Product of the week: The cardigan for men

What is it:

In the autumn/winter 2023 season, cardigans can no longer only be found in women’s wardrobes, but also in men’s collections, where they are worn in casual layered looks. This brings us full circle to the origins of this garment, worn by men during the Crimean War around 1800. Its name even comes from a British Army general, James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan. The cardigan, also known as a cardigan, is a knit top with buttons that close at the front. A particularly striking element of this season, however, are the nods to 1900s looks, which are also expressed in the comeback of college styles and boxy cuts.

Why you should order it:

For men, the cardigan is a more elegant alternative to a sweater or hoodie. That’s partly because it adds depth to an outfit by revealing multiple layers at once. The materials that the garment is often made of, such as wool, are also perfect for the colder months, making it a good addition to the men’s wardrobe for the autumn/winter season.

Where we’ve seen him before:

Cardigans for men were everywhere on the FW23 catwalks. Reminiscent of bygone eras, Prada showed the look over an open collar shirt from the ’70s or sometimes all alone, with a simple shape and in pastel colors. Sacai’s oversized cardigan features an eye-catching ombre pattern that blends colors from black to red. Etro offered voluminous knits reminiscent of a find from a vintage store, much like Giorgio Armani, which instead opted for a collegiate-style vest with a retro vibe.

How to style it:

The cardigan is the perfect piece for every man who wants to add depth to his outfit and is looking for a change from the classic sweater. The look can be worn over button down shirts, turtlenecks and t-shirts alike, depending on the style the gentleman prefers. This can also be further defined by the choice of trousers, where the cardigan combined with smart trousers gives a more formal look, however jeans can make the cardigan appear more casual. With elegant pants, you should choose a pair of leather shoes, while the second case goes well with sneakers.

The retro cardigan is a welcome change from the typical winter classics that men are often offered. The resurgence of the cardigan, possibly related to the popularity of various eras past, is consistent with the casualization of men’s wardrobes. In any case, numerous fashion houses have opted for the cardigan for their F/W23 collections.

This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk.