The best quality men’s sweaters are made with comfort in mind but don’t sacrifice the durability that comes with a high level of quality. This is true of all sweaters, casual dress and everything in between, including activewear.
Men who lead an active lifestyle don’t have to choose between any of the characteristics that come with a high-end, high-quality men’s sweater. The right type of sweater can deliver the comfort and style right alongside the durability and flexibility that are needed for wearing while active.
How does a man who wants to look his best while being active in the gym, at the golf course or even putting in a little fall yard work find the perfect sweater? We’ve put together a few pointers to get you prepared to do some sweater shopping and fill your wardrobe.
Don’t wear just any sweater to sweat in
Like any other type of clothing or apparel, not all sweaters are made to be worn while you are active. The wrong choice can lead to a lot of discomfort for the wearer. It can even lead to a damaged sweater if the material chosen is not suited for exposure to the elements or too much movement.
Follow these tips for finding the best quality sweater for men who live an active lifestyle all the time or just from time to time.
The best fabrics for men’s activewear sweaters
The first mistake a man can make when selecting the best sweater for being active in is putting on a sweater that is not made of the proper fabric or material.
Whenever the wearer is active, the best fabrics for any type of clothing, not just sweaters, are polyester, nylon and wool – or a blend that prominently features those materials. That’s because those types of materials excel in providing the wearer maximum amounts of breathability and moisture control. How the clothing fits is obviously important, too, but it’s not as important as making sure you have a fabric that breathes and pulls sweat away from your body.
Looking good while working out
When most people talk about activewear, the first thing that likely comes to mind is workouts.
Activewear can be used in many other situations, though, such as outings on the golf course or any other type of outdoor activity. Still, some of the basics that apply to finding good workout clothes also apply just as much to those other activities.
This is true no matter what article of clothing is being considered. It’s as true for sweaters as it is for shorts. A good workout sweater needs to have moisture-wicking, which means it pulls moisture away from your rather than absorbing it. Moisture absorption only leads to terribly uncomfortable workouts.
The sweater fabric also needs to be breathable, which means air is able to easily pass through the clothing fabric. You may want a slightly less breathable fabric, such as a sweater with a tighter knit, if you are working out or doing any sort of more strenuous activity outdoors.
Again, these qualities of moisture-wicking and breathability extend to all sorts of active situations, not just exercise, so be sure to keep them in mind whenever you need to stay a bit warmer but are going to be moving around outside.
The pros and cons of activewear fabrics
Not all activewear performs equally. Some types of fabric outperform others in certain areas based on the situation. Be sure to match the fabric to the type of activity you are involved in.
Cotton
Cotton is a go-to for many who are ready to get moving because it’s soft, durable and flexible enough to move with the wearer. It’s also very easy to clean and care for. However, it does not wick away moisture like some other fabrics, so it may not always be the best for activities that will involve a lot of sweat.
For general activity, though, cotton can be hard to beat.
Nylon and polyester
Where cotton is best for breathability, nylon and polyester are best for keeping moisture at bay. They don’t retain moisture and dry very quickly, which makes them perfect for strenuous exercise or similar activities.
However, breathability is not always where these fabrics shine, unless they are part of a blend. Due to this, they can keep hold of smell from past workouts or activities, too. On the other hand, they are often warmer than pure cotton, too.
Linen and silk
Linen is a favorite because it’s rather easy to take care of, lasts a long time and is generally breathable. It absorbs moisture like cotton, so it’s also not great for people who plan on breaking a sweat.
Silk is another fabric you may want to consider for light activity. It is breathable and light. It can sometimes be more challenging to clean and, like nylon and polyester, can trap odor, so it’s best for lighter amounts of activity.
Merino wool
Soft, breathable and moisture-wicking, Merino wool is the best wool for any outdoor activity. It’s used for underwear meant to keep the wearer warm during winter, but it’s breathable enough to be cool enough in warmer weather in other garment types, too.
The only downfall of Merino wool is that it’s not as durable as some other options.
Here’s how men’s sweaters should fit
We’ve all seen people wear baggy clothes to the gym or throw on that ancient, saggy sweater to do a little yard work. But men with a taste for good style need to avoid that sloppy of an appearance.
All men’s activewear, including sweaters, should fit well. If clothes are too loose during an activity that includes a lot of movement, then not only will the excess clothing restrict your movement, but it will also make you look bigger than you actually are – and not in a flattering way.
At the same time, you don’t want a fit that’s too tight, so pick a fabric that at least includes some nylon, polyester or even spandex. This will help the sweater fit just right.
Find quality, comfortable sweaters at Hansen’s Clothing
No sweater should sacrifice quality for any reason. At Hansen’s Clothing we carry sweaters that are ready for any man who leads an active lifestyle from a number of the world’s finest high-end brands.
Shop our sweater collection today.