Share on XA cardigan is a sweater that opens in the front and attaches with either buttons, hooks, or a zipper. The cardigan is worked in one piece to underarms and then divided into fronts and back and finished separately to minimize sewing. The cardigan is a longer length to give it a flattering, contemporary look. It is an extension of the concept around the popular Peace sweater.
The fishermen's cardigan is just as popular with women as it is with men, but women will also find cardigans in light wool, cotton, or even cashmere with lace collars and jeweled or pearled buttons. Many women enjoy wearing cardigan sweaters as a jacket on blustery fall days or chilly summer evenings.
Cardigan sweaters are thought to have originated in 17th century France and the British Isles, where fishermen wore heavy, hand-knitted woolen sweaters. Fondly known as fishermen's sweaters, the industry of knitting the heavy sweaters soon became popular on the coast of Ireland. Today the same cardigan sweaters are produced in Ireland and although they are still worn for warmth, they have become a fashion statement for casual wear. Yet cardigans are not limited to this heavy, woolen style; cardigan sweaters can be made of nearly any fabric, with styles for both women and men. More beautifully soft sweaters have an allover cable pattern with ribbed trim at the neckline, cuffs, and hem. As with many things, women have a large assortment of cardigan sweaters from which to choose. While men generally wear cardigans as casual wear, women's cardigan sweaters range from casual to dressy. Cardigans for men can be made of thin cotton or polyester.
