Cardigans are one of the most stylish winter-fashion garments. Enjoying fashion in winter is pointless if you don’t have cardigans in your wardrobe. People are aware of various types of sweaters, including cardigans. However, they are yet unaware of the most stunning types of cardigans.
Let’s just say that knowing the basic cardigan types isn’t enough because your personality and fashion sense can easily get a style boost with the help of various cardigan styles.
Therefore, this blog presents 15 different types of cardigans along with their functionalities, benefits, and styling. You will learn how to dress casually, formally, or semi-formally with the help of cardigan sweaters.
Brief Knowledge about A Cardigan
What is a cardigan? A cardigan is a type of sweater with an open front, which typically has buttons to close it. Cardigan sweaters feature an appealing and fine knit, making them light and thin in order for wearers to layer them according to their garments and styling needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying Cardigans
Factually, cardigans come in variations of designs and qualities. What you need to do is identify those designs and characteristics according to your needs and desires. Look for the details to decide which particular type is ideal for you. Here are the ways to wear cardigan sweaters:
- Small cardigans: they are tiny and attractive.
- Well-fitted cardigans: perfect fitting and body hugging.
- Open Cardigans: they feature no front closure.
- Flowy cardigans: they offer baggy fitting.
Moreover, people ask certain questions regarding the styles and sizes of cardigans. Here are the brief answers.
What is a short cardigan called?
The short cardigan is also called a cropped cardigan because of its short length to the waist. It gives the wearer a modern and very appealing look.
What are long cardigans called?
Duster cardigans or longline cardigans are the two common names for long cardigans. Usually, they extend over the hips. However, some longer cardigans also extend over the knees and ankles.
What is a cardigan without buttons called?
An open-front cardigan is the one without the buttons. It is also called a draped cardigan that features an easy-to-wear or flowy design.
What are the Types of Cardigans?
Button-Up Cardigans
Button-up cardigans are the embodiment of classic fashion that can complement different clothing products like jeans, trousers, t-shirts, blouses, and tops.
The reason they are called button-up is because of the front closure with buttons. The design is beautiful since it features stylish buttons with an elegant touch of linear organization.
The button-up cardigans come in a variety of materials, including organic cotton and soft cashmere. If you want to style your button-up cardigan, get the ones in solid colors with fewer patterns and an elegant look.
Open-Front Cardigans
Open-front cardigans are known for their stunning look for a casual and relaxed feel. The open front characteristic makes these sweaters very easy to put on and off. These cardigans are ideal for layering over any garment you prefer.
They feature a very stylish knit binding that offers warmth with ventilation. A very unique variation of the open-front cardigan is the waterfall cardigan that is buttonless. It hangs in the folds at the front like a waterfall.
Moreover, you can style your open-front cardigans with tank tops, tees, trousers, leggings, and any relaxed garment you can think of. The open-front cardigans come in fabrics like cotton, wool, cashmere, and rayon.
Hooded Cardigans
As the name suggests, hooded cardigans have attached hoods. It is like a complete one-piece garment having a hood as a combined part. Hooded cardigans are very stylish but used as casual clothing or relaxed outfits to wear at casual gatherings or at home.
They cover your arms, shoulders, neck, and head altogether. The best part about hoodie cardigans is that they also come in large sizes, which are called oversized. You can easily wrap yourself in them and enjoy your casual wintery day.
Long Cardigans
Long cardigans are one of the best types of cardigans for ladies. They have lengths to knees, hips, and ankles. They are highly stylish for fashion lovers to wear on different occasions.
You can style them according to your outfits and layer them over the dress to look stunning at parties.
Oversized Cardigans
Oversized cardigans are like sweaters in the form of oversized hoodies. They are flowy and extremely roomy. They drape perfectly, which is why you can style them with your casual clothes.
Wear them with jeans and boots, and you are all set for a casual outing. You should buy them in vibrant colors like red, blue, and green to give yourself an amazing look.
Boyfriend Cardigans
Boyfriend cardigans are usually long open-front cardigans perfect for lounging and relaxing. The name boyfriend refers to the design made for men. However, it is a unisex style that men and women both prefer.
It is designed to be slouchy and flowy to provide a relaxed fit to the wearer. You can style them with t-shirts, blouses, leggings, jeans, trousers, and tops.
They look phenomenal in vibrant colors, so use that to your advantage. Moreover, cotton, rayon, and wool are the prime materials that make boyfriend cardigans ideal for winter.
