Common origins of neckties and cardigans
Two fashion accessories that originated in Europe, though a few centuries apart, a necktie and a cardigan sweater, both have military origins. Worn by Croatian mercenaries who served in the French Army during the Thirty Years’ War, a colorful piece of cloth (often red) worn around their necks, helped them being recognized and seen on the battlefield. Similarly, just two thousand kilometers from Croatia, an English army major popularized the knitted wool waistcoat that soldiers wore in the Crimean war battle. Both fashion accessories, a necktie, and a cardigan are ironically tied to battlefields. But today, they are style staples found in every household and fashion runway. A necktie and a cardigan go well together. Whether you are a man or a woman who likes to wear neckties daily and often likes to sport them with no topcoat, cardigans will come in handy as an outer layer and wonderfully complement your elegant necktie look.
Cardigans & neckties, a versatile uniform combo
Cardigans and neckties became integral parts of uniforms today. Whether it is a school, college, corporate, or a Tv studio setting, these two garments go so well together. In recent years, men have been wearing thin cardigans with their favorite neckties a lot. Not only to look stylish and cool but to satisfy that demand for a “casual uniform” look which is often a norm in indoor settings when topcoats tend to be too thick and shirts alone do not provide enough insulation in an often cool airconditioned environment. Wearing a cardigan and a necktie, (or a bowtie) can give you so much freedom to play with colors and matching patterns too. You can sport a universal grey color thin cardigan and wear a tie of any color and not worry whether your look is stylish. Wearing a navy-blue ribbed cardigan or a thin one will also enable you to match the color of your tie with either your belt or your shoes while wearing a pair of jeans. Men can sport a tie with a shawl neck cardigan, a thin cardigan or they can even match elbow patch colors with the color of their tie.
Sharp, professional look with just a tie and a cardigan sweater
Cardigans can easily replace a blazer. Add a tie to that look and you will be compliant when it comes to that business casual dress code! Unlike a blazer, cardigans are designed to fit snugly so, you can easily sport a blazer after work and outdoors while wearing your favorite thin cardigan as a middle layer. Many of us love that sharp look of Mathew Gray Gubler from Criminal Minds. He can really sport a cardigan and a necktie unlike anyone else in Hollywood. Some men, including myself, love knit ties but when it comes to sweaters, combining a silk tie with a cardigan is probably a much better option. Of course, adding a tie pin will accentuate that elegant combo. You can wear the cardigan either unbuttoned or unzipped or partly closed. Grey color cardigans will go well with any color tie and in most cases will the navy blue ones too.
Cardigan elenagce 101: Keep it leisurly but tidy!
Unless you are intentionally sporting that loosely tied knot look and an unbuttoned cardigan, pay attention to the size of the tie, thickness of the knot, and overall symmetry of your cardigan. (especially if you are wearing a thin cardigan), because you don’t really want to look frumpy and untidy. Even a leisurely necktie and a cardigan look has to be tidy and sharp.
In the table below, check out some popular cardigan styles that go well with neckties.
| Style | Brand | Fabric/Yarn |
|---|---|---|
  |
H2H Mens Casual Comfortable Fit Cardigan Sweater Shawl Collar Soft Fabric with Ribbing Edge | 55% Acrylic, 45% Cotton |
  |
COOFANDY Men’s Full Zip Cardigan Sweater Slim Fit with pockets | elastic soft fabric |
  |
Paul Jones Men’s Stylish V-Neck Button Placket Cardigan Sweater with Ribbing Edge | 65% Viscose, 35% Acrylic |
  |
Beninos Mens Casual Slim Fit Basic Designed Button Down V-Neck Cardigan | 100% cotton |
  |
PJ PAUL JONES Mens V Neck Argyle Cardigan Sweater Contrast Knitwear with Pockets | 55% Viscose+ 40% Polyamide+ 5% Spandex |
  |
COOFANDY Men’s Shawl Collar Cardigan Sweater Cable Knitted Button Down Aran Sweater with Ribbing Edge | lightweight, soft and striped knitted fabric |
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