I don’t mean to take aim at today’s rising style icons—Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and Jeremy Allen White all get a fit off as well as anybody I’ve seen. But when it comes to who’s the steering trend cycle, I can’t help but feel a little disappointed that they’re all out strutting the streets, especially as I found my personal style icon at sea.
That style icon? Robert Shaw as Captain Quint in JAWS. He’s single-handedly responsible for my constant urge to dress like a rugged old salt. Think: A well-worn cap, a chambray shirt, and the coziest, most resilient knit around—a fisherman sweater.
Worn by both historic explorers and the chillest guys upstate, the fisherman sweater is a fortress of warmth, a piece that feels nearly indestructible thanks to its particular ribbed knitting technique. Historically knit by sailors’ wives in the hope of ensuring their safe passage home, the best ones have all the heft and durability you need when confronting gusty winds and sea spray (or a mid-commute rainshower). But unfortunately, the style is so popular that in recent years, plenty of opportunist designers have simply put a classic navy and white fisherman print on some average wool (or even polyester) and sold it as a true Fisherman’s sweater regardless. This muddies the waters for everybody—not least you, the consumer, who is looking to stay warm and wayfaring this winter.
That’s where I come in. I’ve recently returned from a research voyage on the great sea of deals, and brought back a list of the true best fisherman sweaters out there right now, for every budget and average local temperature. Below, just as the ocean explorer Ernest Shackleton gave a lecture series about his Antarctic Expeditions, I present my findings to you.
Gap Relaxed Cable-Knit Sweater
Last month, this magazine declared GAP to be fully back. You can check out their entire fall 2024 menswear drop here, but if you want a case study, just take a look at their Fisherman. A cotton blend, it’s not the warmest on this list, but if you’re here more for the style (or just hate to overheat), this is as good as the style comes. Soft on the skin, available in a sumptuous dark brown or oaty white, in a ton of sizes and with a 40% discount applied at checkout? This cart isn’t staying empty for long.
Abercrombie & Fitch Oversized Cable Crew Sweater
The slightly cropped body on this one is damn-near perfect. Seems that after nailing the under-$100 denim game, A&F are now coming for your favorite knits too. Their cable crew features a drapey fit through the arms and body, but again, with that subtle crop at the waist for a flattering, more modern silhouette.
Sunspel Cable-Knit Merino Wool Sweater
Sunspel’s approach to clothes is all about putting fiber first, and it shows in everything from their T-shirts and polos to their sweaters. This particular piece is produced in the brand’s historic British factory from 100% merino wool—soft enough to make even the sheep jealous.
J.Crew Cotton Cable-Knit Rollneck Sweater
Whether sweater vest or roll neck, J.Crew is currently all in on cable-knit, and we’re cozily along for the ride. The brand pulled this classic from their 1988 archive, knowing it would land arguably even stronger today. It’s also machine-washable, and can currently be snagged for 30% off as long as you apply both discounts.
Heimat Mini Rollkragen Fisherman Sweater
Virgin wool, the fabric you see here, is like raw denim—it’s untreated, unfiltered, and only gets better with age. Even better, German fine wool purveyor Heimat’s fisherman sweater takes its cues from New England sailing sweaters, with nautical stripes on the cuffs and hems and extra-long fibers that render it practically immune to pilling.
L.L. Bean Signature Cotton Fisherman Sweater
As the L.L. Bean barn coat revival continues apace, you’re going to need something to layer under it. For that I suggest Bean’s note-perfect fisherman sweater. It comes in a ton of sizes and four colors. And while you can elect for the beige colorway and channel your inner Harry looking for their Sally, the sienna orange (pictured above) is a surefire hit.
Howlin’ Forbidden Dreams Cable Knit Sweater
Howlin’ has a reputation for using natural fibers that last, a reputation that comes from items like this Aran-inspired sweater. Made from 100% responsibly sourced wool from free-roaming sheep on the British Isles, this is the kind of sweater you reach for all day, then all week, then all month.
Finisterre Cabet Sweater
Finisterre’s chunky cable-knit comes in a gorgeous Donegal copper color, spun from 100% wool. (The natural crimp creates little air pockets that trap warmth and repel moisture.) And for all that in heavyweight 100% pure new wool, the price is very right.
Kestin Galloway Cable Knit
Scottish label Kestin makes knits that are truly faithful to historic, centuries-old techniques. This beauty in a merlot hue is made from 100% Shetland lambswool, knitted on a 5-gauge machine, and complete with a ribbed hem, cuffs, and a flattering, slightly-higher crew neck. Ideal for those who want to look like a weatherbeaten Highlander without actually corraling any sheep.
S.N.S Herning Fisherman II Textured Virgin Wool Sweater
Danish knitwear brand S.N.S Herning has been outfitting outdoor enthusiasts for nearly a century. Like Heimat’s version, their fisherman sweater is crafted from virgin wool, but this one might also be the stealthiest pick on this list. Not only is it black, but its knitted bubbles are even more subtle—though still features all the air bubbles to keep you warm without turning you into the Michelin man.
Polo Ralph Lauren Wool-Alpaca Fisherman’s Sweater
I love a good neutral as much as the next person, but a subtle, toned-down green—moss agate, to be exact—hits different in the cooler months. Ralph’s fisherman sweater, crafted from a cozy wool-and-alpaca blend, feels like wearing a soft, snuggly blanket. Picture this stunner layered under a full tweed suit—it’s like a rugged autumn dream come true.
Inis Meáin Aran Cable Crewneck
Forget the talk about Aran-inspired sweaters for a second—Inis Meáin Knitting Company still makes Aran sweaters the true, painstaking, hand-finished, traditional way, in their own knitting factory. A Donegal knit, those all-over purple flecks are woven in at random, giving the piece a sensibility that a machine could never.
Herill Cashmere Nep Cable Sweater
Japanese brand Herill is still flying a bit under the radar, but know that designer Hiroyuki Oshima is a true textile wizard. His take on the classic knitwear staple is cut from high-quality cashmere, and like the Inis Meáin, has some distinct flecks that’ll set it apart from whatever the guys to your left and right are rocking.
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