The Best Cable Knit Sweaters for Men

There’s nothing that exudes comfort quite like a cable knit sweater. With its warm and inviting feeling and textured goodness, a cable knit sweater is basically the clothing equivalent of a cinnamon roll. Cable knit sweaters are also stylish, too, owing to the fact that they’re a classic piece that’s been around for a very long time. The origins of the modern cable knit can likely be traced back to the Aran sweater, a wool pullover first worn in the islands off the coast of Ireland. They were worn by fishermen, who needed something warm and naturally water-resistant.

A traditional Aran knit sweater has a complex mixture of weaves, including the distinctive braided look of a cable knit, as well as stitches like honeycomb, zig-zag and diamond. They were made from undyed wool, giving them their cream or off-white color. The thick layered fabric provides insulation and warmth, with the added benefit of adding texture and visual appeal to your outfit.

These days, cable knit sweaters come in every style (and color) imaginable. A cotton cable knit can be a great lighter-weight take on the traditional wool, while a v-neck tennis sweater lends a preppy edge to this rugged piece. Or, go all out with a traditional wool fisherman sweater. These are some of our favorite cable knit sweaters to buy right now.

1. Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Cotton Sweater

BEST OVERALL 

For a touch of classic prep, go for Ralph Lauren’s cable knit sweater. It’s made from soft, lightweight cotton, making it a great year-round sweater. Best of all, it comes in a ton of colors like red, pink and yellow, so you can go beyond the basic navy and gray.

2. LL Bean Cotton Fisherman Sweater

BEST CLASSIC ARAN SWEATER

If you want to go for the classic Aran knit look, it’s hard to go wrong with LL Bean, the outdoor outfitter that makes clothes that practically beg to be worn while sitting on an Adirondack and “summering.” This cable knit comes in beige or navy and is made from cotton, rather than wool.

3. Brooks Brothers x FILA Lawn Tennis Sweater

MOST PREPPY

What could be preppier than a cable knit sweater from Brooks Brothers? How about a cable knit tennis sweater from Brooks Brothers, made in collaboration with Italian sportswear brand Fila? This sweater comes in white with a classic red and blue contrast collar, hem and cuffs. The Fila and Brooks Brothers logos are on the chest.

4. Thom Browne Navy Aran Cable Crewneck Sweater

BEST DESIGNER 

True to form, Thom Browne’s take on the crew neck Aran sweater is just a little off, in the best possible way. It has a distinctive knit pattern and oversized ribbing on the cuffs and hem that throws everything a little out of proportion. The distinctive four-bar branding makes this an unmistakable Thom Browne piece. It’s made from premium merino wool.

5. Lacoste Cable V-Neck Sweater

TENNIS-INSPIRED

Lacoste is practically synonymous with tennis, so it’s no surprise the French brand does a mean take on a cable knit sweater. This thick sweater has an oversized blue and white collar with a complimentary hem, and it’s made from a blend of cotton and polyamide.

6. Ralph Lauren Tie-Dye Aran-Knit Cotton Sweater

BEST PATTERN

If a traditional cable knit sweater feels a little too, well, traditional, then try this offbeat take from Ralph Lauren. It has a classic Aran knit pattern but is dyed in a white and indigo tie-dye color. The splotchy white on blue look resembles clouds passing across a sunny sky, meaning you can bring blue skies to even the gloomiest days.

7. Rowing Blazers Cable Knit Sweater

MOST OFF-KILTER

This cable knit sweater embodies Rowing Blazers’ characteristically offbeat take on classic prep. The crewneck has a traditional braided cable knit design. It comes in pink or dark green and has a mini skull emblem on the chest. It’s made from lightweight lambswool.

8. Brunello Cucinelli Cable-Knit Cashmere Rollneck Sweater

MOST LUXURIOUS 

Everything about this sweater is big, from the beefy turtleneck collar to the giant braided cable knit pattern to, yes, the price. This knit comes from the master of modern Italian luxury, Brunello Cucinelli. It’s made in Italy and is 100% cashmere.

9. Brooks Brothers Supima Cotton Cable Crewneck Sweater

BEST PASTEL COLORS

If you’re not afraid of a little color, then go for this sweater from Brooks Brothers. It’s made from soft Supima cotton and is lightweight yet warm enough for near year-round wear. Traditional color options include navy and cream, but we’re partial to this pastel purple.

10. LL Bean Fisherman Shawl-Collar Cardigan

BEST CARDIGAN

This fisherman sweater from LL Bean is like a robe you can wear outside. It’s made from cotton and has a cozy shawl collar for extra warmth. It has an Aran knit design and two patch pockets at the waist.