There’s something uniquely satisfying about a well-chosen cardigan. It’s the piece that finishes a look without overwhelming it, adds warmth without bulk, and works as effortlessly in a boardroom as it does on a weekend coffee run. Whether you’re deep-diving into the world of knitwear for the first time or looking to refresh a collection that’s been sitting unchanged for years, understanding the different types of cardigans is the first step to building a wardrobe that’s both versatile and genuinely stylish.
From their humble beginnings as a useful military outfit donned by British troops in the Crimean War (named after James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan) to becoming one of the most adored layering pieces across every fashion group today, cardigans have traveled quite far. The cardigan is back in the spotlight in 2026, and it’s looking better than before.
Let’s start then. From the traditional favorites that never fade to the current shapes influencing closets right now, here is everything you need to know about all kinds of cardigans.
What Is a Cardigan, Exactly?
Before diving into the different types of cardigans for men and women, it helps to define what makes a cardigan a cardigan. A cardigan is a knitted fabric garment, technically a type of sweater, with an open front that can be worn fastened or unfastened. Unlike a pullover, which you draw over your head, a cardigan opens down the front, typically with buttons, a zipper, or no closure at all. Cardigans get their trademark adaptability from an open-front design.
Wool, merino, cashmere, cotton, linen, acrylic, and several blends make up their composition. The fabric selection greatly influences both the level of warmth and the general appearance; a chunky wool cardigan reads really differently from a fine linen one, even if the cut is the same.
The Different Types of Cardigans You Should Know
1. Button-Up Cardigans
The button-up cardigan is the one cardigan that has been a mainstay in wardrobes for decades without losing significance. This is the archetype most people envision when they hear the term “cardigan”. Usually, in a V-neck, crew-neck, or shawl-collar cut, it has a full-length front opening closed with buttons.
For men’s and women’s closets alike, the button-up is arguably the most versatile of all the cardigan styles. For women, it can be styled over tailored pants for the workplace, worn totally buttoned as a top on its own, layered open over a slip dress, or layered over. It looks fantastic for males over a crisp Oxford shirt with chinos for smart-casual or with denim and a T-shirt for a laid-back weekend ensemble.
In terms of types of fabric, button-up cardigans come in everything from airy cotton and linen for warmer months to rich merino and cashmere for cooler seasons. If you’re building a foundational wardrobe, a classic button-up in a neutral shade, navy, grey, camel, or a timeless black cardigan, is the one to invest in first.
Regarding office and formal attire, the button-up cardigan is your finest friend among all kinds of cardigans. Layered over a collared shirt in cashmere or a fine-gauge merino, it offers just the right mix of approachable and professional. Over a white shirt with fitted pants, a charcoal or navy V-neck button-up is a fail-proof combo that is smart without seeming rigid.
2. Open-Front CardigansÂ
The open-front cardigan is exactly what it sounds like, a cardigan with no buttons, zippers, or belts, designed to fall naturally open at the front. Among the types of open cardigans, this style is the most free-flowing, draped, and casually elegant.
What distinguishes the open-front from its button-up equivalent? Fundamentally, it’s about aim. An open-front cardigan is always open, imparting a purposefully laid-back, simple quality to the attire; a button-up cardigan allows you to choose of closing and opening. Thrown over a tank top and jeans, dangled over a sundress, or wrapped around the shoulders on a chilly night, it serves wonderfully as a layering item.
Open-front cardigans in light cotton or rayon are summertime and transitional-season necessities for ladies. During the cooler months, a bulky open-front knit in wool or a wool blend adds texture and warmth without the form of a buttoned garment. Rayon and cotton are perfect for airy, warm-weather selections; wool or cashmere is preferable for warm winter layering.
Anyone who feels fully buttoned cardigans too formal or confining will find the open-front shape especially ideal. Coming in a vast array of lengths, textiles, and designs, it is, by its nature, casual and wearable.
