.
Material: Merino wool blend | Sizes: S-XXL | Fit: runs slightly large | Colors: 3 |
Orvis’ Cable Crewneck is nothing special. We mean that in the best way possible — the knit is just an impossibly solid cable crewneck that’ll last you for a couple of decades if you treat it right.
Material: 100% Shetland wool | Sizes: S-XL | Fit: runs slightly large | Colors: 2 |
Pendleton’s Shetland Sweater is no blanket, but it is made from 100% Shetland wool, meaning you’ll stay as warm and dry as you would be swaddled on your couch. Bonus points for the nod to traditional cable-knit design.
Material: wool-cotton blend Sizes: S-XXL | Fit: true to size | Colors: 4 |
A bit more refined than the average fisherman knit, this rib-stitch quarter-zip plays exceptionally nice with a button-up and tie.
Material: 70% merino wool, 30% cashmere | Sizes: S-XXL | Fit: true to size | Colors: 1 |
Inis Meáin is the real deal — as in, crafted in Ireland from beautiful merino wool-cashmere blend yarns and specifically knitted to create a thick cable stitch that should ensure years of exceptional quality and decades of wear.
An Ode to the Carving Sweater, the Unsung Hero of Festive Menswear
You should be dressing like Dylan McDermott in the ‘90s remake of “Miracle on 34th Street” from now through New Year’s
Material: 65% merino wool, 30% nylon, 5% alpaca | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fit: runs slightly large | Colors: 2 |
We can’t imagine that the original fisherman sweaters has a touch of alpaca blended into their rugged bodies…but then again, this Alex Mill joint probably looks a hell of a lot better posted up at a trendy Brooklyn bar. It’s perfectly relaxed and looks great with everything, from jeans to flannel trousers.
Material: 90% RWS wool, 10% alpaca hair | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fit: runs large | Colors: 1 |
Decidedly more elegant than the majority of its salty counterparts, this Ralph Lauren sweater vest reads less “out on the water” and more “tucked away in the classroom,” something that we’re not mad about in the slightest.
Material: 100% virgin wool | Sizes: S-XXL | Fit: runs slightly large | Colors: 3 |
Now this is a proper fisherman’s sweater. Heartily constructed from a warm 100% wool, This German-made rollneck from Heimat is hand-knit from heavy 5 gauge wool for some serious structure and warmth.
Material: 60% lambswool, 40% nylon | Sizes: S-XXL | Fit: runs slightly small | Colors: 3 |
This Flint and Tinder Aran knit is a certified workhorse — rugged, hefty and primed to age like a fine wine. If cardigans aren’t your speed, try the crewneck instead.
Material: 100% virgin wool | Sizes: S-XL | Fit: true to size | Colors: 1 |
Like most apparel from Pasadena-based Ghiaia Cashmere, this luxe cable-knit is has a quality to it you’ll have to feel to believe. It’s the perfect pick-up for the sophisticated guy with cash to burn on a virgin wool sweater…or anyone really, really trying to emulate their nonno.
Material: 47% acrylic, 30% nylon 15% wool 8% mohair | Sizes: M-XL | Fit: true to size | Colors: 1 |
We can’t decide what’s more impressive about this Rhythm knit — the pliable weave or the astoundingly solid value.
Material: 76% virgin wool, 23% cotton, 1% polyamide | Sizes: 2-3| Fit: runs slightly small | Colors: 1 |
Even the greats couldn’t have dreamed of the heights the lowly fisherman sweater would reach in the hands of CFDA-lauded Thom Browne.
Material: 100% Merino wool | Sizes: XS-L | Fit: runs slightly large | Colors: 1 |
Open up the dictionary to the word chunky, and we’re fairly certain you’ll find an image of this Chamula pullover staring right back at you. Its monumental heft comes from the hand-knit weave that’s produced by small-batch artisans from Mexico.
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