The Best Men’s Chunky Shawl Collar Cardigans – Fall/Winter 2022

 

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It’s finally that time of year when breaking out the chunky shawl collar cardigan becomes my default style.  Many people think they can’t “pull off” a shawl collar cardigan without looking like a 1950s grandfather.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  Throwing one on top of a black t-shirt and jeans, all the way up to layering one on top of business casual, the chunky shawl collar cardigan does it all.  It might actually be the most versatile sweater style out there.  I’ve put together a list of the best chunky shawl collar cardigan sweaters from low to high pricing, so any guy can add one of these essential sweaters to their Fall/Winter wardrobe.

 

 

J. Crew Wool-blend Shawl-Collar Cardigan – $64.50 (On Sale)

 

Notes: classic design and conservative color.  The only review is a 1 star review regarding a hole, so I wouldn’t let that hold you back on buying it, especially at this price.

Details of Note: 60% merino wool/40% polyamide (not unexpected at this price point), imported, comes with the more classic woven buttons instead the more modern plastic buttons.

 

 

 

L.L. Bean Classic Ragg Wool Cardigan – $109

 

Notes: very classic design, classic colors, the shawl is not ribbed like the body of the sweater.  A good way to dip your toes into a shawl collar cardigan if you’re a bit risk adverse.

Details of Note: 100% lambswool, imported, plastic buttons, other colors available: Forest Shade, Natural and Nautical Navy.

 

 

 

Notes: The aran/fisherman weave on the cardigan adds a bit of differentiation while sticking with classic colors.  Good alternative if you already have a normal chunky shawl collar cardigan.

Details of Note: 100% cotton, imported, plastic buttons, other colors available: Dark Red Marl, Black Spruce and Beige.

 

 

 

Brooks Brothers Merino Donegal Shawl Collar Cardigan – $159.60 (On Sale)

 

Notes: The Donegal pattern/look is the defining characteristic of this classic shawl collar cardigan.  Donegal means there are specks of color throughout the sweater to add a bit of subtle flair to an otherwise conservative color.  Looks solid from far away, but great detailing up-close.

Details of Note: 100% Merino Wool sourced from Italy, plastic buttons, certain colors have a horse logo on the buttons, other colors available: Navy, Grey, Light Brown and Burgundy.

 

 

 

Spier & Mackay Chunky Cardigan – $218

 

Notes: 4-ply Merino Wool gives this cardigan decent heft while still being a great value overall.  The button detailing also adds a nice touch.  Tons of colors to fit any style.

Details of Note: 100% Australian merino wool, other colors available: Navy, Heathered Cream, Dark Green, Burgundy, Charcoal, Camel, Moss Green, Dark Taupe, and Medium Grey.

 

 

 

Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Wool-Cashmere Cardigan – $398

 

Notes: The cable knit plus leather buttons = a very preppy cardigan from Ralph Lauren.  Perfect if you like the look, keep scrolling if you don’t.

Details of Note: 80% wool/20% cashmere, braided leather buttons.

 

 

 

Ralph Lauren Aran-Knit Wool-Blend Cardigan – $495

 

Notes: Another option if you’d like an Aran/fisherman pattern as opposed to the standard knit cardigan.  Interesting color as opposed to plain charcoal or grey.

Details of Note: 60% wool/28% cotton/12% linen, genuine horn buttons, imported.

 

 

 

Colhay’s Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan – $507 (no VAT)

 

Notes: Very chunky, soft lamaine lambswool, extra thick collar.  My go-to pick for a lambswool cardigan if you can afford it.

Details of Note: 100% lambswool, made in Scotland, horn buttons, other colors available: Olive, Camel, Ecru, Grey, and Navy.

 

 

 

Druhmor Merino Wool Shawl Collar Cardigan – $595

 

Notes: A bit sleeker than some of the other cardigans, mostly because of using Merino Wool.

Details of Note: 100% Merino Wool, made in Italy.

 

 

 

J. Crew Heavyweight Cashmere Shawl-Collar Cardigan – $598

 

Notes: Classic shawl collar but with the added softness of cashmere.  Leather woven buttons add another detail of “heritage” as opposed to plastic or horn buttons.  The vanilla color adds some versatility if you already own navy/black/charcoal cardigans.

Details of Note: 100% cashmere, imported.

 

 

 

Anderson & Sheppard Rib Shawl Collar Cardigan – $645

 

Notes: From Savile Row heavyweight Anderson & Sheppard’s Ready to Wear collection, they added 10% cashmere which is a great way to add “softness” without too much compromise in durability when compared to standard wool or lambswool.

Details of Note: 90% wool / 10% cashmere, horn buttons, made in Scotland, other colors available: Blue, Camel, Cream, Dark Green, Dark Natural, and Navy.

 

 

 

Drake’s Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan – $730

 

Notes: Another classic shawl collar cardigan, jetted front pockets gives this cardigan a cleaner look than most others with patch front pockets.

Details of Note: 100% lambswool, leather buttons, made in Scotland, other colors available: Camel, Black, and Grey.

 

 

 

Barena Shawl-Collar Ribbed Virgin Wool-Blend Cardigan – $745

 

Notes:  A couple shades lighter than Navy as well as the collar knit direction changing gives this shawl collar cardigan a bit of extra differentiation.

Details of Note: 70% virgin wool, 30% acrylic, made in Italy.

 

 

 

Colhay’s Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan – $885 (no VAT)

 

Notes: Slightly less chunky than their lambswool cardigan, but their ultimate in softness and comfort.

Details of Note: 100% cashmere, made in Scotland, horn buttons, other colors available: Navy and Dark Olive.

 

 

 

Anderson & Sheppard Ribbed Cashmere Cardigan – $1,250

 

Notes: The all-cashmere offering from A&S, 12 plys of pure cashmere, thick, chunky, perfect for a Fall walk at dusk.

Details of Note: 12-ply 100% cashmere, horn buttons, made in Italy, other colors available: Charcoal, Cream and Grey.

 

 

 

Ralph Lauren Wool-Cashmere Shawl Cardigan – $1,295

 

Notes: Not quite as chunky as some others, slim and refined, interesting shoulder detailing.  You do pay a fairly large premium for any Ralph Lauren Purple Label item.

Details of Note: 80% wool/20% cashmere, horn buttons.

 

 

Let me know your pick in the comments below!