Here’s the thing most men get wrong about spring dressing: they stop thinking about knitwear the moment February ends. That’s a mistake. A well-chosen spring knit — lightweight merino, a fine cotton blend, even a cashmere polo — does more work in your wardrobe than almost any other single piece, and the options available right now are genuinely better than they’ve ever been.
Spring knitwear is the layer that actually solves the season. Not too heavy, not too light, and far more considered than reaching for a hoodie again.
Why Spring Is Knitwear’s Best Season
Spring’s awkward, right? One afternoon it’s 18 degrees and you’re questioning why you even own a coat, and by 6pm that bitter wind is back and you’re underdressed and annoyed. I’ve stood outside a pub in April in just a shirt more times than I’d like to admit, watching everyone else look perfectly comfortable in a fine-gauge knit while I developed goosebumps. That changed everything about how I approach the season. The knit polo I grabbed on a whim from a Paul James sale has probably been worn more than anything else I own from spring to early autumn — it travels well, layers easily, and somehow looks right whether I’m in the office or at a weekend market. What’s shifted in the past few years is the sheer quality and variety on offer: merino crew necks, cotton-blend quarter-zips, knit cardigans that don’t look like something your dad wore to a golf club dinner. The high street has genuinely stepped up, brands at every price point are making pieces that understand fit and fabric, and you no longer have to choose between looking good and staying comfortable when the temperature can’t make up its mind.
Not Just Crew Necks
Knit polos and quarter-zips are where spring styling gets genuinely interesting. A knit polo is the smarter cousin of your standard t-shirt — enough structure to feel polished, relaxed enough for Saturday. Quarter-zips sit in that useful middle ground between a jumper and a jacket, working solo or layered under a shirt when the day cools off.
Knit polos earn their place with chinos or tailored trousers. They’ve got a clean, slightly preppy edge without being fussy about it, and cotton-blend versions breathe noticeably better than traditional piqué polos. Merino quarter-zips regulate temperature in a way that’s almost annoying in how well it works — you’re not roasting on a warm afternoon, but you’re covered when the clouds roll in. A lightweight knit cardigan over a plain t-shirt is also one of the most underrated spring looks going. (Actually, that’s not quite right — cardigans have had a serious moment for a couple of years now, so maybe it’s no longer underrated. Either way, they work.)
A refined alternative to traditional polos, perfect for smart-casual spring occasions.
Paul James Knitwear, Neutrals Mens Ultra Fine Cotton Rileey Selection Knit Buttonless Polo… £70
A layering essential that works as a standalone piece or under a jacket.
Does Price Actually Matter Here?
Short answer: sometimes. The gap between a £35 high-street knit and a £150 premium piece is real, but it’s not always worth it depending on how you’ll wear it.
High-street options from Uniqlo, M&S, and Next have quietly become very good — reliable fit, decent natural fibres, and they wash without drama. Reiss sits a step above, with more design consideration and slightly better construction. For the serious end, brands like Lyle & Scott, Ralph Lauren, and Paul James Knitwear offer fabrics that genuinely improve with age rather than pilling after six months. The smart approach is to mix both levels: two or three reliable crew necks and polos from the high street for regular wear, then one or two pieces you actually invested in for when it matters. A £128 merino-cashmere blend worn 80 times over three years costs less per wear than a £40 synthetic knit that goes baggy by July.
A foundational spring knit that works with almost everything in your wardrobe.
Lacoste, Men’s Lacoste Men’s Black Cotton Crew Neck Knit £105
A premium-feeling option that works across high-street and designer brands, ideal for layering.
A versatile, breathable choice that bridges casual and smart-casual occasions.
M&S, Cotton Blend Smart Rib Knit Polo Shirt Espresso male £32
Fit, Fabric, Occasion — Getting the Combination Right
Fabric first. Merino is the most practical choice for spring: it doesn’t need washing after every wear, it doesn’t hold odour the way cotton does, and a fine-gauge merino is genuinely comfortable across a wide temperature range. Cotton and cotton blends are more breathable on properly warm days and wash more easily. Cashmere, or a cashmere-merino blend, is the luxury option — softer, warmer weight-for-weight, and it ages well rather than degrading.
