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Dress shirts are fine on their own for the office, but what are you supposed to do when the weather is freezing or your office doesn’t know how to turn down the air conditioning? You can wear blazers or suits, but maybe it just isn’t your style or perhaps you don’t want to look too “over the top.”
For these occasions, consider wearing a sweater over your dress shirt. They are convenient, versatile, and easy to wear on their own. While this might give you college professor or even dad vibes, with the right items this can be a stylish and comfortable look. We want to walk you through how to wear a sweater over a dress shirt so you could look good and feel good.
If you ever look at the models in a fashion catalog sporting this look, you might recognize how effortless this style looks. While it may seem like a lot of layers, it isn’t a bulky feel. What is important here are the details, since these are the things that make all the difference.
Depending on the type of sweater you get, there are different ways to style it. Some standard advice that applies to wearing a sweater over a dress shirt include:
- Tuck in your dress shirt if it is significantly longer than the sweater. Though you may see some models showing off the flaps at the bottom, what matters here is the ratio. A peek of the dress shirt is fine, but too much will look sloppy or give the impression that the sweater has shrunk.
- Similarly, get an appropriately sized sweater for your body type. Anything too big or small can look messy.
- Keep in mind what the occasion is. If you want to look more formal, then you can match your look with a tie and blazer. If you have a more business casual or just a casual workplace, you can experiment with different types of sweaters and cardigans.
- Keep the tips of your collar tucked in.
- Buy material that holds their shape. Some examples include cashmere, cotton blends, and merino wool.
- Buy colors that are easy to mix and match. Not only will this allow you to optimize your closet, but you can also make it look like you own dozens of more outfits. Some colors we recommend include beige, gray, white, and different shades of blue.
Types of Sweaters
Crew Neck Sweater
Here is an example of what a crew neck sweater looks like. The reason for the price you may ask. It is because it is made from cashmere. You can find much more affordable options at other stores that are made of great materials like cotton. We know some people have preferences for v-necks, but we think this is a good place to start if you are looking to do something simple. It is difficult to show off your tie if you plan to wear a crew neck, so you usually won’t find models sporting a tie with this sweater.
This is best suited for a workplace that has a more casual vibe and would even look good if you are going out on a date. Another great thing about this sweater is that you can wear them by themselves at home. Again, keeping our previous tips in mind, you want a fitted sweater that compliments your body type, and make sure to tuck in your dress shirt. Lastly, when it comes to the collar, you want to tuck the tips inside the sweater. Again, this creates a clean look and your collar won’t be in the way of your work.
V-Neck Sweater
V-neck sweaters allow for more experimentation and give room for a more formal look. We recommend trying out v-necks if you want to show off a tie and match it with a blazer. We want to stress the dos and don’ts with this look as there is more room for errors.
Do:
- Use a tie in a formal setting
- Tuck in the flaps of your collar
- Layer up if you feel cold. You can do this with a blazer.
- Tuck in the bottom of your dress shirt
Though some of the tips are the same, people may feel compelled to show off their collar or chest with a v-neck because there is more room. There is more leeway, but you should still follow these guidelines for a stylish look.
Don’t:
- Wear this with a crew neck shirt. The v-neck is meant to show off more of your undergarment, and it's just a waste of space to wear a regular crew neck tee underneath
- Wear it without a shirt. That is just completely informal. If you really want to show off your pecs, we suggest on a weekend when you don’t have work
- Wear with your collar sticking out.
- Wear it with a polo.
So how exactly would you wear this? A nice example could be like this model who is wearing a v-neck sweater with a simple dress shirt and a nice coat on top. Though he is showing off an expensive coat, this is merely for inspiration.
Cardigans
Lastly, we have the cardigan sweaters. There are several different types of cardigans, but we can stick to the basics. Just like the v-neck sweaters, these are also quite versatile but are less formal than the v-neck look with a dress shirt and tie. This looks more like a professor or scholarly choice first than it does a business professional look. The good thing is that it is much more forgiving in what you wear under. Though we still have a high preference for a nice dress shirt and tie, you can incorporate turtlenecks or crew neck long sleeves underneath.
