<p>In 2025, you probably don’t need a fisherman <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a61686895/brooks-brothers-v-neck-sweater-review/” target=”_blank”>sweater</a> to keep you warm while you’re on the water off Ireland’s west coast. (Or maybe you do! I don’t know your story.) You <em>do </em>need a fisherman sweater for the sheer <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/advice/g3168/best-sweatpants-men/” target=”_blank”>coziness</a> and looks they provide, though. Our five favorite options of all time are below, tested and reviewed by Esquire editors (and photographed on Esquire’s editor in chief, Michael Sebastian). They’re so good that I’m seriously considering a career change right now—on an unrelated note, does anybody know where I can get good fishing lessons? <em></em></p>” data-next-head/>
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
Florence Sullivan
best classic fisherman sweater
L.L. Bean Signature Cotton Fisherman Sweater
Credit: Florence Sullivan for Esquire
L.L. Bean crafts a classic fisherman sweater to a tee. It has everything you’d want in the style: a thick, heavyweight fabric that carries some structure with it; a cable-knit design; and thick cotton yarn that keeps the chill out and the warmth in. This style is a go-to for something timeless without too much fuss or frill. It has a slim fit, so if you want something baggier, make sure to size up.
Colors
Beige, Cadet Blue, Navy, Olive Gray
Sizes
M-3XL
Materials
100% Cotton
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best affordable fisherman sweater
Quince 100% Organic Cotton Fisherman Crew Sweater
Credit: Florence Sullivan
You don’t need to break the bank for a high-quality fisherman sweater that’ll last you years to come. Quince is proof. Crafted from organic cotton, this thick, warm sweater is a perfect layering piece for winter—put a tee or a button-down underneath, a topcoat or a puffer on top, and you’re golden. The rib detailing offers some extra texture and style, and relaxed raglan sleeves offer more freedom of movement.
Colors
Speckled Beige, Charcoal, Navy, Black
Sizes
S-2XL
Materials
100% Organic Cotton
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best cashmere fisherman sweater
Polo Ralph Lauren Iconic Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater
Credit: Florence Sullivan for Esquire
Okay, hear me out—this isn’t your traditional fisherman sweater, but you can make a damn good excuse for Polo Ralph Lauren’s ultra-soft, ultra-luxe cable-knit sweater when you feel how unbelievably plush this is. This is the fisherman sweater you go to when you want something distinctly elevated and chic but you still want to have a cable-knit design and a fit you can dress down with joggers and slides.
Colors
22
Sizes
2XS-5XL
Materials
100% Cashmere
Why You Can Trust Esquire
Every sweater on this list was hand-picked by an editor for its comfort, style, and design. In fact, I originally had more sweaters picked out, but my standards are high—after bringing all of them to the office to test and try, only these five made the cut, because they’re just that good.
We’re menswear experts and we’re sweater experts, living in N.Y.C. and all, and these are the fisherman sweaters we actually have in our wardrobes. Literally. If it’s on this list, it’s because Esquire editors are wearing it IRL.