How to style a cardigan for men begins with understanding its range—from understated layering piece to standout statement. Once a prep-school fixture, the cardigan has moved through decades of reinvention: worn oversized by ’90s icons like Kurt Cobain, buttoned-up in Ivy League circles, and reimagined in streetwear and minimal tailoring.

How to Style a Cardigan for Men

Each outfit below explores a different take on the cardigan’s versatility, highlighting how it fits into modern wardrobes across seasons and subcultures. Whether layered over tees, polos, or dress shirts, the cardigan remains one of the few menswear staples that adapts without losing its identity.

Cardigan & T-Shirt Outfit

Mastering how to wear a cardigan for guys often begins with pairing it over a classic white T-shirt. A textured cardigan in camel or olive adds interest without overpowering, while neutral denim keeps the look clean and versatile.

This combination works well with light-wash jeans or ecru chinos, grounded by sneakers or suede loafers. Try a crew neck tee with structure and opt for a cardigan that holds its shape—ribbed, waffle, or slub textures all work. It’s a simple way to pull off a cardigan over a T-shirt with a refined, everyday feel.

Monochrome Cardigan Layers

This twinset take on cardigan outfits leans into uniform dressing without feeling flat. A ribbed crew neck sweater layered under a matching cardigan keeps the texture consistent, while dark jeans add contrast.

To style a cardigan this way, choose one that matches or complements your base layer—think tonal browns, olives, or greys. Stick with heavier knits to keep the proportions balanced and finish with raw denim or wool trousers.

Full-Zip Cardigan with Double Denim

A ribbed zip-up cardigan layered over a denim shirt and white tee makes a strong case for cold-weather texture. The tonal mix of navy and indigo gives it range—part utilitarian, part elevated weekend.

When deciding what to wear under a cardigan like this, contrast is key. Use a denim or chambray shirt to break up the knit, with a crew neck tee to anchor it all. Stick with dark denim for continuity or swap in olive chinos to shift the palette.

For outerwear-level warmth, this combo functions like a jacket—just add boots or low-tops depending on the setting.

Cardigan with a Tank Top

This look blends soft pastels with streetwear grit—pairing a light pink cardigan with a white tank, dark denim, and a camo baseball cap. The result is relaxed but directional, playing on contrast and attitude.

If you’re figuring out what to wear with a cardigan in warmer months or casual settings, try a ribbed tank or fitted tee underneath. Add wide-leg jeans, cargos, or even nylon trousers to push the streetwear angle. Finish with a cap or chain to break up the softness and inject some edge.

Polo Shirt & Cardigan Combo

A rich burgundy palette paired with pleated black trousers gives this smart-casual look a polished slant. The polo shirt under the cardigan replaces the usual button-down or tee, offering an unexpected middle ground between relaxed and refined.

For a similar effect, opt for a fine-knit cardigan and pair it with a jersey or pique polo in a matching or tonal color. A man wearing a cardigan this way leans into soft structure while still looking pulled together. Swap in drawstring trousers or loafers to adjust the formality without losing the aesthetic.

Cardigan with T-Shirt & Shorts

Pairing a cardigan with shorts taps into a coastal casual vibe that feels equally at home in spring city layers or post-surf downtime. The textured cream knit brings a soft structure over a faded tee, while tailored shorts keep things grounded.

To rework this look, try a lightweight or open-knit cardigan in cotton or linen, worn over washed tees in blue, green, or off-white. Stick to chino shorts or drawstring styles for balance, and finish with sneakers or espadrilles.

Cardigan Vest with a Shirt

This sleeveless look channels the academia aesthetic with stripped-down precision. A black buttoned cardigan vest over a crisp white shirt brings collegiate structure without feeling costume-like, especially when styled with tailored charcoal trousers.

To pull this off, start with a slightly oversized shirt—collar sharp, cuffs relaxed—and layer with a knit vest in black, navy, or heather grey. The key to nailing the academia aesthetic is in the balance: smart tailoring below, classic layering above.

Loafers, derbies, or even canvas high-tops can finish the look depending on whether you’re leaning classic or modern prep.

Cardigan with Graphic Tee

This outfit channels a ’90s nonchalance straight from the Kurt Cobain lookbook. The oversized black cardigan—fuzzy and unruly—evokes the same slouchy irreverence Cobain made iconic during MTV Unplugged, while the graphic tee and burgundy trousers add a modern, stylized twist.

To recreate the vibe, look for mohair or brushed knits in darker tones and pair them with distressed or artful tees. Wide-leg pants, whether tailored or thrifted, ground the silhouette. It’s a reminder that cardigans—especially in this texture—were never just for prep school; in the ‘90s, they were anti-fashion at its coolest.

Cardigan Outfit with Oxford Shirt

A men’s navy blue cardigan outfit delivers an easygoing take on classic prep. Layered over a striped dress shirt and white crew neck tee, it nods to Ivy League staples while keeping things current with khakis and a leather belt.

This look is a perfect reference for what to wear under a cardigan. Start with a crisp poplin or Oxford shirt, then add a basic tee underneath for contrast and dimension. Khakis or tailored chinos balance the polish, and you can switch to dark denim for a more relaxed edge.

Shawl Collar Cardigan with Shirt & Tie

A shawl collar cardigan worn over a dress shirt and tie adds a relaxed feel to formal dressing. The black knit anchors the look, while the grey wool trousers keep it office-ready without leaning into stiffness.

For those wondering how to wear a men’s cardigan in place of a blazer, this is a sharp alternative. Choose cardigans with denser weaves or defined collars, and pair them with tailored pants and a slim tie. It’s a modern uniform that works for meetings, dinners, or anything in between.

Cardigans, Recast & Rewired

From relaxed spring layering to tailored cold-weather builds, the cardigan has proven it’s far more than a nostalgic knit. Each outfit underscores its adaptability—anchoring prep, echoing grunge, or refining casual staples.

In every case, the cardigan isn’t just along for the ride; it reshapes the tone of whatever it’s paired with. Style moves fast, but this piece keeps showing up—rewired, repurposed, and ready for whatever’s next.