To give you an example of how you can wear a cardigan with a turtleneck, check out this model from H&M wearing one with a shawl collar cardigan. Different types of cardigans include:
- Shawl collar and shawl pullover
- Heavy knit/ cable knit
- Belted
- Half-zip/ mock neck
Now that you have a better idea of how to style this, you may be thinking about where to buy nice dress shirts. We wanted to give you some options of the best places to find dress shirts. After all, a comfortable dress shirt is the basis of this style, since it’s the material that is closest to your body.
You typically want to find a breathable material that keeps its shape while adjusting to your movements. 100% cotton or cotton-blend dress shirts will keep you cool and comfortable. Other materials include flannel and chambray, which are more casual but can still be dressed up or down depending on the situation.
Besides cotton dress shirts, you can look into oxford dress shirts for a different texture. We chose one budget-friendly store and one high-quality store. Our first pick is for those who don’t want to put a dent in their wallet.
UNIQLO - Best Budget Pick for Dress Shirts
UNIQLO’s online website has a great selection of dress shirts at a fraction of the price. They also offer oxford dress shirts for those who want to change up their wardrobe. It’s not a bad idea to add different textures to your dress shirts, so we appreciate the versatility and selection of this store.
We focus on the types of sweaters assuming a regular dress shirt would do, but an oxford shirt is another choice if you are in a work environment that needs you to be on the move. You can choose many different options like slim, regular, or stretch fit. Here are just one of many great selections from the store.
Pros:
- Variety of clothing including dress shirts, pants, and sweaters
- Affordable options and great sales
- Japanese inspired fashion
- Various sizes for short and tall men
Cons:
- Lack of representation in models
- Not the highest quality of clothing
Nimble Made - Best Quality Dress Shirts
Nimble Made is our go-to when it comes to dress shirts - after all they’re our shirts. The quality, value, and missions are all things to admire when you look into this store. We founded the company with the mission of creating clothing for slimmer men who did not fit the typical standard of clothing for the “average” guy. We all know that the fashion scene shows off very tall men, but that is not how most guys look.
So if you are looking for a slim-fit dress shirt and nice, versatile ties to compliment them, then you need to check out our store. Here is one item from their shop made of 100 percent cotton and a tie to complement it. This is definitely a nice dress shirt to wear underneath a sweater.
Pros:
- High-quality clothing
- Fashionable ties and accessories
- Slim fit and tailored feel makes it a great choice for slimmer men
Now that we have gone through some places to find the basic wear, let’s jump into where you can find some awesome sweaters. There are many types of sweaters as we listed before and if you have a preference, you are sure to find that preference from one of these stores. Just how we did it with the dress shirts, we have a store that keeps their prices low and one store for those who want something higher quality. First, let’s start with a budget-friendly pick.
H&M - Best Budget Sweater
Most of our readers have probably heard of this store and for very good reasons. They have a wide selection like UNIQLO and are more driven by the European fashion scene. You can find clothes for all body types and all types of occasions. The color of this shawl collar cardigan is unique, fun, and appropriate for work. We like this store because you can find clothes fitting for business formal attire to casual weekend clothing. If you have a lifestyle that is a mix of the two or you want a nice deal on your next sweater, this is definitely the store to check out.
Pros:
- Wide selection
- Great for all sizes
- Affordable
- Convenient, has many locations
Cons:
- Not long-lasting if not given proper care
Banana Republic - Best Quality Sweater
Banana Republic has a great selection of sweaters and makes it easy to navigate their website. If you are looking for a specific type of sweater, you have the option to choose from styles like crew-necks, v-necks, shawl collar cardigan, half zip, etc. They also separate them by materials like cashmere, merino wool, and cotton.
