A man’s wardrobe is built with the basic building blocks of timeless garments. Everything from the right denim to the right shoes will define a man’s style and the image he projects to others. One of the pieces of a man’s winter wardrobe that will define some of his most catching outfits is the sweater.

There are numerous kinds of sweaters for every occasion. Below is a list of the five different types of sweaters that every man should own to have a complete wardrobe. Keep in mind that your need for sweaters will depend on where you live. If you live the beach life, sweaters may not be a huge part of your everyday wardrobe, but for most of us, there are at least four months out of the year where these will come in handy.

The pullover will be the one worn most often by you and most others. It is the most basic and, therefore, the most common among the sweaters you’ll encounter when shopping. You’ll see three kinds of collar types when choosing the right pullover sweater. 

The shawl collar is the ultimate winter sweater. It is a combination between the v-neck and the roll collar. It folds over at the neck to create almost a built-in scarf but opens at the front, creating a perfect opportunity for you to wear an open-collar shirt or a shirt and tie. These don’t often work under jackets but work as a replacement for a sportcoat when you need something a little different to liven up your week.

There are numerous materials these and other sweaters can be made out of. Here are the ones to keep an eye out for. 

The cardigan is one of the basics that every man should have in their closet. With its open front, it lends itself perfectly to help layer. It will look great over a shirt and tie in the office if you happen to work in one of those office buildings that enjoy the arctic temps. And it is perfect for slipping over a t-shirt or polo on the weekends to add a layer of warmth. They can either be zip fronts or buttons. 

When shopping for sweaters, the colors that you choose will go a long way to helping you get the most out of your wardrobe. 

The quarter-zip sweater will be the most casual of all the sweaters in your wardrobe. The zipper comes down to about the mid-sternum when open and can reach as high as under the chin when closed. In its most casual look, it will pair with a t-shirt. A dress shirt and tie can sometimes work underneath it in its most formal form. To avoid trying to be too formal, consider a knit tie and a button-down collared shirt. 

When you are first building a sweater wardrobe, you want to avoid too many patterns as they limit versatility. You will often see some common patterns and textures when shopping. 

The turtleneck sweater is the most fetching of the five. While it feels like it goes in and out of favor among the younger crowds, the truth is a turtleneck is never truly out of style. The thicker sweaters will go in for ultimate warmth, while the thinner versions will work well under sportcoats or even button-up shirts. This style will be perfect for men who don’t enjoy the look of scarves but need extra coverage in the colder months. 

How your sweater fits will be equally crucial as to which sweater you choose to buy. Here are some tips for how to ensure your sweater fits you correctly. 

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