Monday, April 29, 2024

These 25 Cardis Definitely Aren’t Your Grandma’s

It’s no secret that we love sweaters during winter — chunky knits, turtlenecks, striped jumpers — you name it. But spring offers another glorious opportunity for knitwear as we trade in our heavier knits for lighter options that add that perfect finishing touch to a layered outfit (not to mention keep us warm on breezier spring days and are perfect for travel). The current style us R29ers have been turning to is: the cardigan.  

Cardigans made a stylish comeback in 2022 when micro versions made headlines during New York Fashion Week. Designers like Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Kim Shui debuted tiny cardigans — the cousin to the viral pin tops — during their spring 2022 runways. As you can imagine, fashion enthusiasts and celebs ate it up — and they still are. Currently, these knitted bitties are hitting the streets in all colors and styles as a year round staple, you can see everyone from EmRata to Jennifer Lawrence wearing their cardigans around town. And this spring wardrobe staple will easily take you into next season — at the fall/winter 2024 shows, Ulla Johnson and Tibi used cardigans as capes.

From whimsical hues, funky patterns, and chunky knits to classic silhouettes, front-close knits are here to complement your spring fits. Don't worry; we still added a few of the beloved oversized and cable-knit styles for you to throw on. Here are 25 of the best cardigans around to get you started.

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FALL INTRO:

It’s no secret that we love sweaters — chunky knits, turtlenecks, striped jumpers — you name it. Can you blame us? There’s nothing better than a cozy knit top to snuggle in while you venture out in the brisk outdoors. But if we have one tiny little complaint about the state of knitwear, it’s this: Every style looks the same as those from years past. Sweaters can get repetitive. However, one silhouette that has been upgraded in the past few years is cardigans.  "My unraveling chunky cardigan," you ask? Not exactly. The best cardigan in your wardrobe has yet to come. 

Cardigans started to make a stylish comeback in fall 2022 when micro versions made headlines during New York Fashion Week. Designers like Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Kim Shui debuted tiny cardigans — the cousin to the viral pin tops — during their spring 2022 runways. As you can imagine, fashion enthusiasts and celebs ate it up. While the itty-bitty, thin cardigan is still floating along, many are opting for warmer, more sustainable options in 2024-ready designs.  

From whimsical hues, funky patterns, and chunky knits to classic silhouettes, front-close knits are here to spice up your cool-weather ensembles. Don't worry; we still added a few of the beloved oversized and cable-knit styles for you to throw on while listening to T Swift's "Cardigan." Here are 21 of the best cardigans around to get you started.

Lululemon Boxy Cotton-Blend Knit Wrap


Cardigans aren't just for your everyday wear, they're also perfect to throw on after a long workout if you need to run some errands afterward. 

Shop Lululemon

Lululemon Boxy Cotton-Blend Knit Wrap, $, available at Lululemon

Maeve 3D Strawberry Cardigan Sweater


3D strawberries on a cardigan? We are berry berry obsessed, indeed.

Shop Maeve at Anthropologie

Maeve 3D Strawberry Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Anthropologie

Free People Willow Cardi


Feel oh-so-soft in this fuzzy Willow Cardi that will keep you warm from cool breezes all spring.

Shop Free People

Free People Willow Cardi, $, available at Free People

Love, Bonito Hazel Puff Sleeve Crop Cardigan


When the weather warms up, this short-sleeved cropped cardigan allows you to maintain a polished cardi look. We love the little details like the puffed sleeves and matching buttons.

Shop Love, Bonito


Love Bonito Hazel Puff Sleeve Crop Cardigan, $, available at Love Bonito

Rachel Antonoff Ana Cardigan


We weren't necessarily fans of our veggies growing up, but this rainbow peas cardigan has changed our minds.

Shop Rachel Antonoff


Rachel Antonoff Ana Cardigan, $, available at Rachel Antonoff

Hunter Bell Callen Cardigan


Just because we're not quite at beach weather doesn't mean we can't wear seahorses and pretend we're lying on the sand.

Shop Hunter Bell

Hunter Bell Callen Cardigan, $, available at Hunter Bell

H&M Teddy Fleece Cardigan


Teddy fleece can totally be worn during spring, something's gotta keep you warm when you go tulip picking in the fields.

