Not all sweaters are created equal. The neckline, the closure and the cut change how a sweater looks, how it layers and where you can wear it. If you have ever wondered whether you should choose a crewneck or a turtleneck, a half-zip or a cardigan, this guide is for you. We break down the most important sweater styles, explain what each one does best and help you decide which ones belong in your wardrobe.
The Crewneck: The Essential Starting Point
The crewneck is the most classic and versatile sweater style of all. Its round, close-fitting neckline works with almost anything: over a collared shirt, over a T-shirt or on its own. It flatters most face shapes and body types, and it is equally comfortable at the office and on the weekend.
Best for: everyday wear, layering over shirts, smart-casual offices. If you only own one sweater, it should be a crewneck.
From our collection: the Westminster Ivory Cable Crewneck, the Harvard Burgundy Crew, the Devonshire Black Cable Crew and the Marlborough Forest Crew.
The Fisherman Sweater: Heritage and Texture
Technically a crewneck, the fisherman sweater deserves its own category. It is defined by its rich Aran stitches, such as the cable, diamond, honeycomb and trinity, and usually has a slightly higher ribbed neckline. It is the most textured and characterful style, perfect when you want the sweater to be the focal point of the outfit.
Best for: weekends, the countryside, cold days, pairing with denim and boots.
From our collection: the Hartford Navy Fisherman, the Ashford Cream Fisherman and the Pembroke Charcoal Fisherman.
The Turtleneck: Refined and Modern
The turtleneck has a high, folded collar that covers the neck. It creates a clean, elegant line and frames the face beautifully. It is one of the most sophisticated sweater styles and a stylish alternative to a shirt and tie, especially under a blazer or overcoat.
Best for: colder days, evenings, layering under tailoring, a sleek and modern look.
From our collection: the Astor Oatmeal Turtleneck, the Winthrop Chocolate Turtleneck and the Hudson Grey Turtleneck.
The Rollneck: Relaxed Elegance
The rollneck, sometimes called a funnel neck, is the more relaxed cousin of the turtleneck. Its collar stands up loosely instead of being folded tightly, and it is often paired with a drop-shoulder cut for an easy, slightly oversized silhouette. It offers the warmth of a turtleneck with a softer, more casual feel.
Best for: relaxed weekends, travel, a contemporary take on classic knitwear.
From our collection: the Sinclair Camel Rollneck, the Sterling Ivory Rollneck and the Ascot Charcoal Rollneck.
The Shawl Collar: Warmth With Character
The shawl collar features a wide, rolled collar that folds over the chest, usually with a button or toggle closure. It has a distinctive, slightly vintage elegance and adds instant warmth around the neck. It works beautifully over a T-shirt or a fine shirt and has a natural place at evening gatherings.
Best for: evenings, dinners, gatherings by the fire, a warm and refined look.
From our collection: the Belgrave Charcoal Shawl Collar, the Blackwood Olive Shawl and the Preston Ivory Shawl.
The Half-Zip: Practical and Smart
The half-zip, or quarter-zip, has a short zipper at the neck that lets you open or close the collar as the temperature changes. It is sporty yet polished, which makes it one of the most practical sweater styles for travel, golf and smart-casual workplaces.
Best for: travel, active days, layering over polos, adjustable comfort.
From our collection: the Mayfair Forest Half-Zip, the Belfast Navy Half-Zip and the Nolita Black Half-Zip.
The Cardigan: The Ultimate Layer
A cardigan opens fully at the front with buttons or a zipper. It is the most flexible layering piece in knitwear: worn open, it adds texture without bulk; closed, it works almost like a jacket. Shawl-collar cardigans in particular can replace a blazer in relaxed settings.
Best for: layering, transitional weather, a relaxed alternative to a jacket.
From our collection: the Rockefeller Cream Zip Cardigan, the Hampton Wheat Cardigan and the Beaufort Camel Cardigan.
The Henley: Casual and Understated
A henley sweater has a short buttoned placket instead of a collar. It sits somewhere between a crewneck and a polo, with a casual, slightly rugged character. It looks great on its own with chinos or denim.
Best for: warmer days, casual weekends, wearing on its own. From our collection: the Carlyle Powder Blue Henley.
The Vest: The Smart Layer
The sleeveless sweater vest adds texture and warmth to the torso while leaving the shirt sleeves visible. It is a classic collegiate piece that has returned in a big way and looks sharp over an oxford or under an open blazer.
Best for: layering over shirts, office wear, mild weather. From our collection: the Kensington Burgundy Vest, the Grosvenor Grey Vest, the Darien Oatmeal Vest and the Lennox Black Vest.
Quick Guide: Which Style Should You Choose?
- Your first sweater: a crewneck in ivory, navy or charcoal.
- For the office: a crewneck over a shirt, a vest or a turtleneck under a blazer.
- For evenings: a shawl collar or a turtleneck.
- For travel: a half-zip or a rollneck.
- For weekends: a fisherman sweater or a henley.
- For layering: a cardigan.
Every Style, the Same Standard
Whatever style you choose, every Libertarians sweater shares the same foundation: 100% long-staple cotton, a 7-gauge cable knit at 580 gsm and hand-finished construction reinforced at the shoulder and hem. The style changes, but the quality never does.
Explore every style in the Libertarians collection and find the one that fits your life.