Why Wear Men’s Knitwear?

The way you dress tells the world all they need to know about your story and style, so invest in pieces that feel as good as they look. Men's knits are the definition of style, class, and comfort, making them essentials in every man's wardrobe. This season, unlock your inner fashion lover and find timeless knits to add to your collection with our fresh designs. 

It's time to transform your fits from dull to dashing with a few key knits. Don't know where to start? Don't worry! Learn about all the benefits of wearing knitwear, discover a few fun designs, and get styling tips with our all-encompassing guide.

 What is Men's Knitwear?

 When you hear the term "knits," you may be picturing the wrong kind of garment. When we talk about knitwear, we're not referring to your grandmother's handmade sweaters or the scarf you made for Christmas. Though the idea is the same, modern men's knitwear is a type of clothing made from a single length of thread or yarn that is woven back and forth to create the garment.

 

What is the Difference Between Sweaters and Knitwear?

Simply put, all sweaters are knits, but not all knits are sweaters. Let's break that down even further: in the fashion world, knitwear refers to a method of fabric construction, meaning a "knit" can be any garment made from a knitted fabric and isn't necessarily a sweater. 

Sweaters, on the other hand, are a specific type of knit garment. You may see them lumped into the same category, but understanding that small difference will help make shopping a breeze.

 Types of Knits:

 

Short sleeve shirts

Long sleeve shirts

Jackets

Sweaters

Shorts

Cardigans

Turtlenecks

 

What is Knitwear Made Out Of?

Knits can be made from a wide, diverse variety of naturally formed and synthetic fibers, each with its own list of benefits. The textile used can affect the warmth, feel, stitch size, and overall style of the finished design, so it's important to understand the differences between them. As you shop for men's knit shirts, make sure to check the tag and description to see exactly what you're buying.

 

Best Textiles for Knitted Clothing: 

Wool: naturally warm, long-lasting, and moisture-wicking

Cashmere: extra soft and insulating

Cotton: breathable and machine washable

Bamboo: temperature regulating and breathable

Synthetic fibers: wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and durable

 

What Time of Year Can You Wear Knitwear?

 It's kind of a trick question—knitwear can actually be worn year-round! There are knits of all weights and styles to suit any season. Lightweight men's knit shirts are great for layering during the transitional months or worn on their own in spring and summer. Heavier knits are perfect for keeping cozy in the winter. As long as you have a carefully curated collection of knitwear in your closet, you'll be set all year long.

 

The Many Benefits of Wearing Knitwear

 Men's knit shirts, short shorts, and more have become a closet staple for men of all ages—but why? Enduring popularity in trends and fads doesn't come from nothing. Knits have remained a must-have fashion cycle after fashion cycle, thanks to a long list of benefits, including:

 

Knits Offer Unbeatable Comfort 

When it comes to fashion, every item in your closet should be as comfortable as it is stylish. Men's knit shirts can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own list of benefits. In general, they are designed to be soft, stretchy, and breathable, making them easy to move in and providing a cozy feel with every wear, whether paired with men’s sweatpants or jeans.

 

Men's Knit Shirts Are Great For Any Weather

 The best brands make men's knit shirts and shorts in various weights, so there's always a knit for that day's weather. The woven nature of the fabric provides both a breathable feel to keep air flowing through hotter months and thermal regulation and insulation to help keep heat in on colder days.

 

Knitwear is Built for Durability

 When you buy a men's knit shirt, you want it to last you a lifetime—or at least, close to it! Due to the sturdy structure of woven fibers, knit fabrics are less likely to experience the wear and tear of a normal cotton graphic tee. When they're correctly cared for, knits can be worn for a long time without losing shape or getting holes.  

 

Men's Knits Are Versatile

 One of the biggest reasons to invest in men's knit shirts and shorts is the unlimited versatility they offer! You can throw on a knit long-sleeve over a graphic tee for a lightweight outer layer on date night, don a matching set for a night at the beach, or style a men's knit shirt under a bomber jacket—the possibilities are endless.  

 

Knitwear is Wrinkle-Resistant

 There's nothing worse than putting together a fancy fit and finding your favorite pieces wrinkled beyond wear. Did you know that men's knit shirts made from natural fibers are wrinkle-resistant?

 Where cotton, linen, and rayon are prone to pesky wrinkles, a fabric made from woven thread and yarn automatically bounces back to its intended shape. That means you can pull out your men's knit shirt from the closet and wear it without a second thought!

 

Men's Knits Are Completely Timeless

 Men's knits have been popular for decades—and they aren't leaving the runway looks any time soon! Whether you lean towards streetwear, business casual, or surfer chic for your style inspiration, knits bring a level of comfortable sophistication to every single outfit. The slightly textured feel, pattern options, and structured silhouettes will never go out of style. When you buy a piece, you'll find yourself wearing it for years to come.

 

Knits Provide a Flattering Fit

 Where some woven garments can feel stiff, knits have an elastic feel that flatters your figure. The fibers stretch and move as you do, providing a comfortable feel for everyday wear. It doesn't matter whether you prefer a fitted, slim silhouette or a trendy, oversized look—there's a knitwear option perfect for your style. When you shop for men's knit shirts and shorts, consult the size charts to get the right fit for you!