Shop H&M

H&M Teddy Fleece Cardigan with Collar, $, available at H&M

Lake Pajamas Nora Cotton Cardigan


The ribbed and oversized cuffs are a perfect addition to this cozy spring layering piece, and it’s  made of 100% cotton so you know it’s soft as heck.

Shop Lake Pajamas

LAKE Pajamas Nora Cotton Cardigan, $, available at LAKE Pajamas

Treasure & Bond Cap Sleeve Cardigan


There's no right way to do a cardigan, but we love this cap sleeve cutie from Treasure & Bond for a more spring-forward take on the classic.

Shop Treasure & Bond at Nordstrom

Treasure & Bond Cap Sleeve Cardigan, $, available at Nordstom

Universal Standard Fuzzy Duster Cardigan


A nice long duster cardigan is the perfect apparel for a good ol' WFH day.

Shop Universal Standard

Universal Standard Fuzzy Duster Cardigan, $, available at Universal Standard

Buck Mason Soft Spun Cotton Boxy Cardigan


There is nothing like a classic boxy cardigan to polish off a spring outfit. We love Buck Mason's version made of homespun cotton that is soft as silk.

Shop Buck Mason

Buck Mason Soft Spun Cotton Boxy Cardigan, $, available at Buck Mason

Cider V-Neck Cat Button Knitted Cardigan


Halloween may be in October, but we think that spooky szn outfits are acceptable year-round.

Shop Cider

cider V-Neck Cat Button Knitted Cardigan, $, available at Cider

Yours Longline Cardigan


Pop on this relaxed-fit duster cardigan to add some coziness to any outfit.

Shop Yours at ASOS

Yours Longline Cardigan, $, available at ASOS

Show Me Your Mumu Lambert Cardigan


The bright green collegiate stripes will add a hint of prep to your outfit.

Shop Show Me Your Mumu at Revolve

Show Me Your Mumu Lambert Cardigan, $, available at Revolve

Everlane Alpaca V-Neck Cropped Cardigan


Everlane's cropped cardigan is a spring staple, for sure, and the beige and cream plaid pattern almost acts as a neutral.

Shop Everlane

Everlane The Alpaca V-Neck Cropped Cardigan, $, available at Everlane

Urban Outfitters Lala Shrunken Cardigan


Spring is all about layering, especially with a perfectly shrunken spring-green cardigan with delicate ruffle trim detailing.

Shop Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Lala Shrunken Cardigan, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Quince Baby Alpaca-Wool Cropped Cardigan


Quince is back at it again with the affordable alpaca knitwear.

Shop Quince

Quince Baby Alpaca-Wool Cropped Cardigan, $, available at Quince

Gap Textured Sweater Jacket


Gap is full of timeless styles that will last you over the years, take this navy straight-fit cardigan for example.

Shop Gap

Gap Textured Sweater Jacket, $, available at Gap

Alice + Olivia Kitty Puff-Sleeve Cardigan


Alice + Olivia always wows us with its eye-catching take on classics, such as this cable-knit cardigan with fabulous bow closures.

Shop Alice + Olivia

Alice + Olivia Kitty Puff-Sleeve Cardigan, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Sancia Frida Cardigan


On Wednesdays, we wear pink!

Shop Sancia

SANCIA Frida Cardigan, $, available at Revolve

LPA Ruffle Sweater Cardigan


Lean into the coquette craze with this feminine ruffled cardigan.

Shop LPA Revolve

LPA Ruffle Sweater Cardigan, $, available at Revolve

Torrid Cropped Cable Cardigan Embellished Sweater


And when you walk in the room you can make the whole place shimmer.

Shop Torrid

Torrid Cropped Cable Cardigan Embellished Sweater, $, available at Torrid

COS Cropped Wool-Blend Cardigan


No one ever said there are rules for how long a cardigan has to be. We love COS' cropped version for those who want the warmth of a cardi without the length.

Shop COS

COS Cropped Wool-Blend Cardigan, $, available at COS

Jenni Kayne Cable Cocoon Cardigan


Jenni Kayne's classic Cable Cocoon cardigan is definitely one for the books.

