Plain Vs textured knitwear for layering

[Doddish]

I'm looking to add to my knitwear collection and have only recently been getting more into classic menswear. Having said that, I'm not really into full tailoring. I'm more into a casual ivy look. So chinos/jeans, OCBDs, knitwear, loafers, unstructured jackets and occasional sports coats etc. With that in mind, I'm wondering what kind of knitwear people would recommend for this look in regards to smooth or textured? I do like the look of smoother cashmere knits but I find them very plain and not that suited for the look I'm going for. I don't like fine merino knits for this reason too. However, I'm a big fan of layering and it seems like most lambswool knitwear is chunkier, making it a bit too bulky for layering, and works better as an outer layer. Thinner and lighter knits seem to fit that role better but don't fit the aesthetic as well due to being smarter and less visually interesting.

 

[Johnny80]

for layering you should start with 1-2ply crew and v neck plain, solid colour knit. After that a cable knit also can go with casual, standalone out-layer garment but also under a sport jacket, but for texture knits always the jacket should be the same fabric weight or heavier than the knit

 

[DorianGreen]

I'm looking to add to my knitwear collection and have only recently been getting more into classic menswear. Having said that, I'm not really into full tailoring. I'm more into a casual ivy look. So chinos/jeans, OCBDs, knitwear, loafers, unstructured jackets and occasional sports coats etc. With that in mind, I'm wondering what kind of knitwear people would recommend for this look in regards to smooth or textured? I do like the look of smoother cashmere knits but I find them very plain and not that suited for the look I'm going for. I don't like fine merino knits for this reason too. However, I'm a big fan of layering and it seems like most lambswool knitwear is chunkier, making it a bit too bulky for layering, and works better as an outer layer. Thinner and lighter knits seem to fit that role better but don't fit the aesthetic as well due to being smarter and less visually interesting.

Under a sport coat you're better advised to go for plain knits, especially vee-necks, cardigan or sweaters, polo necks and turtlenecks. For layering under other more casual, unstructured garments, like a bomber, a blouson, a peacoat, or a less formal overcoat, you can easily go for heavier, chunkier, textured pieces.
There are (flat) cable knit sweaters and cardigans well suitable for layering with tailoring too.
A heavy, ribbed shawl collar cardigan can replace a jacket and work as an outerwear garment.