9 Different Types of Cardigans (and Ways to Wear Them)
Few wardrobe staples have stood the test of time quite like the cardigan. Originally designed in the 19th century and named after James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan, this front-opening knit has evolved from military necessity into one of the most versatile and beloved pieces in modern fashion. Whether you’re dressing for a casual weekend, a polished office look, or a cozy evening at home, there is a cardigan that fits the occasion perfectly.
The challenge isn’t finding a cardigan — it’s knowing which type to reach for and how to style it with confidence. With so many silhouettes, lengths, and textures available, it can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down nine of the most popular types of cardigans, where they come from, what makes each one special, and exactly how to wear them so that every outfit feels intentional.
1. The Classic Button-Down Cardigan
The classic button-down cardigan is the one that likely comes to mind the moment someone says the word. It features a clean V-neckline, a straight hem, ribbed edges at the cuffs and waistband, and a row of buttons running from collar to hem. It typically falls somewhere between hip and mid-torso length, and it comes in virtually every color and yarn weight imaginable.
This is the cardigan that professors, librarians, and fictional television characters have made iconic. Mr. Rogers wore a version of this every single day, and his dedication to the garment is part of why it still carries such a warm, approachable quality.
How to wear it: The beauty of the classic button-down cardigan is its adaptability. Wear it fully buttoned over a collared shirt for a preppy, layered look — this works especially well in autumnal colors like burgundy, forest green, or camel. Leave it unbuttoned over a plain white T-shirt and slim jeans for an effortlessly casual outfit that still looks pulled together. Women can also try tucking just the front hem into high-waisted trousers for a slightly more structured silhouette. For a playful, contemporary spin, wear it backwards so the button placket runs along the spine and you get a clean, scoop-neck effect at the front.
2. The Oversized Cardigan
The oversized cardigan has had an enormous cultural moment in recent years, largely driven by the rise of cottagecore aesthetics, hygge-inspired dressing, and the general embrace of relaxed, comfort-focused fashion. It’s characterized by a generous, boxy or draped silhouette, dropped shoulders, wide sleeves, and a length that often hits at the hip or even the thigh.
This style is often knitted in chunky yarn, giving it visible texture and weight, though lighter-weight oversized styles in fine knits also exist. Colors tend toward earthy neutrals, cream, oatmeal, and dusty pastels, though bold jewel tones look equally stunning.
How to wear it: The key to styling an oversized cardigan without looking shapeless is contrast. Pair it with something fitted underneath — a bodysuit, a ribbed tank top, or a slim turtleneck. Then balance it further with slim-fit pants, straight-leg jeans, or even biker shorts if you’re going for a more casual or athleisure-adjacent look. Belting an oversized cardigan at the waist is one of the most flattering tricks in fashion; it creates the impression of structure and definition without sacrificing the cozy appeal of the silhouette. Knee-high boots or chunky loafers make the whole look feel intentional rather than accidental.
3. The Longline Cardigan
The longline cardigan extends well past the hip, often reaching mid-thigh, the knee, or even the ankle in its most dramatic iterations. Think of it as a cardigan that’s been elongated into something closer to a coat or a duster. This length makes it one of the most striking types of cardigans to wear, and it functions almost as an outerwear piece in mild temperatures.
Longline cardigans often feature open fronts without buttons, relying instead on gravity and drape for their structure. They work beautifully in both fine knit and chunky knit versions, and they photograph extremely well because of the vertical line they create.
How to wear it: Monochromatic dressing is one of the best strategies for a longline cardigan. Choose a cardigan in the same color family as your outfit underneath — navy over navy, all cream, head-to-toe black — and the length becomes a dramatic style statement rather than something overpowering. Alternatively, use a neutral longline cardigan (cream, camel, or grey) as a statement layer over a printed dress or a graphic tee and jeans. For cooler months, treat a thick longline cardigan as a coat replacement over a sweater and straight-leg trousers. Just make sure your footwear has some visual weight — chunky-soled boots or statement sneakers prevent the look from feeling too heavy on top.
