Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
I’m a bit fan of knitwear buy my favorite style is definitely sweaters with leather elbow patches. The addition of these patches elevates a sweater into something much more substantial, and allows it to be more easily worn as a piece of outerwear, especially in these transition months as we still have some chilly spring days.
1) AnonymousIsm: Nep Rib Crew
To me, the most important element of a garment is its fabric’s texture, and Anonymous Ism really knocked it out of the park with their Nep Rib Crew sweater. Made from a neppy, 85%/15% wool/nylon blend fabric, this sweater is finished with minimal details other than the tonal elbow patches.
Available for $280 from Anonymous Ism.
2) Polo Ralph Lauren: Suede-Patch Wool-Cashmere Sweater
If you want a sweater that is a bit easier to dress up then look no further than Polo Ralph Lauren’s Suede-Patch Wool-Cashmere Sweater. As the name implies, this 85%/15% lambswool/cashmere sweater is constructed with ribbing at the cuffs, hem, and neck, and slightly contrasting suede elbow patches. Available in many colors, this piece is easy to fit into any wardrobe looking to add a semi-dressy sweater.
Available for $228 from Polo Ralph Lauren.
3) Haven: Cypress Cardigan
Haven’s Cypress Cardigan is one of the chunkiest elbow patch sweaters available, so if you’re looking for a true jacket substitute it might be right up your alley. It’s hand knit in Canada from 100% Canadian wool, and features a YKK Excella zipper, deerskin elbow patches, and two front hand pockets.
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Available for $605 from Haven.
4) Dehen 1920: Collegiate Cardigan
I have never hidden the fact that Dehen 1920 is one of my favorite knitwear brands, and their Collegiate Cardigan exemplifies exactly why. With clean lines, top notch construction, and great materials, it’s easy to imagine this sweater as a part of your wardrobe. Available in two colorways, this 100% worsted wool sweater with cowhide elbow patches is a personal favorite.
Available for $365 from Division Road.
5) Maison Margiela: Elbow Patch Turtleneck Knit
If you are looking for both a sweater with elbow patches and a turtleneck then Maison Margiela’s Elbow Patch Turtleneck Knit is right here waiting. Featuring a rolled, turtleneck neckline, ribbed details, and suede elbow patches, this sweater is easy to wear both casually and semi-formally; and while expensive, doesn’t that dual-use functionality really mean it costs half as much? No, but one can dream.
Available for $990 from End.
Plus One – Niuhans: Fine Gauge Wool Elbow Patch Sweater
While I am normally a fan a thick, chunky casual sweaters and thick, densely-knit dressy sweaters, it’s hard to deny the inherit beauty of Niuhans’ Fine Gauge Wool Elbow Patch Sweater. While this is an incredibly thin sweater, the 100% wool material and small, leather elbow patches make it a solid contender and an outlier for this list.
Available for $388CAD from Neighbour.
