The humble cardigan has oscillated between two extremes in the fashion world. Once considered an outmoded, dowdy garment, the knit has resurrected itself to become a staple in any discerning gent’s wardrobe.
Layered over a plain white tee, a cardigan has the ability to elevate any everyday outfit. On the streets of the capital, you will spot these cosy knits on Shoreditch dwellers meandering down Brick Lane or kicking back in their local coffee shop. When paired with Dickies trousers, a crossbody Carhartt bag and a micro beanie, the cardi is so Hackney it hurts.
New styles have hit the market courtesy of luxury brands like Marni, Acne Studios and Bode. The classic silhouette has been treated to a modern update, incorporating mohair textures, oversized fits and kaleidoscopic stripes to create new and improved men’s cardigan choices.
Gone are the days when the piece would be reserved for grandparents, university lecturers or schoolboys - we have the cast of Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society to thank for these indelible connotations. Shows like Succession have given the cardigan a whole new sartorial cachet, and just in time for winter.
Perhaps we have the cardigan’s history to thank for its straight-laced reputation. The open-front knit was originally named after James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, who led the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War in 1854. The piece was further inspired by the knitted wool waistcoats that British officers wore during the war and gained popularity during the early 20th century. Think Tobey Maguire’s character Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby.
However, this isn’t to say cardigans have been solely reserved for the ‘square’ throughout history. Iconic pop culture figures including Steve McQueen, Kurt Cobain and Jeff Bridges aka The Dude, have all sported cardigans both on and off set. Slouchy retro designs and Fairisle patterns provided a welcome alternative to the musty grandad knits and Bond-esque shawl collars modelled by Daniel Craig circa 2008.
Most recently, Harry Styles sent the cardigan viral with his colour-block patchwork Loewe rendition, which took TikTok by storm. The piece garnered so much social attention that brand creative director Jonathan Anderson shared the pattern online for all to reconstruct at home. Naturally, it became ubiquitous among crafty Gen Z-ers. The open-front jumper has even become synonymous with the latest ‘quiet luxury’ trend as a recurring fashion choice for Succession’s Kendall Roy.
Polish up your winter wardrobe with a luxurious button-down or two, and read on to discover our top picks for men’s cardigans this season.
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Bode County Plaid Cardigan
When it comes to knitwear, Bode rules the roost. This charming chocolate knit showcases traditional textile techniques married with vintage pigments. Closed leather buttons and a soft merino wool texture make for a timeless piece.
Buy now £967.00, END.
Urban Outfitters Loom Black Button-Through Cardigan
Teetering on the more affordable end of the spectrum, Urban Outfitters’ button-down cardigan is ideal for students heading back to university. The knitted shirt-style item comes complete with on-trend ribbing, long sleeves and a polo collar, perfect for layering with a plain tee.
Buy now £49.00, Urban Outfitters
Jacquemus Le Cardigan Pau Asymmetric Relaxed-fit Knitted Cardigan
A quirky take on the classic cardi, Jacquemus’ asymmetric knit is one for fashion-forward men. A relaxed fit, crew neck and dropped shoulders are enhanced by a frontal diagonal placket that is out of the ordinary. Button up for the office and unbutton for a deconstructed post-work drinks look.
Buy now £405.00, Selfridges
M&S Lambswool Rich V-Neck Cardigan
M&S is a reliable choice for knitwear in every shape, size and silhouette. Never short of wearable, simple designs, the brand is home to many cardigans to suit all tastes. This lambswool V-neck is a soft-touch gift for dads, brothers and boyfriends who need to up their winter wardrobe.
Buy now £45.00, M&S
Marni Striped Mohair-Blend Cardigan
Marni has risen to the top of the knitwear pack with a helping hand from colourbomb offerings like the above. This mohair-blend cardigan will bring the sunshine on a cloudy day. Featuring a sunset colour scheme, strips and an Italian-made mohair design, it’s a must-have for dopamine dressers.
Buy now £935.00, Marni
YMC Rat Pack Striped Wool Cardigan
With a striped finish and a polo collar, YMC’s wool creation pays homage to the iconic Sixties group of the same name with a vintage design. Tonal navy and mid-wash blues offer an easy-wear piece that can be teamed with jeans for a retro aesthetic.
Buy now £225.00, Mr Porter
Arket Wool Cardigan
Arket’s minimalist designs always provide easy-wear options for men wanting to push their style boundaries. The brand’s wool cardigan can be layered over a white t-shirt and beige trousers for a simple, sophisticated look for office days in and date nights out.
Buy now £119.00, Arket
Acne Studios Komer Cardigan
Allow Acne’s cornflower blue cardigan to sheath you in warmth this autumn. The sumptuous, slouchy garment incorporates a relaxed fit and practical pockets as part of its fuzzy mohair design. Strap a black crossbody bag across your front and you are ready to hit the streets of the four fashion capitals.
Buy now £510.00, Mr Porter
McQ Oversized cardigan
A grunge reincarnation of the grandad cardigan, this collarless McQ piece comes complete with a charcoal pigment, contrasting acid green trims and a luxurious mohair texture. Allow the oversized fit to act as a wrap-around blanket, while retaining a cool, composed aesthetic to outlive any trends cycle.
Buy now £185.00, Mr Porter
Homme Plisse Issey Miyake Colour Pleats Cardigan
Homme Plisse Issey Miyake is synonymous with pleating. So, it comes as no surprise that the label’s cardigan presents heaps of pleats. Designed using breathable polyester, it’s styled in a straightforward button-down manner. Enhance your look with some silver jewels and a black top to attract extra attention from fellow style connoisseurs.
Buy now £325.00, END.
Sirplus Charcoal Merina nehru Cardigan
Sirplus is a treasure trove for warm-weather dressing. The brand’s cardigan is created from Italian merino yarn and has a casual fisherman-style stitch, corozo nut buttons and pockets for keeping your mitts toasty. The heavyweight structure ensures ample insulation is provided.
Buy now £250.00, Sirplus