 

Knits Have Great Layering Potential

Any trend-follower will tell you that the key to creating fire fits is layering—and knits are the perfect pieces to do so! The lightweight feel helps stop you from feeling bulky or cumbersome, even when layered under your thickest shackets.

 With layerable clothes, you can get creative! Toss on a short sleeve men's knit shirt over a long sleeve (a la '90s fashion) or wear a matching set under your favorite sweatshirt without getting too hot to live your life comfortably.

 

Men's Knits Shirts Are Easy to Travel With

 If you've ever placed your luggage on the scales only to have it come in over the weight limit, you'll understand just how crucial it is to pack lightweight clothing whenever possible. Knits are typically lighter, offer versatile outfit options, and can be folded up without ruining their shape, making them the perfect type of garment for your weekend getaways and vacation destinations.   

 

3 Tips for Buying Men's Knitwear

 When we say every man needs an assortment of knits, we mean it—but how do you know which ones to buy? Are all men's knit shirts created equal? If you're interested in investing in some quality pieces made to last, you'll need these three tips to help you find the perfect designs for you and your style:

 

Tip #1: Find the Right Fit for Your Body Shape

Knitwear is made in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to discover what styles complement your unique body shape. If you buy too small, they could look overly tight and draw attention to more self-conscious areas. If you buy too big, your figure will be completely hidden by the fabric of your men's knit shirt.

 As you shop at the best Brooklyn vintage stores or online, pay close attention to the size guide. Choose one that will provide you either a slim fit for more formal occasions or a relaxed fit for a casual, trendy look suitable for day-to-day wear.

 

Tip #2: Think About Colors and Patterns

 While a classic white men's knit shirt will always have a time and place in our wardrobes, you don't have to keep it traditional with your styles! Knits can be crafted with vibrant colors and fun patterns, helping you add a little bit of personality to every outfit.

 

Our Favorite Men's Knit Patterns:

 

Paisley

Aztec

Zig zags

Stripes

Color block

 

Tip #3: Look Into Care and Maintenance

 The worst thing that can happen when buying clothes is ending up with a knit that requires a higher level of maintenance than you initially thought. Laundry is already such a drag, and it can be incredibly inconvenient to have to pay a higher level of attention to one or two specific pieces in your wash.

 Men's knit shirts made from wool or cashmere, for instance, often need extra care, whether that's handwashing or dry cleaning. If you don't have the time and energy to invest in your knits, it's best to focus on fabrics that can be machine-washed with the rest of your clothing.

 

Learn These Important Symbols for Knit Care Labels

 We know that caring for knits can feel daunting. What if you put them through the wash on the wrong cycle, and they fall apart? What if you stretch them out in the dryer? When you take the time to read and understand clothing labels, caring for your favorite men's knit shirt becomes easy. Decipher these important symbols and become a laundry room pro in no time:

 Washtub: washing instructions that use a dot system to notate temperatures, cycles, and handwash options.

Square: drying instructions for different cycle settings (shown with dots), line or hang dry options, and "do not dry."

Triangle: bleaching instructions referring to chlorine, non-chlorine, and "do not bleach" shown with a line through the symbol

Iron: ironing options with crosses that dictate if things cannot be ironed or steamed, as well as a dot system to set allowed temperatures

Circle: dry cleaning instructions that explain if something can't be dry cleaned, specific cycles, and solvent requirements.

 

Our Favorite Knitwear Designs

 From men's knit shirts to stylish shorts and more, we love designing new knitwear almost as much as you'll love wearing it. If you're looking to elevate your style game, these three types of knits are a must-have:

 

Short Sleeve Knit Shirts

 Bring a taste of ‘90s fashion to your style with a short-sleeved men’s knit shirt. With a slightly oversized fit that’s perfectly on trend and a variety of funky patterns available, our designs bring a unique silhouette and soft feel to every look. From the casual paisley collar camp shirt to the striped sweater knit shirt, each design offers something different to your wardrobe—so why not get them all? 

 

Relaxed Knit Shorts

 Knit shorts are the perfect thing to pull on whenever you want something a little more elevated than a pair of basketball shorts but less formal than a pair of jeans. Available in a few subtle yet timeless patterns, our shorts are designed to give you a flattering fit and keep you comfortable with every wear, whether you’re hitting up the local music festival with your boys or taking the dog on a weekend hike. Dress them up or down with your favorite tee, matching men’s knit shirt, or sweatshirt, and personalize your look however you like it!

 

Knit Sleeve Jackets

 When it comes to choosing the right outerwear, the piece you pick can make or break your outfit. If you can’t decide between a classic denim jacket and a casual sweatshirt, we’ve got good news—with our Knit Sleeve Denim Jacket, you don’t have to choose! With extra soft sleeves and a plush hood, you can get all the comfort you want without sacrificing the stylish structure denim brings to the table. 

 After learning the ins and outs of why men everywhere love the look of knits, it’s time to shop for your own! Unlock your inner designer and browse Brooklyn Cloth’s newest knits to find pieces you’ll love in your wardrobe for years to come.