It’s no secret that cardigans are a modern woman’s wardrobe staple. They’re stylish and versatile enough to wear with practically anything, so you can stock up on them without feeling guilty about spending your money on something that won’t get much use.
That being said, there are some things you should take into account before buying a new cardigan—now more than ever, as more and more stores are stocking up on their fall/winter merchandise.
Grab your tape measure and prepare for some serious sweater shopping:
Identify What You Need
Before you shop for a cardigan sweater, it’s important to know what kind of cardigan you’re looking for. First of all, here’s a quick rundown on what a cardigan is:
- A sweater that can be buttoned or unbuttoned at the front (what makes it different from other types of sweaters)
- A layer that provides warmth but still allows movement and flexibility when worn over another top (like a t-shirt or blouse)
Choose The Cardigan’s Style
A cardigan sweater is a perfect addition to any closet. They’re available in a variety of styles, from classic to casual. This means that you can wear them as an outer layer or an underlayer, depending on your needs. If you’re looking for something that’s more formal, consider buying a smaller-size button-down cardigan with buttons at the front.
On the other hand, if you want something more casual and relaxed, feel free to get yourself a pullover without buttons or even an open front design, giving off an effortless vibe when paired with jeans and sneakers.
Find A Sleeve Length That Suits Your Needs
Sleeve length is an important part of any sweater. A short sleeve sweater will be great for the summer, while a long sleeve sweater will keep you warm during the winter months.
If it’s freezing outside, or if you’re going to be in the sun all day, wearing a half-sleeve cardigan can also be beneficial as it provides extra coverage without sacrificing comfort or style.
Consider The Types Of Closures Available
With cardigans, you can choose between a variety of closures. Here are some common examples:
- Zippers: These often look sleek and modern, but they aren’t always the best option for keeping your sweater closed. They can be difficult to fasten when your hair or hands are full of product, and they may snag on fabric easily. If you do go with zippers, opt for ones that are hidden behind buttons or another type of closure so they won’t show through.
- Buttons: The classic way to close a cardigan is with buttons at the front—and if you’re not looking for something too fancy or complicated, this might be the best option for you. Make sure there’s enough space between each button so that the garment doesn’t pull tightly across your chest and create uncomfortable pressure points.
Seek Out A Comforting Fabric Or Blend
Once you’ve determined the purpose of your cardigan, it’s time to move on to deciding what type of fabric or blend will suit your needs. Cardigans come in a wide range of fabrics and blends, so this can be an overwhelming task if you’re not sure what’s best for the purpose at hand.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right fabric or blend depending on what it will be used for:
- If you need something durable and easy to care for, look for something like 100% cotton (or any other natural fiber). Cotton is also breathable and comfortable in warm weather. However, because it absorbs moisture easily—meaning that sweat will sit against your skin rather than evaporate—it’s not ideal if you’ll be using it primarily when exercising outdoors or in cold weather.
- For everyday use where comfort is key but durability isn’t as important (e.g., lounging around), go with a lighter fleece blend material such as acrylic/polyester blends since they tend to be softer and more flexible than 100% cotton sweaters; however, this means they won’t last quite as long either.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you identify which women’s cardigan sweaters are right for you. Whether it’s a classic look, unique design, or bold colors that catch your eye, our buying guide will help you decide which piece of clothing is best for any occasion.