3. Cable Knit CardigansÂ
Few things in fashion feel as simultaneously cozy and timeless as a well-crafted cable knit cardigan. The distinctive twisted rope-like patterns that define cable knit knitwear have their roots in the Aran Islands of Ireland, where fishermen used these intricate stitch patterns for both warmth and identity, each family clan had its own unique pattern woven into the wool.
Among all the types of knit cardigans, the cable knit is the most visually rich. The raised, interlocking stitches create a three-dimensional texture that adds visual depth and substantial warmth, making it one of the best choices for cold weather. Types of knitted cardigans in cable patterns are available in everything from fine-gauge lightweight versions to thick, chunky iterations that function almost like outerwear.
For men, a cable knit cardigan, especially in a shawl collar style, is a quintessential piece. It pairs naturally with jeans, chinos, or corduroy, and works well over a simple T-shirt or layered over a flannel shirt on colder days. For women, cable knit cardigans are equally at home styled with leggings and ankle boots or belted at the waist over a midi skirt.
When it comes to types of winter cardigans, the cable knit is arguably the king. Its thick, tightly woven structure traps heat effectively, and materials like merino wool and cashmere add exceptional softness on top of the warmth. A chunky oversized cable knit cardigan is one of the best cardigans to reach for when temperatures really drop.
4. Shawl Collar CardigansÂ
Between casual and sophisticated, the shawl collar cardigan has a special and lovely position. Giving it a jacket-like look that most other cardigans cannot match, its hallmark is the broad, sweeping collar that folds back on itself to generate lapels. Giving additional warmth and visual complexity, this oversized collar encircles the neck and shoulders.
Among males’ cardigans, this look especially dominates. Strong Ivy League connections define the shawl collar cardigan, once a standard of mid-20th-century American collegiate fashion, often worn with chinos and loafers; it has been completely contemporary. Styled with narrow jeans and clean white sneakers, it functions just as well today in a more modern environment as it does in a classic one.
The shawl collar is the solution for males looking for something between a relaxed knit and a sharp jacket. Layered over a button-down shirt with trousers, it can represent a sport coat in intelligent-casual situations. Choosing the correct weight is essential; a fine-gauge shawl collar in merino seems lighter and more adaptable, while a hefty cable-knit shawl collar in lambswool or cashmere is built for serious warmth and weekend wear.
Among different types of male cardigans, the shawl collar is one of the few that can credibly be worn to a semi-formal dinner, a casual Friday at the office, or a country walk, often with only minor adjustments to what’s worn underneath.
5. Oversized and Boyfriend Cardigans
If you have spent any time on social media recently, you have surely seen large cardigans all around, and rightfully so. Cozy-chic’s epitome, the oversized cardigan, simultaneously looks deliberate and effortless.
A particular variation of the oversized look is the boyfriend cardigan. Originally, this was a kind of cardigan for men that women started borrowing and styling in their own way, hence the boyfriend label, as the name suggests. Available for all sexes, this standalone look is popular for its big, lived-in shape today. Typically featuring a longer length, large pockets, thick buttons or toggles, and a somewhat sagging, loose fit.
Among types of cardigans for women, the oversized boyfriend cardigan remains one of the most-searched and best-selling styles. It pairs naturally with leggings and a basic tee for the ultimate cozy-casual look, but it’s also surprisingly versatile, style it over a slip dress or a fitted turtleneck for something that feels more put-together while retaining that effortless quality.
The trick with oversized cardigans is fit and proportion. If you’re going for the true oversized look, sizing up one or two from your usual size gives you that perfect drapey effect. In fabrics, cotton-rayon blends give a lighter, more flowing drape, while chunky wool knits add structure and warmth to the roomy silhouette.
6. Cropped CardigansÂ
Among the types of cropped cardigans, there’s a style for practically every occasion. The defining feature is simple: these cardigans hit at or above the natural waist, creating a shorter silhouette that works beautifully with high-waisted bottoms, from wide-leg trousers to midi skirts to high-waisted jeans.
The cropped cardigan has had a remarkable moment in the spotlight recently. Fashion editors have dubbed it one of the biggest cardigan trends of 2025 and 2026, with lightweight, shorter-cut styles being embraced for their ability to feel modern and fresh compared to longer, heavier knits. French fashion girls have been particularly enthusiastic about the cropped silhouette, it pairs with high-waisted jeans without creating bulk at the waistband, it looks effortlessly chic over a dress, and it adds a layer without obscuring the outfit underneath.
Among types of cardigans for women, the cropped V-neck cardigan is a particular standout. The V-neckline elongates the neck and keeps the look from feeling too heavy up top, while the shorter length creates a flattering proportion. In warmer months, a cropped cotton or linen cardigan provides light coverage; in cooler weather, a cropped merino version adds warmth without the bulk of a full-length style.
For types of cardigans guys can pull off, the slightly cropped or “shrunken” cardigan has also made significant inroads in menswear. A cardigan that hits at the hip or just above, rather than dropping below, reads clean and contemporary, particularly styled over a T-shirt with tailored trousers.
7. Long and Maxi Cardigans
At the opposite end of the length spectrum from cropped styles are long and maxi cardigans, and they’re having a genuine resurgence in 2026. These cardigans fall at mid-thigh, knee-length, or even past the knee to maxi length, creating a statement silhouette that’s both dramatic and deeply comfortable.
Long cardigans work particularly well as a substitute for a coat in transitional weather, they provide genuine coverage and warmth without the structure of an actual coat. Among types of cardigans for ladies, the longline style is especially versatile: pair it with slim jeans or leggings and the cardigan becomes the visual star of the outfit; layer it over a dress for a cocooning, layered look; or style it belted at the waist to avoid looking overwhelmed by the fabric.
One modern trend deserves special notice: the maxi cardigan. Once felt rigidly retro, square-toed heels and contemporary silhouettes have given a completely new twist. A floor-grazing cardigan seems modern and deliberate rather than old.
Long and maxi designs in heavy wool, cashmere, or chunky knit fabrics are among the warmest options available in terms of types of winter cardigans. Extra length provides for greater coverage over the hips and thighs, and in a heavyweight knit, these cardigans can really replace a lightweight jacket in moderate cold.
8. Wrap Cardigans
The wrap cardigan adds a little different approach to the mix. It is intended to wrap across the body, either tying at the waist or dabbing loosely across the torso, rather than having a conventional open front or button placket. This wrapping style produces a naturally attractive silhouette that softly draws attention to the middle without the use of a different belt.
Perfect for layering over the colder months, wrap cardigans include warm, robust materials such as wool, cashmere, and thick cotton. Among several kinds of women’s cardigans, they are especially well-liked because the wrap construction fits naturally to various body shapes, therefore producing a smooth, cozy fit across a large spectrum of sizes.
One of the finest features of the wrap cardigan is its capacity to move among seasons. For evening or air-conditioned locations, a lightweight cotton wrap cardigan is perfect in spring and summer; a heavier wool or cashmere variant is really comfortable throughout autumn and winter. For the most adaptable, long-lasting choice, search for mid-thigh to knee-length variations in neutral hues, black, camel, grey, oatmeal.
9. Belted CardigansÂ
Take any cardigan and cinch a belt around the waist, and you’ve instantly elevated the outfit. The belted cardigan makes this a built-in feature, coming with either a matching fabric belt or loops to accommodate a belt of your choosing. The effect is a defined silhouette that balances the inherent casualness of knitwear with a more structured, polished aesthetic.
Among different types of cardigans for ladies, the belted style is one of the most office-appropriate. In better materials like merino wool or cashmere, it can easily hold its own in formal and semi-formal contexts, providing a professional silhouette devoid of the formality of a blazer. Over a silk blouse with fitted trousers, a belted cardigan in a simple neutral is a very sophisticated work attire.
Long and cropped belted cardigans exist. With its dramatic aspect, the belted long cardigan produces an elongated, coat-like shape that fits well for autumn and winter. It gives warmth and visual interest at once in cable knit or textured materials.
10. Hooded Cardigans
The hooded cardigan is the most casual entry on this list, and that’s not a criticism. Sometimes casual is exactly what the occasion calls for, and a well-designed hooded cardigan does it beautifully. With a built-in hood that protects the head, neck, and shoulders from wind and chill, this style bridges the gap between a traditional cardigan and a hoodie.
Hooded cardigans are a practical choice for outdoor errands, casual weekend wear, or any situation where you want warmth and comfort without formality. Among types of cardigans for men, the hooded style is a popular choice, it reads relaxed and easy, and in a zip-front version, it functions very much like a casual jacket. For women, an oversized hooded cardigan in a chunky knit is the ultimate cozy companion for working from home or lazy weekends.
If you opt for an oversized style, you can genuinely wrap yourself in it, which, depending on your mood, is either a practical feature or a luxury. Pair a hooded cardigan with joggers, denim, or leggings for a cohesive casual look.
11. Zip-Up Cardigans
Offering all the warmth and layering possibilities of a typical cardigan with a more contemporary, streamlined clasp, the zip-up cardigan also provides. A zipper runs down the front, full-length for maximum versatility or to the chest for a half-zip variation, in place of buttons. The outcome is a little sportier style that looks modern and clean.
Among the knit cardigans popular in 2026, the zip-front form stands out especially. According to Grazia fashion editors, the zip funnel-neck cardigan is a contemporary, minimalist option connecting outerwear and knitwear; leading high-street companies, including COS and ARKET, have been releasing excellent interpretations of this fashion. The zip cardigan, according to trend forecasters in knitwear, is becoming popular since it acts as actual light outerwear while still appearing current and new.
From fleece and cotton jersey for casual wear to fine merino and wool combinations for a more sophisticated appearance, zip cardigans go well in a range of textiles. With leggings and trainers for a sporty ensemble, or with tailored trousers for a smart-casual office look in more exquisite materials, they go well with jeans and a T-shirt.
12. Shrug CardigansÂ
Of all the cardigan styles, the shrug cardigans are the smallest and most understated. It mainly leaves the torso bare by only covering the shoulders, upper arms, and upper back. Designed to add a touch of coverage and warmth without concealing the underlying ensemble, the shrug is also referred to as a bolero cardigan, a crop cardigan, or a waist cardigan.
For evening events when a sleeveless dress or top needs just a little something more, a layer that’s refined rather than heavy, shrug cardigans are particularly helpful. A simple dress can become a more whole ensemble without compromising the visual impact of anything underneath, thanks to a fine-knit shrug in merino or silk-blend.
Among cardigan styles for women, the shrug is a year-round, flexible piece. A thin cotton or lace shrug offers little coverage in summer without adding heat. A warm wool shrug in a large, draped design helps the upper body stay warm during the winter while maintaining a lightweight overall appearance.
13. Cardigan Vests (Sleeveless Cardigans)
The sleeveless cardigan, also known as a cardigan vest, has made a significant comeback in recent years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. This style maintains the open-front, button-down structure of a traditional cardigan but removes the sleeves entirely, leaving the arms free. The result is a layering piece that provides core warmth and visual interest without the added weight of sleeves.
Cardigan vests have been a recurring trend in European fashion, types of European cardigans for women in particular have embraced the sleeveless silhouette as a chic way to add texture and depth to an outfit. Worn over a white button-down shirt, a crisp turtleneck, or even a delicate blouse, the cardigan vest adds a layer without heaviness.
For men, the sleeveless cardigan or vest is experiencing a similar revival, often styled over an Oxford shirt or a long-sleeve tee for a preppy, layered look. It’s one of the different types of cardigans men have been reaching for as an alternative to the traditional waistcoat in smart-casual contexts.
