What is a cardigan?

Essentially, a cardigan is a knitted jacket. Or a button-up jumper. It’s a jumper jacket. It is all of those things, but it is definitely knitted.

What to wear a cardigan with?

Cardigans are actually one of the more versatile menswear options for your upper body. They can rough it with a casual fit, strut confidently with a smart look, or get all business-like with a work outfit. We’re going to throw some suggestions your way in just a second, but don’t be frightened to pair up a cardigan with just about any winter or autumn look.

How should a cardigan fit?

Whether your cardigan is acting as your outer layer or as part of a layering situation, it should fit a little baggy. Close-fitting cardigans are for indie sleaze neon raves and Tim Lovejoy when he had hair. You’re better than that. Give yourself a little wiggle room.

When to wear a cardigan?

Maybe don’t wear a cardigan as an outer layer in a thunderstorm—you will get wet. Also maybe not with sportswear. Football shorts and a cardigan combo is crazy. Otherwise, go for your life. Honestly—with a shirt & tie, with jeans and a tee, with trainers, with shoes—whatever you like.

Can you wear a cardigan in the summer?

You can definitely wear a cardigan in the summer. Although men’s cardigans are most closely associated with autumn and winter, they can be the perfect outer layer on a mild summer’s day. Pair of Linen Shorts and a Cardi? Absolutely. 

Casual cardigan looks

Cardigans are the king of comfortable-in-your-own-skin confidence. A man who wears a cardigan knows who the f*ck he is and what he’s about, and what he’s about is casual comfort and a proper knit.

Cardigan with a plain t-shirt and jeans

For a chill look, you can’t go wrong with a nice pair of Jeans, an Oversized Tee, and a Chunky Mohair Cardigan. It was good enough for Kurt Cobain and it’s good enough for us.

Smart-Casual Cardigan Styling

The smart-casual cardigan fit says ‘I could be wearing a formal jacket right now, but I’m choosing not to because I don’t need to in order to look good—all you try-hards are jealous of my cosy cardigan right now and I have silently asserted my dominance over you by wearing it.’ Probably. It probably says something like that.

Cardigan over a Shirt with Tailored Trousers

For this smart-casual classic look, pair a Mohair Cardigan with a classic clean Formal Shirt and Tailored Trousers. You are the man, you are the big dog, you are the Cardigan Khan and the knitted king.