10 of the best men’s cardigans to wear this summer – in pictures

With a lineage that runs from the Battle of Balaclava to Taylor Swift via Kurt Cobain, the cardigan is making a bid for centre stage. Seen on the SS22 catwalks, the new cardigan came in dip-dye at Hermès, pastel blanket style at Dunhill, and a fun Dalmatian puppies print and graphic sequin script at Celine (below). With our changeable summer weather forecast, an extra layer is a necessity, so follow the trend: swap your jacket for a statement cardigan and take a middle-of- the-road T-shirt and trousers to full-look status in one easy move.

A bold pattern or colour, like Nanushka’s floral design (2, below) and Gant’s tiger camo (4, below), or wearebraindead.com’s yellow cardigan with cartoon devil motifs (£157) and Cole Buxton’s pink style (£225) are instant ways to turn a boring outfit into something more standout. Size up for an oversized fit. Urban Outfitters’ sunray design (10, below) and House of Sunny’s Clint cardigan (6, below) with its cactus and mauve skies, would both look great worn with shorts for a park picnic.

It’s not just print – think texture, too: Cos’s fluffy taupe cardigan (5, below) looks great styled with an all-white look for a smart-casual summer event, and Lazy Oaf’s lilac and red lava-lamp style (7, below) follows Marni’s colourful mohair lead at a more pocket-friendly price. Japanese brand Beams Plus is a go-to for statement knitwear pieces in its workwear-meets-varsity collection. On the high street, Zara’s camel Argyle style (8, below) is a useful classic that will never date.

Shopping for secondhand knitwear can land you some great finds, including reasonably priced cashmere. Check out preloved.co.uk, Asos Marketplace and thrifted.com, or hit your local vintage and charity stores.