In current times, a cardigan sweater is a spun, open-front sweater that is put on by your arms, rather than dragged over your head. It can be carried open or closed (with the exclusion of those without any buttons). And is sealed with buttons (most common), toggles, or a zipper (least popular). The buttons do not typically extend all the way up the sweater, but end at the chest, creating a sort of v-neck effect.
The cardigan sweater is a 3-season piece of apparel. In the initial fall and springtime. It works as cozy outerwear on chilly days. The thicker kinds can even take the place of a coat completely. But unlike a jacket with its more solid fabric, the cardigan’s smooth knit still allows for excellent flexibility (hence, why it was a preference of golfers and other sportsmen). When the temperatures really fall in the late autumn and winter. The cardigan sweater then converts into a smooth, insulating layer that can be dressed over long-sleeved shirts and sports blazers.
Tips for Dressing a Cardigan Sweater With Style.
Get a great fit.
With a fine knit, the fit of a cardigan sweater is more accepting than other pieces with more substantial material and sharper lines. But you still want it to drape you perfectly.
First, you don’t want a sweater to be too large, free, and loose. When clasped, it should lie close enough to the body that the v-neck doesn’t crack open when you bend over. The sleeves can be lengthier than what you’d need on a more tailor-made clothing piece. They’re often moved up or pushed back on your forearms. But you don’t need them to entirely swallow your hands.
The sweater should reach the belt/waistband of your slacks but not reach much past the tops of your rear pockets. A long cardigan that flaps down over your butt seems feminine. Like something your female friend would have matched with leggings and Ugg shoes a few years back.
You also don’t require the cardigan to be too uncomfortable. The material shouldn’t stretch around the buttons when connected or cling to your points.
Cardigans (and sweaters usually) work better for those with athletic, average, and skinny structures than those with greater size.
Cardigans are harder for larger guys to pull off because they can emphasize the midsection. The tendency of webbed pieces to stick rather than drape creates sweaters, in common. Less of an excellent choice for those with extra size, who will find a sport coat more favorable.
Sweaters can be a blessing to skinny guys, though, who can add substance to their thin outlines by layering in usual. And who will look especially stuffed out by picking a cardigan with a compact, chunky spun.
Donning the Cardigan Up and Down
Like any grand versatile clothing piece, the cardigan can effortlessly be draped up and down, going from daily casual wear to a semi-formal event. Here are a few suggestions and visuals on how to climb and drop this sartorial steps.
Casual
One of the best stuff about the cardigan is that it’s tough to mess up. It can literally be forced on with any shirt in your closet. Tee, henley, button-down, polo — and attain a perfect chance of seeing good.
Smart Casual/Business Casual
You know those situations and locations where you’re assumed to dress in “smart casual” or “business casual.” And you question what the heck that implies? Well, one thing it clearly means is the cardigan.
Once you wear it up a bit more from your daily wear. It’s an excellent option for nicer get-togethers and functions, dates, and informal workplaces.
More Social and Dressy
A thinner, fitted wool cardigan can be carried under any outfit jacket and exchanged for the vest or waistcoat of a 3-piece outfit. The knit cardigan relaxes the suit up a little while combining a bit of visual interest and a layer of warmness.
Try a black suit with a maroon or dark blue sweater, or a navy suit with a gray or maroon sweater. Keep the appearance sharp enough, and you can wear such an outfit to a semi-formal occasion (keeping in mind that lighter suits are suitable for daytime, darker for the night).
