Sweaters are a versatile layering piece that can add warmth and style to any outfit. When wearing a blazer, the right sweater choice is key to pulling off a polished yet comfortable look. With so many sweater styles and fabrics to choose from, it can be tricky to know which options pair best with a blazer. Certain factors like sweater weight, color, and fit should be considered to complement your blazer properly. Here’s an in-depth look at how to pick the ideal sweater to wear under a blazer for both men and women.
Lightweight sweaters
Lightweight sweaters made from thinner knits are one of the best options under a blazer. Their thinner construction makes them less bulky under a fitted blazer so you avoid looking boxy or overstuffed. The sleek silhouette a lightweight sweater creates makes it an ideal sweater choice for work and dressier occasions. Materials like cotton, merino wool, cashmere, and lightweight synthetic blends are ideal choices. Opt for crew neck, v-neck, or quarter zip styles in fitted or slightly loose silhouettes. Neutral, basic colors complement most blazers best.
Turtleneck sweaters
For a polished look with added neck coverage, a turtleneck sweater under a blazer is a stylish choice. Fitted turtleneck styles prevent excess bulk while the neck coverage streamlines the look of the blazer. Like other lightweight sweaters, fine knit materials like merino wool or cashmere work best. Stick to neutral, versatile turtleneck colors and pair with both solid and patterned blazers. A turtleneck can also elegantly substitute for a collared shirt when you want a more casual alternative.
Button-down sweaters
Sweaters with a button-down mock neck offer a dress shirt style aesthetic for a cozier, softer look. Choose fitted button-down sweaters in fine lightweight knits to layer cleanly under a blazer. Solid neutrals or simple patterns pair well. The collar creates a similar streamlining visual effect as a dress shirt for a polished finished look. Button-down sweater styles work well dressed up for work or dressed down for casual wear.
Thinner cable knit sweaters
Cable knit sweaters offer stylish texture, but thicker chunky cable knits can be too bulky under a blazer. Look for thinner cable knit sweaters in lighter weight materials like cotton or merino wool blends. Fitted silhouettes are best to prevent excess fabric bunching under the blazer. Stick to neutral earth tone color palettes like oatmeal, tan, heather grey or navy. The cable knit texture adds visual interest without sacrificing a streamlined silhouette.
Thin cotton sweaters
Lightweight cotton sweaters are an affordable option that offer versatility under a blazer. Choose fitted or slightly loose silhouettes in crew, v-neck, or quarter zip styles. Look for thinner cotton blends versus heavy, thick cotton. Solid neutrals are best for dressier looks while patterns like stripes, graphics or colorblocking pair well for more casual outfits. A cotton sweater pairs well with both dressy and casual blazers year round.
Cashmere and merino wool sweaters
Luxurious fabrics like cashmere and merino wool make perfect blazer sweater pairings. Their thinner, lightweight constructions prevent bulk while offering warmth and softness. Crew necks, v-necks and quarter zips in fitted, solid neutral colors suit dressy occasions. Both materials also resist wrinkling and hold their shape well. While more of an investment, cashmere or merino sweaters offer timeless style under blazers.
Sweater dos and don’ts
When selecting a sweater for your blazer, consider these do’s and don’ts:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Choose lightweight, thin fabrics | Wear chunky, thick knits |
| Opt for fitted, streamlined silhouettes | Choose oversized, baggy styles |
| Pick neutral, versatile colors | Go for bright, bold patterns |
| Pair simple patterns and textures | Mix loud designs and textures |
| Match sweater and blazer colors | Clash colors and tones |
Best sweater colors under a blazer
Certain sweater colors inherently pair well with a blazer for a coordinated, polished look:
| Best Sweater Colors |
|---|
| Navy |
| Grey |
| Black |
| Tan |
| White |
| Light blue |
Softer neutrals like navy, grey, tan, and white offer versatility to pair with a wide range of blazer colors and patterns. Black is ideal for dressier looks. Light blue adds a subtle pop of color. Stay away from loud, distracting colors and patterns that may look mismatched or haphazard with a blazer.
What style of blazer to wear
The style of blazer you choose also impacts the overall look when paired with a sweater. Focus on these blazer characteristics:
- Fit – Aim for a tailored, streamlined fit versus oversized or boxy.
- Lapels – Notch lapels are most versatile while peak lapels have a more formal aesthetic.
- Length – Match sweater and blazer lengths to complement proportions.
- Color/Pattern – Solid neutrals or simple patterns pair well with sweaters.
- Fabric – Lightweight wool or cotton blends maintain a sleek silhouette.
The cut of the blazer should align seamlessly with your sweater layer for optimal cohesion. Avoid thick, heavy blazer fabrics that could look bulky paired with a sweater.
Men’s sweater and blazer pairing
For men, ideal sweater and blazer pairings for different settings include:
- Professional looks: A merino wool turtleneck sweater with a navy suit jacket and trousers.
- Business casual outfits: A quarter-zip cotton sweater with a tan blazer, dress chinos and oxfords.
- Smart casual style: A grey crew neck merino sweater layered under an unstructured grey blazer with dark jeans.
- Dressed-down looks: A black cotton graphic sweater paired with a black hopsack blazer and black denim.
Focus on fitted, lightweight sweaters in neutral or basic colors. Multiple sweater necklines and fabrics provide versatility. The blazer and trouser pairing defines the formality of the look.
Women’s sweater and blazer pairing
For a chic, polished look, women should explore these sweater and blazer combinations:
- Workwear looks: A cashmere turtleneck sweater dress paired with an oversized plaid blazer and ankle boots.
- Business professional outfits: A merino crew neck sweater with a fitted black blazer, dress slacks and heels.
- Daytime casual: A striped cotton sweater with dark wash jeans, white sneakers and an unstructured denim jacket.
- Evening dresses: A sequin sleeveless shell topped with a vibrant cropped blazer and pencil skirt.
Women can play more with looser silhouettes, sleeveless shells, cropped blazers and distinctive pairings like sweater dresses. Feminine accents like heels, skirts and jewelry polish off chic blazer-sweater duos.
Conclusion
Knowing how to properly pair a sweater under a blazer helps pull together a stylish, streamlined look. Choosing lightweight, fitted sweaters in neutral solids or simple patterns avoids a bulky, mismatched aesthetic. Focus on thin knits in materials like merino wool, cotton, cashmere or synthetics for ideal layering. Sweaters with turtlenecks, mock necks and zipper accents work well under blazers of various colors and fabrications. With the right sweater and blazer combination, you can stay cozy while looking polished and put together.