14. Waisted CardigansÂ
The waist cardigan is the one fashion trend now dominating discussions. Its form defines it: cut to follow and softly define the natural waist, it yields a tailored, flattering shape that distinguishes itself considerably from both the boxy oversized and the loose open-front designs.
One of the main looks emerging from Paris and elsewhere for 2026, the waisted cardigan has been noted in fashion magazines ranging from Vogue to Who What Wear. Seven years later, the Khaite Scarlet Cardigan, a fitted, tapered shape made famous by Katie Holmes in 2019, remains a cultural cornerstone, and the general waisted cardigan trend it sparked is still going strong.
What makes the waisted cardigan so appealing is the way it elevates any outfit. It adds polish to jeans in a way that an oversized or boxy knit simply can’t, and in finer fabrics like cashmere, it functions almost as elegant as a tailored top. Among types of womens cardigans, this is the one to prioritize if you’re looking for something that bridges the gap between comfort and sophistication.
15. Net and Mesh CardigansÂ
The net or mesh cardigan fulfills a gap that heavier knits cannot in air-conditioned offices, warm weather, or breezy summer evenings. These cardigans, which are made from open-knit or mesh fabric, produce an airy, lightweight layer with little warmth but great texture and visual appeal.
Net cardigans vary from more structured mesh to loose and airy. They’re quite adaptable in a neutral color like white, black, or camel, worn over a camisole, a bodysuit, or just shorts and a tank. Among forms of open cardigans for women, a fitted net cardigan over a sleeveless sheath dress is a particularly classy option for warmer-weather business settings; this style is among the most unique.
What’s Trending in Cardigans for 2026?
The cardigan renaissance that began a few years ago is very much continuing into 2026, but with a decidedly more polished, intentional energy. Here’s what’s standing out this year:
- Waisted and tapered silhouettes are having a major moment. The days of the one-size-fits-all boxy cardigan are giving way to cuts that actually follow the body’s shape. Brands from high street to luxury are offering cardigans cut closer to the waist, and they look significantly more refined styled over jeans or trousers.
- Cropped styles remain strong, particularly among younger demographics and in European fashion. The cropped cardigan’s ability to work with high-waisted bottoms without creating bulk at the waistband makes it a practical as well as stylish choice.
- Argyle patterns are back, and fashion editors are excited about it. The classic diamond-check pattern has been thoroughly modernized, showing up in unexpected color combinations and contemporary silhouettes. It’s a nod to heritage knitwear traditions that feels fresh rather than nostalgic.
- Zip-front cardigans are growing in popularity as they straddle the line between knitwear and outerwear. The modern zip cardigan, particularly in a funnel-neck or structured cut, feels genuinely current.
- Maxi cardigans are resurging after years in hibernation, styled with heels and modern proportions, they feel contemporary and dramatic rather than dated.
- Cable knit and textured cardigans remain essential, particularly in menswear, where the chunky cable knit shawl collar is firmly entrenched as a heritage-inspired style that never really goes out of fashion.
For men specifically, collared and polo-style cardigans, structured coat-like cardigans, and chunky textured styles are the key directions in 2026 menswear.
Cardigans for Men: What Are the Key Types?
All types of cardigans men’s wardrobes should contain can generally be organized into a few core categories. The V-neck button-up is the most versatile, it works over a shirt for work, or over a T-shirt for casual weekend wear. The shawl collar cable knit is the most characterful, lending heritage and warmth to any outfit. The zip-up cardigan is the most sporty and modern. And the cardigan vest is having a moment as a smart-casual layering piece over collared shirts.
For types of cardigans mens fashion currently embraces, the direction is clearly toward more intentional, structured styling. A well-chosen cardigan in merino or a premium blend can genuinely replace a blazer in smart-casual environments, particularly in a solid neutral like navy, charcoal, or black.