Shop Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne Cable Cocoon Cardigan, $, available at Jenni Kayne

Madewell Split-Crewneck Cardigan Tank 


Classic cardigan styles may not be for you, and that's okay. For those who fall into that category, we present to you the cardigan tank.

Shop Madewell

Madewell Split-Crewneck Cardigan Tank, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Signature Knit Crewneck Cardigan Sweater


Perhaps this was the cardigan that Taylor Swift was singing about.

Shop Madewell

Madewell The Signature Knit Crewneck Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Madewell

Rhode Diego Cardigan


Add some much-needed color and texture to your all-black winter wardrobe.

Shop Rhode

Rhode Diego Cardigan, $, available at Rhode

COS Textured Alpaca-Blend Wrap Cardigan


While not your textbook cardigan, COS's wrapped version will still keep you nice and cozy.

Shop COS

COS Textured Alpaca-Blend Wrap Cardigan, $, available at COS

Christine Alcalay Emma Sweater


Embrace your inner lover girl with this hand-crocheted cardigan made of 100% baby alpaca.

Shop Christine Alcalay

Christine Alcalay Emma Sweater, $, available at Christine Alcalay

BCBGeneration Contrast Knit Cardigan


This classic black and white cardigan is spiced up with metallic threading for that extra oomph.

Shop BCBGeneration

BCBGeneration Contrast Knit Cardigan, $, available at Revolve

Torrid Vegan Cashmere Cardigan V-Neck Drop Shoulder Sweater


We're feeling pretty in pink.

Shop Torrid

Torrid Vegan Cashmere Cardigan V-Neck Drop Shoulder Sweater, $, available at Torrid

Boden Merino Scallop Cardigan


The little scalloped details on this classic Merino cardigan make it that much cuter.

Shop Boden

Boden Merino Scallop Cardigan, $, available at Boden

Gap Boucle Cropped Sweater Jacket


No matter what you've heard, boucle is always in style.

Shop Gap

Gap Boucle Cropped Sweater Jacket, $, available at Gap

Lululemon Wool-Blend Jacquard Cardigan


Fierce is the best word to describe this leopard-print cardigan made of thermoregulating merino wool.

Shop Lululemon


Lululemon Wool-Blend Jacquard Cardigan, $, available at Lululemon

Smartwool Cozy Lodge Cropped Cardigan Sweater


Smartwool makes awesome socks, but did you know it makes comfy cardigans, too?

Shop Smartwool

Smartwool Cozy Lodge Cropped Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Smartwool

Stateside Farmboy Rib Cropped Collared Cardigan


Shop Stateside

Stateside Farmboy Rib Cropped Collared Cardigan, $, available at Bailey44

& Other Stories Tie-Front Ribbed Cardigan


Shop & Other Stories

And Other Stories Tie-Front Ribbed Cardigan, $, available at And Other Stories

Kimchi Blue Dayna Shrunken Cardigan


Colder weather is all about cool-girl layering, especially with a perfectly shrunken cardigan.

Shop Urban Outfitters

Kimchi Blue Dayna Shrunken Cardigan, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Pact Fisherman Knit Button-Front Cardigan


Stay cozy in Pact's chunky knit cardigan no matter the weather.

Shop Pact

PACT Fisherman Knit Button-Front Cardigan, $, available at PACT

By Anthropologie Floral Knit Cardigan Sweater


Spring may have come and gone, but flowers are always in style.

Shop Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Floral Knit Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Anthropologie

Sandro Preston Houndstooth Cardigan


Shop Sandro

Sandro Preston Houndstooth Cardigan, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Rose Carmine Cropped Striped Crochet-Knit Mohair-Blend Cardigan


Shop Rose Carmine

Rose Carmine Cropped Striped Crochet-Knit Mohair-Blend Cardigan, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Lululemon Boxy Cotton-Blend Cardigan


Shop Lululemon


Lululemon Boxy Cotton-Blend Cardigan, $, available at Lululemon

Dôen Petra Cardigan


Shop Dôen

Dôen Petra Cardigan, $, available at Dôen

Free People Ella Sweater Shirt


Shop Free People

Free People Ella Sweater Shirt, $, available at Free People

Out From Under Leilani Ribbed Cardigan


Shop Urban Outfitters

Out From Under Leilani Ribbed Cardigan, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Spell Highland Knit Cardigan


