Stay Cozy With This Selection of Rugged Fisherman Sweaters for Every Season
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Sometimes, to move your winter wardrobe forward, you’ve got to look back. Back to the past, to rugged, warm, hard-wearing designs — like the best fisherman sweaters, for example. There’s a reason these sweaters have been trusted since time eternal (OK, not quite that long, but you get the point).
The burly knit of a fisherman sweater, also historically known as an Aran sweater, offers dependable warmth when brisk weather hits. That makes perfect sense, given the roots of this reliable men’s sweater. Aran sweaters were so named for their roots in the Aran Islands and nearby, off Ireland’s west coast, where thick sheep’s wool came in handy as insulation for, yes, fishermen and tradesmen dealing with extreme conditions.
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The cable stitching found on fisherman sweaters was a nod to Celtic knots, and much of that same old-world design inspiration holds true with today’s crop of the best fisherman sweaters, whether made from wool, performance-minded wool fibers or a more lightweight cotton build. Some fisherman sweaters forgo the cable knit design in favor of a thick, tight-knit build, like the kind you’d find on the deck of a ship alongside a warm wool peacoat — either is worthy of space in your winter wardrobe.
While variations of the style are still made the old way in Ireland, the good news is that fisherman sweaters can be found at many of your favorite retailers, often in a super-cozy knit in a traditional cream or off-white color. Your new favorite sweater awaits.
J. Crew Rugged Merino Wool Cable-Knit Sweater
J. CrewJ. Crew does a masterful job at balancing the old-school and the modern, and this fresh take on the fisherman sweater is no different. Merino wool is a prime performance fabric, made to regulate your temperature while keeping you warm, and yet the thick cable-knit stitching makes this utterly classic. If you want to keep it timeless, select the Warm Sesame (cream) color.
L.L. Bean Signature Cotton Fisherman Sweater
L.L. BeanYour trusty L.L. Bean winter boots just met their companion by way of this sturdy, fairly priced cotton fisherman sweater. The cotton construction makes it easier to layer with ease (try it over a chambray or cotton flannel shirt), while the cable-knit stitching is distinctive and immediately eye-catching. Use it as a base layer beneath a waxed L.L. Bean jacket on winter weekend getaways.
Goodthreads Shawl Collar Cable Pullover
GoodthreadsThe affordable style purveyors at Amazon have come up with an impressive sub-$50 take on one of the best fisherman sweaters. The shawl collar design adds extra neckline protection and allows you to more readily show off your favorite winter shirt. Plus, the acrylic-nylon blend is lighter and stretchier than other fisherman sweaters, making this one easier to layer. Select from seven cool color options (or buy more than one) to suit your winter style needs.
Amazon Essentials Fisherman Cable Crewneck Sweater
Amazon Essentials The affordable style hits keep coming at Amazon, thanks to this stylish fisherman sweater well-suited for those who prefer a traditional crewneck design. This features a less distinctive knit than other fisherman sweaters, giving it a more low-key, subtle and yet dressy feel. Switch things up and layer it underneath a navy wool winter suit for a stylistic change of pace.
Partvece Fisherman Cable Knit Pullover
PartveceIf you’re searching for one of the best fisherman sweaters to go big on your cozy winter layering — whether hitting the road or lounging in front of the fire, dram in hand – then this agreeably priced option could be just the ticket. The ribbed knit collar and cuffs add a touch of thickness and warmth for a snug fit, while acrylic material is breathable and easy to layer — and sharp colors like Camel add more than a dash of style points.
Taylor Stitch Fisherman Sweater
Taylor Stitch Some fisherman sweaters do away with the more traditional cable-knit detailing and instead go deep on a sturdy, thick ribbed knit — as with this handsome Taylor Stitch sweater. It’s another classic menswear pick from the San Francisco brand, which specializes in cozy flannel shirts and durable waxed outerwear — both are fitting complementary choices alongside this rugged, versatile merino wool number.
Aran Crafts Fisherman Crewneck Sweater
Aran CraftsGo straight to the source with this overbuilt, old-world fisherman sweater crafted in Ireland. It’s precisely the sort of sweater you’d want to wear on a foggy, chilly Irish morning (or during snowstorms back home), what with its 100 percent pure wool knit and thick ribbed design. Keep it handy by the fireplace for the many chilly winter nights to come — you won’t regret it.
Heimat Mini Rollkragen Fisherman Sweater
Heimat MiniWhen you can’t take no for an answer, when you’ve simply got to brave fierce winter storms with ultra-gear in tow, make sure this fisherman sweater is close at hand. The extremely thick 5-gauge wool is supremely warm where you need it the most, while the tight-knit design and roll neck for added coverage actually draws inspiration from sweaters worn along the Eastern Seaboard. This particular edition is made in Germany and bridges old-school fisherman sweaters with a look well-suited for today.
Biddy Murphy Irish Fisherman Sweater
Biddy MurphyThere’s a reason fisherman sweaters were so trusted by real-life tradespeople working in harsh locales — they really could stand up to just about anything, and they were built to last. This version of the fisherman sweater harnesses that same inspiration with tough, durable construction. In fact, this sweater boasts all the traditional trappings of the best fisherman sweaters, from the cream color to intricate stitching and made-in-Ireland construction.
Wellen Seawool Fisherman Sweater
Wellen SeawoolThe Atlantic roots of the fisherman sweater are interpreted quite literally by Huckberry’s in-house brand Wellen here, seeing as this sweater uses material made from recycled oyster shells and plastic bottles. Think of it like a sustainable way to add some serious winter warmth to your rotation, and note that this sweater also dries quickly and resists odor naturally. If you want one of the best fisherman sweaters for true winter adventures, this is the one to snag now.
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