The Case for the Merino Knit

I’ve missed early autumn breezes, and with a forecasted high of 75 degrees yesterday, the afternoon’s cool rain was a nice surprise.  Since today is the autumnal equinox, why not celebrate it with a merino knit?  Though some folks are diehard cashmere acolytes, merino sweaters cost a fraction of the price and don’t succumb to the pesky pilling of their cashmere cousins.  From the right maker, they can also feel downright luxurious.  

Of all places, I found my favorite merino sweater at Club Monaco two seasons back.  The navy hue makes it look sleek and sophisticated, and the fit is trim without being constricting.  The sweater was made during designer Aaron Levine’s tenure; he’s credited with turning Club Monaco from an afterthought to the hottest store in the mall with collaborations rivalling J. Crew and quality surpassing them.  Though Levine is no longer with the brand, his imprint is still felt on their refined knits.  if you’re searching for a sweater at a fair price, they’re my top pick.  

Cardigans were popular around 2008-09, when it seemed every preppy indie pop band’s frontman was wearing one.  After fading from wardrobes early this decade, they’re mounting a comeback thanks to their supreme layering ability.  Though crewneck merino knits are plenty attractive in their own right, a man who wears a cardigan is someone who gives extra consideration their wardrobe; cardigans ooze intellectual sexiness, and men who know both their cocktails and their Camus know their cardigans as well.  

Though I’ll often pair the Club Monaco knit with wool trousers or a pair of raw denim, yesterday’s gray skies called for a monochrome navy and white look.  Since it’s officially fall, I won’t be able to sport my Stan Smith Primeknits much longer (I’m already breaking the white shoes after Labor Day rule with great glee), and they’re subtle enough that I like to pair them with dressed-up outfits.  They also pop against the bold blue of the cardigan, which is the ideal backdrop for almost any color.

When buying merino knits, start with several classic colors like gray, navy and camel.  Wear them once a week, and they’ll still look fresh if they fit right and are taken care of properly (always dry clean, never machine wash).  Their upscale subtlety will make guys wearing cashmere knits stop in their tracks and wonder why they spent three times the dough on their sweater, when yours looks twice as nice.

Sweater: Club Monaco, Shirt and Trousers: J. Crew, Sneakers: Adidas Originals