Cardigans, do they have a place as a wardrobe staple in modern menswear?

[Terrence O'Connor]

A shawl collar cardigan is a great item, but not what most people think about when they hear the word cardigan. I’d wager it usual brings to mind a v-neck sweater with buttons down the front for most people.

I love my shawl collar cardigans, but do not consider them a menswear staple. I think the thin ones with collars lack presence. The thicker ones only make sense in certain climates. I think thin and thick non shawl collar cardigans are more versatile.

I think Kent Wang and Spier and Mackay both make good shawl collar cardigans. Check them out.

J. Peterman
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Polo Ralph Lauren
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Old Navy
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Spier and Mackay
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Putting on a heavy shawl collar cardigan is like getting a hug from your Grandmother ☘️

 

[Camerashy]

Anyone have this PS shawl cardigan or could recommend similar or better please

The Indulgent Shawl-Collar Cardigan

A sumptuous version of the shawl-collar cardigan, designed by Simon and Anderson & Sheppard, and made in Scotland from 12-ply cashmere. A piece that had originally been sold by A&S, it was brought back into production by Simon as a collaboration, because he loved his so much. Says Simon: "It...

shop.permanentstyle.com

 

[ridgerider]

Hi All,

I certainly think they do, but I started looking a couple of years ago and I'm still not sure I've found the right one for me! Here in the UK they seem to have unfortunate associations with grandads and perhaps additionally 'sloppy' dressing with an emphasis on comfort, not stylishness. Perceived as very stuffy and outdated, generally! It makes it tricky to get wearing a cardigan right, but I think it's possible to still look both elegant and modern in one if you get the right piece. I think going slightly chunky is a way of doing it but also with a reasonably slim fit, and sometimes maybe going with something that looks rather rugged to contrast with the outdated 'domestic' association they have here.

Quite like this one from North Sea Clothing, considering it in grey or navy...

https://northseaclothing.com/collections/wool-knitwear/products/the-expedition-cardigan-navy

https://northseaclothing.com/collec...oducts/copy-of-the-explorer-cardigan-mid-grey

Do you have any cardigans in your wardrobe, do you consider them essential and/or versatile pieces and how do you style them? First post here and probably one of the menswear items I'm most curious about so I would hugely appreciate your input on this one!

Thanks,

Nick

Yes, I picked up a Navy blue alpaca cardigan last year that is so well constructed and such a good fit, I often wear it in place of a coat/blazer/jacket at the office. I think cardigans soften the look to such an extent it fits with the trend towards softer looking tailoring. I found this cardigan on eBay and got it for nearly nothing. It inspired me to pick up a couple of others and I think the look has its place. I’m older so maybe it fits with my mature looks.

 

[LA Guy]

Anyone have this PS shawl cardigan or could recommend similar or better please

The Indulgent Shawl-Collar Cardigan

A sumptuous version of the shawl-collar cardigan, designed by Simon and Anderson & Sheppard, and made in Scotland from 12-ply cashmere. A piece that had originally been sold by A&S, it was brought back into production by Simon as a collaboration, because he loved his so much. Says Simon: "It...

shop.permanentstyle.com

The Armoury has a bunch of great ones, but you’ll need to contact them about a restock: https://www.thearmoury.com/collections/knitwear?uid=knitwear&page=all

They are on the forum, here:https://www.styleforum.net/threads/the-armoury-official-affiliate-thread.204978/page-233

And of course there is always Scott and Charters. No man walks alone seems to have a full size run, but I like this: https://nomanwalksalone.com/collect...igan-jacket-in-ramor-greige-donegal-lambswool

be sure to ask @gdl203 about sizing in the No Man Walks thread, as there’ they’ve run large in the past.

 

[Enfusia]

I live in Central Florida. So, I don't own one.

I'm more interested in Solaro fabrics than sweaters.

It's not a style thing, it's a geographical thing.

 

[ran23]

I am still missing a big chunky one. My last from Uniqlo, an Airism (hot weather line) Cardigan. no wool at all. Even my wife started at me one cool summer morning.

 

[Hipboots]

Hi All,

I certainly think they do, but I started looking a couple of years ago and I'm still not sure I've found the right one for me! Here in the UK they seem to have unfortunate associations with grandads and perhaps additionally 'sloppy' dressing with an emphasis on comfort, not stylishness. Perceived as very stuffy and outdated, generally! It makes it tricky to get wearing a cardigan right, but I think it's possible to still look both elegant and modern in one if you get the right piece. I think going slightly chunky is a way of doing it but also with a reasonably slim fit, and sometimes maybe going with something that looks rather rugged to contrast with the outdated 'domestic' association they have here.

Quite like this one from North Sea Clothing, considering it in grey or navy...

https://northseaclothing.com/collections/wool-knitwear/products/the-expedition-cardigan-navy

https://northseaclothing.com/collec...oducts/copy-of-the-explorer-cardigan-mid-grey

Do you have any cardigans in your wardrobe, do you consider them essential and/or versatile pieces and how do you style them? First post here and probably one of the menswear items I'm most curious about so I would hugely appreciate your input on this one!

Thanks,

Nick

They are still stylish here in the PNW. I see shawl cardigans more often than suites, Blazer or Sport coats. It seems like a common way to elevate your style in the shoulder months for spring and fall.

