Items of clothing are prone to falling out of favor, but the cardigan's place in modern wardrobes has oscillated far more than most garments. Kurt Cobain revived the style, long-reserved for senior citizens, in the '90s. A few years back, Tyler, the Creator seemed to pick it up as a signature style, rarely being spotted without one, even releasing his own iterations under his GOLF WANG label.
More recently, JW Anderson's patchwork piece made a splash, rendered internet famous by Harry Styles, and subjected to a Tik Tok challenge. And as if the cardigan needed any more attention, Taylor Swift recently dropped an actual cardigan alongside her new album Folklore, which also happened to include a song called "Cardigan". If you, like us, are not really feeling the starry-elbow-patched iteration being pulled on en masse by Swifties right now, though, keep scrolling for some better alternatives.
From understated versions by Our Legacy to loud, modern takes on the classic style from Wacko Maria, this selection proves the versatility of the cardigan. Styled properly, this piece crosses generations and cultures with ease. So, in the spirit of Taylor Swift’s newest metaphor: “And when I felt like I was an old cardigan, Under someone's bed, You put me on and said I was your favorite,” it’s time to welcome the cardigan back into your wardrobe.
Shop the best cardigans of the season below.
Our Legacy Evening Cardigan
Evening Cardigan
Our Legacy
Our Legacy’s Black Evening Cardigan is cut from pure Italian cotton and features full-length button closure for those who want to steer clear of the v-neck construction. Mother-of-pearl buttons lead to a rib-knit spread collar in signature Our Legacy style.
BODE Double-Breasted Cardigan
Double-Breasted Cardigan
BODE
BODE is going from strength to strength at the moment, and we can’t get enough of the brand’s originality. Take this double-breasted cardigan for example. Mother-of-pearl hardware, as well as cable-knit detailing to the front, show the levels of care put into teach garment from BODE.
Norse Projects Adam Argyle Alpaca Cardigan
Adam Argyle Alpaca Cardigan
Norse Projects
Continuing the classic Scottish argyle theme, this Norse Projects cardigan boasts a more subtle iteration of the motif for those who prefer to ease the cardigan into their rotation.
Wacko Maria Leopard Jacquard Cardigan
Leopard Jacquard Cardigan
Wacko Maria
When we said that the cardigan hadn’t changed much since its inception, we didn’t think about Wacko Maria. In typically loud fashion, the Japanese label has outfitted the common cardigan in eye-catching leopard print this season.
Maison Margiela Knitted Cotton-Blend Cardigan
Knitted Cotton-Blend Cardigan
Maison Margiela
Maison Margiela offers a chunky-knit version of the cardigan in a vintage off-white colorway complete with pale purple knitted trims to the collar and hem.
Thom Browne Wool Aran Cable Knit Cardigan
Wool Aran Cable Knit Cardigan
Thom Browne
Thom Browne's Aran Cable Knit Cardigan takes things back to the beginning with a classic cable-knit construction and signature tricolor striped to the waist. Two patch pockets sit slightly higher than the waist to offer a contemporary twist on the style.
Pringle of Scotland Reissued Argyle Knit Cardigan
Reissued Argyle Knit Cardigan
Pringle of Scotland
Awarded the Royal Warrant for its timeless style and consistent quality, Pringle of Scotland knows the cardigan better than most. This merino wool-blend sweater features a bold green and orange argyle pattern all over.
Gucci Hawaii Animal Pattern Cardigan
Hawaii Animal Pattern Cardigan
Gucci
Gucci comes through with one of the season’s cutest pieces, in the form of this animal print cardigan. Complete with sketches of elephants, cats, deers, and even teddy bears, as well as Gucci Hawaii intarsia text to the reverse, this wool-cotton blend sweater will be the focal point whenever it’s worn.
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