Men's Cardigan: Warmth and Class

Men's Cardigan - the history of the genre

This form of sweater has a unique history. Buttoned sweater with long sleeves, a neckline in the shape of the letter "V", owes its existence in its current form to James Brudenell, the commander of the British troops in the Battle of Balaclava in 1984, during the Crimean War. Like many elements of men's wardrobe, the cardigan was also part of the military uniform. It is Brudenell who is credited with popularizing the wearing of warm, woolen sweaters - he advised his companions to cut their sweaters lengthwise for convenience. Initially, the cardigan referred only to a woolen, sleeveless vest, but over time this name began to define other forms of knitted sweaters. But why a cardigan? Brudenell carried the title of Earl of Cardigan.

Among women, cardigans were popularized by Coco Chanel, who hated putting sweaters over her head because it always messed up her impeccably done hairstyle.

Timeless Elegance

The cardigan is an excellent element replacing a jacket or even a coat in a man's wardrobe. The latest trend, especially popular in southern countries where temperatures in autumn and winter rarely drop below 10 degrees, is to use cardigans with a heavy and dense weave as an outerwear element. This proposal is particularly aimed at men who spend little time outdoors and whose carefully chosen outfit must primarily serve a representative function in the office.

The appropriate selection of a cardigan to the silhouette and other elements of the outfit is fundamental. Thin, knitted or cotton sweaters with a very thin weave should perfectly wrap the silhouette and end just on the hip line to highlight male proportions. A thin cardigan is also used in business casual styles instead of a vest.

Autumn Colors and Style

Designers returning to sweater proposals bet on warm colors of red, copper, brown, and warm, sandy beige, contrasting them with ash and cold, steel gray.

Because the cardigan is a genre classic, high-quality fabrics such as 100% wool or cashmere remain in the trends. Cardigans offered by Marni or Salvatore Ferragamo in shades of gray and black are considered timeless. For more daring men, Michael Kors presented an interesting interpretation of a cardigan type sweater made of camel wool.

Regardless of the prevailing trends, men's fashion, especially its classic forms such as a cardigan, will be characterized by timeless universality similar to Coco Chanel's legendary little black dress. And the choice of a buttoned sweater will provide not only elegance but also warmth and functionality.