 

[volcanotristate]

I have a boatload of them. Very versatile, mostly use to hide my clip on grampa suspenders

 

[LA Guy]

I live in Central Florida. So, I don't own one.

I'm more interested in Solaro fabrics than sweaters.

It's not a style thing, it's a geographical thing.

I think that a nice light, linen one might still be useful. I don't live in Florida, but I've gone to central Florida for controlled burns in the spring, and it's definitely light jacket weather for a bit.

 

[transitoryanglo]

The Armoury has a bunch of great ones, but you’ll need to contact them about a restock: https://www.thearmoury.com/collections/knitwear?uid=knitwear&page=all

They are on the forum, here:https://www.styleforum.net/threads/the-armoury-official-affiliate-thread.204978/page-233

And of course there is always Scott and Charters. No man walks alone seems to have a full size run, but I like this: https://nomanwalksalone.com/collect...igan-jacket-in-ramor-greige-donegal-lambswool

be sure to ask @gdl203 about sizing in the No Man Walks thread, as there’ they’ve run large in the past.

i must admit i have never seen anything from the armoury that doesnt look straight up perfect

 

[stephen wouw]

As part of a suit ensemble I wouldn’t say no. But I live in a moderate to warm climate. All my suits are unconstructed, unlined. I sweat easily and I believe if you’re sweating whilst wearing suits, doesn’t look good at all. For warmth I rather choose to wear layers on top like a coat.
I must say those casual cardigans are a great addition for the colder days in Sydney in less formal days where you don’t wear suits. When in colder climate I lean toward the turtle neck or a waistcoat for an extra layer and the coat of course.

 

[Enfusia]

I think that a nice light, linen one might still be useful. I don't live in Florida, but I've gone to central Florida for controlled burns in the spring, and it's definitely light jacket weather for a bit.

Yes, I could use a linen one and even keep one or two for travel.

I had not thought about the linen option. I have an outfit that would work well with.

We can have some chilly days here, that's for sure. But that's when I wait for any excuse to wear one of my overcoats that otherwise gather moths.

The temperature barely justifies the overcoat so I don't do too much layering underneath that.
In fact, I'll wear the overcoat and carry the suit coat, just to wear the overcoat.

I justify that by believing that I'm not wrinkling my suit coat.

Are you with the firefighters?

I used to live in Sedona, AZ. We had a fire between Sedona and Phoenix that wiped out a swath. Jumped the freeway and everything.

I took 60 large Ice Tea's out to the guys in the back of my H1 Hummer just to say thank you. Great group of guys.

Patrick

 

[LA Guy]

Yes, I could use a linen one and even keep one or two for travel.

I had not thought about the linen option. I have an outfit that would work well with.

We can have some chilly days here, that's for sure. But that's when I wait for any excuse to wear one of my overcoats that otherwise gather moths.

The temperature barely justifies the overcoat so I don't do too much layering underneath that.
In fact, I'll wear the overcoat and carry the suit coat, just to wear the overcoat.

I justify that by believing that I'm not wrinkling my suit coat.

Are you with the firefighters?

I used to live in Sedona, AZ. We had a fire between Sedona and Phoenix that wiped out a swath. Jumped the freeway and everything.

I took 60 large Ice Tea's out to the guys in the back of my H1 Hummer just to say thank you. Great group of guys.

Patrick

Not a firefighter. I do have the credentials and training in case I am needed, but I am originally a atmospheric scientist with an interest in pollutants from wildfires.

Yeah, lots of nice, relaxed, slighly shawl collar linen cardigans that looks great with more summery clothes.

 

[custombytodd]

Hi All,

I certainly think they do, but I started looking a couple of years ago and I'm still not sure I've found the right one for me! Here in the UK they seem to have unfortunate associations with grandads and perhaps additionally 'sloppy' dressing with an emphasis on comfort, not stylishness. Perceived as very stuffy and outdated, generally! It makes it tricky to get wearing a cardigan right, but I think it's possible to still look both elegant and modern in one if you get the right piece. I think going slightly chunky is a way of doing it but also with a reasonably slim fit, and sometimes maybe going with something that looks rather rugged to contrast with the outdated 'domestic' association they have here.

Quite like this one from North Sea Clothing, considering it in grey or navy...

https://northseaclothing.com/collections/wool-knitwear/products/the-expedition-cardigan-navy

https://northseaclothing.com/collec...oducts/copy-of-the-explorer-cardigan-mid-grey

Do you have any cardigans in your wardrobe, do you consider them essential and/or versatile pieces and how do you style them? First post here and probably one of the menswear items I'm most curious about so I would hugely appreciate your input on this one!

Thanks,

Nick

I hope you pull the trigger on both! They look great, and will serve you well for years to come.

 

[DorianGreen]

The Armoury has a bunch of great ones, but you’ll need to contact them about a restock: https://www.thearmoury.com/collections/knitwear?uid=knitwear&page=all

They are on the forum, here:https://www.styleforum.net/threads/the-armoury-official-affiliate-thread.204978/page-233

And of course there is always Scott and Charters. No man walks alone seems to have a full size run, but I like this: https://nomanwalksalone.com/collect...igan-jacket-in-ramor-greige-donegal-lambswool

be sure to ask @gdl203 about sizing in the No Man Walks thread, as there’ they’ve run large in the past.

The shawl collar cardigans by Scott & Charters look amazing.