Five on Friday: Men’s Transitional Sweaters

By Levi Opsatnic

As this week begins to mark one of the first rises in mercury that we’ve seen this winter, I’ve found myself finally starting to throw on a sweater for those quick trips outside. And as the temperature steadily inclines, I can surely see myself reaching for a sweater more and more often.

Last week, we dove into women’s sweaters and how great they work as transitional pieces from late winter into early spring. This same idea holds true for us guys, in a sense that in the winter, there’s nothing better than wearing a cozy sweater underneath of your jacket and then for the rest of the day, and in the spring, those same sweaters will function perfectly as a jacket on brisk days. So without any further ado, let’s dive into some of my favorite sweaters to help you make the most out of that period from winter into spring that undoubtedly has some of wackiest weather.

1. Smartwool Kiva Ridge Crew Sweater

Smartwool Kiva Ridge Crew Sweater

With a clear dedication to wool, it’s no surprise that Smartwool’s Kiva Ridge Crew Sweater utilizes a predominantly merino wool construction to keep you outfitted in nothing short of a super comfy and versatile sweater. A construction made up of quite a bit of merino wool means that this sweater will breathe, wick, regulate your temperature, and keep you smelling fresh; especially after those long days spent on the trail. The classy and versatile appearance of the Kiva Ride Crew Sweater also gives it a look that will serve you from a dinner with the family to a trip into your favorite mountain range.

2. Outdoor Research Longhouse Sweater

Outdoor Research Longhouse Sweater

A simple design with an ability to take on most weather situations makes Outdoor Research’s Longhouse Sweater a favorite among the sweater world. Made from a durable polyester, this sweater has a lifespan that you’re sure to love, and its slight wind-resistance will block out those gusts of spring wind that blow your way. An elegant and marled look to the Longhouse Sweater lets you add a bit of natural class to your outfit regardless of how far into the state park you are.

3. Prana Barclay Full Zip Sweater

Prana Barclay Full Zip Sweater

Bridging the gap between sweater and jacket, Prana’s Barclay Full Zip Sweater offers the ultimate in spring to winter transitional pieces. To keep your body feeling as comfy as can be, no matter what the condition, this sweater implements a construction of merino wool, nylon, and polyester. Not only will a fabric like that breathe, keep you warm, and regulate your temperature, but it will also outlast all of those synthetic sweaters that you’ve accumulated over the years. For just the right amount of style, the Barclay Full Zip Sweater uses some contrasting hems and a zipper shut design that lets you wear it however the occasion sees fit.

4.  Nau Randygoat Hoody

Nau Randygoat Hoody

Is it a hoody or is it a sweater? Well, with Nau’s Randygoat Hoody, you get the best of both sweater and hoody worlds. Offering you a super comfy design of merino wool, this piece wicks, smells great, breathes, and regulates your body’s temperature, while the addition of its hood allows for some extra protection during the spring breezes and mists. With a buttoned chest and a heathered look, the Randygoat Hoody leaves you looking far from a goat, but still natural enough to confidently hit that patch of woods between home and your office.

5. Icebreaker Escape Crewe Sweater

Icebreaker Escape Crewe Sweater

Icebreaker allows you to flee from the normality of most sweaters with their Escape Crewe Sweater. A full merino wool fabric means that this sweater will do more than you thought any other sweater could. From supreme wicking, temperature and odor control, all the way to a warm and cozy feel, the Escape Crewe Sweater truly does it all. And whenever the temperature really plummets in the winter, use this bad boy as a midlayer that will trap heat better than you knew possible. Once you combine all of those awesome wearing benefits with a tricolor and sleek appearance, you get a sweater that you lets you rest easy on the eyes no matter what the destination.

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