How to Wear a Sweater over a Dress Shirt

Co-authored by Paul Julch, MA

Last Updated: April 7, 2021 References

A dress shirt paired with a seater can create a style powerhouse. Whether you’re looking for a casual or professional look, all you need to do is aim for a few “fashion-do”s and avoid a handful of “fashion-don’t”s. To get started, choose the perfect dress shirt, decide on a sweater style, and complete your outfit with fun accessories! Use these tips to create a flawless outfit no matter what the occasion.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Picking the Perfect Dress Shirt

1
Wear a dress shirt that is fitted to avoid bunching under your sweater. Make sure your dress shirt fits you well in the shoulders, sleeves, and waist. If it’s too big, you’ll have to deal with unflattering bunching under your sweater. So try it on before buying and make sure it’s not too baggy in those areas.^{[1]
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- If your dress shirt is too big, you can go to a tailor to get it altered, or aim for a slightly smaller size.
2
Choose a thin dress shirt if possible. When layering clothing, especially dress shirts, you want to look neat and crisp. Check to see if your dress shirt is made with broadcloth or poplin, and avoid thick fabrics like flannel and denim. If the dress shirt is made of a thick fabric, it may look unflattering and bunch up under the sweater.

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3
Select a short-sleeve button-up in warmer weather. Not only will a short-sleeve or sleeveless dress shirt look great under a sweater – it'll also keep you cool! By reducing the number of layers on your arms, you'll be cool outside or in. A short-sleeved or sleeveless dress shirt will also prevent lumps and bulkiness under your sweater sleeves.
- If you're nervous about trying this, remember that no one will notice that you’re wearing a short-sleeve dress shirt unless you take your sweater off.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Choosing a Sweater Style

1
Maintain a professional look with a simple crew neck sweater. This timeless classic will serve you well in the conference room or the office – lending you true style without breaking the bank! Pair this look with some slacks or a pencil skirt for a style that screams "young professional."^{[2]
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- If the sweater collar is very tight and close to the neck, keep the dress shirt collar tucked inside of the sweater.
- Try a grey crew neck sweater with a light blue dress shirt underneath for a simple look.
2
Wear a V-neck sweater to show off a tie. This is a classic professional look. Due to the triangular shape of the collar, they will frame your tie a little more neatly than a crew neck would. However, to pull this off, make sure it fits properly, since a too-tight sweater will bunch up around your tie, and a too-loose one will look sloppy.^{[3]
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- Your V-neck sweater should be cleaned and pressed. It is a more formal sweater, and will look best a little more stiff and free of wrinkles.
3
Choose a cardigan sweater for a business casual appearance. A cardigan sweater over a dress shirt is a great choice for nice get-togethers, casual workplaces, parties, and dates. Cardigan sweaters can be button-down, zippered, or open. You can vary the look of your cardigan by keeping it completely open, half open, or button/zip it up completely. It all depends on what makes you most comfortable.^{[4]
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- For example, try pairing a beige cardigan sweater over a simple gray dress shirt and black slacks.
- A cardigan is great if you're concerned you'll get too hot wearing a sweater all day, because you can easily take it off when you're warm and put it back on when you're cool.^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Paul Julch, MA
  Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
  Expert Interview. 17 September 2020.}
4
Throw on a sweater vest over a dress shirt for an informal look. Sweater vests are another great option, and are very stylish if worn correctly. Make sure it is fitted, as a loose-fitting sweater vest may look frumpy.^{[6]
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- Liven up your sweater vest with fun colors and patterns.
- Finish your look by rolling up your dress shirtsleeves.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Matching Colors and Patterns

1
Wear neutral shades for a conservative look. These shades are a great way to show your professional side. For a complete look, choose neutral shades for your shirt, sweater, and even a tie. Some neutral shades include black, grey, brown, navy, white, and khaki.^{[7]
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- For example, wear a navy sweater with a white dress shirt and a black tie.
- Though neutral shades do pair well together, avoid wearing the same shade in multiple items (for instance: a tan dress shirt and a tan tie) since that may look monotone.
2
Mix solid colors with patterns to show off your personality. Interesting patterning will make your outfit more fun. For example, try a patterned sweater with a solid shirt, or the other way around. You can also choose a solid colored sweater and shirt with a patterned tie.^{[8]
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- For instance, you might wear a casual plaid button-down with a chunky wool sweater for a rugged, outdoorsy look.^{[9]
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  Expert Source
  
