The best men's knitwear for elevated summer layering

• Fabrication: Cotton blend
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Colours: Blue, khaki, taupe

Crafted from a rich cotton blend, Reiss' latest addition to its knitwear department is the kind of piece we can picture in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Structured by an open-stitch crocheted frame (big yes), its silhouette features contrasting striped trims across the collar, short sleeves and front pockets. If you're as into this design as we are, be sure to check out the matching drawstring shorts for an excellent co-ord move.

• Fabrication: 100% cotton
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Colours: Royal blue

If Ralph Lauren's polo-playing figure isn't to your taste, we have no doubt that this beloved little bear will tickle your fancy. Drippy and adorable, the intarsia knit figure on this Ralph Lauren jumper is almost as well dressed as you, layering a series of brand icons set against the bright blue background of the crewneck itself.

• Fabrication: Cotton blend
• Sizes: XS-XL
• Colours: White

Looking to serve a dose of abstract style this summer? Cos has got you covered – specifically via this white short-sleeved shirt. Jacquard-knitted with a painterly argyle print down the body, it has been made from a breathable blend of cotton and tencel lyocell, topped with an effortless resort collar and fastened with a set of black buttons to match its core motif. Artistically designed and effortlessly stylish, it's a straight-up seasonal win.

• Fabrication: Cotton blend
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Colours: Sand

As one of the most acclaimed sources for premium Italian knitwear, Massimo Alba is a failsafe source for a lightweight summer layer. Our top pick from the current collection? This sand-coloured cardigan. Knitted in Italy from a cotton and linen blend, it's shaped with dropped shoulder seams and a relaxed fit to grant the most comfortable and nonchalant impression. Talk about timelessness.

• Fabrication: Linen blend
• Sizes: XS-XL
• Colours: Red, blue, beige

The ultimate trans-seasonal piece, Arket's latest crew neck jumper is ready to see you through changing forecasts in style. Clad in a dusty red shade (a perfect way to pop some fun into the upper half of your attire), it combines cotton, linen, mulberry silk and recycled polyester in its construction: making for a soft and luxurious layer which won't feel too heavy upon wear.

• Fabrication: Cotton
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Colours: Black, ecru

You can't go wrong with a well-crafted black cardigan, especially when it caters to the warmer seasons. We're specifically referencing Mr Porter's latest in-house design here: stitched from an open-knit cotton for pure breathability and finished with natural corozo buttons. Impressively made using 50 per cent lower-impact materials, it's ethical and stylish all at once.

• Fabrication: Cotton/cashmere blend
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Colours: Cream

Long-inspired by preppy sporting uniforms, it should come as no surprise that Ralph Lauren makes a slick cricket jumper. Defined by its baby-blue trims and cable knit, this pick is ready to be edged-up with wide-leg jeans.

• Fabrication: Lambswool
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Colours: Black, Navy, Grey, Ecru (and six more)

Spun in the Scottish hills using yarn from one of the world's oldest spinners, this Sunspel jumper has been left next-level soft thanks to its tightly woven construction. Once knitted, this jumper is soaked in Scottish spring water in all its melange-effect glory, sealing in its delicate texture. When it comes to styling, we suggest either indigo-hued denim or neutral-toned chinos.

• Fabrication: Merino wool blend
• Sizes: S-XL
• Colours: Brown

Calling all fashion collaboration lovers – Adidas and Wales Bonner have the perfect jumper for you. Designed from a lightweight knit texture, this chocolate brown style is decorated with contrasting stripes around its crew neck for a touch of athletic appeal and stamped with the Bonner logo at the right side of the chest. Guaranteed to put you in good fashion standing, we suggest adding it to your basket before it's too late.

• Fabrication: Wool
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Colours: Green

We can’t talk about the best men’s knitwear without bringing up Gucci. This crew neck jumper is made in Italy from a luxury soft wool and is stitched with an eye-catching logo intarsia across the entirety of its body. Shaped to a relaxed frame and detailed with elasticated ribbed trims for a sealed fit at the edge, it’s a little on the expensive side, but considering it's Gucci, we'd say it's worth it.

• Fabrication: Cashmere
• Sizes: XS-4XL
• Colours: Blue, Black, Grey, Pink (and three others)

High street retailer Marks & Spencer has long been a faithful source for quality menswear staples at a less intimidating price, and a fine case in point is this classic crew neck jumper. Offered in an impressive series of shades – including grey, red, light green and camel – it's cut from pure cashmere and is fitted with ribbed trims for a snug finish. A hallmark piece of knitwear.

• Fabrication: Merino wool blend
• Sizes: M-XL
• Colours: Navy

The master of modern French fashion, Jacquemus' latest collection is laced with pared-back staples, including this navy cardigan. Crafted in Portugal from a merino wool blend (a delectable texture choice), it's shaped to envelop the frame in the most flattering manner and promises to keep you cosy for hours on end through its insulating high neck. Style it with relaxed tailored trousers to channel the nonchalant nature of the brand.

• Fabrication: Wool blend
• Sizes: 36-40
• Colours: Multi

Italian brand Marni is making waves in menswear through its ultra-fun takes on wardrobe essentials, and this chunky jumper is a fine case in point for it in action. Woven from a wispy mohair blend, its silhouette is defined by bright blue florals and bold red panelling, making for a quirky upper layer to stylishly see you into spring. Base it with a straight-cut pair of jeans for a failsafe casual move.

Spring dressing is all about layering, and to do this well, you’re going to need more than one good cardigan. Just like your best crew neck but with the ease of a row of buttons, a hearty cardigan is the ultimate trans-seasonal essential – and this pick from Gucci is a current standout for serious style. Knitted in Italy from luxury wool, it’s emblazoned with the house’s acclaimed GG-jacquard motif, promising to inject a touch of high fashion pizazz to an otherwise practical ensemble.

Saint Laurent is world-renowned for its punk rock-inspired collections, and this sweater follows through on this rebellious theme. Painted in black, black, and even more black (because of course), it features the French fashion house’s logo in a graffiti-style font, and is finished with a fuzzy mohair texture. Ribbed edges make their way to the collar and hems for extra cosiness points.

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