5 knitwear pieces every man needs, even in Accra
By sneakersInn team · Updated
The five knitwear pieces every man needs are a knitted polo, a fine-gauge crewneck, a quarter-zip, a cardigan and a knit T-shirt. In Accra, choose fine knits in cotton, linen blends or thin merino wool: they keep you comfortable in air-conditioned offices, on harmattan mornings and in the evening without overheating.
| Knit | What it is | Wear it with | Best yarn for Accra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Knitted polo | A polo shirt made of knitted yarn instead of piqué | Chinos, linen trousers, suits without a tie | Cotton or linen blend |
| 2. Fine crewneck | A thin round-neck jumper | Over a shirt collar or a tee, with trousers or jeans | Fine merino or cotton |
| 3. Quarter-zip | A knit with a short zip at the neck | Over a tee or shirt, with jeans or chinos | Merino or cotton |
| 4. Cardigan | A knit that buttons down the front | Over a tee or shirt, as a light jacket | Cotton or merino |
| 5. Knit tee | A T-shirt shape in fine knit | Alone, under a jacket, with tailored trousers | Cotton, linen or silk blend |
Why wear knitwear in a hot city?
Because you don't spend all day in the sun. Offices, malls, cars and cinemas are air-conditioned, harmattan mornings between December and February are cooler and drier, and evenings by the coast can feel fresh. A fine knit is the easiest layer to carry and the smartest way to dress up a tee.
Accra's average highs are around 31°C for most of the year (climate of Accra), so the rule is simple: fine and breathable, never chunky.
What does "fine gauge" mean?
Gauge is how many stitches fit into an inch of knitted fabric. A fine gauge knit has many small stitches, so it is thin, smooth and light. A chunky knit has fewer, larger stitches and is thick and warm. For Accra, fine gauge is the one to buy; keep chunky knits for travel to colder countries.
1. Why is a knitted polo the first knit to buy?
It's the most useful knit in a hot climate. A knitted polo looks smarter than a regular polo, works on its own in the heat, and goes under a linen or cotton suit when you don't want a tie. Short sleeves for the day, long sleeves for air-conditioned rooms and evenings.
2. How do I wear a fine crewneck?
Over a T-shirt for a clean casual look, or over an oxford shirt with the collar out for smart casual. Navy, grey and olive go with everything. Make sure it ends at your belt and the shoulder seam sits on your shoulder.
3. What is a quarter-zip for?
It is the easiest layer to wear over a tee. Zip it up when it's cool; open it when it warms up. It works with jeans and sneakers or with chinos and loafers, which makes it a good travel piece.
4. Is a cardigan still worth owning?
Yes. A plain cardigan in navy, grey or brown works like a soft jacket over a tee or shirt, and it is cooler than a blazer. Wear it unbuttoned with a tee or buttoned (except the bottom button) over a shirt.
5. What is a knit tee?
A T-shirt cut from fine knitted yarn rather than jersey cotton. It drapes better, looks smarter than a plain tee, and is cool enough for Accra afternoons. Wear it on its own with tailored trousers or under an overshirt or jacket.
Which yarn is best for the heat?
Cotton and linen blends for daytime, fine merino for air-conditioned rooms and evenings.
| Yarn | In the heat | Care | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Cool, breathes | Easy | Can stretch when wet; dry flat |
| Linen or linen blend | Coolest | Easy | Feels crisp, softens with washing |
| Fine merino wool | Cool and dry next to skin | Cold wash or hand wash | Resists smells, so needs washing less often |
| Cashmere | Warm | Hand wash | Best for travel, not daily Accra wear |
| Acrylic | Warm, traps heat | Easy | Pills quickly; avoid where you can |
How do I stop knitwear shrinking or pilling?
Wash knits cold, on a gentle or wool cycle, inside out. Then:
- Dry flat. Lay knits on a towel out of direct sun. Hanging a wet knit stretches it; tumble drying shrinks it.
- Fold, don't hang. Hangers push dents into the shoulders over time.
- Remove pills gently. Small balls of fibre (pills) form where knits rub. A knit comb or fabric shaver removes them; don't pull them off by hand.
- Let them rest. Merino needs washing less often than cotton. Airing it overnight is often enough.
- Store clean. Moths and insects go for knits with sweat or food on them. Store clean knits with cedar blocks.
Questions
What colours should my first knits be?
Navy, grey and olive. They go with every trouser, jean and shoe in the clothes every man needs.
Can I wear knitwear with sneakers?
Yes. A crewneck or quarter-zip with jeans and clean white sneakers is one of the five looks in our outfits guide. Knitted polos also work with loafers, covered in the shoes every man needs.
Can I wear a knitted polo with a suit?
Yes, with a light grey, linen or cotton suit at daytime events. Keep it for occasions that don't call for a tie. Our guide to the 5 suits every man needs covers each suit.
Will sneakersInn sell knitwear?
Menswear (knitwear, quarter-zips, outerwear, shackets, denim jackets, jackets and suits) is coming soon. Ask us about it on WhatsApp.