Cardigan (sweater)

A woman wearing a cardigan

A cardigan is a type of sweater or jumper that ties, buttons or zips down the front; by contrast, a pullover does not open in front but must be "pulled over" the head to be worn. It may be machine- or hand-knitted. The cardigan was named after James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, a British military commander, following his service in the Crimean War. Cardigans were adopted by male fishermen to keep warm^{[citation needed]}, but spread to academic circles, and are now popular with women as well. Plain cardigans are often worn over shirts and inside suit jackets as a less formal version of the waistcoat or vest that restrains the necktie when the jacket has been removed. Its versatility means it can be worn in casual or formal settings and in any season, but it is most popular during the autumn and winter months.

A modern reinvention of a classic cardigan style

Monochromatic cardigans, in sleeved or vest form, may be viewed as a conservative fashion staple. However, due to youth clothing ideology, striped cardigans sporting vivid colors are also seen on skateboarders. As an item of formal clothing, it is worn over a dress shirt with perhaps one button undone, or for a '50s style with a fully buttoned dress shirt. A less formal style is a T-shirt underneath. Women often use cardigans over dress shirts and T-shirts, for warmth and skin coverage.

See also

• Sweater design