Cropped V-Neck Cardigans
If you want to stay warm but not too much during the light winter season, use cropped v-neck cardigans for lighter coverage. The deep v-neckline is why they are called v-neck cardigans. They are shorter in length, which is why they are called cropped.
They allow an appropriate amount of air to flow through them, and warmth is perfect enough to keep you from getting cold.
The style is also very stunning to help you wear them at casual events. You can layer them over tees, tops, camisoles, or sleeveless blouses.
Zipped Cardigans
The cardigans with zip-up closures are called zipped cardigans. These cardigan sweaters are the best of their kind since they feature a sporty and fast-fashion look.
They are made of fabrics like fleece, wool, or soft knit, ideal for insulation to protect from cold. In short, these cardigans are the best combination of style and protection against cold.
Also, the zip feature gives you the advantage of opening and closing them according to the occasion. For example, you can close the zip for coziness and open it for a laid-back party style.
Moreover, style your zipped cardigans with jeans, t-shirts, skirts, boots, joggers, or leggings.
Shrug Cardigans
Shrug cardigans are short or cropped cardigans with the front open design. They have a length to the waist typically, which is why they are called cropped or short. They are also called crop cardigans, bolero cardigans, and waist cardigans.
They cover your neck and shoulders, giving them the appropriate amount of coverage and warmth. Shrug cardigans are the most stylish types of cardigans that can be worn with any fashionable clothing item. For example, you can pair them with cropped tops, t-shirts, jeans, boots, and joggers.
Cardigan Vest
A cardigan vest is a sleeveless cardigan mostly preferred for a classic look to attain while wearing a dress or collared shirt. They are ideal when you want to layer them over the shirts but don’t want too much warmth.
Cardigan vests are usually made of wool, cotton, polyester, cotton blend, and some other lightweight and breathable materials.
They come in different styles like zip-up front, button front, and closed front.
Belted Cardigans
If you want something stylish for transitional weather, wear the belted cardigan sweater that is highly fashionable, featuring a belt-like lace to manage the tightness of this sweater.
The belt functions like a drawstring to keep these sweaters fitted. Moreover, you should choose the belted cardigans according to your taste in fabrics.
For instance, you can have them in linen, cotton, wool, or cable knit. The decision depends on the weight of the material you prefer. You can style them with jeans, tees, and boots.
Wrap Cardigans
If you want to look phenomenal casually and stay warm, choose the wrap cardigans. They are called wrap cardigans because of their long length going to the knees and the ability to wrap around you.
They are very cozy and warm, the best combination of comfort and fashion. The usual style of these cardigans is the crisscross design, featuring an un-even shape at the bottom.
Style them however you like with jeans, shirts, and shoes, as they look perfect with any casual outfit.
Cardigan Sweaters
Open front, big chunky buttons, and short length are the recognition factors of the cardigan sweaters. They are particularly designed for layering over clothes and offer perfect warmth. You can wear a vibrant-color sweater or a warm t-shirt beneath to stay warm and look appealing.
Net Cardigan
Net cardigans come in handy when you want to enjoy breezy summer nights or mild winters. They are lightweight and breathable to keep you ventilated, but the overall fabric keeps you warm and cozy. They are made of mesh or knit fabric, giving them a net-like appearance.
Shawl Collar
Shawl collar cardigans are oversized collars that work like a shawl. They simply drape around your shoulders. They are highly fashionable, elegant, and practical in keeping you warm since they are made of heavy knit.
They are perfect for casual as well as formal wear. Hence, you can style them with tees and jeans or wear them over your party dresses.
Conclusion
Cardigans are an important aspect of fashion clothing. They are one of the sweater types but have their very own variants that can amaze you. I have mentioned 15 different types of cardigans that are functional and stylish.
Also, I have answered the queries of many people regarding the cardigans. Read the blog and enhance your knowledge of cardigans.
FAQ’S
Is a cardigan a jacket?
No, a cardigan may work like a jacket by featuring a lighter outer layer, similar to a jacket. But it does not fall under the category of jackets since it is a knitted garment and jackets are not knitted. Jackets are usually made of heavy materials, while cardigans are usually crafted with lightweight materials.
What is the difference between a cardigan and a sweater?
Cardigan:
- Cardigans feature open-front with zips, buttons, or no fastening.
- They work as a layering garment
- They are usually crafted from knit materials.
Sweater:
- Sweaters usually have no open front.
- They cover the torso completely.
- They are made to provide more warmth.
When were cardigans invented?
Cardigans were invented in the mid-19th century. They are named after a British military commander, James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan. His troops wore cardigans during the Crimean War (1853–1856).
