Types of Cardigans Everyone Should Hear About
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A Cardigan is a knitted vest or sweater that is buttoned in the front. The button front allows the Cardigan to be worn open or closed as a replacement for a jacket, which allows for a smooth transition from outdoor wear to indoor wear. Cardigans are most often made with very fine knit, giving them a thin, lightweight feel and hence thin sweaters.
There is hardly any individual in the world who does not know what a cardigan is. But there are many who don’t know the variants of the amazing winter wear they can get to stay cozy and on-trend. It is traditionally made with knitted wool and has an open front. Check out oversized cardigan outfit ideas.
Though it is very popular nowadays, that wasn’t the case in the early 1800s. The name ‘cardigan’ comes after a British Army Major General, J. Brudenell the 7th Earl of Cardigan. Without further ado, let’s dive into the types of cardigans available.
Types of Cardigans that You Must Try
If you are a person who enjoys snowballs and the winter paired with woolens, here are types of cardigans in a button-up sweater with heavy wool, knitting, etc. But, there is so much more to a cardigan than that. These are some of the most sought-after outfits during the winter. You can choose from a wide range of options ranging from elegant cardigans to outfits that can make you look hot even on the coldest day.
The cardigan is often used as shorthand for looking frumpy. But Cardigan doesn’t have to be old-fashioned. It can also be one of the most stylish items in your closet. Not only can it keep you cozy in cooler weather, but it can also make you look taller and slimmer and bring you bang up-to-date. Here are some variations you might get your cardigans in for the next time you want to go winter fashion shopping.
1. Open Cardigans
These open cardigans do not have any buttons or hooks to close the front of the body. They can come in different sorts of hemlines and necklines and the hemline drape mostly wraps around your body with an open front. Open cardigans, also called open sweaters, are cut longer and looser and meant to be worn open over your first layer of clothing for a slouchy, laid-back look.
These look amazing with stockings or jeans, tank tops, t-shirts, dresses, and most other things in your closet. It functions much like a shrug and you can throw it on for some extra dose of fashion on the cool days. If the temperature is too low, you can always wear a sweater beneath it and then drape it on to be more comfortable.
These cardigans are also called wrap cardigans since you simply wrap them around your body. They are a huge hit in the fashion world and are a comfy substitute for Indian shawls since you don’t need to tug on them or put any extra effort to keep them from falling over and over again from the shoulders. If you wear it with skinny jeans, you get a casual look. Throw on some boots and you are ready to rock the weather.
2. Tunic Cardigans | Long Cardigans
These have much resemblance with long cardigans but they mostly have a buttoned upfront. Sometimes, they come in an open-front fashion too. These cardigans are mostly made with linen, cotton, polyester wool, or knitted wool. These have a carefree feel to them and you need no extra work to look messy but put together. Match it with jeans, stockings, dresses, and some long boots because their length hovers slightly above the knee.
3. Zipped Cardigans
As the name suggests, these cardigans come with a zipper in the front and are often accompanied by pockets. These are the woolly substitutes for jackets and they are more comfortable. The length usually is waist length and you can wear these with a t-shirt, or a shirt for a smart look.
In modern times, a cardigan is a knitted, open-front sweater that is put on through your arms, rather than pulled over your head. It can be worn open or closed (with the exception of those without any fasteners) and is fastened with buttons (most traditional), toggles, or a zipper (least traditional).
4. Short Cardigans
A shrug is a cropped, cardigan-like garment with short or long sleeves cut in one with the body, typically knitted. Generally, a shrug covers less of the body than a vest would, but it is more tailored than a shawl.
These cardigans are made up of thin and lacy materials and they go perfectly with a plain dress or gown. They often have a hooked front or a buttoned front. They can add more dimension to your form. If you are wearing a body-hugging outfit, short cardigans can give the perfect balance to your silhouette. It makes your look enviously fashionable while keeping you warm at the same time!
If there are short cardigans why shouldn’t there be long ones?
5. Long Cardigans
This style is similar to the open cardigans and some of them are often long enough to reach your knees. They can come with chunky buttons or a zipper in the front. They can add value to your dress and you will look dressed up if that is what you are looking for. If you are lean or skinny, the long cardigan will show off your shape and enhance your look. They are the perfect substitutes for long trench coats since they are more comfortable and easier to travel with. So you see, there is nothing that cannot be substituted with a good cardigan!
6. Belted Cardigans
If you find yourself missing wearing your favorite summer dresses in the winter season, belted cardigans can somewhat be a great substitute for it. These can have an open front or have chunky buttons with a matching belt. No matter what your body shape is, you can rock a belted cardigan since it enhances your curves while hiding the chunky areas. They give you a nice form and a sought-after silhouette.
7. Cardigans with Hoodies/ Jacket type Cardigans
Cannot get enough of hoodies? then you might consider getting a jacket-type cardigan. These look exactly like hoodies and they come with a zipper mostly at the front. They have the power to make you look casual with some jeans and a printed t-shirt. Some cardigans also have a designer hood that enhances the look. You can wear these with some sweatpants if you want to go for a brisk morning run.
8. Cardigan Vests
A sweater vest, a sleeveless cardigan (known as a tank top or sleeveless sweater in the UK) is an item of knitwear that is similar to a sweater, but without sleeves, usually with a low-cut neckline.
If the day is not so cold and you don’t want to wear a full sweater or a cardigan, you can always wear a cardigan vest to keep you warm and trendy as well. These are sleeveless variants of cardigans. They may be open at the front with some buttons or they might look like a sleeveless t-shirt. If it is the latter, you can pair them with a crisp shirt below the cardigan to give you a formal, almost nerdy look. The length typically is around the waistline but if it is the button-up variant, it can hang as low as your knees.
So what are you waiting for? You can shop for cardigans without any worries and find your perfect pair as per your style and mood. There is nothing called too many cardigans! Rock the winters and vacations in the hills and snow with some stylish cardigans.
What is similar to a cardigan?
3 Alternatives to Cardigans.
A Vest. Vests can be tricky. Here are types of vests in detail. Think about the very first time you tried a pair of knee-high boots.
A Blazer. There’s no need to pull out your conservative blazer from the suit you own for interviews. Check out these oversized blazer outfit ideas to keep you warm and stylish.
A Leather, Vegan Leather, or Suede Jacket, types of leather jackets. Two years ago it was all about the denim jacket and oversized denim jacket outfits lit.
A sweater is a knitted garment for the upper part of the body, heavier in yarn weight than a t-shirt would be. A cardigan is a jacket or sweater that opens all the way down the front. In the case of a jacket, it is a jacket without lapels (so, not a blazer).
