Modern fashion can sometimes be very difficult to navigate. So many new things, foreign words for styles or different types of clothing. It's very common to hear the word "cardigan" used in relation to almost any button-down garment these days, but what are cardigans really?
General information
Cardigans have their own specific style and some features. It is most correct to refer to the category of cardigans as an elongated jacket with buttons or on a belt without a collar and lapels. A cardigan differs from an ordinary blouse in length, and from a jacket in material and cut. The history of the cardigan goes back to the distant 18th century. Then the servicemen wore warm knitted sweaters under their uniforms, and this comfortable thing got its name thanks to one of the commanders named Cardigan.
In some cases, an elongated jacket is called a cardigan, which is hardly justified. For such clothes there is a definition - a trench coat.
You can't find out without looking at what a cardigan is, the photos clearly demonstrate all the features of this type of clothing. Cardigans come in many varieties.by style, type of fabric, design solutions. Each of them suits a certain style, situation and image.
A trip to the history of fashion
The first heyday of the cardigan occurred in the 50s of the 20th century. He was especially popular in England. No self-respecting lady could do without a button-down sweater. Twos were especially relevant when a knitted light blouse of the same texture was worn under a cardigan. The second wave of cardigans came in the 70s. However, now miniature models made of the finest knitwear were especially popular. In the 1990s, the fashion for layering appeared, and the cardigan became the center of attention again. Now any cardigan will be an excellent addition to the wardrobe, whether it is voluminous and loose or, on the contrary, very thin and flying. Both of those things are sure to come in handy. Long cardigans look good with tight dresses, as they additionally slim the figure, shorter models are ideally combined with trousers and skirts. Thick cardigans are great for walking, outdoor recreation, and light ones for office work.
Types of cardigans
There is a specific answer to the question "what are cardigans". However, a great variety of models and styles of this type of clothing can confuse anyone.
A wide variety of cardigans allows each girl to choose her own to create a unique look. The cardigan is especially relevant in autumn and winter, when there is a need for layering, warmth and comfort.
Classic cardigan onbuttons
The most familiar cardigan that does not require any special research in the configuration. It can be worn with classic trousers, jeans, pencil skirt. The length of such a cardigan can be different. Girls of short stature are not recommended to wear clothes that are too long, because they visually shorten the legs. Such cardigans usually have a V-neck. However, options are also possible: stand-up collar, round neckline. Depending on the shape and style of the buttons, the bottom of the set is selected. For example, wooden buttons on a cardigan are in harmony with jeans.
Slip on
What are slip-on cardigans - this is a soft and warm cape with sleeves, which is comfortable to wear in cold weather. Look great with jeans and trousers. As a rule, they are made of thick jersey of large knitting. Braids and patterns look spectacular. Such a cardigan does not keep its shape, therefore it is not recommended for girls with a problem area in the waist area.
Rounded brim
This cardigan has no buttons or ties. It looks very original, feminine and stylish. Perfect with a straight or tapered skirt, skinny trousers and jeans.
Fur trimmed
This cardigan is suitable for walks on cool autumn evenings. It replaces a raincoat, windbreaker or coat - depending on the fur and fabric of the cardigan itself. Often such models are knitted from wool, as they are designed for the cold season.
So, now it has become clear what a cardigan is - women's elongated knitted or knittedjacket with or without buttons. However, in recent years, more and more often, almost any clothing that is thrown over a shirt or blouse is called cardigans. Scarves are in fashion right now. What are shrug cardigans - this is a warm bolero with spacious sleeves without a collar, which looks great with both warm clothes and summer clothes, for example, with shorts. It can be worn in the evening when the sun goes down and you need to cover your shoulders from the cool wind.
Men's cardigan
Not only women can wear cardigans, but also men, because they also want to feel warm and comfortable. How to wear it, and what is a cardigan? Men's cardigan is a thick jacket with buttons. In length, it can be normal or slightly elongated. Usually cardigans look very loose, they are soft and warm. This is what distinguishes a cardigan from a regular pullover.
This type of clothing goes well with both trousers and jeans. The cardigan can be worn by adherents of the classic style, casual style. Cardigans absolutely do not look if the wardrobe is dominated by a sporty style.
The cardigan became popular thanks to such stars as David Beckham, Daniel Craig. It turns out that women really like men who prefer such things. It's easy to look stylish in a cardigan. Besides, it is a universal thing. Under the bottom you can wear both a polo shirt and a shirt. It is also relevant in any situation: a date, a business meeting, office work. An exception may be super-ceremonial events.
Who suits men's cardigans?
It is not enough to know what a cardigan (male) is and how to wear it. It is also necessary to understand which figures it suits, and who is better off avoiding this type of clothing. Sweatshirts with buttons or fasteners look more impressive on tall men, especially when it comes to elongated styles. However, an ordinary cardigan without unnecessary bells and whistles looks good on all figures, including overweight men. Moreover, properly selected models can even "steal" a couple of extra pounds.