10 Ways to Knit Things Men Will Actually Wear

It’s time to start knitting those thick winter sweaters and gorgeous holiday gifts for friends and family! Although fancy patterns and unusual yarns are tempting, most of the men on your gift list will prefer something a little more practical. Expert knitter (and guy) Bruce Weinstein has tips for making garments they’ll proudly wear.

1. Men can’t fake it. They won’t pretend they like it.

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Men don’t mince words about what they do or don’t like. When in doubt, keep it simple. Most men want functional clothing—not works of art.

2. Men resist change. Make them what they like.

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Would you take your boyfriend to a wine bar to watch the game instead of going to his favorite sports bar? We’d hope not. Men like what they like for a reason, so swallow your pride and make him that navy blue pullover he loves so much.

3. Men sweat.

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A sweaty man in a cotton v-neck is sexy. A sweaty man in a turtleneck is not. Try to avoid the heavy wools and alpacas when crafting a piece for a red-blooded male.

4. Men hate fittings. They aren’t going to try your piece on as you go, so measure properly.

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The only thing a man hates more than waiting for you try on clothes is trying them on himself. Getting him to play Project Runway is a lofty goal. Read: measure twice, knit once.

5. Some men aren’t worthy of cashmere.

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If you know Dad’s going to be eating wings in the clothes you make him, perhaps avoid the expensive yarn.

6. Men don’t want anything cute—except you!

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Those ceramic buttons you painstakingly incorporated into his cardigan. Yeah, he doesn’t care. In fact, he probably doesn’t like them.

7. Men are babies

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Your brother may wrestle bears, change his own oil, and BBQ an entire hog, but put him in a scratchy sweater and you’ll get reacquainted with the little boy you grew up with.

8. Men can compromise.

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Maybe your man doesn’t really want to rock a knit cardigan. But he’d definitely wear some comfy socks. Sometimes the most appreciated gifts are the ones he can keep under wraps—you can still make him something, and he’ll actually wear it.

9. Men are oblivious.

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In matters of the heart and matters of style, most men are oblivious. If you make your best friend a cable-knit scarf, prepare to see it hanging askew. Don’t fuss over the fashion faux pas. The fact that he’s wearing it is a victory in itself. And pointing out his error might discourage him from wearing your gift again.

10. Make him something basic.

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Again, simplicity is key. Basic colors, basic design. Most men are not looking for pomp and circumstance in their sweaters. Just comfort and functionality.