I don’t want to take aim at today’s rising style icons…Paul Mescal, Austin ButlerAnd Jeremy Allen White everyone had a fit as well as anyone I saw. But when it comes to who’s running the trend cycle, I can’t help but be a little disappointed that they’re all strutting their stuff. streetsespecially since I found my personal style icon at sea.

This style icon? Robert Shaw as Captain Quint in JAWS. He is single-handedly responsible for my constant need to dress like a sturdy old salt. Think: a well-worn cap, a chambray shirt and the most comfortable and durable knit there is: a fisherman’s sweater.

Worn by historic explorers and the coolest upstate guys alike, the fisherman sweater is a fortress of warmth, a piece that seems almost indestructible thanks to its distinctive ribbed knitting technique. Historically knitted by sailors’ wives in hopes of ensuring their safe return home, the best have all the weight and durability you need against gusty winds and sea spray (or a downpour rain in the middle of the journey). But unfortunately the style is so popular that in recent years many opportunistic designers have simply applied a classic navy and white fisherman print to medium wool (or even polyester) and sold it as a true fisherman sweater . This muddies the waters for everyone, especially you, the consumer, who is looking to stay warm and travel this winter.

This is where I come in. I recently returned from a research trip across the great sea of ​​deals and brought back a list of the best fisherman’s sweaters around, for every budget and average local temperature. Below, as ocean explorer Ernest Shackleton gave a series of lectures on his Antarctic expeditions, I present my findings.

Gap Cable Knit Relaxed Sweater

Last month, this magazine declared that GAP was back. You can view their entire men’s clothing fall 2024 to drop herebut if you want a case study, just take a look at their fisherman. A cotton blend, it’s not the warmest on this list, but if you’re here more for the style (or just hate overheating), it’s as good as the style. Skin-friendly, available in sumptuous dark brown or oatmeal white, in a ton of sizes, and with 40% off applied at checkout? This basket does not stay empty for long.

Abercrombie & Fitch Oversized Cable Crew Neck Sweater

The slightly shortened body of this one is almost perfect. It seems that after nailing the jeans under $100 game, A&F is now also available for your favorite knitwear. Their twist team features a draped fit across the arms and body, but again, with that subtle cut at the waist for a more flattering, modern silhouette.

Sunspel cable-knit merino wool sweater

Sunspel’s approach to clothing is all about putting fibers first, and that’s evident in everything from their T-shirts and polo shirts to their sweaters. This particular piece is produced in the brand’s historic British factory from 100% merino wool, soft enough to make even sheep jealous.

J.Crew Cotton Cable Knit Turtleneck Sweater

If sweater vest or turtleneck, J.Crew is currently all-in on cable knitting, and we’re comfortably along for the ride. The brand pulled this classic from its 1988 archives, knowing that it would undoubtedly be even stronger today. It’s also machine washable and is currently 30% off as long as you apply both discounts.

Heimat Mini Rollkragen fisherman’s sweater

Virgin wool, the fabric you see here, is like raw denim: it’s untreated and unfiltered and only gets better with age. Better yet, the fisherman’s sweater from German fine wool supplier Heimat is inspired by New England sailing sweaters, with nautical stripes on the cuffs and hems and extra-long fibers that make it virtually impervious to pilling .

LL Bean Signature Cotton Fisherman Sweater

Like the LL Bean Barn Coat the revival continues apace, you’ll need something to put underneath. For this, I suggest Bean’s Perfect Fisherman Sweater. It comes in a ton of sizes and four colors. And although you can opt for the beige color and channel your inner Harry looking for their Sally, Sienna orange (pictured above) is a surefire hit.

Howlin’ Forbidden Dreams Cable Knit Sweater

Howlin’ has a reputation for using natural fibers that last, a reputation that comes from items like this Aran-inspired sweater. Made from 100% responsible wool sourced from free-range sheep in the British Isles, it’s the kind of sweater you wear all day, then all week, then all month.

Finisterre Cabet sweater

This chunky cable knit from Finisterre comes in a superb Donegal copper color, made from 100% wool. (The natural crimping creates small air pockets that trap heat and repel humidity.) And yet in 100% pure thick new wool, the price is very reasonable.

Kestin Galloway cable knit

Scottish brand Kestin makes knitwear that is truly faithful to centuries-old historic techniques. This beauty in a merlot hue is made from 100% Shetland lambswool, knitted on a 5 gauge machine and featuring a ribbed hem, cuffs and a flattering, slightly higher crew neckline. Ideal for those who want to look like a weather-beaten Highlander without herding sheep.

SNS Herning Fisherman II textured virgin wool sweater

Danish knitwear brand SNS Herning has been dressing outdoor enthusiasts for almost a century. Like Heimat’s version, their fisherman’s sweater is made from virgin wool, but this one might also be the stealthiest choice on this list. Not only is it black, but its knitted bubbles are even more subtle, although they still contain all the air bubbles to keep you warm without turning you into a Michelin man.

Polo Ralph Lauren wool and alpaca fisherman’s sweater

I love a good neutral as much as the next person, but a subtle, muted green—moss agate, to be exact—makes a different impact in the colder months. This fisherman’s sweater from Ralph, made from a cozy wool and alpaca blend, feels like you’re wearing a soft, cozy blanket. Imagine this stunner layered under a tweed suit—it’s like a wild fall dream come true.

Inis Meáin Aran Cable Crewneck

Forget the talk about Aran-inspired sweaters for a second: Inis Meáin Knitting Company still makes Aran sweaters in the traditional, meticulous, hand-finished way in its own knitting factory. A knit from Donegal, these all-over purple spots are randomly woven, giving the piece a sensitivity that a machine never could.

Nep Herill cashmere cable sweater

Japanese brand Herill still goes a little unnoticed, but know that designer Hiroyuki Oshima is a true textile magician. Its take on the classic knit is made from high-quality cashmere and, like the Inis Meáin, features distinct spots that will set it apart from whatever the guys to your left and right are wearing.