How to Wear a Men’s Cardigan
A cardigan sweater is a versatile addition to your wardrobe. It can be worn open or closed, and can function as a substitute for a men?s blazer when something more casual is required.
Look for a knit that fits your frame and is flattering on your shoulders. It should also narrow at your torso and widen slightly around the waist.
Style
When it comes to cardigan styles, there are many different looks available. Choose from fitted styles that create a smart Men’s Cardigan appearance or loose designs that evoke a relaxed look. You can even find a men’s cardigan with a vintage-inspired fold-over shawl collar, perfect for those looking to channel Kurt Cobain without the mothballs or Old Spice. You can also choose a more formal look with a tailored fit, which is ideal for pairing with tailored trousers and a coordinating blazer or overcoat.
The taper on a quality cardigan for men is what distinguishes it from a women’s garment. This means that it should narrow slightly under the rib cage and widen back out down by the hips. This creates a flattering shape for men’s bodies, unlike the boxy silhouette of a suit vest or jacket. The buttons on a men’s cardigan should also be considered, as they can add to or detract from the overall look of the sweater. Avoid cardigans with large round or decorated buttons, as these are a sign of femininity and not suited for men’s clothing. Look for a buttoning style that either buttons down to the top of the chest or has wooden “toggles” that snap open.
The color of a men’s cardigan is another important consideration, with browns, greys and beiges being more appropriate for fall and winter while white, red and light green are better suited to summer. You can also find men’s cardigan in a range of patterns, from stripes to checks to herringbone, which adds a touch of interest and sophistication to your look.
Fabric
Men’s cardigans can be worn in a variety of materials but the best have a smooth, soft, and stretchy knit. They should be thick enough to provide warmth but not so heavy that they become uncomfortable or restrict movement. The sleeves are usually long, but the length can be varied to suit personal preferences. In general, they should not extend more than the belt or waistband of your pants, and they should not be so short as to look feminine.
A well-made men’s cardigan will be free of any visible seams, and it should have a good fit. It will be looser than a men’s sports jacket or blazer, but it should still be fitted enough to flatter your figure and complement a suit shirt. Look for a cardigan that is narrowest under the rib cage and widens back out down to the hips. This will create a tapered shape that is more flattering than the straighter lines of most sweaters.
A men’s cardigan is traditionally buttoned down the front, although some have a zip closure. Those with plastic buttons should be avoided; instead, opt for horn or mother-of-pearl buttons or wooden toggles. Zipped cardigans are fine as casual outer layers, but they tend to look goofy when worn under a suit or with a good pair of trousers.
Fit
For years cardigans had a reputation as grandpa sweaters but now they’re back in style. Look for fitted designs to project a sharp appearance, and choose loose styles for a casual look. Avoid shirts with a v-neck and cuffs, which can clash with the sweater’s buttoned appearance. Look for horn, mother of pearl or wooden buttons to avoid plastic and other more feminine-looking options.
For a contemporary look that references one of menswear’s coolest eras, team a chunky shawl collar knit with classic raw denim jeans and loafers. This is a look that’s easy to get wrong, but when it does work it’s perfect for wearing out and about with friends or colleagues, especially in cooler weather. You can also dress down your smartest tailoring with a men’s cardigan, particularly in dark navy or black. The open design and subtle rolled collar of a modern-day cardigan can be a good foil for crisp tailored trousers, and the style is ideal for pairing with a leather jacket or a parka. It can even be used as a substitute for a suit coat in more relaxed environments or settings. A cardigan is also easy to pack in a suitcase for business trips and for travel. It is less bulky than a sports jacket or blazer and more forgiving of wrinkles.
Uses
A cardigan is an outer layer that can be worn over t-shirts or tanks and long-sleeved shirts. It can also be slipped under sports jackets, surrogate waistcoats and suit vests as well as being worn with dress shirts and neckties.
In its most casual form a men’s cardigan is a great substitute for a light jacket when the temperature drops. Men’s Cardigan Men can wear these sweaters with jeans or chinos and sneakers for a comfortable weekend outfit.
For a more formal look the cardigan is the perfect replacement for a lightweight blazer when you want to dress up an ensemble. It can be worn with a pressed button-down shirt and tie for business casual attire or even as an informal replacement for a suit jacket at social events.
A men’s wool cardigan can also be worn in place of a suit jacket over a solid or patterned dress shirt and a conservative striped or checked bowtie for a smart-casual outfit. It is important to find a cardigan that is neither too snug nor too baggy, as it should sit close enough to the body to flatter its v-neck while not gaping open when you bend over or reach for something on a shelf. The sleeves should be long enough to cover the belt/waistband of your pants but not so long as to hang down past the tops of your back pockets.
