There’s a reason why almost every man owns a crewneck: They’re classic, comfortable, and universally flattering with almost any other outfit. These sweatshirts pair well with chinos, jeans, or skirts, and their round necklines make them easy to layer with jackets, shirts, and other pieces.
Moreover, crewnecks come in various fabrics, from lightweight cotton for warmer weather to cozy knits for cooler seasons. They’re perfect for running errands, laidback office days, and even parties. Being that they are a mainstay of many people’s daily wardrobes, they make for a fantastic business opportunity for fashion-related businesses.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how best to style them in 2024, as well as provide an analysis of market prospects now and in the near future.
Table of Contents
Overview of the crewneck market
How best to style crewnecks
Conclusion
Overview of the crewneck market
Crewnecks, a subsection of the hoodies and sweatshirt market, were estimated to be worth USD 211.54 billion in 2023. From 2024 to 2032, this amount is poised to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.32%, reaching USD 357.91 billion. Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Latin America lead the market for crewnecks, but the Middle East and Africa are fast closing the gap.
Global brands like Nike, Adidas, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Hanes are among the top crewneck manufacturers. Other fashion powerhouses dominating crewneck production include Calvin Klein, Gucci, Pierre Cardin, and Burberry.
A key factor driving demand for crewnecks is the continued rise of online retail and doorstep delivery, as more and more consumers prefer the convenience of purchasing and comparing prices through these platforms.
Celebrities’ affinity for crew necks is also helping to attract the masses to these items and the numerous ways they can be styled. Zoe Saldana, Connie Britton, Mindy Kaling, Jennifer Lopez, and other celebs, whose fashion choices set the tone for mainstream trends, have all been seen in crewnecks at one point or another.
How best to style crewnecks
With a bit of creativity, crewnecks can be both a style piece as well as extremely comfortable. In general, styling options depend on the occasion and individual preference. We’ll take a look at some of the most popular combinations below:
Everyday leisurewear look
Crewnecks offer numerous casual dress options, but they perhaps look best when paired with slim jeans and white sneakers. And the addition of a cap and slim silver bracelets or a necklace is a great way to complete this look.
Not everyone loves skinny jeans, though. As such, you’ll also want to maintain an inventory of medium to oversized crewnecks, which can be worn with slightly larger pants. Patterned, colorful sneakers, such as floral sneakers, can help add a pop of personality to the outfit and draw attention.
In colder weather, a leather bomber jacket layered on top of a crewneck makes for an effortlessly chic and comfortable look. Meanwhile, in hotter environments, sunglasses, flat sandals, and cargo shorts or cotton chinos make for a great crewneck pairing.
Urban flair or street-style crewnecks
For those seeking to add a street-inspired edge to their wardrobe, crewnecks with bold logos and graphic prints are the way to go. Edgy joggers look great with these sweatshirts, as do ripped or frayed jeans or zipper hoodies, for a more street-chic vibe. To finish, add stylish boots or sneakers in the color of the customer’s choice.
You will also want to stock up on plain crewnecks that are easy to customize, particularly if your clients are looking to add an element of personal flair to their street fashion. Here, understated denim allows the sweater to take center stage, making for an excellent outfit complement.
Business-casual combo
While crewnecks make for great casual wear, they can also be spruced up for more formal occasions. Plain, non-athletic, and logo-free crewnecks work great in terms of introducing a mix of formal and casual notes to an outfit, and layering and dressing up the crewnecks is key to mastering the business-casual style.
For example, adding a collared shirt to the ensemble is a surefire way to achieve this, allowing the wearer to pop the collar over the crewneck or leave it tucked underneath the sweater’s collar.
Tan or beige khaki trousers also make for a great pairing with plain crewnecks on any day. Gray slacks work especially well for casual Fridays and laid-back office environments, but ideally they’ll be paired with crewneck sweaters in neutral colors like navy, white, or beige. Light blue chambray pants can be matched with burgundy or other darker crewnecks for a bolder look.
Finally, add a blazer over the top for a smarter look, while white or brown sneakers, a textured leather belt, and a watch complete the look.
Crewneck beach look
The beach provides a great, laidback way to style crewnecks. For instance, pair them with a linen sweatshirt, shorts, or rolled-up chinos for a breezy look. Palazzo pants are an equally good option.
Ladies can pair swim shorts or leggings with an oversized crewneck. Alternatively, denim shorts or loose and flowy cotton drawstring pants work just as well. Finally, sandals and a straw hat complete the look, making for the perfect, relaxed beach day outfit.
Conclusion
Nothing beats a sweater that complements a range of style essentials, and crewnecks, whose evergreenness cannot be understated, tick all the boxes. These sweatshirts are versatile enough to be styled for any season and various dress codes, from everyday casual to urban flair, business-casual combos, and even beachwear.
If you’re wanting to stock up on sweatshirts or other fashion mainstays this season, look no further than the huge clothes selections on Alibaba.com.
