As we approach the final stretch of winter, many stores are entering their end-of-season sales. That’s good news for the Nordic countries, as we still have plenty of cold days ahead. In this article, we’ll look at different types of knitwear and how to layer them to stay comfortable while still looking sharp through the last leg of winter.
Published at: Feb 8, 2026
Kristoffer Lund
This article is not sponsored. Any products mentioned or linked are included purely as examples and personal recommendations.
I love quality knitwear. It’s one of the most versatile garments you can own, available in a wide range of shapes, colors, and textures. Knitwear can be a refined layer in a formal outfit or a rugged element that brings the overall look down a notch. Used well, it quietly does a lot of work for your wardrobe.
The round neck sweater, sometimes referred to as an O-neck, comes in a wide range of colors and fabrics. It pairs easily with a shirt and can even be worn with a tie. When styled this way, the tie becomes a subtle detail, mostly hidden by the collar but still noticed.
A round neck also works well under a sport jacket for an elevated yet relaxed look.
The V-neck sweater is an excellent garment to pair with a shirt - both with and without a tie. You might recognize the traditional cricket sweater, strongly represented by popular college brands like Ralph Lauren. These are often made in cotton, but can also be worn in fine wool qualities.
Personally, I would never wear a V-neck with just a T-shirt underneath. It draws a strange attention to your chest at the same time as something is missing. Wearing a shirt creates a better dynamic with the open V-neck and it complements the larger opening of the neck compared to the round necked sweater.
A traditional looking cricket sweater from The Merchant Fox
Polo neck, roll neck, or turtleneck. This sweater goes by many names and comes in a wide range of materials, knit patterns, and thicknesses. That versatility makes it easy to style both on its own and as a layering piece.
A thin merino version can sit comfortably under a suit or blazer, adding interest while slightly lowering the level of formality. Thicker versions may be too bulky for tailoring, but pair well with tailored trousers for a sharp smart casual look. A cable knit works particularly well here, adding texture and visual depth.
A thin merino sweater can layer nicely with a suit
The cardigan sweater has a couple of categories worth mentioning. There are thin merino variants that work well as a layering piece, and there are the heavy and thick variants that will ensure you stay warm in even the coldest environments and can carry the outfit by themselves.
I usually opt for a cardigan that doesn’t button too high. This allows a tie to show underneath and gives a silhouette similar to a waistcoat when worn with a jacket or suit. Some models also have pockets, which I think can be a nice detail.
Tom Ford's black shawl cardigan in James Bond
I also want to give a nod to the sleeveless cardigan. A great way to add texture to your outfit without adding too much volume. Personally I tailor my jackets to go with a shirt and not necessarily a sweater on top. It can therefore feel a bit tight if I decide to wear both - but the sleeveless cardigan mitigates this by giving you more room in the arms and shoulders.
The knitted polo shirt features a collar that can be either buttoned or open. I think it is an excellent option to wear without anything underneath - just as long as the opening is not too deep and wide. But you can of course also wear it with a shirt!
A great layering garment for added texture - here from SuitSupply
The quarter zip sweater has become a staple piece in every office capsule wardrobe. In Norway, where people do not dress very formal, the quarter zip has become the new management uniform on top of a dress shirt. I think this works really well, and again, you can add a tie into the mix to elevate it further.
Ralph Lauren has done a great job popularizing this look, leaning into the Ivy League side of it. You can experiment with colors, textures and knit patterns here - it’s a sweater that allows for a lot of creative combinations!
As with everything else, it comes down to finding what works for you. There are countless knitwear options not covered here, but the main idea remains the same: you can look sharp even when winter is at its worst.
Clothes come with different qualities and purposes, and with the right combinations you can stay warm without sacrificing style. Hopefully, the end-of-season sales give you a chance to invest in a few quality pieces that will serve you for years to come.
Stay warm!
