The Obtainer - 11/1/23, Wednesday
↦ Back to Basics: The V-Neck Revival
Wednesday, November 1st Edition
We’re back with the latest in our “Back to Basics” series. And this time we’re talking about the return of the V-neck sweater. I know you’ve been avoiding that neckline for a while, but it’s time to come back.
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Back to Basics
The V-Neck Revival
It was only a matter of time. Fashion, as we know, moves in waves and continually cycles back around. We also know that man has a tendency to push a good thing so far, he pushes it right off a cliff. Such was the case with the V-neck sweater. There was a time, maybe in the late '90s, when the chunky V-neck was the choice for a stylish guy to pull on. But in the early aughts—perhaps due to the deep-V T-shirt plunging deeper than it ever should have—the reliable V-neck sweater just kind of became uncool. It was never out of style, exactly, just not what any stylish guy was interested in.The style was pushed to the back of our collective closet, but not forgotten. And after loads of classic crewnecks and relaxed, vintage sweatshirts, the V-neck now feels like an antidote to more of the same. This fall, as all things '90s return with a slightly neo-prep spin, a new crop of V-neck sweaters has swaggered back into style, feeling both nostalgic and fresh. Designers of brands both big and small have dusted off the V-neck and reworked it for today. That means chunkier, boxier fits and textural knits—even the occasional pop of color or bold, freaky pattern.But not everything has changed. What remains is the V-neck's uncanny ability to make a guy look good. This is a sweater that's made to be layered. Over a shirt. Under a jacket. It works in a myriad of ways and looks exponentially more interesting than its crewneck counterparts. And that wider, deeper collar works to visually broaden your chest, making your shoulders appear a little wider and your pecs look a bit more muscular. Nothing wrong with that, right? As for which style is right for you, that's a matter of choice. So we've pulled together some of our current favorites in a range of prices, styles and patterns.
Our Picks
Knit from a wool/alpaca blend with a relaxed ’90s fit and a generous collar.
Wool-blend v-neck sweater,$118 by Madewell
Made from soft lambswool and knit in a half-cardigan stitch that adds texture on top of the visual interest of the Donegal yarn.
Ribbed Donegal v-neck sweater,$258 by Todd Snyder
An oversized style with dropped shoulders and a wide, ribbed V-neck collar.
Limited-edition v-neck sweater,$59.90 by Zara
Stüssy’s take looks and feels like a genuine vintage sweater, with its chunky gauge mohair and sporty stripes at the collar and cuffs.
Mohair tennis v-neck sweater,$160 by Stüssy
Knit from a soft and lightweight alpaca wool blend, this subtle V-neck is finished with a gridded check pattern.
Alpaca wool v-neck sweater,$325 by Knickerbocker
An Ivy Style icon, the brushed shetland wool Shaggy Dog now comes in a collegiate V-neck with a striped collar and hem.
Shaggy Dog v-neck sweater,$295 by J. Press
Drops to Watch For
Canoe Club is collaborating with Engineered Garments for one of fall's best drops yet. Inspired by iconic English workwear, the collection will offer a club coat and EG’s signature fatigue pants. Both items feature a matching cotton twill fabric and custom tartan plaid or Blackwatch lining. The collection can be worn separately or as a set and it will be available in two colors: storm and ink.
Available Friday, November 3 at shopcanoeclub.com
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This tote bag is crafted from a sturdy canvas in Japan and dyed with organic oolong tea. Each bag is treated with beeswax to protect them from the elements and give them a unique feel.
$115 / $92 by Obakki
Harmony's corduroy overshirt is a versatile fall piece cut from a warm wide wale corduroy, meant to layer over T-shirts and sweaters. The tonal buttons and French collar give it a clean finish.
$240 / $170 by Harmony Paris
Two jackets for the price of one? We'll take it. Nike ACG's reversible coat is made of a woven outer shell with water-resistant fabric and an ultra-soft fleece fabric on the other side.
$345 / $173 by Nike ACG
Fred Nieddu of @taillour_ltd for @gloverall AW23 🪡
September 18