Shop Spell

Spell Highland Knit Cardigan, $, available at Spell

River Island Boucle Knitted Cardigan


Shop River Island

River Island Boucle Knitted Cardigan, $, available at River Island

Maurices Plus Size Waffle Knit Cardigan


Shop Maurices

maurices Plus Size Waffle Knit Cardigan, $, available at maurices

COS Ribbed-Knit Merino Wool Cardigan


Shop COS

COS Ribbed-Knit Merino Wool Cardigan, $, available at COS

Hollister Co. Cozy Tie-Front Crop Cardigan


Shop Hollister Co.

Hollister Co. Cozy Tie-Front Crop Cardigan, $, available at Hollister Co.

Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino Ribbed Polo Cardigan


Shop Uniqlo

Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino Ribbed Polo Cardigan, $, available at Uniqlo

Ulla Popken Scoop Neck Floral Embroidered Cardigan


Shop Ulla Popken

Ulla Popken Scoop Neck Floral Embroidered Cardigan, $, available at Ulla Popken

Gap Pointelle Cardigan


Shop Gap

Gap Pointelle Cardigan, $, available at Gap

Hunter Bell Emma Tailored Sweater


Shop Hunter Bell

Hunter Bell Emma Tailored Sweater, $, available at Hunter Bell

Rachel Antonoff Ana Cardigan


Shop Rachel Antonoff

Rachel Antonoff Cori Cardigan, $, available at Rachel Antonoff

Rachel Antonoff Ana Cardigan, $, available at Lisa Says Gah

Torrid Retro Cropped Cardigan Embroidered Sweater


Shop Torrid

Torrid Retro Cropped Cardigan Embroidered Sweater, $, available at Torrid

Mango Check Knitted Cardigan


Shop Mango

Mango Check Knitted Cardigan, $, available at Mango

H&M+ Knit Cardigan


Shop H&M+

H&M H&M+ Knit Cardigan, $, available at H&M

Urban Outfitters Rosie Faux Fur Trim Cardigan


Shop Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Rosie Faux Fur Trim Cardigan, $, available at Urban Outfitters

River Island Green Long Sleeve Cardigan


Shop River Island

River Island Green Long Sleeve Cardigan, $, available at River Island

YanYan Curious V-Neck Cardigan In Turmeric Multi Lambswool


Shop YanYan

YanYan Curious V-Neck Cardigan In Turmeric Multi Lambswool, $, available at YanYan

Uniqlo UV Protection Crew Neck Cropped Cardigan


Shop Uniqlo

Uniqlo UV Protection Crew Neck Cropped Cardigan, $, available at Uniqlo

Zara Structured Knit Jacket


Shop Zara

Zara Structured Knit Jacket, $, available at Zara

ASOS Crop Cardigan With 3D Textured Stitch


Shop ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Crop Cardigan With 3D Textured Stitch, $, available at ASOS

COS Minimal Cropped V-Neck Cardigan


Shop COS

COS Minimal Cropped V-Neck Cardigan, $, available at COS

J.Crew Featherweight Cashmere Cropped Cardigan Sweater


Shop J.Crew

J.Crew Featherweight Cashmere Cropped Cardigan Sweater, $, available at J.Crew


Everlane The Chunky Cardigan, $, available at Everlane

Zara Jewel Button Knit Cardigan


Shop Zara

Zara Jewel Button Knit Cardigan, $, available at Zara

More To Come Malya Tie Cardigan


Shop More To Come

MORE TO COME Malya Tie Cardigan, $, available at Revolve

O'Dolly Dearest Whatever Forever Feather Trim Cardigan



Shop O'Dolly Dearest

O'Dolly Dearest Whatever Forever Feather Trim Cardigan, $, available at O'Dolly Dearest

