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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.
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.
J. Crew Rugged Merino Wool-Blend Cardigan – $158
Notes: Another classic shawl collar cardigan design from J. Crew. It is part nylon, but at this price point it’s not completely unexpected and does probably add more durability and longevity. The “Marled Hazelnut” color is a nice differentiator from most solid color cardigans, and will pair well with both jeans and light colored chinos, which is a nice bonus. It does come with old-school woven buttons, so make sure you like that style.
Details of Note: Merino Wool / Nylon blend, imported, old-school woven buttons (can’t tell if leather or “vegan leather”).
L.L. Bean Cotton Fisherman Shawl-Collar Cardigan – $169
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 Shawl Collar Cardigan – $248
Notes: Brooks Brother’s take on a shawl collar cardigan. The “donegal” pattern (small flecks of other colors) on the fabric lends a nice extra bit of texture to an otherwise plain grey.
Details of Note: 100% Merino Wool, imported, interesting donegal fabric, also available in a Navy.
William Lockie Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan – $270
Notes: A classic shawl collar cardigan design with woven buttons with a trimmer modern fit, but not slim. This is my personal choice for a shawl collar cardigan in the under $300 price point.
Details of Note: 100% lambswool, made in Scotland, woven leather buttons, comes in a variety of colors. While William Lockie isn’t well known to the public, they have been in the sweater business for generations.
Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Wool-Cashmere Cardigan – $398
Notes: Definitely preppy coming from Ralph Lauren. The cable-knit adds some detailing vs. a standard navy cardigan, and woven leather buttons also adds to the trad/preppiness, but the slim fit adds a bit of modernity. You also get 20% cashmere woven in which will make it markedly softer than standard wool without having to pay up for 100% cashmere.
Details of Note: 80% wool / 20% cashmere, imported, cable-knit, woven leather buttons, slim fit.
O’Connell’s 8-Ply Lambswool Cardigan – $495
Notes: The epitome of the “grandpa cardigan”. 8-plys of lambswool thick with a somewhat baggier fit, this screams 100% comfort during a snowy, winter afternoon. Some colors come with horn buttons, and others with woven leather buttons.
Details of Note: 8-Ply 100% Lambswool, imported from Scotland, check individual colors for horn or woven leather buttons, more traditional fit than slim fit, many other colors available.
Colhay’s Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan – $525 (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.
Zanone Shawl-Collar Wool Cardigan – $559
Notes: A nice example of a standard modern mid/light grey, slim fit, shawl collar cardigan.
Details of Note: 100% virgin wool, slim fit, ships from Italy (duties prepaid), buttons are grey, which you may or may not like.
J. Press Lambswool Cable Cardigan – $575
Notes: J. Press is when you think Brooks Brothers is too fashion-forward. 100% “trad”. A nice classic choice if you prefer cable-knit over standard knit on a lambswool cardigan. All the classic detailing including the woven leather buttons.
Details of Note: 100% lambswool, cable-knit, imported from Scotland, classic fit, not slim fit, available colors, Navy, Grey, Blue and Natural.
Druhmor Wool English Rib Shawl Cardigan – $595
Notes: Made with merino wool for a sleeker look than lambswool. Black buttons lend an even more modern take to this shawl collar cardigan.
Details of Note: Merino wool, made in Italy, black buttons, pretty slim fit.
Anderson & Sheppard Rib Shawl Collar Cardigan – $680
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, Grey, and Charcoal.
Ralph Lauren (RRL) Textured Cashmere Shawl-Collar Cardigan – $795
Notes: This is from Ralph Lauren’s RRL line, which is generally a step up in quality from the “Polo Ralph Lauren” line but also leans a bit more “western” in design aesthetic than preppy. The buttons are made of corozo which is derived from the seed of a palm tree and is similar to elephant ivory. The subtle design on the button further differentiates this cashmere shawl collar cardigan from the pack.
Details of Note: 100% cashmere, imported, unique buttons, trimmer fit, also comes in Navy.
Colhay’s Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan – $930 (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.
Boglioli Shawl-Collar Ribbed Wool Cardigan – $1,210
Notes: A nice 100% wool shawl collar cardigan in Burgundy. Classic styling all around but with nice brown horn buttons.
Details of Note: 100% wool, horn buttons, imported.
O’Connell’s 12-ply Cashmere Cardigan – $1,395
Notes: The epitome of the “grandpa cardigan” again from O’connell’s, but this time with uber-luxurious 12-ply cashmere. This time all colors come with woven leather buttons.
Details of Note: 12-ply cashmere, made in Scotland, woven buttons, traditional fit, comes in a variety of colors.
Anderson & Sheppard Ribbed Cashmere Cardigan – $1,450
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, Gray, and Cream.
Brunello Cucinelli Alpaca and Wool Cardigan – $2,400
Notes: From the king of sweaters, Brunello Cucinelli, no doubt this is expensive. Alpaca and Wool with nylon added to add strength and longevity gives this shawl collar cardigan its unique look. This is a “grail” purchase indeed.
Details of Note: 41% Nylon / 32% Alpaca / 27% Wool, horn buttons, trim fit, made in Italy.
Tom Ford Shawl-Collar Cashmere and Mohair-Blend Cardigan – $2,690
Notes: When you don’t have a budget, and need a light colored shawl collar cardigan, this is it. Cashmere / Mohair blend and horn buttons. Anything Tom Ford speaks for itself if you have deep enough pockets.
Details of Note: 75% Cashmere / 25% Mohair, horn buttons, imported, trim fit.
Let us know which you like the best or chose to purchase in the comments below!