Cardigan Sweaters For Women

Sweater weather is a full force here in Minnesota with no end in sight. It is a chilly 10 degrees but feels like 1 degree today. We have many days in our winter season that are cold like today or even worse. So I make it a habit to wear warm clothing that I can layer. I still want to be stylish and appropriate especially what I wear to work. In order to make this happen, I wear a variety of sweaters that I got from the local wholesale clothing suppliers. My favorite type to wear is cardigan sweaters for women which are so versatile.

Little Known Facts

Sweaters originated in Europe. The wives of fishermen or sailors knitted garments from wool to protect them against the cold even when damp. they came to the United States in the 1890s when athletes started wearing them and called them a sweater.

The cardigan was first introduced in 1868 from James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan. He set the style supposedly wearing such a jacket while leading the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava 1854.

Sweater Styles

There are many sweater styles out there. Some styles are cardigans, oversized sweaters, turtlenecks, crewnecks, v-necks, fuzzy, cashmere, wool, and cable knits. They come in different lengths such as above or at the hip, below the hip, or even longer almost to the knee.

The material used in making these knitted garments can be wool, cotton, polyester, and acrylic. I prefer cotton or even polyester. They wear and wash well. I check the labels to make sure the sweater I am about to buy is not wool or acrylic. Wool is usually hand wash only. It definitely is line dry only or it will shrink. Wool is itchy on me. And I have found some acrylics smell so I avoid them at all costs.

Ways to Wear

I love the cardigan! They are so comfortable and effortless to wear. They are perfect for layering with long/short sleeve shirts or flannels. Occasionally I will add a scarf especially this time of year.

Cardigans are so versatile. I can find many different combinations for outfit ideas with my cardigans. Some come with buttons or designs. They come in pretty much any color I can think of. Plus they can be casual or business casual.

In my wardrobe, a cardigan is almost like an accessory. I wear them several times a week. Many times I wear a cardigan to work over a blouse with dress pants. It gives me a nice layered style. When I am going more casual I will wear an oversized cardigan with leggings, jeggings, or skinny jeans.

Where to Buy a Cardigan

Sweaters are sold pretty much at any store especially for the Fall and Winter seasons. But I prefer to buy mine at Maurices or Charolette Rouse.

Charlotte Rouse had an amazing assortment of cardigans this season. There were so many to choose from that I couldn’t make up my mind. The cardigans came in different colors, cuts, and lengths. The prices were decent and the quality seems to be pretty good. I haven’t had any issues so far. They are easy to wash and wear.

Maurices is where I buy many of my above the hip what I call traditional cardigan. They sometimes have an assortment of colors both v-neck or crewneck styles. Recently I found a military-style cardigan that I just love. Their prices are good and the quality is great. These cardigans can be washed and dried in the dryer. I know that may not matter to most people but it is a big selling point for me. I would rather machine wash/dry a garment and have it hold up great instead of buying something I have to line dry.

Sweater Weather

As long as it stays cold where I live I will continue to buy and wear my cardigan sweaters. I will layer the cardigans with shirts, camis, and scarves. They are so comfy and cozy. Cardigans are affordable and fun. There are so many different styles, colors, and lengths to choose from. Check out the clearance this time of year for those great deals. Many stores are bringing in their Spring styles even though it feels nothing like Spring here.

I hope you enjoyed my article. Do you wear cardigans? What is your favorite sweater style? Please leave any questions or ideas you have in the comment section. I would love to hear from you.