The CARDIGAN: a piece of clothing that never goes out of style.

Spring has arrived, bringing a breath of fresh air to the fashion world. One of the leading garments this season is undoubtedly the CARDIGAN.

In this article, we will explore the must-have styles and the most interesting trends of the moment to help you choose the perfect cardigan for your style and needs.

Fun Facts

What is a Cardigan?

It's a garment, specifically a sweater that opens in the front with buttons or a zipper. In recent years, it has evolved and can now also be closed with ties. Have you ever wondered why it's called that? When did it become a staple in men's and women's wardrobes? Let's find out together. Don't worry, we've done the research for you.

Origins

In the mid-1800s, the cardigan was associated with General James Thomas Brudenell, known as the 7th Earl of Cardigan, who led the charge of the 600 at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War.

He cut the army's classic sweater to showcase this new garment. A wool sweater, open in the front to keep warm in the chilly English countryside where he lived.

There's also another version that dates the cardigan's creation to 1940. That year, students at Smith College in New York, Wellesley College, and Vassar College in Massachusetts started wearing them.

During that period, women began rebelling against the established standards of femininity and decided to say "GOODBYE" to corsets and rigidity in their wardrobes.

Even Coco Chanel, in 1925, dressed her girls in this knitwear, adding pockets to avoid carrying bags.

In the 1930s, the use of knitwear became increasingly prominent, and the cardigan became part of street style. In these years, the long cardigan created by Coco was replaced by the twin-set.

It was 1973 that gave the CARDIGAN the deserved success, establishing itself in French magazines and becoming a cult item among Parisian women.

Today, we have many models to choose from: oversize, crop, super long, colorful, gradient, smooth sleeves, balloon sleeves, crochet, knitted, machine-made, high stitches, low stitches, bubble stitches, fan stitches (a single meeting would not be enough to list them all)… Large necklines or paired with a vintage collar, jewel buttons to add a chic touch to your looks.

We've understood that the MUST-HAVE of spring will be this garment. The past seems to be returning stronger than ever.

Must-Have Models for Spring

Cropped Cardigans

Cropped cardigans are a must-have for spring. With their shorter length, these styles are ideal for highlighting the waist and creating a feminine and sophisticated look. 

Cropped cardigans pair perfectly with high-waisted dresses, cargo pants, or flared skirts, creating an elegant and versatile outfit.

Oversize Cardigans

For those who prefer a casual and relaxed style, oversize cardigans are the right choice. These spacious and comfortable models are perfect for wearing with jeans, leggings, or sports pants, ensuring a comfortable yet trendy look.

Long Cardigans

The long cardigan is a timeless classic. Perfect for completing an elegant look, this model pairs wonderfully with long dresses and palazzo pants or with shorts and boots, or with capri pants and leather loafers.

Which Ones to Make

Among the various suggestions I'll leave you today, there is a brand new proposal from Cristiana Rossi, our beloved Criss, who you can find on YouTube with all her beautiful creations, founder of the channel Angolo di Criss.

Angolo di Criss

She is the one who inspired me to write this article after she showed the instructions for making this handmade cropped cardigan:

She completed this project with the wonderful DONNY cotton

• donny pink flesh size 4 crochet hook yarn needle
• scissors

Another creative inspiration for making a super easy top-down cardigan is this one:

For this softer model, ideal for a relaxed fit, she used the KORN tape yarn

• korn white size 4 crochet hook yarn needles
• measuring tape

Fata Tuttofare

It's impossible not to fall in love or feel like crocheting anything once you enter the YouTube channel of Fata Tuttofare. Here’s a cardigan jacket model to wear this spring, featured in one of her latest tutorials: the Mykonos jacket.

This model is made using the top-down technique, so no seams. It has a very refined texture that creates a jacquard diamond effect. The stitch is simple yet elegant and will allow your garment to stand out.

The step-by-step tutorial will help you replicate it without difficulty...

For the Mykonos jacket, Fata used the IGGY yarn

• iggy jade

As I mentioned in the introduction to this journey to discover the cardigans to choose for spring, long models are also to be preferred, which is why I’m showing you this model that serves as both a cardigan and a kimono, to wear on the beach as a cover-up for those who love seaside aperitifs.

The Kimono/Cover-up model by Fata was made with LYNYRD, a lovely fiber for those who want to wear quality and lightness.

• lynyrd fango size 4 crochet hook

Cao Crochet Maniak

What can I say about Cao other than that every one of her projects steals my heart? Today I want to show you this cherry-themed cardigan, which looks like a super accessory to flaunt if you love creativity and fashion. Her proposal is a total black cardigan with handmade cherry appliqués.

For the occasion, she chose a perfect combo:

• bravissimo red bravissimo green bravissimo meadow
• bravissimo black

Let's stay on the same creative and colorful theme with this Granny Style cardigan, ADORABLE.

Made with:

• bravissimo pink bravissimo coral bravissimo lilac
• bravissimo green

If you're interested in a fresher version of both garments to flaunt in spring, opt for lightweight fibers like IGGY, DONNY, FRIDA.

