Sharp collars, chunky textures and an extra layer when the temperature drops. Men's retro knitwear brings together everyday comfort and distinctive style, whether your wardrobe leans towards clean-cut 60s mod or a more relaxed 70s and 80s look.

But where do you start? A fine-gauge knitted polo does a different job from a heavyweight cardigan, while a roll neck can change the feel of a jacket you already own. Choosing a few different shapes and textures gives you more ways to dress for the colder months.

Welcome to The Knitwear Six: six essential retro knitwear styles for autumn and winter, with simple ways to wear each one.

01. The Knitted Polo

The knitted polo earns its place through versatility. Its collar gives it a smarter finish than a crew neck, while the knitted fabric adds texture and a softer feel. For a mod-inspired wardrobe, it is an easy starting point.

Look for fine-gauge knits, textured fronts, contrast tipping and geometric patterns. A plain knitted polo keeps things understated, while stripes or a bold front panel can become the focal point of an outfit. Long sleeves make a useful choice for colder days; short sleeve styles still work well beneath a jacket.

How to wear it: Pair a knitted polo with slim trousers and loafers or desert boots for a sharp 60s look. For something more relaxed, try straight-leg jeans and a Harrington jacket. Keep the surrounding colours simple if the knit has a busy pattern.

Brands to look out for: Any mod inspired fashion brand worth its salt will offer a range of men's knitted polos. Check out Madcap England for mod looks at reasonable prices. Ben Sherman, Gabicci Vintage and Original Penguin for archive and heritage inspired 60s and 70s styles, or John Smedley for the OG premium knitted polo. The John Smedley Dorset is the original mod knitted polo, but the Caverhill knitted polo featured here offers the same clean mod look in a more contemporary fit.

Three knitted polos to try:

[Gabicci Vintage Bond Argyle Knitted Polo]

[Ben Sherman Mod Stripe Knitted Polo]

[John Smedley Caverhill Knitted Polo]

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02. The Roll Neck Jumper

Few pieces make winter dressing feel as straightforward as the roll neck jumper. Its tall collar folds back on itself, adding warmth around the neck and creating a clean line beneath tailoring. It is a natural fit for sharp 60s styling, but works just as well with denim and casual outerwear.

The weight of the knit makes a difference. A fine-gauge roll neck sits neatly beneath a blazer without adding too much bulk. A heavier version has a more substantial feel and works well beneath an overcoat. Black, navy and ecru are versatile choices, while burgundy or mustard brings a warmer retro colour into the mix.

How to wear it: Try a fine-knit roll neck with a blazer and tailored trousers. For an easy weekend outfit, pair it with dark jeans and a cord jacket. Let the collar fold naturally and choose a fit that feels comfortable around the neck.

Three roll neck jumpers to try

[Sergio Tacchini Moretti Argyle Knitted Roll Neck Jumper]

[Gabicci Vintage Emilio Textured Knit Roll Neck Jumper]

[Gloverall Submariner Breton Stripe Roll Neck Jumper]

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03. The Turtleneck Jumper

For a high neckline with a little less bulk, try a shorter turtleneck jumper. Where the roll neck is retro, the turtleneck is a clean and neat mod look. Featuring a stand-up collar that sits around the lower neck without folding over, the turtleneck gives an outfit a clean, streamlined finish and works particularly well beneath a jacket.

Turtleneck or roll neck: what's the difference? The names are often used interchangeably, particularly between British and American English. In the UK roll neck refers to a high collar which folds down, whereas turtleneck is a standing collar with no fold over. In the USA this is generally called a mock turtleneck. Check the product photographs and description to find the neckline you prefer.

How to wear it: Pair a fine-gauge mock turtleneck with a suede or cord jacket and slim trousers for a simple retro outfit. For a stronger 70s feel, try a warm autumn shade with bootcut jeans. The shorter collar also makes a useful alternative if you find a full roll neck too high.