  Paul Julch, MA
  Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
  Expert Interview. 17 September 2020.}
- Avoid wearing too many different patterns in one outfit. This makes it difficult for the eyes to follow, and it creates unpleasant contrasts.
3
Opt for a tonal outfit for a powerful look that demands attention. A tonal outfit is one that utilizes the same color for each piece. When choosing to wear a tonal outfit, make sure you choose a color that compliments your skin tone. Tan and navy blue are great color options, as they are both considered to be safe and strong. For example, wear a navy blue dress shirt with a navy blue tie and sweater.^{[10]
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- Play with textures and patterns when planning a tonal outfit. Your sweater and dress shirt should be different textures in order to add depth. You can also experiment with different shirt patterns in the same color to make your tonal outfit more interesting.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Completing Your Outfit

1
Wear a tie for a more professional look. Not only do ties help you fit in at professional gatherings; they are also a great way to show off your style and personality. Choose a bold color or fun pattern to make a statement! However, make sure it is tied neatly and tucked under your sweater, so you look sleek and professional. ^{[11]
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- If possible, wear a thin tie to avoid bulkiness under your sweater.
2
Roll up the sleeves for a casual appearance. To do this, unbutton the cuff, fold it back, and then roll it at least one more time. This way, your sleeve rolling will look intentional and not sloppy.^{[12]
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- Make sure you have several inches of your wrist showing, or it will look like your shirtsleeves were too long.
- Don’t roll your sleeves up past your elbows unless you’re going to be working.
3
Add an additional layer with a blazer or coat. This is a great professional look, especially when the weather is a little chillier. You will look well put together if you choose the right color combination. For example, a white dress shirt with a navy blue sweater and a grey blazer gives excellent contrast.^{[13]
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- If a third layer seems too restricting, opt for short sleeve shirt or sweater vest under your blazer.
4
Tuck your shirt in if you’re looking to impress. If you’re going on an interview, a date, or just going to work, make sure you tuck your dress shirt into your pants. If you let your shirt flaps hang out under your sweater, it can look a bit sloppy. If you are going for a casual look, it’s okay to leave your shirt untucked, but keep in mind the setting you’re going in to.^{[14]
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- Make sure your tucking is neat, so you don’t have any lumps in your pants. If needed, use shirt garters to keep your shirt neatly tucked in all day.
- Never tuck your sweater into your pants.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you wear a dress shirt with a sweater?

Paul Julch, MA
Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
Paul Julch is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, and the founder of Urbanite | Suburbanite, a wardrobe styling business in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years in the fashion industry, Paul works with clients to make getting dressed easier, less time consuming, and more enjoyable. Paul has years of experience in retail visual merchandising - styling windows, displays, and floor sets for Banana Republic, Gap, and Express. He also has experience styling fashion photo shoots and corporate videos. Paul holds a BS Degree in Management from State University of New York at Binghamton, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. He also studied Interior Design at the University of California, Berkeley.

Paul Julch, MA

Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker

Expert Answer

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Wearing a button-down shirt with a sweater is a great way to get extra warmth while still looking professional. Try layering a pullover crewneck or V-neck over your shirt, or wear a sweater cardigan if you want to be able to easily remove the extra layer.
Question

Can you wear a dress shirt under a crew neck sweater?

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Yes, this is a common combination. Keep the collar of your dress shirt inside the collar of the sweater. Unless the collar on your sweater is very wide, the points of your dress shirt collar should remain hidden.
Question

What’s the best way to wear a sweater over a women’s dress shirt?

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Use a shirt that fits well, especially around the shoulders and sleeves, to avoid bunching. You can also wear a sleeveless collared shirt under the sweater. Button your shirt collar up fairly high so it doesn't splay out, and allow it to peek out over the neck of your sweater. If you like, you can let the bottom of your shirt stick out from under the sweater and roll the shirt cuffs over the sweater cuffs to create a stylish, layered look.