Layer Your Knitwear

The weather is finally getting cool enough in many places for one of the season's best casual looks, that being layered knitwear. Layering is a favorite not only because it looks great but because it is not seen all that often, the usual combination being sweater/jumper over a shirt.

Layering starts with the garment closest to the skin, and that ought to be relatively light, no more than two ply if cashmere and still lighter single ply can be better if the layers will be worn primarily indoors. A rollneck like the one in the photo works well, as do polos and other designs with a relatively high neckline and a simple pattern that brings depth and complexity to the combination.

Atop the under-garment goes a cardigan or knitted jacket that contrasts so the layering is evident. A knit vest adds to the effect. And a scarf of course. But the outer garment should have a visible weave, like the Aran pattern in the photo. 

Now brightly colored pieces can certainly be layered but in my opinion the most effective combinations simply add a knitted twist to traditional menswear coloring. That means grays and blues for urban wear, and browns and greens in the country. Brighter colors are best used as accents - in the scarf, or neckerchief or ascot for example - if they are used at all.

Layer your knitwear.