The Best Sweaters Under $100, According to Style Editors

ProsMade with premium quality fabricMachine washableGoes with jeans and dressier pantsComes in a bunch of different colorsFit is comfortable and flattering on guys with muscleOut of all the sweaters under $100 that I’ve tested, Uniqlo’s knit is by far the best one I’ve worn yet. The tight ribbed construction is top tier, considering its $50 price tag, which is why I have it in a few different colors. I bought it last fall and wore it so often that it’s still in great shape. After months of wear, I never noticed any fading, stretching, or loose seams. The cotton-polyester fabric feels soft out of the gate and remains looking practically brand new even after a dozen washes.Many of my sweaters must go to the dry cleaners, but this one allows me to skip a trip there and save some money. It has a premium hand feel with just enough stretch, too, so I can reach or twist around without feeling boxed in. The fit is relaxed without looking excessively oversized, and I especially like how flattering it is on guys with a little more muscle. It has a clean drape that stops at the waist. Also, the ribbed collar gives the sweater a crisp finish, while the range of colors lets me switch things up. I’ve worn mine with everything from jeans to slacks, and it works either way. For $50, that kind of comfort and versatility is hard to beat.Fabric39% Cotton, 34% Polyester, 27% RayonFitRelaxedColors7ProsAllover ribbed design gives a sharp look compared to average crewneckZipper can adjust for extra breathabilityCan layer over tee without being bulkyConsCan get a little toasty (but you have the option to unzip for more airflow)When you want something different from your typical crewneck, Quince’s quarter-zip is the perfect place to start. The ribbed knit gives it a sharper look than your average casual knit. Sometimes things can get toasty, so I love that I can use the zipper to adjust for a little extra breathability. I’ve worn it over a T-shirt when I wanted something casual and zipped it up with dress pants for a more polished office-to-dinner look.Unzipping it also gives you some extra airflow when you start to warm up, which is one reason I like it for those unpredictable fall days when the temperature can change throughout the day. The classic fit isn’t too close or loose on the body. It’s one of those sweaters that looks more expensive than the price tag suggests.Fabric100% organic cottonFitClassicColors7Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAffordable enough to stock up on multiple pairsComfortable fit through the shoulders, chest, and waistV-neck design elongates your frameAvailable in 15+ colorsConsWearing a tee underneath may be too casualAmazon Essentials proves you don’t have to spend much to stock up on a good V-neck. This is one of the most affordable sweaters in the bunch, and it comes in enough colors that you can grab a few without spending $100. The lightweight knit is breathable enough for layering, whether you wear it over a T-shirt or under a blazer. The fit gives you some room through the midsection, in case you just downed a burger. I’ve washed mine and haven’t noticed any fading, which is another reason why you shouldn’t count out a less expensive knit. And if you’ve been putting in work at the gym, the V-neck does a nice job of drawing attention to your chest and shoulders. Just know that wearing it over a T-shirt gives it a more casual feel, so I’d skip the tee when you want to keep things dressier.Fabric100% CottonFitRegularColors15+ProsStretchy enough for a full range of motionCan be styled to dressy or casualMaintains its shape after being tossed in the washerConsCan't wear on its ownA cardigan is one of those fall layers that can pull off either vibe: casual or dressy. Take Old Navy’s version. It’s teddy-bear soft, stretchy, and warm, thanks to its cotton-polyester-nylon blend with spandex. I toss it over a simple T-shirt when I’m keeping things laid-back, but I can also throw it on with dress pants and loafers when I want to look a little more put-together. The stretch makes it easier to raise my arms and move around. It’s always my go-to when I want a little extra warmth, but I’m not ready to go full-jacket just yet. My only gripe is that the relaxed fit can lean too casual, so I’d pair it with cleaner, structured pieces if you want to dress it up. You can toss the cardigan in the washer, but I’d lay it out to dry to maintain its shape.Fabric53% cotton, 24% recycled polyester, 20% nylon, 3% spandexFitRelaxedColors4Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLightweight and comfortable against the skinWool fabric helps manages moistureMachine washableConsCan feel a little toasty in warmer tempsMerino wool is one of my favorite materials for fall because it’s a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to performance. For instance, Banana Republic’s merino sweater is lightweight and comfortable against the skin, but the fabric also helps wick moisture and resist odors, so you can wear it for longer without it immediately feeling stale. Compared with heavier wool, merino has a much finer feel and doesn’t have that scratchy, bulky sensation you might associate with traditional wool sweaters.It also has an advantage over cotton: when you start sweating, cotton tends to hold onto moisture, while merino helps manage it. The standard fit hits a nice middle ground, too. It isn’t boxy or oversized, but it doesn’t hug your body too tightly. In terms of variety, Banana Republic offers solid colored styles as well as striped patterns. And because it’s machine washable, you don’t have to treat it like a precious piece of knitwear every time you wear it. I’ve put it in the washer at least three times, and it still looks fresh.Fabric100% Merino woolFitStandardColors13ProsLightweight constructionLayers neatly under leather jackets and over top dress shirts Offers a host of colorsThe first time I put on Naadam’s offering, I immediately noticed how much softer it felt than wool. It doesn’t have that itchy feeling you can get from some wool sweaters and feels like the warmest hug. Despite its lightweight construction, I’ve found it works surprisingly well for windy commutes when the temperature starts dropping. The fit sits pretty close to the body, so the sweater is especially flattering on athletic builds. It skims the frame without squeezing, showing off your shoulder and biceps gains. My only warning is that cashmere requires more care than your average cotton sweater, so be gentle with it. You can hand wash and let it air dry or take a trip to the dry cleaners. Naadam also offers more than 20 colors, and because the sizes run small, I’d recommend going up a size.Fabric100% CashmereFitClassicColors20+Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLayers neatly over button-down shirtsHas unique detailing on the hem and armsHeavier feel that keeps you warm in cooler tempsFor an everyday sweater that can handle cooler temps, Abercrombie’s crew is one I’d keep in rotation. It’s on the thicker side, with a ribbed texture throughout that gives it more dimension than a basic crewneck. The triple-stitched detailing along the cuffs and hem gives it a stylish twist. I like it layered over a button-down when I want to look a little dressier, but it works just as well on its own with jeans. The heavier construction makes it a good pick when the temperature drops to around 50 degrees. Just keep the care instructions in mind: Abercrombie recommends not dry cleaning this one, so you’ll need to follow the brand’s washing instructions at home rather than dropping it off at the cleaners.Fabric100% CottonFitRelaxedColors5As the Style and Reviews Editor for Men's Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.