Whether you are dealing with brisk rain showers or warm autumn sunshine, a shirt is worn the whole year round. It is a garment that cannot be left out of many men’s daily wardrobes. A shirt instantly makes you look more sophisticated and it fits effortlessly into different kinds of outfits. Still, it can be a challenge to create stylish combinations. Here are some questions to help you choose a shirt that goes perfectly with your sweater, as quickly as possible.
Where are you going to?
This seems obvious, but it’s still an important step. You can wear a shirt under a sweater in multiple ways, but you have one chance to make the right impression. Of course, you experience less pressure when you’re going to just meet up with friends. Thus, you can feel free to wear a casual overshirt in combination with a hoodie or a good cardigan during drinks on the terrace. In such cases, you may wear the shirt over your pants and even let it come out from under your sweater. In business appointments, things get a lot trickier. After all, you want to exude the right level of professionalism. A formal shirt with the classic pullover is a logical combination. However, don’t let expectations and unwritten rules deter you; you have plenty of freedom to show your personality in your outfit!

What does the shirt look like?
When choosing a shirt, also look at the details. The type of collar alone can make all the difference in your look. For example, Button Down, Cutaway and Widespread are collars that don’t shift easily. Ideal for formal occasions. By the way, you wear the collar inside the sweater for a businesslike look. For a casual look, wear it outside the sweater. As for the sweater itself; a good style rule to keep in mind is that a o-neck gives you a formal look. This is because it ensures that the collar stays in place. A V-neck, on the other hand, comes across as more relaxed because it shows more of your shirt. In addition, it allows you to leave buttons open. Just make sure that both garments fit your body well. This will prevent the pullover or sweater from hanging sloppily over your shirt.
What Colors Should You Wear?
Shirts come in every imaginable color, which can be overwhelming for many men. So, how do you choose the best color combinations? A good starting point is to consider your color type—matching your outfit to your hair, skin, and eye color. If that seems too complicated, you can always rely on classic combinations. Let the shirt determine the color of the sweater, and avoid overly bold choices. The goal is to create a balanced look. The most effective combinations either use contrasting colors or different shades of the same color. Some great examples include:
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
A white shirt with a dark sweater | A light blue shirt with a dark sweater | A black shirt with a light sweater |
Pattern or Solid Color?
If there’s no strict dress code, a patterned shirt can be a great way to make your outfit stand out. This works especially well with a solid-colored sweater, where only the collar and cuffs of the shirt are visible. Feel free to experiment with different shapes and colors to find the most stylish combinations.
If you opt for a patterned shirt, choose subtle designs that aren’t too busy or distracting. For business occasions, it’s best to go with understated patterns like stripes, dots, or checks.