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Believe it or not, you sometimes need to look to the past to build your menswear wardrobe for the present. That adage holds especially true as temperatures plummet: The relief in terms of warmth, comfort and style can be found decades, even centuries ago, at least as far as the best cable knit sweaters for men are concerned.

With more grit and a thicker, more burly construction than a more refined cashmere V-neck or crewneck sweater, the cable knit sweater is the kind of knit a gentleman explorer like Hemingway prized. And its intricate weave takes on a life of its own, hailing from the Irish islands of Aran — the rope-like weave adds decoration but bolsters the sweater (and its wearer) against frigid sea sprays and rain.

Heck, Chris Evans famously wore one in the 2019 crime-thriller-comedy Knives Out, and the way his character pulls it off is as good a reason as any to buy one for yourself.

Today, it’s still just as rugged in looks and functionality, but it takes on various forms as a cardigan, a cable-knit turtleneck or an especially brawny crewneck. You’ll find them made in small batches by luxury ateliers, made by brands you recognize, and above all, made by companies that respect heritage and history in a garment.