What to Look for When Shopping for a Cardigan Sweater

 The Classic Cardigan Sweater

Comfortable Authority

Cashmere Cardigan Sweater

Over the last several years, we have seen the cardigan sweater emerge as a garment that projects authority, a casual/comfortable authority.

Anna Wintour, the British editor, whose opinion influences the fashion world was seen wearing them in the movie, "The September Issue", a documentary about the creation of Vogue’s 2007 biggest issue ever. Michelle Obama wears them on occasion over dresses, skirts and pants.

Anna Wintour
in Cardigan Sweater

If you need to look more "put together", a cardigan sweater with or without a belt can do the trick and is less expensive than a jacket.

How To Wear Cardigans!

When shopping for a cardigan sweater, look for quality and a good fit. When considering quality, look for careful stitching around neckline, button holes and front placket. Check to see if the side seams and cuff ribbing seams are almost invisible.  Check the grosgrain ribbon behind the button holes. It should lay smooth and flat. The knitting should be dense. A good fitting cardigan should not be too tight or too loose. You should be able to button it up the front comfortably and armholes should not be too tight.

Tips:

• In general a chunky knit cardigan looks more casual than a fine dense knitted sweater.

• If you can afford only one cardigan, look for a cashmere cardigan in your wardrobe basic color or one that compliments your wardrobe basic color.

• A fine knitted sweater works for casual or dressy occasions.

• You will get more wear out of a classic style cardigan. A trendy style cardigan can go out of style quickly.

Care:

• Wash by hand and lay on a flat surface to dry or send to the dry cleaners.
  

Michelle Obama
in Cardigan Sweater

A Trendy
Casual Cardigan Sweater