Three turtleneck jumpers to try

[Trojan Mod Racing Stripe Popcorn Knit Turtleneck Jumper]

[Madcap England Eastwood Mod Turtleneck Jumper]

[Lyle & Scott Archive Revisited Knitted Turtleneck Jumper ]

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04. Chunky Cardigans

The chunky cardigan is all about texture. Substantial ribbing, heavier knits and generous collars give it a relaxed feel, with plenty of scope for 70s-inspired dressing. It is the layer to reach for when a lightweight jumper is not quite enough.

Look for details such as a shawl collar, patch pockets or a deep ribbed hem. Earthy shades including tobacco, rust, oatmeal and brown work particularly well with denim and corduroy. A patterned cardigan makes more of a statement, especially when the rest of the outfit is kept plain. Button-through and zip-through designs both make useful layering options.

How to wear it: Wear a chunky cardigan open over a simple T-shirt with straight-leg jeans and boots. For a stronger 70s feel, try a fitted roll neck and bootcut cords. Allow enough room underneath for your chosen layer without stretching the fastening.

Three chunky cardigans to try

[Madcap England Gatsby Cable Knit Funnel Neck Chunky Cardigan]

[Gloverall Made In England Shawl Collar Ribbed Cardigan ]

[Original Penguin Chunky Waffle Knit Cardigan]

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05. Yardi Cardi & Mod Polo-Cardigans

A sharp polo collar, a full-opening front and plenty of retro detail: the Yardi Cardi and mod polo-cardigan bring a smarter feel to everyday knitwear. These lighter, neater styles are easy to wear as the main feature of an outfit or layered beneath a jacket.

The Yardi Cardi is closely associated with Gabicci and its 70s heritage. Look for distinctive front panels, contrast trims and textured details. Mod polo-cardigans share the collared shape and button-through styling, with options ranging from understated plain knits to bold geometric designs. Some Yardi Cardi styles use a full zip instead of buttons, giving the familiar shape a slightly sportier finish.

How to wear it: Wear a polo-cardigan over a plain T-shirt with tailored trousers and loafers. For a more relaxed outfit, try dark jeans and desert boots. Keep the fit neat without pulling across the fastening, and let patterned panels or contrast trims provide the interest.

Three Yardi Cardis & mod polo-cardigans to try:

[Ben Sherman Checkerboard Button Through Knitted Shirt]

[Gabicci Vintage Pascal Textured Stripe Knitted Polo Cardigan]

[Speakeasy Madcap England Stripe Zip Through Polo]

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06. Cable Knit Jumpers

The cable knit jumper brings texture to the winter wardrobe through raised, twisting stitches. Those rope-like patterns give even a plain-coloured jumper plenty of character, making it an easy choice when you want something more distinctive than a smooth knit.

Choose chunky cables for a traditional fisherman-inspired look, or a finer cable pattern for a lighter layer. Ecru, oatmeal and navy are versatile starting points, while rich green, rust and burgundy work well with autumn colours. Cable knitting describes the stitch pattern rather than the neckline, so you will find it on crew-neck, roll-neck and other jumper styles.

How to wear it: Pair a cable knit jumper with dark denim and boots for an everyday winter outfit. For a softer 70s look, try brown cords and a suede jacket. Keep the other pieces relatively simple so the texture stands out, and allow extra room beneath outerwear when choosing a chunky knit.

Three cable knit jumpers to try

[Gabicci Vintage Temor Chunky Cable Knit Jumper]

[Levi’s Presidio Wool Blend Cable Knit Jumper]

[Farah Knight Men's Retro Cable Knit Jumper]

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Find Your Next Favourite Layer

You do not need all six styles to build a useful autumn and winter wardrobe. Start with the pieces you will wear most: perhaps a knitted polo for smarter days, a cable knit jumper for everyday use and a chunky cardigan for extra warmth.

Think about what will sit underneath and over each piece, and check the individual product's fabric, measurements and care instructions before choosing.

Explore the Knit Shop at Atom Retro to find retro knitted polos, roll necks, turtlenecks, cardigans and cable knit jumpers for the colder months.

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