I Can’t Stop Wearing Polo Sweaters

I’ve been super impressed with all of the knitwear I’ve tried from London-based brand With Nothing Underneath (also known as WNU). Many of the pieces are inspired by British heritage and men’s tailoring, so I knew I needed to test its newest polo sweater. The Renfrew Jumper is made of yak wool, which is known for being warm and soft like cashmere but keeps its shape better and is more hard-wearing for every day. Yak is also naturally odor-resistant, which makes it easy to care for. I love that this knit is more textured and thicker than many of the cashmere sweaters in my closet, and the fit is perfectly oversize and boxy through the midsection. The ribbed hemline means there can be a casual rolled silhouette around my waist or I can have it pulled down around my hips. The striped pattern definitely pulls from traditional rugby and polo shirts, but there’s a dash of English country charm thanks to the colors.

Madewell’s SoftWool yarn, which is made of 100 percent merino wool, is used in many of its popular pieces, from V-necks to cardigans to beanies. I was completely new to SoftWool until I tried this stripe-y mid-weight polo sweater. As someone who’s sensitive to itchy fabrics, I was very impressed by how soft this felt on my skin, and I never overheated while wearing it. The sweater has a relaxed cut that isn’t too fitted or too boxy, plus it has a ribbed hemline and cuffs. I opted for my usual size small but could have easily sized up to a medium for a looser fit on my five-foot-five frame. The fit was more than ideal on my shorter torso, but sizing up might help any long-in-the-body folks.

I’ve always found Quince’s cashmere to be on the lighter and more delicate side, but this polo sweater actually felt a tad thicker and more plush. The collar combined with the longer placket felt more masculine when done up completely, but I prefer it layered over a tee or tank and unbuttoned to create a nice V-neck. If you plan on wearing it over a button-down like in some of Quince’s product images, I recommend sizing up to ensure there’s enough room in the shoulders.

I own this polo sweater in two colorways because the cotton version works as a multi-season wardrobe staple. It was a comfortable summer layering piece on cooler nights, and I’ve continued to wear it on balmy fall days. The mid-weight cotton reminds me of the knit used in the J.Crew Rollneck and the Tiny Rollneck in my closet, but it’s not as tight, so it does feel less durable. It is also cropped, but I find it extremely easy to style with high-rise bottoms, including jeans and pleated trousers.

Similar to the Quince number above, this J.Crew sweater doesn’t have any buttons, so the design relies on the polo collar (or Johnny collar, to be more precise). The subtle V-neckline gives it a clean yet casual look. The cotton fabric is more lightweight than that of the Quince polo sweater above, but it has remained soft and pill-free even after multiple wears and washes. It has a relaxed shape, but I would say it runs slightly oversize. I wish I’d gone with my usual small; I made the mistake of picking a size medium, which I decided to keep, but the hem ends past my hip bones — I would prefer it to be a tad shorter. There are slits on either side of the hem for some extra breathing room and to prevent any bunching up at the waist.

This polo sweater is technically a cardigan, but I couldn’t resist since it’s made of only merino wool. It’s one of the thinnest knits on this list, which made it great for layering under a jacket or blazer. The fit wasn’t too tight, but since it is clingier, I decided to go up to a medium so there was no pulling along the placket (I’m in the C-cup range). The long sleeves are another bonus if you have broad shoulders like me or longer arms. My favorite detail is the snap buttons on the shoulder that provide some visible structure and give the sweater a modern, slightly utilitarian look without being overly flashy.

I’ve reported on other impressive Lands’ End basics — like its well-made riding boots and classic fisherman cardigans — so I knew it was important to try a polo sweater from its cashmere line. The cashmere is Grade A, which means it was made from the thinnest and longest goat-hair fibers, translating to a softer feel. Writer Erika Veurink previously wrote about the men’s polo sweater and said it makes her feel dressed up for work with “zero effort.” And I couldn’t agree more after trying the women’s version. The ribbed hem holds its shape well, and it can be worn buttoned up or with the collar open over a T-shirt. There are plenty of color options available, plus it comes in regular and plus sizes. Bonus: Lands’ End gives you the option to personalize it with your initials or a word for an extra $11.