Cardigan Sweater originated in the military
Most of us think of our high school science teacher or Mr. Rogers when we hear the word cardigan. And that is ok. Every generation has their favourite cardigan figure. Not all of us, unless you are a fashion historian, will associate a cardigan with a region in the UK called Cardigan whose name this popular garment bears to this day. Popularized by the English general, James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan who was known for his bravery in the Crimean war, this knitwear was initially worn by the soldiers and sailors as sleeveless wool vests. In the late 1800s, they were adopted by the working class and sleeves were added for warmth and comfort. They were referred to as “Cardigan Jackets.”
When did women start wearing cardigans?
Around this time is when women also started adopting cardigans as a part of their wardrobe and with the advent of knitting machines and lifestyle changes, cardigan sweaters became unisex wear and from that point onwards have continued evolving into fine garments. In the early 1900s, Cardigans were mainly worn by women who also around this time started learning how to knit them, wear them to golf courses and various outdoor activities. Migrations and resettlements from the UK to the US during the late 1800s and early 1900s popularized the cardigan in the North Americas. Cardigans were worn as fine garments by both sexes and were considered an integral part of anyone’s wardrobe.
Coco Chanel was credited for popularizing woman’s cardigans even more in the 1910s and 1920s and that is also the period when women were involved in knitting their own sweaters and knitwear in small neighborhood groups and clubs. Cardigans have also become a part of a school or college uniform and remained a symbol of academia or status with unique monograms to this day.
Cardigans sweaters never go out of style
The popularity of this kind of knitwear is growing, and those of us who remember the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and the ‘90s can talk about cardigans worn by presidents, statesmen, celebrities, and rock stars. We are in the 2020s and it seems that these gorgeous pieces are going to stay with us for a while. A few years ago, I bought myself a limited-edition Converse lightweight cardigan by John Varvatos and I am so glad I did. It is still one of my most favorite sweaters. For more info on the history of the cardigan sweater please visit this link.
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