Keep Your Itchy Knits. This Winter, I’m Grabbing All Things Merino Wool
Sure, the holidays are cool, but that’s not why I’ve been humming “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” so much recently. Instead, the melody comes to mind every time I go through my sweater pile, trying to figure out which one layers best over an oxford shirt, what color plays nicest with my corduroys, and which combo lets me unlock super professor mode when I slip on some chukka boots. But one decision I don’t really have to make these days? Which sweater fabric to choose.
That’s because this winter, I’ve bet the farm on merino wool. It’s the fiber that actually delivers on softness and breathability, without the bulk, itch, or cost of other sweater fabrics. To break it down further: Cotton keeps me chilly, cashmere costs a fortune, and the various kinds of lambswool sweaters—shetlands, fishermen—simply itch whenever they touch my skin.
And while many others would turn to synthetic fabrics at this point, those are only imitations. Merino just is. The fibers are finer than standard wool, giving it that soft-on-skin magic. It’s naturally moisture-wicking, warm in the cold, cool in the heat, odor-resistant, and keeps its shape even after washing thanks to a little built-in elasticity.
To get you on my level, I've rounded up 16 of the best merino pieces out there. They’ll cover every corner of your winter wardrobe, and honestly, you could build a whole seasonal capsule from them. Hell, I know I have.
The Merino Wool Hit List
Call it a full-placket polo sweater or a lightweight cardigan—Buck Mason has cooked up one of the most quietly exciting knitwear mashups with this garment. Toss it over a T-shirt or a thermal, and aye, it might just sub out your go-to overshirt until further notice.
You know that photo that pops up every three months of Marvin Gaye rocking a Canadian tuxedo and a red beanie? Yeah, that one. Consider this your cue to take notes from one of music’s most stylish legends. Plus, the subtle ribbed texture keeps it from looking like a winter accessory afterthought.
Unsure what accessory you need for New Year's? COS has your back with a Merino wool necktie that’s the ideal width for right now. Even better, when the light hits it right, the subtle metallic flecks add a hint of celebration without veering into a rented costume look.
A luxe pair of gloves without smartphone-friendly fingertips is one way to go analog in a digital world. This pair from Paul Smith also happens to keep your hands toasty in a soft merino wool and recycled cashmere blend, lovingly knitted in Scotland.
GapStudio might represent the latest and greatest offering from the brand, but easy-breezy layering pieces like this one are still the company’s bread and butter. Wear it with a suit, cargo pants, or chinos. The point is, this should be one of those sweaters you don’t ever have to put too much thought into.
You won’t find another brand channeling ‘90s drapey nostalgia quite like Banana Republic—especially at this price. There’s something quietly sexy about a subtle, thin-trimmed mockneck, not least when you tuck it in a little. Suddenly, everyone looks like the best-dressed extra in a Nora Ephron movie.
Outdoor base-layering brand Lé Bent has delivered the ideal winter socks with these full-cushioned merino wool crews. They stay up when I'm stomping around in roper boots, stay dry when I'm hitting the trails in my hikers, and—best part—they actually contour to your feet thanks to some patented memory-stretch tech.
Born on the Irish islands where Aran sweaters got their name, Inis Meáin’s merino-cashmere blend cardigan trades the tough, scratchy cable-knit wool normally produced in that part of the world. They’ve also ditched the buttons for a sleek zipper, and the stand collar steps in to protect your neck when the wind becomes unbearable.
If you’re not ready to bench your camp-collar shirts for the season, Todd Snyder has your back. He basically took the warm-weather staple, fed it a protein shake, and rebuilt it in merino wool so you can keep the vibes going straight into the cooler months.
Count on the considerate minds at Alex Mill to combine the storage of their best-selling chore coat with the warmth of a cardigan-style jacket.
Tokyo-based Aton keeps blessing us with banger after banger, and this winter they’ve gone and cheffed up these merino-wool flannel, single-pleat trousers. They'd look just as good with a Type II as they would with the matching suit jacket—which is dangerous, because now you’re kind of inspired to buy both.
From crafting some of my favorite vintage-inspired chinos to sneaking into the wardrobes of TV’s most beloved fictional characters, German label Merz b. Schwanen knows ball. Case in point: Its no-frills half-zip merino sweater. The only thing sold separately? Matcha.
Here’s a simple menswear equation going in 2026: V-neck tees = no bueno. V-neck sweaters? Muy bueno. A grey V-neck sweater is your all-access pass—it should be worn everywhere and carried anywhere. Aim for one that hits just above your chest, let a white tee peek out underneath, pair it with jeans, and thank us later.