This is another shawl collar cardigan made of 100 percent chunky cotton yarn. It’s a great selection matched with a dress shirt from Nimble Made or any other store’s dress shirts you like. Besides the great filtering system of their website, we love the diversity in their model.
Pros:
- High-quality clothing
- Easy to navigate website
- Diverse models
- Associated with other stores that are more affordable
Cons:
- Not budget-friendly
- Their ties are pricey, can find them elsewhere
Final Thoughts
We hope you found some new ways to style your dress shirts and found some great brands along the way. Men’s fashion isn’t just pants and a shirt, there are so many opportunities to style and fluff it up. Whether it’s for work or a nice day out, a sweater above a dress shirt adds a new dimension to your wardrobe and is great for keeping warm. Happy styling.
FAQs
Is it professional to wear a sweater over a dress shirt? ›
This is a great professional look, especially when the weather is a little chillier. You will look well put together if you choose the right color combination. For example, a white dress shirt with a navy blue sweater and a grey blazer gives excellent contrast.
How do you layer a dress shirt under a sweater? ›Layer your sweater on top of your button-up. To avoid rumpling, tug the hem of the shirt at the front, sides and back so that it lays flat beneath the sweater. Then, gently tug the sleeves of the button-up so that they lay flat as well.
Is sweater over dress shirt business casual? ›As to your question, layering a sweater over a dress shirt and tie is a traditional business-casual look. It is less dressy than wearing a blazer/sports coat over a shirt and tie or than wearing a suit with an open-at-the-neck shirt (no tie), but it's not totally casual.
Is a sweater over a collared shirt business casual? ›For business casual, no tie is necessary. A sweater vest over a dress shirt or a blazer is also acceptable.
Are you supposed to wear a shirt under a sweater? ›Even cotton, which can be washed, should have a tee underneath, so you won't have to wash it so often. Without an undershirt, there's no barrier between your perspiration and your sweater. And in areas where you sweat most (like your underarms), that's a problem.
How do you tuck a sweater on top of a dress? ›- Tie a ponytail in the front and tuck it under.
- Tie a ponytail in the back and tuck it under.
- Tie a belt around the sweater and pull the sweater up so it folds over the belt and hides it.
- Tie a belt around the sweater to define your waist (optional: tuck the ends of the sweater underneath the belt)
Collared Dress Shirt and Tie
We suggest you wear a dark-colored v-neck sweater with a contrasting, light-colored buttoned up shirt underneath. Don't go too crazy with colors and stick to basic, neutral colors.
Whichever types of both clothing items you pair, the dress shirt under sweater look is an excellent way to layer up while looking put together. You have many choices for pairing bottom wear with collared shirt sweatshirt outfits. For normcore looks, go with simple black jeans.
What kind of sweater do you wear over a collared shirt? ›Choose the right sweater
A v-neck sweater or crewneck sweater is the best type of sweater for this look! And a long sweater sleeve is a better pick over a short sleeve one. If you wear a v-neck sweater, then keep your shirt collar relaxed and the top buttons undone.
Like with pants, more formal occasions are good for the full tuck. Sweaters work best with a side tuck. For everything else, a front tuck is the way to go.
How do you make a sweater look professional? ›
- Avoid bright colors. In most work environments, bright colors are frowned upon in general unless used as a subtle highlight. ...
- Go with simple patterns. ...
- Wear something that fits well. ...
- No hoodies. ...
- Know your workplace.
Crew necks can also be dressed up a bit, for more professional situations. This is where pairing them with a button-down shirt should be your go-to style. For this, you'll want to wear the button-down shirt underneath the crew neck sweater, with the collar coming out, neatly folded.
Is a sweater with slacks business casual? ›Yes, sweaters are business casual.
They might pair this with slacks, jeans, or a skirt. Collared shirts can also be worn underneath sweaters for a business casual look, but this is optional.
Wearing a tie is a requirement for men in a business professional dress code. Sweaters worn with a shirt and tie are an option as well. Women should wear business suits or skirt-and-blouse combinations.
