How to Wear Checkerboard Cardigan Sweaters: Men's Style Tips

The Comeback of the Checkerboard Cardigan

The checkerboard cardigan is making a major comeback in men's fashion. This vintage-inspired knit sweater with a graphic black and white check pattern has always had a special place in many men's casual wardrobes. Lately, designers and brands have been giving the classic checkerboard cardigan a modern upgrade. And more stylish guys are rocking cardigans both for everyday wear and going out.

The Origins and Meaning of the Checkerboard Cardigan

Checkerboard knits first became fashionable for men in the 1950s and 1960s. The black and white check pattern on cardigans and sweaters was symbolic of the growing popularity of black and white TV sets during this era. This eye-catching crisscross pattern was meant to represent the static one would see on analog television screens.

During the 90s grunge scene, checkerboard patterns became iconic again in rock and punk streetwear. Underground musicians and their fans wore checkerboard cardigans and sweaters religiously as symbols of youth rebellion.

Why Checkerboard Cardigans Are Trending Again

Many elements of 90’s fashion nostalgia are coming back today. And the revival of the checkerboard cardigan sweater for men is at the heart of this movement back to retro casual wear.

Influencers on Instagram and TikTok have brought checkerboard cardigans back into the mainstream. Hip young celebs like Timothée Chalamet and Pete Davidson have shown guys how styling a graphic check print cardigan sweater can look effortlessly cool. Top designers from streetwear brands to luxury houses have also reintroduced their own unique takes on the classic checkerboard cardigan in recent collections. This sweater is no longer seen as strictly for older men, but instead a fashionable knit for guys of all ages.

How to Style a Checkerboard Cardigan Sweater

The checkerboard cardigan’s retro vibe lends itself perfectly to today’s most popular casual men’s aesthetics. You can style a check print cardigan sweater in skater, artist/musician, preppy, workwear, streetwear, and vintage inspired looks effortlessly. Here are some top ideas for how to wear a checkerboard knit cardigan in 2023.

Preppy and Varsity Vibes

Leaning into the collegiate preppy aesthetic, a checkerboard cardigan can look right at home. Pair with a button-down oxford shirt, cuffed chino pants or khakis, and suede bucks or canvas sneakers. Add a knit tie and elbow patches on the cardigan for extra academic flair.

Workwear and Americana

For more rugged heritage-inspired ensembles, style a check cardigan with classic work shirts, worn-in jeans, leather boots, and accessories like a watch cap or beanie. You can also layer the cardigan over western snap shirts or denim jackets to embrace a rural Americana aesthetic.

Streetwear and Skater

Checkerboard knits are skater and punk rocker approved. So streetwear is a perfect complement to a graphic check cardigan. Hoodies, graphic t-shirts, cuffed slim black jeans, Vans, and snapbacks or beanies make excellent partners. You can also layer up with plaid flannels and another jacket or coat.

Artistic and Musician

Creative guys can artfully clash patterns and textures by pairing a checkerboard cardigan with paisley shirts, embroidered black or white tees, cuffed slacks, Chelsea boots, and additional unique touches like rings, glases, and hats for personal flair.

Modern Ways to Style Checkerboard Cardigan Sweaters

Besides more traditional looks, you can also get really creative, modern, and even experimental with how you style a checkerboard knit cardigan sweater. Some ideas include:

Monochrome in Black and White

For a minimalist mod vibe, rock head-to-toe black and white by pairing your check cardigan with a black and white striped tee, black jeans, and white leather sneakers or black and white spectator shoes.

Pop Of Color

The high graphic contrast of a check cardigan begs for an unexpected pop of color. Try teaming it with burgundy cords, a colorblock windbreaker, or a bright pastel button-down for playful flair.

Clashing Checks and Plaids

For the daring and experimental dresser, clash that checkerboard cardigan against black and red buffalo plaid flannel shirts and an additional large plaid or check overcoat to overwhelm the eye with graphic pattern mixes.

Short and Cropped

Play with proportions by choosing cropped and boxy checkerboard cardigans that hit at the waistband. Then show some ankle by cuffing slim black jeans. Finish with sleek white leather sneakers to keep legs looking long.

However you choose to style it, the checkerboard cardigan offers endless outfit possibilities. So embrace this classic retro-inspired knit in your winter wardrobe rotation.

FAQs

What colors go well with a checkerboard cardigan?

Black, white, gray, brown, tan, olive green, navy and denim are perfect neutral colors to pair with a graphic black and white check cardigan. You can also create a nice color pop by wearing brighter shades like red, yellow, or light blue.

What pants work best with a check sweater?

The checkerboard pattern pairs nicely with casual bottoms like jeans, chinos, khakis, joggers, and cords in colors like black, white, tan, brown, olive green or navy. Avoid overly busy pants and stick to solids or subtle patterns.

Can you dress up a checkerboard cardigan?

Yes, you can definitely dress up a check cardigan for business casual office environments or date nights by pairing with an OCBD shirt, knit tie, cropped trousers, and leather shoes or chukka boots.

What jacket goes with a check sweater?

Level up your checkerboard cardigan outfit by layering with a matching black and white harrington jacket, black leather moto jacket, tan suede trucker jacket, navy peacoat, olive field jacket, or grey herringbone overcoat.