Cardigans are an essential outfit choice; they are functional, stylish, and even trendy. They are perfect for simply keeping you warm and good for making you look hot. Balance.
Cardigans can also be cool and make bold fashion statements. When designers invest more in style over function, I have to admit that the result can be quite astonishing.
There is truly a plethora of options for you to choose from, depending on your preference, which can lead to confusion. Because of this, here in this article, we will take a better look at a list and be discussing only the best ones for you.
Sit back, grab a coffee and a choice cardigan and join me as we delve into the Knitty-gritty of cardigans.
- Belted
Like most cardigans, belted cardigans are fairly long, but this does not reduce the warmth they can and will provide. They are made of similar materials as other cardigans, such as cashmere, linen cotton, or wool.
However, what causes it stand out is that it comes with a belt attached to it. This belt can either be detachable, go through belt holes, or sewn in. The belted cardigan and the belt match fabric, color, and texture.
The belt aims to offer much-needed fastening to maximize warmth. See here
- Hooded
A hooded cardigan has a unique twist to its design; it comes with a “hood” and can sometimes be styled to look like a jacket instead of a cardigan.
This is for women who want to keep their hair, head, and ears toasty as much as their bodies. It also helps that they are quite fashionable as well.
In some cases, the hooded cardigan can come with a zip function to offer a more casual overall look. They go great with blue jeans and winter boots. See here
- Cropped
Cropped cardigans are a cardigan made to just reach somewhere below the chest, like a crop top. They are not made from the regular thick fabrics that promote warmth, but lacy and thin ones.
They are not styled the same as others, and because they are cropped, they can be worn with long dresses or nightgowns.
A cropped cardigan may or may not have buttons or hooks in the front. Some are simply made to be left open, while others are like t-shirts. See here
- Buttoned
This is considered one of the traditional looks for a cardigan styling. Buttons are a staple closure used most times when making cardigans, regardless of where it is made. Buttons are never out of style, and with the right selection, they can make any cardigan pop.
A buttoned cardigan can vary in “type,” seeing as not all cardigans are “buttoned,” but many can have buttons. Traditionally, however, a buttoned cardigan has buttons for closure. See here
- Zipped
These are a much-welcomed alternative to the regular, traditional closure style of buttons used for cardigans. They have slowly made their way from casual wear such as sportswear to cardigans and convenience with them.
When it comes to cardigans for women, there is no compromise on comfort or style. The zipped cardigan ensures both are met squarely.
There are a variety of regular cardigans that can be converted into zipped ones in case you have some you’d like to transform. See here
- Open
Open cardigans are the types of cardigans for women who do not want to worry about buttons or zippers. This kind of cardigan does not possess the need nor means for fastening.
Unfortunately, it offers the wearer a smooth and enjoyable experience; they do not offer much warmth. But open cardigans are an excellent, fashionable choice to pair with other clothing. See here
- Vest
Vest cardigans are pretty sleek in design and solve the problem of your outfit disappearing under a cardigan. They also fix the flexibility issue with cardigans and changes in weather.
Vest cardigans can do this because they are sleeveless and might have a deep V-neck cut, so your top is properly highlighted. The sleeveless design also means they work for warmer periods as well.
You can look your best, just get a cardigan vest. See here
- Wrap
As we are speaking of convenience and style, no option does it or the wrap cardigan. It does not need buttons, belts, or zippers, you simply wrap it around your body, and you are good to go.
It wraps around the wearer and creates a deep and distinct V neckline. They are usually thicker than the average cardigan, and this is good to compensate for the lack of fastening mediums such as buttons or zippers to lock in the heat. See here
- Bolero
Boleros are a nice spin on the jacket category of the cardigan family. They incorporate the open, cropped, and wrap cardigan with elegant fashion. Fun fact, they are made after the matador’s “chaquetilla.”
Boleros have a short trunk, almost as short as the cropped cardigan, and they can be fastened either with buttons or the classic rope at the neck.
They go great with dresses or even casual jeans and tees. See here
- Dress
Dress cardigans are elegant reimaginations of a dress and a cardigan. Call it a merger, if you will. Do you not have any dresses that match your cardigans? No problem, this one is the best of both worlds.
Their designs vary, depending on the consumer’s taste or maker’s discretion. As with dresses that can be short, long, or flowy, the dress cardigan is no different. Dress cardigans can be straight and fitted or mimic an elegant flowy gown. See here
- Cascading/Waterfall
Like the dress cardigan, the cascading or waterfall cardigan is a type of open cardigan that stretches down and has a “draping” or “waterfall” design.
They appear to drape and wrap around the body in front and softly around the edges.
These are knit with precision and subtle care to create that illusion, which accentuates the wearer’s shape and silhouette. See here
- Oversized
This is probably the most unintentionally famous type of cardigan out there. It does not have to be stylish or functional, but it scores all available points on warmth and comfort.
Oversized cardigans are chosen for one purpose, really, convenience. They are exceptionally cozy and can give you that cocoon feeling as you sip hot cocoa on a rainy winter day.
Oversized cardigans are usually best worn with straight-leg jeans or leggings. See here.
- Classic
The classic cardigan look is saved for down the list to offer more nostalgia points. I hope it worked xoxo.
This cardigan is the type to have small, pearly, or big wooden buttons. They are usually finely knit and extend just to rest on the middle of the hips.
They were thick and had a heaping helping of decorations and thematic stylings— Christmas, for example.
They go well with any color of straight-fitted jeans. See here
- Chunky Knit
The chunky knit cardigan does little else outside its name; it holds to it just as it will stay firm when you wear it. They are usually oversized and slouchy but can always be updated to give a more active vibe.
The “chunky knit” name results from using much thicker yarn to make them. The thick yarn is also knit in very interesting and bold patterns. See here
- Tunic Cardigan
A tunic cardigan is an extra-long, open, or buttoned cardigan. They are just like every other cardigan except that they extend farther down, just above the knee.
Tunic cardigans can be made with various fabric options ranging from knitted wool to polyester wool and even linen cotton.
They offer more coverage and outfit options than regular cardigans. Tunic cardigans go great with high boots and jeans or stockings. They are also highly functional, providing ample warmth in the harsh cold. See here
Conclusion
Winter and bits of fall can be rather cold and inconvenient, but with the right outfits, you can brave just about any weather that comes at you. Cardigans are made especially for the cold temperatures and are guaranteed to keep you warm even as it keeps you looking fabulous.
They are living proof that you do not have to sacrifice style for function when it comes to outfits. Cardigans offer warmth and ample style points combined. So, do not shy away from cardigan shopping anymore, even though it can be daunting; let this article be a guide to getting the one meant for you.