What not to wear business casual? ›Business casual outfits should still be business appropriate, so avoid ripped jeans, old t-shirts, beat-up sneakers and anything else that looks worse for the wear.
Is an oversized sweater business casual? ›Oversized Sweater as a Dress
Accessorize the sweater with classy boots and a stylish belt around your waist. It'll make your casual oversized sweater more business appropriate. This look is usually reserved for a business-casual office. But it still allows you to make a few fashion statements.
The sleeves should fit close to your arm, but not so tight that you can see your muscles or the ripples of the shirt underneath (like the sweater that's too tight above) or so loose that it's floppy and folding on itself.
Should sweaters be hung or folded? ›Never hang sweaters because they will stretch and lose their shape. Folded is the best choice. If you have to hang them do invest in those thick, padded hangers to preserve the shape of the shoulder. You don't ever want to hang a sweater on a wire hanger from the dry cleaners.
How do I stop my undershirt from showing? ›Wear a grey undershirt: The easiest solution is to switch from white undershirts to heathered grey. Heathered grey reflects less light than white, so it shows through a bit less as well.
Can you wear a hoodie over a dress shirt? ›If you love modern, contemporary looks, mix dressy and casual by layering ¼ zip-up lightweight hoodie over a dress shirt and under a slim fit suit jacket. Add coordinating slacks and sneakers to really own the look.
Can we wear a sweatshirt over a shirt? ›
Layering Tops
A plain, non-athletic sweatshirt works great. Wear a tee underneath and a blazer on top for a business-casual look. First, put on a white T-shirt that is longer than your sweatshirt. Then, put on your sweatshirt.
One of the most popular, and easiest, ways to wear a sweater over a dress is with the help of a belt. You can tuck your sweater into your belt for a “cropped” look, or you can tuck part of your sweater into your belt, leaving some of the belt visible, for a different but still trendy look.
Why is there too cuff buttons on a dress shirt? ›The additional button on the cuff is there to make the shirt a variable size; it allows the wearer to tighten or loosen the cuff.
How long should a sweater cuff be? ›Your sleeves should end right at your wrist bone, and your body length should fall somewhere in the middle of your zip fly. The shoulders of your sweater should be in line with your shoulder bone, and the cut of the sweater should be tight enough to hug either your body or your undershirt (if you wear one).
How to layer a sweater for men? ›Sweaters come in two great layering options: thin cotton sweaters (or sweater-vests) that can be worn under a jacket, or thick wool sweaters, and especially cardigans, that work as the outer (non-coat) layer. Own a few of each. You won't regret it.
How do you make a sweater look tucked in? ›Back Tuck
For a clean look across the front, knot your sweater with a hair tie in the back and either flip the “tail” up into the sweater or tuck it inside the back of your jeans. Or, I've seen others do this with two hair ties one on each side.
Try layering.
Add warmth to your sweater outfit with a couple of chic layers. Style a chunky knit cardigan over a fitted, long-sleeved dress. Layer a cashmere V-neck over a T-shirt or button-down. Wear a suede or faux fur vest over a slouchy sweater for a trendy look.
With its smooth, buttery wool, the formality of a V-neck sweater pairs perfectly with a dress shirt; choose an Oxford button-down or a button-up with semi-spread collar in a white or light blue color — a shirt with a pattern can work, but it becomes more complicated to match with your sweater and tie.
How do you style a men's V-neck sweater? ›- Wear them under Suits.
- Wear them under a Blazer.
- Wear them under Overcoats and Peacoats.
- Wear them under Leather Jackets.
- Wear them with or without a tie.
- Wear them with Semi-Spread Collar Dress Shirts with the collar tucked into the “v”
- Wear them with Oxford Button Down Dress Shirts.
While v-neck sweaters aren't a current trend this fall, they are still considered a wardrobe staple and most retailers have one this fall.
