Across runways, city streets, country towns, and even in virtual wardrobes, the cardigan continues to charm style enthusiasts. Its enduring popularity begs a fascinating question: what makes this humble item of knitwear a fashion mainstay across generations, cultures, and climates? By taking a closer look at both its history and its modern appeal, we can uncover why cardigans remain close to the hearts (and closets) of fashion lovers around the world.
A Storied Heritage
The roots of the cardigan stretch back to the 19th century, named after James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan, who gained prominence during the Crimean War. Initially, it was a knitted wool waistcoat worn by British officers, prized for its warmth and practicality. From these utilitarian beginnings, the cardigan gradually evolved, finding its way to mainstream fashion in the early 1900s.
Coco Chanel’s adoption of the cardigan in the 1920s forever changed its fate. Chanel famously disliked having to pull sweaters over her hair and reimagined the cardigan as a stylish and accessible knitwear staple for women. Her influence transformed the style from functional military garb to an emblem of casual elegance—a versatility that still defines it today.
Universal Comfort Meets Endless Versatility
Ask anyone why they love their cardigans, and comfort inevitably comes up. The cardigan offers a cozy embrace that other garments struggle to match. Its open front allows easy layering over shirts, dresses, or tees, suiting everything from chilly offices to breezy beach nights. Whether made from cashmere, cotton, mohair, or synthetic fibers, cardigans adapt to all climates and occasions.
Perhaps even more appealing is their versatility. Cardigans range from classic button-down pieces to relaxed, slouchy wraps, cropped cuts, dramatic floor-length versions, and bold statement knits. They can be dressed up with tailored trousers and heels or kept casual with jeans and sneakers. Their universal appeal cuts across gender, making them a unisex favorite in a way few other garments achieve.
A Blank Canvas for Creativity
One reason the cardigan keeps capturing the imagination of designers is that it offers a blank canvas ripe for experimentation. On one end of the spectrum, cardigans can showcase intricate knits and embroidery, bright prints, contrasting trims, and decorative buttons. On the other, they can embody minimalist chic in neutral tones and fine cashmere.
A prime example of creative cardigan culture is visible in Scandinavian design, where bold, graphic patterns and playful oversized silhouettes prevail. In Japan and Korea, cardigans take on sleek, modern profiles, often paired with streetwear influences. Across the Atlantic, American designers frequently reinterpret the classic in collegiate and preppy styles.
Thanks to social media, these regional trends quickly become global. Influencers and celebrities show fans new ways to style a cardigan, from “coastal grandma” chic to Y2K-inspired cropped looks. As the garment reinvents itself season after season, wearers of all ages find new ways to make it their own.
Genderless and Age-Defying Appeal
In a world increasingly embracing androgynous fashion, the cardigan feels especially relevant. It was one of the earliest pieces to break down gender barriers in the 20th century, worn by both men and women without fuss or fanfare. The humble cardigan is equally at home on grandfathers, businesswomen, teenagers, and toddlers.
That flexibility helps explain why it never goes out of style. It fits seamlessly into every life stage and style preference, from a back-to-school uniform staple to a sophisticated evening cover-up. As fashion moves to prioritize inclusivity and personal expression, the cardigan’s ability to transcend traditional categories makes it a wardrobe hero for the modern era.