Versatile and fashionable, the cardigan is a wardrobe staple. Let’s discover together its origin and interesting facts about this indispensable garment.
Cardigans are a must-have item of clothing in your wardrobe. Halfway between a classic jacket and a sweater, the cardigan is designed to always have an open front. With or without buttons, it can be worn over shirts, t-shirts, dresses, etc.
Long, maxi, short and colorful, the cardigan is now a fashionable choice, a trend that conquers the streets of all cities around the world during the autumn-winter season.
The trend of the women’s cardigan
A cardigan is an extremely versatile garment that can be worn in almost any season. For this reason, it has become very fashionable and can be found in many types and models.
Fall/Winter 2022/2023 trends are for every taste: from micro cardigans worn with nothing else to long cardigans with a waist belt.
In short, the versatility and ability of this garment to be a trend at any time is undeniable.
The waistcoat owes its origin to British Army General James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan.
It was the popularity that Brudenell acquired during the Crimean War that led to the spread of the cardigan, then realized as a knitted vest without sleeves. Design then evolved: from the knitted woolen waistcoats worn by British officers, Coco Chanel paved the way for women’s designs.
Although James Brudenell is an important character for this garment, the waistcoat’s true origins are believed to be even earlier, when in the 17th century British and French fishermen used the garment to keep warm on cold winter days at sea.
In America, the waistcoat gained popularity in 1865 when the Harvard University baseball team added the letter “H” to the front of their V-neck vests, prompting all campuses across the country to adopt the style of clothing.
Coco Chanel revived interest in the cardigan in the 1920s. She is said to have preferred it over the classic sweaters that ruffled her hair when she wore them.
Many celebrities have also made the cardigan a signature element of their style. For example, Her Majesty Elizabeth II uses them very often for less formal occasions and for leisure.
Models and types of vests
The classic knit pattern is the one with a V-neckline in the front. No sleeve buttons, no lapels, no chest pockets. Today, however, many types and variations are available: long-sleeved, sleeveless, 3/4.
The variety of materials is also great: acrylic, wool, lambswool, cashmere, wool blend or cotton, are just a few options of the otherwise wide variety to be found. The choice of the type of material and the thickness of the yarn depends on the time of year you want to wear the cardigan.
A cardigan is a casual piece that adds a lot of versatility to outfits. For example, thin and long knitted models can be perfect for the spring period in combination with a shirt and leggings. Wool models can be the perfect outfit for the winter period.
The choice of color for the vest is also very important. Brown, gray, beige or dark green are mostly chosen during the autumn and winter season, while red, light blue, light green and white are ideal choices for the warmer months.
