7 Smarter Knits To Upgrade Your Autumn Wardrobe

It probably hasn’t escaped your attention that quarter-zip sweaters are enjoying a surge in popularity of late. Once strictly the preserve of finance bros and ageing farmers, this simple piece of knitwear has unexpectedly pulled up a seat at the cool-kids table, with many of menswear’s biggest tastemakers now proudly championing the silhouette.

We get it. The versatility, the subtle detail of the zipper, the layering possibilities, the fact it brings a vague hint of formality to otherwise dressed-down ‘fits. But guess what… it’s not the only piece of knitwear that nails all of the above. So, if you’re struggling to shake the quarter-zip’s negative connotations, we’ve got a few ideas for pieces that will fill the same gap in your wardrobe.

From cardigans to cricket jumpers, there’s a handful of knits that fit the bill, offering a tad more visual interest than a simple crew neck, while keeping the vibe suitably grown-up and polished. Here’s what we’d recommend.

Mock Neck

M&S

A mock-neck sweater retains the same smartness and clean look of a quarter-zip while ditching the hardware entirely.

The raised neck makes it a solid layering piece with more character than a simple crew neck, without veering into full roll-neck territory. Wear it over a fitted T-shirt and use your outer layer to dictate the formality.

An overshirt or chore jacket in a rough cotton fabric keeps things casual, while an unstructured blazer makes the whole thing feel smarter and more intentional.

Knitted Bomber

Todd Snyder

The bomber jacket as a silhouette isn’t necessarily ‘smart’ in the traditional sense of the term, but apply the same basic formula to a piece of knitwear and it takes on a different character.

More of an upscale cardigan than a military flight jacket, this full-zip option keeps the knitted construction while adding a round, ribbed collar, ribbed hem and zipper. It’s perfect for layering, and if you choose one with a two-way zip, you can leave the bottom open slightly, partly for ventilation, and partly to show off your layering skills.

For full points, pick one in a smooth, glossy fabric like cashmere or merino.

Cashmere Crew Neck

Luca Faloni

Sometimes simple is best. We’d argue that before you go adding zippers, buttons and unconventional necklines to your knitwear collection, you should first make sure the basics are covered, and a good crew-neck ought to be the first thing on your shopping list.

Uncomplicated, versatile and timeless, it’s a four-season staple you can dress up or down and layer to your heart’s content.

To get the most out of it, choose a cashmere version that adds a touch of luxury to whatever you pair it with.

Knitted Polo

Luca Faloni

Knitted polos have been around for a minute, but they’ve always been somewhat on the sidelines – not essential, but nice to have. We’d argue that’s changing, as season after season, we’ve watched this smart-casual piece become more deeply entrenched in the modern man’s everyday wardrobe.

Unsurprising, really, given its winning mix of refined looks, comfort, versatility and warmth. Try wearing one in place of a T-shirt to dress up a casual outfit, or swap it for a shirt under a blazer for a more laid-back feel.

Buttoned Cardigan

Velasca

Cardigans spent years being unfairly associated with grandads and geography teachers, but those days are thankfully behind us. A simple buttoned version is now one of the most useful pieces of knitwear you can own, offering all the layering potential of a quarter-zip with a little more flexibility.

Wear it open over a T-shirt for something relaxed, or button it up and treat it almost like a knitted shirt. Fit is key here: something slightly relaxed and cropped will generally feel more contemporary than the long, skinny cardigans that haunted the 2010s.

For extra points, choose a fuzzy, textured fabric like mohair.

Shawl-Collar Cardigan

Velasca

If you like the slightly preppy, grown-up feel of a cardigan, a shawl-collar version is a logical next step. The chunky folded collar gives it more presence than a standard cardigan, while the buttoned front makes it easy to throw on over everything from a T-shirt to an Oxford shirt.

It’s also one of those rare knitwear pieces that can function almost like outerwear when the weather allows. Look for something substantial in lambswool or a wool blend, and keep the rest of the outfit relatively simple.

Preppy staples such as straight-leg jeans, chinos, cords and loafers are all fair game.

Cricket Jumper

Campbell’s of Beauly

With its deep V-neck, chunky ribbing and contrasting stripes, a preppy cricket jumper has far more going on visually than your average knit, making it a good option if your usual knitwear rotation feels a little pedestrian.

Traditionally worn in white or cream, it works particularly well with similarly collegiate pieces such as Oxford shirts, chinos and loafers, but there’s no need to go full Ivy League.

Try one over a plain tee with loose jeans and sneakers for an easier, more contemporary way to wear it. Balance is key – go too preppy and you’re Carlton Banks, so make sure to mix it up.