Our 10 Favorite Men’s Fisherman Sweaters to Wear All Winter

You don’t need to break the bank for a high-quality fisherman sweater that’ll last you years to come. Quince is proof. Crafted from organic cotton, this thick, warm sweater is a perfect layering piece for winter—put a tee or a button-down underneath, a topcoat or a puffer on top, and you’re golden. The rib detailing offers some extra texture and style, and relaxed raglan sleeves offer more freedom of movement.

Okay, hear me out—this isn’t your traditional fisherman sweater, but you can make a damn good excuse for Polo Ralph Lauren’s ultra-soft, ultra-luxe cable-knit sweater when you feel how unbelievably plush this is. This is the fisherman sweater you go to when you want something distinctly elevated and chic but you still want to have a cable-knit design and a fit you can dress down with joggers and slides.

If you, like commerce editor Luke Guillory, aren’t into the super chunky fisherman sweaters and are looking for something a little more lightweight that you can easily layer, this Buck Mason pick should be right up your alley. Luke has even endorsed the style, lauding the sweater for its warm yet lightweight feel, perfect not-too-boxy but not-too-slim cut, and durable cotton that can be machine washed and still not miss a beat.

You may already know that we at Esquire have an affinity for shawl collar cardigans. With their laid-back Western vibes and classic Americana silhouette, shawl collar cardigans look handsome on just about any guy. One of our favorites is this fisherman style from Filson. It’s made in Italy from 100 percent wool, so it feels thick and warm and insulates well, even when wet. It comes in this muted forest green as well as a classic navy.

Begg x Co’s Isla cashmere sweater is another fantastic, high-quality cashmere option. It’s just oppressively beautiful. Begg x Co operates its own mills in Scotland, which shows up in the world-class materials and construction, but the vibe isn’t overly capital-F-Fashion the way some French or Italian luxury brands can feel. It’s timeless, understated luxury. Made from 8‑ply cashmere, it lands in a perfect mid-weight sweet spot for fall and winter: substantial and warm without being bulky. It’s definitely quite pricey, but you’re paying for the highest level of quality and finish.

This gorgeous wool fisherman sweater is from Finisterre, a surf clothing brand from Cornwall, England, so it’s specifically made for cold, windy days on the water. It’s made from 100 percent heavyweight, pure new wool with a natural crimp, which means it creates natural pockets of air to help insulate you (even if you’re not on the water). One writer says it’s one of his go-to winter sweaters.

This sweater from Ghiaia Cashmere is divine, surprising considering the brand is based out of southern California. The mock neck is the star here—cozy without the bulk of a turtleneck—and the rich brown color is lovely (though it also comes in a clean cream if you want something lighter). A chest pocket adds a surprisingly practical touch, making it feel more functional than you’d ever expect a sweater to be.