A step up for sweats

When Microsoft distributed a press photo of Satya Nadella, its incoming chief executive, last month, his outfit brought a surprising item of clothing to the fore: the sweatshirt.

This was not any sloppy Silicon Valley hoodie, though; the snappily dressed Nadella was wearing a fitted, navy marl sweatshirt that reflects the garment’s elevation from gym or loungewear to fashion statement.

The sweatshirt is the trending sweater. Versatile, comfortable and stylish, sweatshirt can be a statement piece, an accent or a casual addition.  Men’s sweaters should be a staple of every man’s wardrobe. There are numerous types and styles that will fit any occasion. Because they can be worn under blazers and suit coats, they can be considered parts of business casual attire. They mix with tee shirts, polo shirts, button ups, jeans, chinos, khakis and dress pants. They can even be worn with shorts. Sweaters are an integral part of men’s clothing and finding the right styles is quite simple. Find something trendy and cool from Sean John or DKNY Jeans. Get something comfy and casual from Lacoste or Izod. Look for a more formal, luxe option from Armani Jeans or John Ashford. Of the many kinds of men’s sweaters, one product stands out. Men’s sweaters can be worn at any time for any kind of occasion.

These sweatshirts are no longer mere wardrobe fillers; they have evolved with luxury fabrics embellishments and appliqués from Tommy Hilfiger, Armani Jeans and Perry Ellis. They allow you to have options that work when something dressier is necessary or when a man wants to wear a cardigan with a business suit. Sean Jean, Lucky Brand Jeans and Sons of Intrigue have fun preppy options that seamlessly combine cool and casual styles. Bar III and Kenneth Cole provide trendy hipster options that look great with jeans and tee shirts.

Turtlenecks and mock necks work well for business casual attire as well as everyday ensembles. Brands like Nautica, Tasso Elba and Polo Ralph Lauren men’s sweaters look fantastic with khakis, corduroys and jeans. They are ideal for a clean cut, pressed look. They work well for formal or casual occasions. John Ashford and Izod both have items that fit comfortably under suit jackets, providing a laid back but highly professional looks. For something fun and easy, take a look at sweaters from DKNY Jeans or INC International Concepts.V-neck sweaters are great for casual dress looks as well. They work by themselves or paired with other pieces.

Wearing a Club Room v-neck over a complementary button-up shirt is the height of cool sophistication. Also consider sweaters from Izod, Van Heusen and American Rag stand on their own with a pair of creased khakis or a worn pair of jeans. Go with Alfani for an edgier look or Lacoste for some preppy appeal. “It is a much more European look that Nigerians are coping. I have had dinner at the Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel in sweats. But you just have to make sure the quality of the cotton is top notch”, says Donald Macaulay, a bank executive.

IJEOMA OMENI-ASIEGBU