Cardigans

Women's cardigans

A cardigan is the layer that goes on for the 8am train and comes off by the 10am meeting. Forcast cardigans come in V-neck, crew neck, button-up, zip, puff sleeve, relaxed fit, cable, rib, stripe and fluffy styles, in sizes 4 to 18. They are for women who want something warmer than a blazer and softer than a jacket.

Choosing a cardigan

A fitted V-neck or crew neck, like the Nicolette V-Neck Knit Cardigan or the Cassie Crew Neck Cardigan, buttons up to wear as a top or opens over a shirt. A ribbed zip style such as the Blake Ribbed Zip Cardigan is the sportier option and suits business casual offices. Puff sleeve and chain-detail cardigans carry more of the outfit on their own, while relaxed fit and fluffy knits are for cold days and weekends, worn open over a fine knit or T-shirt.

What to wear it with

Button a fitted cardigan and tuck it into a pencil skirt or work pants and it reads like a knit top. Leave it open over a shirt or blouse for a softer version of a jacket. A longer relaxed cardigan works over a knit dress or a slim pant. Keep the top underneath fitted so the layers do not fight each other.

Fabric and fit

Rib and cable knits have the most stretch and sit closest to the body. Fluffy knits are the softest in the range. If you plan to wear a cardigan buttoned as a top, take your usual size; if it will always be worn open over layers, a relaxed fit gives more room through the shoulders and sleeves.

How to shop

Check bust and length against the size guide if you are between sizes, and think about what will sit underneath before you choose a fit. For heavier layers, see the full knitwear range.