Madewell Lovell Cardigan Sweater


Shop Madewell

Madewell Lovell Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Madewell

Ugg Joselyn Lounge Cardigan


Shop Ugg

Ugg Joselyn Lounge Cardigan, $, available at Ugg

Jet Mid Length Cardigan


Shop Threadbare

Threadbare Curve Jet Mid Length Cardigan, $, available at ASOS

Bailey44 Brea Sweater Deep V Cardigan


Shop Bailey44

Bailey 44 Brea Sweater Deep V Cardigan, $, available at Bailey 44

Uniqlo Low Gauge V-Neck Long-Sleeve Cardigan


Shop Uniqlo

Uniqlo Low Gauge V-Neck Long-Sleeve Cardigan, $, available at Uniqlo

Rachel Antoff Cori Cardigan


Shop Rachel Antoff


Rachel Antonoff Cori Cardigan, $, available at Rachel Antonoff

Eloquii Tipping Detail Cardigan Sweater Dress


Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Tipping Detail Cardigan Sweater Dress, $, available at Eloquii

COS Zip-Up Ribbed-Knit Cardigan


Shop COS

COS Zip-Up Ribbed-Knit Cardigan, $, available at COS


Eloquii Colorblock Sweater Cardigan Dress, $, available at Eloquii

River Island Green Long Sleeve Cardigan


Shop River Island

River Island Green Rib Long Sleeve Cardigan, $, available at River Island

& Other Stories Wool Knit Glitter Cardigan


Shop & Other Stories

And Other Stories Wool Knit Glitter Cardigan, $, available at And Other Stories

Farm Rio Mixed Textures Button-Front Crochet Cardigan


Shop Farm Rio

Farm Rio Mixed Textures Button-Front Crochet Cardigan, $, available at Net-A-Porter


YanYan Curious Embroidered Colorblock Lambswool Cardigan, $, available at Nordstrom

Free People Bonfire Cardi


Shop Free People

Free People Bonfire Cardi, $, available at Free People


Daisy Street Plus 90's Cropped Cardigan, $, available at ASOS

Pilcro Flower Cardigan Sweater


Shop Pilcro

Pilcro Pilcro Flower Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Anthropologie

Madewell Brampton Crop Cardigan Sweater


Shop Madewell

Madewell Brampton Crop Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Madewell


Sandro Driss Wool Cable Knit Cardigan, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Pilcro Cropped Patchwork Cardigan Sweater


Shop Pilcro

Pilcro Cropped Patchwork Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Anthropologie


H&M Short Cardigan, $, available at H&M


Miss Selfridge Cable Contrast Bow Cardigan In Ivory, $, available at ASOS


Everlane The Alpaca V-Neck Cropped Cardigan, $, available at Everlane


Alex Mill Margot Cardigan, $, available at Alex Mill


Mango Oversize Knit Cardigan, $, available at Mango


Farm Rio Colorful Bananas Cardigan, $, available at Farm Rio


Ganni Solid Cardigan, $, available at Lisa Says Gah


BP. Plus Crop Recycled Blend Cardigan, $, available at Nordstrom Rack


& Other Stories Boxy Asymmetric Cardigan, $, available at & Other Stories


Mango Multi-Color Knit Cardigan, $, available at Mango


UO Bec Cardigan, $, available at Urban Outfitters


& Other Stories Boxy Waffle Stitch Cardigan, $, available at & Other Stories


Free People High Tide Cardi, $, available at Free People


The Drop Divya Pointelle Full Sleeve Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Amazon


Eloquii Cutout Neckline Cardigan, $, available at Eloquii


Victor Glemaud Pink Wool Cardigan, $, available at SSENSE


Lisa Says Gah Leti Button Up, $, available at Lisa Says Gah


H&M Jacquard-Knit Cardigan, $, available at H&M


Scoop Faux Sherpa Grandpa Cardigan, $, available at Walmart


Uniqlo U Full Needle Short Cardigan, $, available at Uniqlo


Christopher John Rogers Color-Block Ribbed Cardigan, $, available at Net-A-Porter
From now on, no cardigan roundup is complete without the Harry-Styles-approved one that sparked a viral TikTok sensation.

JW Anderson Colorblock Patchwork Cardigan, $, available at JW Anderson

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Why Are Cardigans Trending On TikTok?

Harry Styles' Cardigan Is Summer’s Top Trend

Don't Snooze On Finding A Cute, Cozy Cardigan

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