Womens Cardigans

Womens cardigans aren’t just for “little old ladies” any more.

Today womens cardigans are a very stylish and wonderfully versatile addition to every woman’s wardrobe.

The History of the Cardigan Sweater

In case you aren't familiar with them, the cardigan is a type of sweater that buttons or zips down the front like a jacket, whereas a pullover sweater, on the other hand, does not open in the front and is worn by pulling it over the head.

The cardigan sweater was named after Lieutenant General James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, A famous British military commander.  Originally knitted just for men, cardigans are now embraced by women all over the world.

Quality womens cardigans are usually knitted from wool or cotton.  The most luxurious ones being made from 100% cashmere.

More inexpensive versions may be mostly acrylic.  Although all types of necklines are found in cardigans (like scallop and scoop), the V-neckline is especially popular.

Top Designers of Cardigans

Pretty much every major fashion designer has included womens cardigans in their collections at one time or another.

From Haute couture designers like Gucci and Giorgio Armani to other high end names like Stella McCartney and Jil Sander, it’s not hard to find a comfortable, stylish cardigan that will be a lovely addition to your closet.

Whereas women’s cardigan sweaters used to be worn mainly by moms and grandmothers, today’s cardigan sweaters for women are also quite popular with the younger generation.

Made in pastel colors with shiny beading or colorful artwork, several bows or even hoods, younger women have learned that womens cardigans can be not only comfortable, but extremely trendy as well.

Some great places to get these sweaters are the womens cardigans collection at Landsend and the J.C. Penney website’s women’s cardigans page.