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The Coolest Sweaters Right Now Are Cotton
Breathable, lightweight layers for in-between seasons
Like it or not, winter will soon be winding down. But don't think you're done with cold weather just yet. There's plenty of chilly mornings, windy days and frigid evenings to ensure you'll want to layer up properly. But, right now, you'll want to swap out the heavy wool sweaters for something a bit lighter and a little more breathable. We're talking about good, old fashioned cotton.
Cotton sweaters are an underrated wardrobe workhorse that allows you to layer up and insulate from the elements without overheating. Plus, they've got a noticeably different look from the standard fuzzy wool knits we've been wearing the past few months. It's a nice refresh as we enter into that traditional time between seasons. But you'll want to pull the right kind of cotton sweater.
In 2025, the sweaters we're eyeing have a vintage, throwback feel. They're knit from a thicker yarn that's dense yet soft. The fit is slightly boxy and relaxed and maybe a little cropped to pair nicely with everything from wide-leg trousers at work to your go-to sweats on the weekend. We've found some of the best at old school heritage brands and even from the women's section of our favorite retailers. So take a look below and see which style speaks to you. Then get ready to wear the hell out of that sweater because it's going to be your favorite piece until summer hits.
Best Cotton Sweaters
for Men’s in 2025
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Heritage crewneck sweater,$89.50 / $49.50 by J.Crew
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This is from the women's collection and has a cropped fit and perfectly slouchy shoulders.
Basic knit sweater,
$49.90 by Zara
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Textured cotton
$59.95 by L.L.Bean
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Seafarer rib crewneck sweater,Buck Mason
$168 byAdvertisement
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Maintenance
To wash a cotton sweater, turn it inside out, use a mild detergent, and wash in cold water on a delicate cycle in your washing machine—avoid hot water which can cause shrinkage. Then lay the sweater flat to air dry.