4. The Cropped Cardigan
Cropped cardigans are designed to hit above the natural waist, somewhere between the bust and the navel. They surged in popularity through the 1990s and made a strong comeback in the late 2010s and early 2020s, appearing everywhere from high-street retailers to luxury fashion houses. They tend to feel youthful and playful, and they’re incredibly useful for creating proportional balance in outfits.
This style often comes in fine-gauge knits, ribbed textures, or even crochet, and it frequently appears in both button-up and open-front versions. Small, delicate button details and rounded necklines are particularly common in cropped cardigan designs.
How to wear it: The cropped cardigan is tailor-made for high-waisted bottoms. Wear it over a slip dress with a visible waistband, over high-waisted wide-leg trousers, or tucked loosely over a high-waisted midi skirt for a layered but proportionate look. One of the most effortless outfits imaginable is a cropped cardigan buttoned up as a top — worn directly against the skin or over a bralette — paired with high-waisted jeans and mules. For spring and summer, opt for cropped cardigans in cotton or linen-blend yarns rather than wool, which keeps the look light and season-appropriate.
5. The Waterfall or Open-Front Cardigan
The waterfall cardigan, sometimes called an open-front or cascade cardigan, doesn’t close at all. Instead, the two front panels hang open and flow downward, creating a soft, draped silhouette that resembles a waterfall of fabric. It became particularly popular in the early 2010s and remains a fixture in many wardrobes because of how easy it is to wear.
This style tends to be made in lighter fabrics like jersey, modal, viscose, or fine knits, which give it the fluid movement that defines the silhouette. It’s less structured than a traditional cardigan, which makes it feel more like an accessory or a layer than a standalone piece.
How to wear it: Open-front cardigans are excellent for the office because they add dimension and polish to even the simplest outfit. Wear one in a solid neutral shade — navy, stone, charcoal — over a fitted blouse and cigarette trousers for an effortlessly sophisticated look. The flowing panels create a slimming vertical line through the center of the body, which makes them particularly flattering. At the weekend, drape a waterfall cardigan over a printed tank top and straight-leg jeans for a relaxed but thoughtful outfit. Avoid pairing this style with anything too voluminous underneath, as the lack of structure in the cardigan itself means competing fabrics can overwhelm the whole look.
6. The Cable-Knit Cardigan
Cable-knit cardigans are defined by their intricate woven patterns, created by crossing knit stitches over each other to form twisted rope-like designs. The technique has roots in Irish and Aran knitting traditions, and it gives the fabric a beautiful texture and considerable warmth. Cable-knit cardigans read as traditional and artisanal, with an earthy, heritage quality that has never really gone out of fashion.
Classic cable-knit cardigans tend to be chunky, cream or off-white, and button-up, though contemporary versions come in refined colorways and lighter weights. Fishermen sweaters and Aran sweaters often feature cable knitting, and these influences are visible in the cardigan form as well.
How to wear it: Cable-knit cardigans are at their best when the outfit is otherwise clean and simple, allowing the texture of the knit to be the focal point. Wear one unbuttoned over a plain white button-down and dark indigo jeans — this is a classic, considered combination that works in almost any setting. Layer a cream cable-knit cardigan over a floral midi dress for an unexpected but charming contrast between rustic texture and feminine print. In winter, a cable-knit cardigan worn under a structured coat adds warmth without bulk. Keep accessories minimal when wearing cable knit — the texture does all the visual work, so a simple leather watch or small gold hoops is all you need.
7. The Shawl Collar Cardigan
The shawl collar cardigan features a wide, rolled lapel that wraps around the neckline and folds back on itself, creating the appearance of a shawl draped across the shoulders. This collar style gives the cardigan a more sophisticated and cozy quality than a standard V-neck or crew neck. It’s particularly associated with menswear traditions, though it translates beautifully into women’s fashion as well.
These cardigans often have a relaxed, slightly oversized fit and are frequently found in warm, substantial yarns like lambswool, merino, and cashmere blends. Deep, muted colors — charcoal, burgundy, navy, tobacco brown — tend to suit the gravitas of the silhouette well.
