How to Wear: Men’s Winter Knitwear

Hallelujah! Winter is upon us, so it’s time to fall in love with your knitwear again. Seasonal knitwear is the sartorial equivalent of a hot chocolate on a chilly winter’s night or a loving hug; it’s pure satisfaction.

But, enough waxing lyrical. If you’re in the market for a new jumper, just know, it is a jungle out there.

In this piece we’ll focus on four impeccable styles: crewneck, polo knit, turtleneck and (the slightly more niche) fisherman zip-through. We’ll explain the intricacies of the styles and why they’re worth having in your wardrobe. But don’t worry, we won’t slam the door in your face and leave you out in the cold when it comes to outfit creation. We’ll pair it with other stylish accoutrements to ensure you can maximise the potential of your woolly, warm knitwear.

Hero: Aubin Prestwick Shetland Crew (orange/auburn/red)

Bottoms: Aubin Jeans

Accessories: Uniform Standard — Ghost Melange Beanie

Shoes: Uniform Standard (Series 3 White Tumbled)

The crewneck knit is always the first port of call when it comes to men’s winter knitwear. Pair up with a light grey beanie (though other neutral tones could work), a pair of retro-infused white sneakers trainers, and dark indigo Aubin jeans for a healthy colour balance. Give the jeans a good roll-up at the bottom to show off your socks.

This style is casual without looking too lackadaisical. Perfect for a stroll in the park on those crisp winter days when it’s warm enough to go without a jacket.

HERO: Aurélien polo knit (petrol blue)

Bottoms: Aubin navy chino

T-shirt: Uniform Standard

Shoes: Uniform Standard sneakers in Taupe

The polo knit is a jolly fusion between the lightness of a t-shirt and the warmth of a jumper. Merino wool is the preferred material choice because it is lightweight, insulating, anti-bacterial and soft on the skin. Though it can be worn without a t-shirt, here, we’ve paired the polo knit with a white t-shirt for insulation purposes. This makes popping buttons open a less sexually fraught endeavour too. The petrol blue of the Aurélien polo shirt is a shamefully under-utilised colour. It’s part of the reason we insist you try it out; you’ll look chic and original. We’ve styled it with a navy chino for a continuation of the blue palette and a pair of taupe Uniform Standard sneakers to ground the outfit literally and in terms of colour.

Using smart sneakers and chinos together denotes a smart-casual tone. Its warm casual feel is ideal for visiting family at the weekend, a chilled business lunch, or just the daily grind. It’s a versatile outfit to call upon in colder months.

HERO: Aurélien turtleneck (black)

Trousers: Kit Blake flannel trousers (grey)

Shoes: Crockett & Jones Boston Loafers [Chocolate Brown]

Accessories: Curry & Paxton Yvan Sunglasses

Who said knitwear was just for weathering storms, survival and fireside whiskeys? Who was that? Knitwear has a sensitive side too and the turtleneck style brings elegance, sophistication and charm into play.

By tucking this black Aurélien turtleneck into the illustrious pleated grey trousers by Kit Blake, you have the makings of a suave outfit. Word of warning, make sure the grey isn’t too light if you’re looking to replicate this look with other trousers, it can look too contrasted otherwise. The black and grey will blend well with the deep chocolate brown of the Crockett & Jones Boston loafers below. The dark tones keep things sultry and mysterious, as if under the downlighting in an exclusive subterranean cocktail bar. The sunglasses will add a certain panache to your between meeting strolls, before you finish the day and enter said sultry bar.

HERO: Usk Fisherman Rib Zip Through (Khaki)

Bottoms: Uniform Standard navy fleece tracksuit

Shoes: Unseen Footwear (Trinity Tech Suede Mesh Khaki)

If a Fisherman Zip-Through seems sort of specific, that’s because we’re not well acquainted enough with it. It is an oft-forgotten piece of knitwear and it shouldn’t be. For one, it’s practical. Because it opens down the centre, you can treat it more like a jacket in the sense that you can thermo-regulate with aplomb. Of course, this naturally gives it a more casual bent than other forms of knitwear and so, with our suggested outfit, we’ve leaned into that.

We call this outfit “Sunday”… um, for obvious reasons really. On Sundays, no one cares that you look a bit slouchy, because a) it’s Sunday, and b) they’re probably hungover. The linear fisherman weaves doubles down on comfort by allowing for a nice stretch. We recommend soft but premium tracksuit bottoms (an organic cotton fleece, we’ve gone for) and on your feet, the Unseen Footwear trainers come with very fashionable and chunky foam for even more comfort. These sneakers also boast treaded Vibram outsoles for when the Beef Wellington needs a good walking off with the family in greener pastures.

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