The Cardigan

A cardigan is a type of machine- or hand-knitted sweater (or jumper) that ties, buttons or zips down the front; by contrast, a pullover does not open in front but must be "pulled over" the head to be worn. The cardigan was named after James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, a British military commander, following his service in the Crimean War.[1] Cardigans are available for both genders, but they have become popular for men in recent years due to the rise of fashion houses incorporating the traditional garment in men's runway fashion. Plain cardigans are often worn over shirts and inside suit jackets as a less formal version of the waistcoat or vest that restrains the necktie when the jacket has been removed. Its versatility means it can be worn in casual or formal settings and in any season, but popularly during the autumn and winter months.

Monochromatic cardigans, in sleeved or vest form, may be viewed as a conservative fashion staple. However, due to youth clothing ideology, striped cardigans sporting vivid colors are also seen on skateboarders. As an item of formal clothing, it is worn over a dress shirt with perhaps one button undone, or for a '50s style with a fully buttoned dress shirt. A less formal style is a T-shirt underneath. Women often use cardigans over dress shirts and T-shirts, for warmth and skin coverage.