Fit changes what a knit can do for you. A slim merino worn under a blazer reads as properly smart. The same knit in a relaxed cut with jeans and white trainers is a weekend outfit. Go too baggy and it just looks like you grabbed whatever was clean; go too tight and you’ll be uncomfortable by lunchtime. Most men do better sizing up one from their usual rather than down, especially with merino, which can cling a bit when it’s warm.
And what about layering?
A thin knit under an open linen shirt creates a texture contrast that looks deliberate without any effort. A quarter-zip over a t-shirt gives you something to remove as the day warms up without the outfit falling apart. A cardigan over a plain t-shirt — fine gauge, nothing too heavy — is one of the most effortlessly put-together looks in spring, and it costs almost nothing to pull off if you find the right piece.
A versatile layering piece that works from casual to smart-casual with ease.
An investment piece that feels luxurious and works across multiple occasions.
Good Knitwear Under £100 Absolutely Exists
Uniqlo’s fine-merino range is absurdly good value — there, I said it. M&S does crew necks and knit polos that last several seasons without losing their shape. John Lewis own-brand knitwear is solid and often goes on sale. Oliver Sweeney sits just under the premium tier and punches well above what the price suggests.
The other trick worth knowing: winter knitwear gets marked down heavily from March onwards. A lot of it works perfectly well into spring — a fine lambswool or merino that was £90 in November might be £45 by April, and you’ll wear it straight through to the end of May. Worth checking the sale rails before buying anything at full price.
Affordable spring knitwear that doesn’t compromise on quality or style.
Lacoste, Men’s Crew Neck Knit Jumper Oxalis in Burgundy Size: 2XL Burgundy 2XL £110
Premium-feeling fabric at a price that won’t break the bank.
Oliver Sweeney, Men’s Oliver Sweeney Merino Wool Blend Quarter Zip Jumper £64.5
Start simple. Two crew necks in neutral colours, one knit polo, and a quarter-zip or cardigan for layering. That’s a complete spring knitwear setup that covers most situations without overcomplicating anything. Add one genuinely good piece when you find something you love — not because you feel like you should, but because quality knitwear worn regularly is one of the few areas of a wardrobe where spending more actually pays back. A merino or cashmere blend bought this spring, cared for properly, will still be going strong in five years. That’s a better investment than most things you’ll spend money on this season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What fabrics work best for men’s spring knitwear?
Merino wool is the standout choice — it regulates temperature well, resists odour, and doesn’t need washing after every wear. Cotton blends are more breathable on warmer days. If budget allows, a lightweight cashmere or cashmere-merino blend is worth it for how it feels and how well it ages.
Can you wear knitwear in spring without overheating?
Yes, provided you choose the right weight. Lightweight merino and fine cotton knits are genuinely breathable. Avoid anything described as ‘chunky’ or ‘aran weight’ — those are for October onwards. A fine-gauge knit in spring is often more comfortable than a shirt when the wind picks up.
What’s the difference between a knit polo and a regular polo shirt?
A knit polo is made from a finer, jersey-style knit rather than the piqué cotton used in traditional polo shirts. It tends to have a cleaner silhouette, drapes better, and often skips the buttons entirely. It reads as slightly smarter while still being relaxed — which is exactly what makes it useful in spring.
How should men’s spring knitwear fit?
It depends on the occasion. For casual wear, a regular or slightly relaxed fit works well with jeans and trainers. For smart-casual, go slimmer — something fitted enough to wear under a blazer without bunching. Avoid anything that pulls across the shoulders or gaps at the hem when you lift your arms.
Is it worth spending more on premium men’s knitwear?
For a couple of core pieces, yes. A quality merino or cashmere-blend jumper will outlast several cheaper versions and genuinely improve with wear rather than pilling and losing shape. That said, the high street has got much better — you don’t need to spend a fortune on every piece, just the ones you’ll wear constantly.
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