Is a nice sweater business casual? ›
Sweaters will absolutely work for a business casual wardrobe. You may wonder—are sweaters business casual? We answer with a resounding yes! In a business landscape that is increasingly going suit-optional, the sweater is stepping up to take the suit jacket's place.
Should you tuck in a sweater men's? ›" Should I tuck in my sweater or simply let it hang loose? " Although they probably don't ask themselves such questions, most men probably should. No one wants to resemble a Scottish bag-pipe player when wearing long sweaters, therefore if sweaters hang over the side pockets of pants, tuck them in.
Is a sweater business professional attire? ›Sweaters will absolutely work for a business casual wardrobe. You may wonder—are sweaters business casual? We answer with a resounding yes! In a business landscape that is increasingly going suit-optional, the sweater is stepping up to take the suit jacket's place.
How do you professionally wear a sweater? ›- Avoid bright colors. In most work environments, bright colors are frowned upon in general unless used as a subtle highlight. ...
- Go with simple patterns. ...
- Wear something that fits well. ...
- No hoodies. ...
- Know your workplace.
As mentioned above, sweater dresses can be the perfect solution for your business casual workplace needs. Sweater dresses tend to provide the comfort of your dreamiest, coziest women's sweater all while providing a professional look.
Does a sweater go over a shirt? ›There's no hard and fast rule when it comes to wearing a shirt under a sweater, but in general, I prefer to do so. I think it creates a cleaner look, and it also helps to keep the sweater from getting too stretched out over time. Plus, it's an easy way to add an extra layer of warmth on colder days.
Can I wear a sweater with a suit? ›Wearing a jumper under your suit is a great way to get more mileage out of said suit, especially when the temperatures start to drop and you know you'll needed that extra layer. You'll still feel pulled together but the overall look is cleaner than it would be with a shirt and tie.
How formal is a sweater? ›A simple sweater is great for use outdoors on casual trips, but sweaters also work very well in formal settings. If you're planning on slipping on a basic sweater with whatever you have in your wardrobe, take a more casual approach.
Can oversized sweaters be business casual? ›Wear your oversized sweater over a button-down, collared shirt. Wear cool button-downs paired with darker sweaters for a classic business casual look. For example, wear a light blue button-down shirt with a dark gray sweater.
Should men wear sweaters? ›A quality sweater that properly fits is one of the most flattering garments a man can wear. It adds weight to a skinny physique and streamlines a large figure. Functionally it keeps you warm while style wise it can break up the monotonous wearing of dress shirts and slacks to the office.
Can I wear an oversized sweater to an office? ›
You can wear your oversized sweater as a dress. Style it with leggings or skinny jeans, and wear boots for a fashionable look. Accessorize the sweater with classy boots and a stylish belt around your waist. It'll make your casual oversized sweater more business appropriate.
How do you wear a sweater with a dress shirt? ›Keep Your Shirt Tucked
At your workplace, an interview or on a dinner date, you should always tuck in your dress shirt when wearing one under your sweater. That's the rule, plain and simple. There are occasions where it may be okay to wear your shirt untucked on its own but once you add a sweater, tuck in the shirt.
Don't wear them with other bulky clothing such as loose jeans or maxi skirts. Do not wear long sweaters with mini skirts or shorts because the proportions are wrong. Try wearing these longer sweaters with slim pants or other clothing items that form a long slimline.
Can I wear a sweater over my dress? ›One of the most popular, and easiest, ways to wear a sweater over a dress is with the help of a belt. You can tuck your sweater into your belt for a “cropped” look, or you can tuck part of your sweater into your belt, leaving some of the belt visible, for a different but still trendy look.
Do you wear a collared shirt under a sweater? ›Tie with a Sweater
In this case, the shirt's collar and the tie should always be tucked inside the sweater. When wearing a shirt and tie with a V neck, it looks best if the shirt collar's points finish just under the V neck. If the collar points are too long the V neck won't sit neatly.