The Best Cardigan Sweaters Help You Layer Like a Style God

Even if you can’t ball out, you can feel like LeBron in this low-key-sporty Merino wool cardigan from Thom Browne, the legend’s preferred tunnel fit provider. Details like decorative buttons and a signature ribbon on the underside placket are unmistakably Browne, without being too ostentatious. You can lean into the sporty vibe and wear this sweater over a soccer-inspired fit complete with nylon shorts and thick cotton socks.

Best Designer Cardigan: Elder Statesman Shawl Collar Cashmere Cardigan

Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: XS-XL | Fit: Relaxed | Collar: Shawl

This indulgent cardigan from L.A.-based cashmere experts The Elder Statesman is perfect for those times when you might want to serve some not-so-quiet luxury. Made from Italian cashmere woven in Los Angeles, it would look best paired with a glass of red wine as you shuffle to and from the hot tub in your favorite fur-lined slippers, or as you curl up with a bad Netflix holiday romcom and still want to feel a bit apres-ski.

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What to Look for in a Cardigan

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wearing cardigans, but in recent years, the thin and fitted silhouette has given way to chunkier, slightly oversized (but never overlong) knits. This is an evolution we welcome, but like anything that’s been in production for more than a century, the style persists in countless iterations, fabrics, colors and cuts. Here are a few things to look out for:

Fit: These days, you’ll find cardigans that run oversized, boxy and cropped. While these silhouettes are perfectly fine, keep in mind that a cardigan that offers a traditional, classic fit is trend proof and will last for seasons to come. Most importantly, think about how you plan on layering with the garment. You want to make sure it fits your needs, whether you plan on wearing a cardigan with just a T-shirt or underneath your coat.

Fabric: For colder climes, you can’t go wrong with wool or cashmere. Just remember most cashmere pieces are dry-clean only. Otherwise, linen and cotton are perennial go-tos, and also easy to maintain and care for. The fabric also lends to the overall look and feel of the cardigan, whether it’s a chunky knit or fuzzy mohair.

Cut: Cardigans can run long or cropped, depending on what you’re going for. It’s also important to remember that cardigans can feature different necklines. A v-neck cardigan is classic, but lately, crewneck cardigans have become the choice of many fashionable circles.