How to wear it: The shawl collar cardigan excels in smart-casual and business-casual contexts. Men can pair it with a crisp Oxford shirt, tailored chinos, and leather loafers for a look that’s relaxed without being underdressed. Women can layer one over a silk blouse and wide-leg trousers, letting the dramatic collar frame the face beautifully. Because the shawl collar already draws attention upward, keep necklaces and scarves to a minimum — they compete with the design of the collar itself. A cashmere shawl collar cardigan in a rich color makes an excellent piece for holiday dressing as well, worn over a simple dress or formal trousers when the setting calls for warmth rather than a blazer.
8. The Varsity or Letter Cardigan
Inspired by the letter sweaters of American collegiate tradition, the varsity cardigan is characterized by contrast color-blocking — typically a solid body in one color with striped ribbing at the hem, cuffs, and neckline in one or two contrasting shades. It often features a button-down front, and in its most traditional form it would display a large embroidered letter or patch on the chest.
Contemporary versions of the varsity cardigan have been updated by designers and fast-fashion brands alike, sometimes incorporating bold patterns, retro color combinations, or vintage-inspired graphics. The overall effect is sporty, nostalgic, and distinctly youthful.
How to wear it: Lean into the retro aesthetic and pair a varsity cardigan with high-waisted straight-leg jeans, a plain white tee, and white sneakers for a look that feels vintage without being costume-y. Women can wear it as a top on its own over a pleated mini skirt and knee socks for a fashion-forward, 90s-inflected outfit. Men can wear it open over a polo shirt and pleated chinos for a look that mixes athletic and preppy influences cleverly. The key with varsity cardigans is to avoid going too matchy-matchy — if your cardigan has red trim, don’t pair it with all-red separates. Let the cardigan be the statement and keep everything else fairly neutral.
9. The Cocoon Cardigan
The cocoon cardigan is perhaps the most relaxed and unconstructed of all cardigan styles. It features a rounded, enveloping silhouette that wraps the body loosely, with no sharp angles or fitted points. The back is often slightly longer than the front, and the sleeves may be dolman or batwing style, created by the same piece of knitted fabric as the body rather than set in separately. The result is something that feels more like a wearable blanket than a traditional knit.
Cocoon cardigans are frequently designed without buttons or closures of any kind, relying entirely on their drape and weight to stay in place. They’re popular in both fine merino knits and heavier, chunky weights, and they’ve become a staple of minimalist and Scandinavian-influenced wardrobes.
How to wear it: Because the cocoon cardigan is so relaxed in shape, it pairs best with sleek, fitted pieces that prevent the overall look from becoming shapeless. Try it over a ribbed turtleneck and slim straight trousers, with minimal accessories and clean-soled Chelsea boots. This creates a quiet, considered outfit that feels effortlessly modern. For a weekend look, layer a cocoon cardigan over a simple bodysuit and your best-fitting jeans — the cardigan will cocoon your upper body while the rest of the outfit remains defined. Choose a cocoon cardigan in an interesting texture or unexpected color rather than a safe neutral if you want it to read as a deliberate style choice rather than just comfort dressing.
Building a Cardigan Wardrobe That Works
You don’t need all nine styles to get the most out of cardigans in your wardrobe. Start with two or three that suit your lifestyle and existing closet, and build from there. A classic button-down cardigan in a neutral shade is the single most versatile option and the best place to start for almost anyone. From there, an oversized cardigan adds a cozy layer for weekends and casual days, while a longline or shawl-collar option handles smarter occasions beautifully.
The universal rules that make any cardigan look good are proportion, contrast, and intention. Think about the length of the cardigan relative to what you’re wearing underneath. Consider whether your overall silhouette is balanced — something roomy on top pairs with something slimmer below, and vice versa. And always make a deliberate choice rather than throwing a cardigan on as an afterthought, because even the simplest knitwear looks significantly better when the rest of the outfit is composed around it.
Cardigans are one of those rare fashion items that span generations, genders, and style tribes without losing their integrity. Whether you’re drawn to the cozy minimalism of a cocoon cardigan or the heritage craft of a cable-knit, there’s a version that belongs in your closet — and now you know exactly how to wear it.