Choosing the Right Cardigan for Cold Weather
When the temperature really drops, not all cardigans are created equal. The types of winter cardigans best suited to genuine cold are those made from insulating natural fibres in substantial weights.
Chunky cable knit cardigans in merino or lambswool are excellent for cold weather, the thick, textured knit traps heat effectively, and the natural fibre breathes, keeping you warm without overheating. Shawl collar cardigans add extra neck and shoulder coverage on top of the warmth of the knit itself. Long and maxi cardigans in heavyweight wool or cashmere provide significant coverage over the body. Wrap cardigans in thick fabrics give you the option to bundle yourself in warmth.
For women, an oversized cable knit or a long wrap cardigan in cashmere or merino is the warmest and most comfortable choice for winter. For men, a shawl collar cable knit in lambswool or a heavyweight merino zip-up are the go-to options for genuinely cold weather.
Fabrics and Materials: What to Look For
The fabric of a cardigan determines both how it looks and how it performs, so it’s worth understanding the key options:
- Cashmere is the most luxurious option, extraordinarily soft, lightweight, and warm. It’s a significant investment, but a quality cashmere cardigan, properly cared for, can last decades.
- Merino wool is the most versatile natural fibre for cardigans. It’s soft enough to wear next to the skin, temperature-regulating (keeping you warm in cold and cool in mild weather), and durable. It’s the go-to for quality cardigans at a more accessible price point than cashmere.
- Lambswool and Shetland wool are slightly coarser and more characterful than merino, they have a rustic, heritage quality that suits chunky cable knit and shawl collar styles particularly well.
- Cotton is breathable and lightweight, ideal for spring, summer, and transitional-season cardigans. It doesn’t provide the same warmth as wool but is washable and comfortable in mild temperatures.
- Linen is the most breathable option and is particularly well-suited to warm climates and summer months.
- Acrylic and synthetic blends are more affordable and often more machine-washable than natural fibres, making them practical choices, though they don’t breathe or wear quite as well as natural materials over time.
How to Style a Cardigan for Work and Formal Occasions
With the appropriate fabric and style, cardigans can definitely fit professional and semi-formal contexts. Most dependable techniques are listed below:
For women, one of the most stylish office ensembles is a cashmere or merino fine-gauge button-up cardigan over a silk shirt, paired with tailored pants or a pencil skirt. A belted long cardigan offers a structured profile that reads professional. A cardigan vest on top of a sharp button-down gives a formal outfit depth and intrigue without sacrificing polish.
Men may wear a merino or cashmere V-neck cardigan over a collared shirt, perhaps with a tie, which is a timeless, business-like yet somewhat more approachable than a blazer. The main element is fit: A slim or normal cut in a fine-gauge fabric seems smarter than an oversized or heavy-knit style. Formal settings call for navy, charcoal, grey, camel, and solid neutrals. With a shirt and fitted trousers, a shawl collar cardigan can also serve as a blazer replacement in smart-casual office settings.
A Final Word on Building Your Cardigan Collection
The beauty of understanding all types of cardigans is that you can build a collection that genuinely covers every occasion, season, and mood. Start with the basics, a classic button-up in a neutral colour and a fine-gauge merino, and build from there. Add a chunky cable knit for winter, a cropped style for layering over high-waisted pieces, and an open-front or wrap cardigan for relaxed days.
Whether you’re shopping for types of cardigans for women, types of cardigans for men, or simply looking to understand what’s out there, the key is to focus on fit, fabric, and versatility. A great cardigan doesn’t need to be expensive, it needs to work for your life.
The cardigan has survived centuries of fashion change for a reason. It’s comfortable, it’s practical, and in the right iteration, it’s genuinely beautiful. In 2026, with its silhouettes evolving and its status firmly cemented as a wardrobe essential, the cardigan has never been a better investment than right now. Ready to bring your cardigan line to life? Tack Apparel is your trusted hoodie manufacturer for premium knitwear, from sampling to full production.
