Even if you can’t ball out, you can feel like LeBron in this low-key-sporty Merino wool cardigan from Thom Browne, the legend’s preferred tunnel fit provider. Details like decorative buttons and a signature ribbon on the underside placket are unmistakably Browne, without being too ostentatious. You can lean into the sporty vibe and wear this sweater over a soccer-inspired fit complete with nylon shorts and thick cotton socks.

Best Designer Cardigan: Elder Statesman Shawl Collar Cashmere Cardigan

The Elder Statesman

Shawl-Collar Cashmere Cardigan

Pros

  • Handsome smoking jacket vibes
  • Made in LA

Cons

  • Might be too long for some
  • No buttons

Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: XS-XL | Fit: Relaxed | Collar: Shawl

This indulgent cardigan from L.A.-based cashmere experts The Elder Statesman is perfect for those times when you might want to serve some not-so-quiet luxury. Made from Italian cashmere woven in Los Angeles, it would look best paired with a glass of red wine as you shuffle to and from the hot tub in your favorite fur-lined slippers, or as you curl up with a bad Netflix holiday romcom and still want to feel a bit apres-ski.


More Cardigan Sweaters We Love

J.Crew

Alpaca-Blend V-Neck Cardigan Sweater

Evoke Sterling Cooper’s Paul Kinsey in this retro-luxe alpaca blend cardigan from J. Crew. With a handsome rust color and stealthy pockets (if you hadn’t noticed, we support pockets on a cardigan here) it packs a hell of a lot into a sub-$200 price point. Another win for J. Crew’s continuing Babenzien era.

Our Legacy

Evening Argyle Brushed Alpaca-Blend Cardigan

Argyle can be loud, but the muted colors in the pattern here showcase Our Legacy’s legendary restraint. Wear this with charcoal pleated trousers on a winter day, and feel like the a character even as you’re kept in line for 2 hours at Apollo Bagels.

Jamieson’s of Shetland

V-Neck Cardigan Sweater

You can’t make sweaters in literal Shetland without being excellent at it. This navy wool knit cardigan from the masters at Jamieson’s of Shetland is proof of that. The shape of the sweater will curve to your body over years of wear and care, and the classic leather buttons allude to the real heroes of cardigan wearing: bookish teachers in TV and movies.

Missoni

Striped Crochet-Knit Wool Cardigan

Fashion folks will give you a nod when they recognize Missoni’s iconic geometric patterns across this crochet-knitted cardigan. (It’s almost restrained for the brand, in a good way.) Try layering it over a t-shirt and lightweight, denim for a refined indie rock aesthetic.

Inverallan Knitters

6A Shawl Collar Cardigan

If you’re looking for a real-deal knit sweater worthy of a North Sea fisherman, Scotland’s Inverallan will be your freshest catch. Longtime purveyors of handwoven sweaters for blustery conditions, Inverallan pieces fear no climate—and will insulate even those who never finished reading Moby Dick.

Kapital

Gaudy Intarsia Cotton-Bouclé Cardigan

From the Japanese label known for craft-focused, Western-inflected whimsy, Kapital’s textured sweater will forever earn you a nod from fellow fashion guys, not to mention hold onto some resale value. But it’s also inconspicuous enough to achieve that “cool English teacher” vibe. Keep the fit minimal with a white T-shirt and, perhaps daringly, a pair of boot cut jeans.


What to Look for in a Cardigan

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wearing cardigans, but in recent years, the thin and fitted silhouette has given way to chunkier, slightly oversized (but never overlong) knits. This is an evolution we welcome, but like anything that’s been in production for more than a century, the style persists in countless iterations, fabrics, colors and cuts. Here are a few things to look out for:

Fit: These days, you’ll find cardigans that run oversized, boxy and cropped. While these silhouettes are perfectly fine, keep in mind that a cardigan that offers a traditional, classic fit is trend proof and will last for seasons to come. Most importantly, think about how you plan on layering with the garment. You want to make sure it fits your needs, whether you plan on wearing a cardigan with just a T-shirt or underneath your coat.

Fabric: For colder climes, you can’t go wrong with wool or cashmere. Just remember most cashmere pieces are dry-clean only. Otherwise, linen and cotton are perennial go-tos, and also easy to maintain and care for. The fabric also lends to the overall look and feel of the cardigan, whether it’s a chunky knit or fuzzy mohair.

Cut: Cardigans can run long or cropped, depending on what you’re going for. It’s also important to remember that cardigans can feature different necklines. A v-neck cardigan is classic, but lately, crewneck cardigans have become the choice of many fashionable circles.

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