This ruby red sweater is made for Christmas—richly festive without going over the top. The Italian alpaca-wool blend is naturally warm and slightly fuzzy, giving it a soft, textured finish that feels richer than standard merino. Alpaca adds lightweight insulation, so it keeps you warm without bulk, while wool helps regulate temperature, whether you’re inside by the fire or outside at a tree lighting. The fit is clean but relaxed—easy to layer over a tee or under a tailored coat. Style it with dark denim or wool trousers and leather boots for a polished cold-weather look that works for everything from gift exchanges to dinner parties.
The Lands’ End cardigan sweater is a cozy, versatile layer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or chilly winter nights. Its polyester-acrylic-wool blend is super warm without being too bulky, while the zip lets you adjust for comfort whether you’re indoors by the fireplace or in a muggy subway. The subtle wintry pattern is holiday-appropriate without being gimmicky, so you can wear it year-round.
Thanks to the relaxed fit, you can stretch your arms whether you’re hanging decorations or bending down to sip hot cocoa. Plus, the classic design looks great over a collared shirt, tee, or even a lightweight sweater. Pair it with chinos, dark denim, or dressy trousers to look put-together.
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Yes, this Brooks Brothers knit has a Fair Isle design, characterized by geometric shapes, without screaming “ugly sweater”. It feels more like heritage knitwear done right. Since the piece is made from fine merino wool, it offers excellent warmth while staying breathable and smooth against the skin. The archive Fair Isle pattern feels authentic and traditional, not trendy, giving it long-lasting wear beyond the season. The fit is classic—neither slim nor boxy—making it great for guys with broad shoulders and big chests. Style it with sleek trousers or dark denim and a tweed or wool blazer.
This is the best budget-friendly winter sweater we’ve tested, but its minimal design and quality construction make it feel surprisingly luxe. It’s made with a trifecta blend of cotton, polyester, and rayon that give the sweater structure and weight, helping it hold its shape better than a basic festive knit. It’s durable enough to be washed (not tossed in the dryer) multiple times and come out looking brand new.
It’s warm enough for chilly nights but breathable, making it ideal for crowded indoor parties. The relaxed fit works well over a dress shirt for holiday dinners or paired with jeans and sneakers if you’re attending a friend’s white elephant party. Size down if you want a slightly closer fit that still leaves room for layering under a jacket.
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Bonobos offers a fun holiday sweater that still feels mature. The knit is warm and substantial without being itchy, and the Fair Isle pattern—with its playful penguin motif—adds personality instead of veering into cheesy territory. Its wool-nylon fabric blend is cozy enough for cold nights but breathable enough to wear indoors all day. It’s not blended with elastane, but you can stretch and not feel like you’re busting a seam. The fit is trim but forgiving, making it flattering across body types. Style it with dark jeans or light cords and boots, and let the sweater do the talking at any holiday gathering.
This sweater combines classic holiday style with real luxury. The brushed cashmere fabric feels exceptionally soft and plush, trapping heat while staying lightweight. Its plaid combo of blue and green adds visual interest without being loud, making it easy to wear beyond December. The fit is tailored but comfortable, perfect for layering over a button-down or wearing solo. Pair it with navy trousers or raw denim and loafers or Chelsea boots for a festive look that still feels timeless.
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Naadam’s Christmas sweater might be the most expensive option on the list, but it’s made with luxurious cashmere that’s ultra-soft, warm, and plush. Yes, the fabric is on the thicker side, but it doesn’t feel like you’re standing inside an oven. You can still breathe and move comfortably, whether you’re mingling at a holiday party or strolling through a festive market.
The Fair Isle design is pretty balanced, offering holiday energy without feeling costume-y. The fit hits right in the middle—not too relaxed, not too tight—so you can layer it over under a winter coat without bunching. Throw it on with slim jeans and boots for casual gatherings, or dress it up with tailored pants and a structured coat.
Mack Weldon’s half-zip sweater gives off performance vibes rather than tacky holiday knit. There’s no loud patterns or novelty motifs to worry about. That said, it’s still a great sweater for Christmas dinner at a family member’s house. The half-zip design lets you easily adjust your temperature: zip up to stay warm outside, unzip for comfort indoors. Thanks to the merino blend, it’s naturally moisture-wicking and has quick stretch recovery, so it keeps its shape no matter how much you move in it. The rib detailing throughout adds subtle texture and reinforces the structure. You get a clean and comfortable fit without being baggy, so you can layer it over a tee or under a jacket.
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As the Style and Commerce Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