Egle Breme

For those who love bon ton and nautical style, here’s an idea from the sweet Egle Breme. It's a custom-made striped cardigan with raglan sleeves and a raised back.

For the instructions, here’s the video tutorial:

For the yarn, you can choose DONNY cotton.

• donny avio donny beige needle tips
• cable

How to Wear the Cardigan

Bon-Ton Look

For a bon-ton look, the cardigan can be paired with a light romantic dress, perhaps in pastel shades like pink or light blue. Ideal shoes are ballerinas or pumps, while for jewelry, it's best to choose delicate accessories like pearl earrings or a gemstone necklace.

Sexy Look

Chiara Ferragni, Giulia de Lellis, Kylie Jenner, Veronica Ferraro, and I could go on and on... well, this year's mood is wearing cropped cardigans, tied with strings or a pin that leaves the body exposed. It's precisely this look that gives your outfit a sexy vibe. For a sexy look, the cardigan can be paired with a bandeau top or a fitted bodysuit, perhaps in black or red tones. Ideal pants are high-waisted or cargo styles, with pockets and a low waist, also to be paired with palazzo or cigarette pants. To complete the look, you can wear high-heeled sandals and a matching clutch.

With Skirts and Dresses

The cardigan pairs perfectly with skirts and dresses of any length. For a sophisticated look, choose a short cardigan to pair with a pleated midi skirt or a sheath dress.

With Pants

Cardigans are also ideal for completing an outfit with pants. For a casual look, opt for an oversize cardigan paired with high-waisted jeans, while for a more formal occasion, a long cardigan will be perfect with palazzo or cigarette pants.

With High-Waisted Pants

Short cardigans pair perfectly with high-waisted pants, creating a balanced and sophisticated look. Choose complementary colors and coordinated fabrics for a flawless result.

With Long Skirts

Long and oversize cardigans can be paired with long skirts for a boho-chic look. Opt for vibrant prints and colors to add a touch of cheerfulness to your outfit.

With Spring Dresses

Light cardigans are ideal for completing a spring dress, providing a touch of coverage without weighing down the look. Choose a cardigan in the same color as the dress or in a solid color for a harmonious result.

With Jeans and T-Shirts

Cardigans can be paired with jeans and t-shirts for a casual and fashionable look. For a contemporary effect, opt for an oversize cardigan with a graphic t-shirt and skinny jeans.

Accessories to Enhance the Cardigan

Belts

To emphasize the silhouette and make the cardigan the star of your outfit, you can add a belt at the waist. Choose a thin belt for an elegant look or a wider belt for a bolder effect.

Scarves

Scarves are perfect accessories to enrich your look with the cardigan. Wrap a light scarf around your neck for a touch of color and pattern, or opt for a scarf tied at the neck for a chic and sophisticated result.

Bags and Clutches

A bag or clutch coordinated with your cardigan can complete the look with a touch of elegance. Choose minimalist bag models and neutral colors for a sophisticated effect. I take this opportunity to direct you to the article where we talk about bags to make for this beautiful season

How to Make the Perfect Cardigan

I thought of compiling a list of things to consider before choosing which cardigan to make or buy. Let's discover them together.

Materials

The first thing to consider is what type of material we want to wear. Since we are focusing on cardigan models ideal for spring, here are some tips on the products to put in the cart for making your garment. If you're someone who gets cold and feels the cool breeze that spreads at sunset, you might consider a light wool blend like Baby Key. If you prefer cool and light fibers, I recommend natural fibers like bamboo, lynyrd, or cotton. 

• baby key beige isac coral lynyrd coccio
• cotton

Colors and Patterns

We know that this spring can also be experienced with colors, patterns, shades, geometric shapes, floral, fruity motifs, and more.

Pastel colors and floral patterns are perfect for spring. Choose cardigans in delicate shades like pink, light blue, or yellow, or dare with vibrant and original patterns like magenta, the color of the year. For a more classic look, don't forget cardigans in neutral colors like white, black, or beige.

Details and Decorations

To make your cardigan unique and special, pay attention to details and decorations. Original buttons, sequin or bead appliqués, small fruits (like Cao's cherries), fringes, beads, and worked edges are just some of the elements that can enrich your garment and make it a real star of your outfit.

Cardigan Maintenance Tips

To keep your cardigan in perfect condition and make it last long, follow these simple tips:

• Wash the cardigan by hand at a temperature no higher than 30 degrees.
• Use a specific detergent for delicate garments.
• Lay the cardigan on a flat, dry surface, avoiding hanging the garment to prevent deformation.
• If necessary, iron the cardigan at a low temperature, using a cloth between the iron and the garment.

I’ve compiled many ideas, combinations, projects...so you just need to get to work and make your trendy cardigan for this spring. Remember, there is no spring without a cardigan in your wardrobe! Whether it's a short and romantic model, a long and oversize cardigan, or a lightweight and transparent one, the important thing is to wear it with style and personality. I can't wait to see your spring looks and share with you the latest trends in the fashion world.

Rosaria Tessiland®