The Complete Cardigan Buying Guide

For some people, the cardigan is inevitably associated with the grandfatherly Mr . Rogers and his friendly television invitation to be his neighbor. For others, it's part of the twin set that matches with pearls and a pencil skirt that is reminiscent of the 1950s. But today's cardigans have taken on so many shapes, forms, and great excuses to be worn that it's almost impossible for any woman to find an excuse not to own several.

This guide will take a look at what makes a cardigan different from other sweaters. It will go over why they're such important wardrobe basics and look at the range of cardigans available on today's market.


What is a Cardigan?
Technically, a cardigan is simply a knitted garment that fastens in the front. Originally a man's knitted waistcoat, named for James Brudenall, a British Army Major General and 7th Earl of Cardigan, the term expanded to describe men's knit sweater jackets and then eventually women's sweaters as well.

Today's Cardigans: Many More Choices
The 7th Earl of Cardigan would find it difficult to recognize many of the garments currently described as cardigans, even though they do meet this technical definition. Today's cardigans include:

Crocheted cardigans, both casual and dressy
There are also traditional cardigans that haven't gone out of style either, such as the Nordic snowflake, reindeer, and other winter patterns. Indeed, they are so popular that sometimes they can be found made in cotton instead of wool for women in warmer climates.

Twin sets, too, are still going strong; although more often than not they are worn as one piece or the other instead of both together. Beaded cardigans, both new and vintage, are still popular for days when wearers want to sparkle.

And then, of course, the boyfriend or grandfather cardigan is still here, including big chunky knits with fat woven leather buttons or old fashioned horn toggles.

What Makes Cardigans Such a Wardrobe Basic?
Cardigans have returned as wardrobe basics because of their practicality and femininity. They've taken the place of the hooded sweatshirt as skirts and dresses have regained a place in the average woman's daily wardrobe. Cardigans are easier to wear than pullover sweaters because they can be taken on and off without messing up the hair or makeup, making them the perfect "temperature regulators" for women who move from warmer to cooler environments over the course of the day.

If a woman lives in a warm climate, a lightweight cardigan packs into her bag and gives her a transitional layer when she gets into an air conditioned restaurant that is too cold.

If she lives in a cold climate, a traditional cable cardigan hangs on the back of her office chair for days when the building is drafty and she needs a little extra warmth.

If she likes to rock fashion, any number of ruffled, ruched, or asymmetric cardigans come in dozens of brilliant colors.

Cardigans are, quite simply, among the most practical items a woman can own.

Best Ways to Wear Today's Cardigans
Today's cardigans are designed to be worn in all circumstances. They include many that are excellent alternatives to a traditional business jacket: cut like a short jacket with border detailing or cut like a longer jacket and designed to be worn with a belt. These may be made in luxe fibers or fine weaves and go with either slacks or skirts.

Colorful cardigans over summer tank topsextend the wear of these wardrobe items well into the fall.
Worn long with leggings or skinny jeans, they are great on the weekend.
Crochet and hand knit cardigans are winning the vintage crowd.
Beads, embroidery, and complicated machine knits are making the cut for everyone's dressy nights out.
Twin sets are going entirely casual as part of weekend jeans outfits. Alternatively, they're being worn full-on "Mad Men" paired with a vintage style full skirted dress.

How to Keep Cardigans Looking New
Women who love cardigans often complain about how quickly they stretch out of shape and lose their original "oomph." The problem generally is that people don't know how to clean and maintain their sweater collections.

The single biggest benefit a woman can provide her collection of cardigans, if she is not drycleaning them, is to care for them according to the care labels. Generally, this means to hand wash them in cold water, then dry them flat. This is appropriate for almost every fiber used in making cardigans. If the care tag says a cardigan may be safely dry cleaned, then dry cleaning is appropriate. Once a sweater is clean and dry, depending on its weight, it may need to be stored folded, not hung, to prevent the sweater's own weight from stretching it on the hanger.

It is true that care labels offer very conservative instructions for the protection of clothing. For example, the labels on many cotton cardigans will recommend dry cleaning, simply to ensure that no shrinkage at all will occur. But until a person is sufficiently familiar with how different fibers respond to different cleaning and drying techniques, it makes sense to follow the labels.

Here's the reason: Various fibers respond differently to different kinds of treatment. When rayon is thrown into a hot drier, the fiber contracts, wrinkling the garment. Sometimes it can be damp ironed smooth so the garment looks and fits properly but not always. When wet wool is thrown into a hot drier, the fiber contracts. It will never return to the original size. This is how felt is made.

Women who follow the instructions on the care label have cardigans that look new much longer.