Mens Victorian Sweaters & Knitwear | Edwardian Cardigans & Jumpers

Very little is published about men’s Victorian era (1850s to 1900) and Edwardian era (1890s-1914) men’s knitwear including pullover sweaters or button down cardigans. While I keep researching these Victorian casual men’s clothes, here are some illustrations and photographs of men’s knitwear.

There are a few key styles offer to men, beginning in the 1880s:

A jersey– A simple pullover knit shirt, usually striped, worn by sports players. Made of jersey knit material.

Roll neck sweater – A knitted sweater with a roll neck and sleeve cuffs. Plain, coarsely woven. College men added an embroidered or applique “Letter” or collage name.

Sailor neck sweater – A knitted pullover with a lace up neck collar. Usually with striped neck, cuffs and bottom band.

Cardigan Jacket – A knitted button down sweater in the same timeless style you can find today. Many had contrasting edging.

Guernsey Sweater – A fishermen’s pullover sweater with high round neckline and fancy cable knit patterns.

Turtleneck sweater was not the same as a roll neck sweater. A full turtleneck sweater had a wide collar and opened into a V neck and could be worn folded down along the back and shoulders or folded up around the neck. Similar to a sailor neck sweater.

Men’s Victorian Sweaters and Cardigans

1900s-1910s Edwardian Men’s Sweaters

Knitwear was going mainstream at the turn of the century. Knit sweaters continued to be worn for sportswear and leisure activities as well as a base warm layer for winter.

The pullover sweater in the roll collar, now called turtleneck sweater as well as the cardigan jacket were the two popular choices. Wide stripes were the latest trends in knitwear.