Stylish "non grandad" cardigans for men
I'm not sure whether to blame it on the pandemic and the 'casualisation' of menswear, but I've had a lot of clients asking for cardigans recently. And I can see why.....easier to take on and off than a sweater, you can whip open the zip or buttons if you're overheating, and it's more casual than a blazer.
If you're picturing the type of cardigan your grandad might have worn, then check these out.......no acrylic or argyle here thank you very much, just cool and sophisticated customers.
This might just be the perfect cardigan - I've bought it with a few clients and it's always a quick decision for them to make. It doesn't look 'grandad' because of the zip and the bomber style, it's slightly smarter than a hoody but casual enough to wear with jeans or shorts. Knitted in a honeycomb texture it has a two tone effect to it which makes it rather interesting and there are lots of other colours available too....I'm pretty sure you'll wonder how you did without it, once it's in your wardrobe.
'16 Singular' crew neck bomber jacket - John Smedley - £275
For the slightly more fashion forward crowd, this is a great option from Universal Works. Boxy and with a subtle Prince of Wales check pattern, it's just the thing to go with tan chinos, jeans and Birkenstocks, or some loose cotton trousers and trainers. It's in a comfy jersey fabric, but with the more formal pattern which is usually associated with suiting, you could even potentially wear it to work.
'Grey Wales check fleece' cardigan - Universal Works - £95 (down from £135)
Prefer a more classic style? Then this one's for you. You can pretty much wear it with anything and everything! Pale blue shorts and a white t-shirt on holiday, at weekends with grey jeans and a striped t-shirt, or as an extra layer for work when the weather gets chillier with a white shirt and a raincoat.
The sales are a great opportunity to buy classics like this, from great brands like Slowear at a much reduced price - in this case, half the price. But get your skates on - there's only one left!
Slim fit linen and cotton blend cardigan - Incotex at Mr Porter - £240 (down from £480)
Okay, so this is not exactly a cardigan, but whilst out sourcing things for a client, I noted this one down just in case he wanted to go a bit smarter - turns out he did! Fantastic for travelling (with an inside pocket for your passport) or wear it to smarten up a jeans and t-shirt combo, or for a comfortable work option. It'll be so easy to integrate into your wardrobe and something I'm sure you'll turn to again and again. (And if you get it and still don't know what to wear it with, drop me an email and I'll tell you!)
Dusk grey 'lounge blazer' - Hamilton & Hare - £192.50 (down from £275)
If you want something for summer holidays that you don't have to worry too much about then consider this great option from Massimo Dutti. It's a simple, stylish design in a nice weight and easy colour to combine. And at this price you won't be worrying too much if your kids smear their fish'n'chip fingers on you, or you end up covered in wet sand whilst diving for the Frisbee during a damp summer's day game!
Cotton knit cardigan with zip - Massimo Dutti - £22.95 (down from £59.95)
"Sarah has a good eye for what fits and which colours work, and she provides excellent service. She shows genuine enthusiasm for finding clothes that suit me and and are what I am looking for, working within my budgetary guidelines while also bringing me to places I have not shopped before.
She has encouraged me to push the envelope a little bit on colour and style, which is exactly what I asked for. Her "scouting" ahead of a shopping trip saved me masses of time, which is great because I wanted better clothes but I really hate shopping.
After a trip is over, she has been willing to exchange emails about where to look for the 1-2 items that were not found, and also to provide advice on what goes well with what else.
I have used her service for two big shopping trips (one winter, one summer), and would highly recommend Sarah to any man who wants to improve their wardrobe but does not enjoy hunting for and choosing clothes."
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