A cosy knitted pullover or cardigan on a cold day gives a cosy feeling. But what if you have no idea when to wear what kind of cardigan? The variety of sweaters available means that you can always find one that suits the event you’ll be attending. If you’re interested in learning more about cardigans or looking to have included cardigans in a clothing collection but require some inspiration, then this guide is perfect for you.
What is a cardigan?
A cardigan is an item of knitwear typically worn around the upper body. This item is called a cardigan in the United States, Canada, and most of Europe, but in the United Kingdom, Australia, and just a few other places, it is called a jumper.
The pullover is the most common type of cardigan, characterised by its ribbed crew neckline, hem, and cuffs and relaxed, comfortable fit. Since you can buy or knit a pullover in less than two hours, it’s the ideal garment to wear when you want to relax and feel cosy.
Which Fibres Are Used to Create cardigans?
Although cardigans are created from knit fabrics, the natural and synthetic fibres used in those fabrics vary.
- Acrylic is a durable and toasty synthetic fibre that is widely utilised in activewear and other types of mass-produced cardigans.
- Cotton is a great natural fibre in sweaters because it is comfortable and doesn’t itch.
- Polyester is a standard synthetic fibre that is soft to the touch when knitted into cardigans.
- Wool is a term that encompasses a wide variety of animal fibres, such as alpaca, cashmere, lambswool, and merino. You’ll pay a premium for a cardigan made from this fibre.
Varying cardigan Styles
Grubby cardigan of a Fisherman
The Aran cardigan, also recognised as a fisherman’s cardigan, was traditionally worn by fishermen in the Aran Islands; now, it is a trendy item. The bulky, textured cardigans are available in a range of earthy tones like browns, tans, greens, and other neutrals to ensure a good grip while you’re out and about in the elements. Fisherman cardigans are typically thicker than others to keep the wearer warm while fishing or performing other manual labour on the water. While most Aran cardigans are hand knitted and, therefore, substantial and thick, you can also find machine-knitted versions. They are typically woven from wool yarn, which is solid and weatherproof.
Sweaters
They are a great option when you need an additional layer of warmth in the cooler months but don’t want to wear something too bulky. They’re also ideal for climates that are cool but not freezing. They are also available in various lengths and designs, from the traditional Canadian tuxedo (in which both layers of the garment are knitted) to the open-knit design that is perfect for throwing on quickly when you need to pop out but the air is chilly.
Cashmere Cardigans
Cashmere wool is commonly used in producing cashmere cardigans because of its high quality and hypoallergenic property. Cashmere cardigans are often more comfortable than other cardigans because they are gently brushed before being hand-knit.
Thick cardigans
A thick cardigan is ideal for winter because it is bulkier and more generous than a cardigan or pullover. Knitting standard fibres create a chunky cardigan with larger needles and chunky yarn. Although ladies may not look their best in chunky cardigans, there is no denying their ‘cosiness factor.’