Spring can often be a strange time of year. One day it’s raining; the next it’s sunny without a cloud in a sky. Another day could be dreary, cool and raining; the following could be blustery, clear and dry.

There may be no season that demands so much out of our wardrobes from a day-to-day sense than spring. That means it is time to bring out the sweaters. Spring often requires a variety of sweaters that can retain heat - but not too much - and keep moisture away from the body.

Those heavy winter sweaters won’t make the cut in spring. Venture out on the wrong day in, say, a thick, heavy knit sweater and you will find yourself uncomfortable and sweaty. However, anything too light, such as a thin cardigan, could easily leave you shivering.

Here is a brief guide for how to avoid both of those scenarios and get the most of your men’s sweaters this spring - while looking great, too.

Embrace the versatility of sweaters in spring

Sweaters are known for being one of the most popular pieces of apparel for men. Thanks to their incredible versatility and noted variety, there is a sweater for every situation a man could find himself in.

Require a dressed up, business casual appearance? There are multiple sweaters for that look. How about the perfect dressed down look for next weekend’s camping trip or early season ball game? Yep. There are definitely functional, yet sharp, sweaters for those situations, too.

There are even sweaters for those in-between situations, including those visits to the country club for those few rounds of golf. Aside from a downpour, there are even sweaters that can withstand a light April shower without leaving you hopelessly soaked through to the layers underneath.

This is all to say that you shouldn’t reach for one sweater style. Your spring wardrobe needs variety. Let’s take a closer look at which sweaters you should select.

Spring sweaters are lighter than winter sweaters

The best sweaters for spring are generally going to be lighter than winter favorites. For most fabrics, the knit is likely going to be thinner.

Some fabrics known for being light also stand out when the season shifts to spring.

Take cashmere, for instance. Cashmere is made from soft, downy hairs of the Kashmir goat’s underbelly. This material is light and seen as luxurious across the world. It is warm but low in bulk.

Wool can also be a springtime favorite among men. Sheep’s wool is the most common material for wool sweaters, but there are others. Sheep’s wool can also vary based on the breed of sheep. Watch out for soft and thick wools, such as those that are used to make cable-knits. Those are probably too warm for spring.

Cotton is another popular sweater fabric that shines in spring. You will generally find that cotton sweaters are cheaper and lighter than wool. Typically, they are also easier to clean than wool. With cotton sweaters, include those that have a t-shirt feel, only a little heavier. These are perfect for adding layers on top or underneath.

Heavy weaves excel in lower temperatures

When temperatures dip - and they will from time to time in spring - that’s when it’s time to bring out sweaters with heavier weaves. Those will be the thickest of sweaters. Most gentlemen will want to avoid the heaviest of weaves, as these are the warmest. Unless you live in a climate known to go cold in spring, aim for medium to thin weaves.

There are a few rules to keep in mind when deciding what type of sweater weave you should choose. If dressing for a day of casual recreation or a day off, you can throw on a slightly thicker weave.

However, if you are heading into the office or need to attend an event where a casual appearance will not do, then thinner sweaters that fit your body type well will offer that more professional appearance.

How to wear the standard crew neck sweater

Now let’s talk about types of sweaters and how to wear them. We’ll start with the old standard: the crew neck.

The crew neck sweater goes by a few other names, including pullovers. They are commonly seen as an option for sportswear or activewear and certainly have a more casual look. Crew necks can be dressed up, though. A button-down underneath with the shirt’s collar popped above the sweaters and dress slacks or chinos would do the trick here.

Need a more formal look? Wear v-neck sweaters

When a crew neck is not quite dressy enough, pick a v-neck sweater. These are ideal for the office and, like a crew neck, can be worn with a collared dress shirt underneath.

The v-neck has the advantage of being able to show off a well-matched tie, as well. Don’t be afraid to show off a little more color underneath your v-neck.

Cardigans are for you, too, no matter your age

Newsflash: The cardigan is back in style. No longer seen as a sweater suited for older gentlemen, wearers of all ages have rediscovered the comforts and appeal of the cardigan sweater.

Cardigans are yet another common thin-knit sweater. A good-fitting cardigan will allow a little room around your middle and then taper toward the waist. This creates a slimmed-down visual.

Like the v-neck, they are very easily dressed up for formal occasions. Again, dress shirts look great underneath and you can even place a sports jacket over them when appropriate.

Finally, ties and cardigans are a match made in heaven for men who want that distinguished and discerning look.

Shop sweaters at Hansen’s Clothing

No matter the occasion, we are confident that we have a sweater that fits you to a T and will impress those around you.

Hansen’s Clothing carries only the finest, hand-selected sweaters from brands that are known around the world for their reputations of commitment to quality, comfort and styles that tend more toward timeless than trendy.

Shop our wide variety of sweaters for all seasons today.