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Cardigans / Knit Jackets for Men - All-rounders for Young and Old

Knit jackets - often also called cardigans - are available in a wide variety of materials and designs. Whether sporty or elegant, the cardigan has now become one of the basics of the men's wardrobe. It can be worn all year round for a wide range of occasions. Today, however, the knit jacket can no longer be compared with its coarsely knitted predecessors from traditional fashion. The cuts are more elegant and the material used is usually merino or cashmere, which results in a high level of comfort. In our shop, we carry the brands OLYMP, Maerz Muenchen and Casa Moda.

The history of the cardigan

The term cardigan can be traced back to James Thomas Brudnell. The Seventh Earl of Cardigan was a general in the British Army during the Crimean War in the 19th century. He had the idea of having knit jackets made for his troops so that his soldiers would no longer have to freeze in the cold on the Crimea.

The knit jacket became famous when Helmut Kohl, the then German Chancellor, met Soviet politician Mikhail Gorbachev in the Caucasus in 1990. During the negotiations on German reunification, he wore a knit jacket to protect himself from the cold wind. This legendary knit jacket can now be viewed in Berlin at the German Historical Museum.

Cardigan - a knit jacket with many advantages

Visually, the cardigan looks more elegant than a pullover and is much closer to a blazer. This is because, unlike a pullover, a knit jacket can be combined well with a tie. The cardigan differs from a sweater vest or pullover primarily in its fastening.

Depending on style and taste, there are models with a zipper or a button placket as well as various collar solutions. This means the cardigan can be worn open or closed depending on the temperature and how warm you feel. The knit jacket also has the advantage that it can be put on and taken off quickly without having to awkwardly pull the garment over your head. Some models have one or two patch side pockets in which small items can be stored.

Cardigan variety - from sporty to elegant

Whether fine-knit or chunky-knit versions - the cardigan is suitable for business style just as much as for a casual leisure look. Decorative elements such as hoods, large buttons or a zipper, as well as patch side pockets, create a casual look. A subtle button placket and seams tend to stand for a classic outfit. A mottled cardigan with harmonizing colors brings fresh momentum to a simple basic look.

For slim, slender men, the slim-fit cardigan is recommended. Fine-knit jackets made of cotton with a V-neck or lapels are ideal. The long version is a good choice for tall men. Close-fitting fine-knit models are more suitable for sporty types, as they emphasize muscular contours. The chunky-knit jacket is more suitable for broader men. Dark colors such as dark blue, gray or black as well as a ribbed design create a slimmer appearance. A casual chunky-knit jacket in a regular fit looks sporty and cool.

Cardigan combinations for every occasion

The different cardigans can be combined in many ways and appropriately for every occasion. However, a chunky-knit jacket with a stand-up collar should not be worn under a blazer. A fine-knit jacket with a V-neck is better suited for this. A cardigan with a crew neck should also be combined with a T-shirt with a crew neck, which looks more harmonious. With striped or patterned cardigans, a plain-colored garment should be worn underneath.

A cotton cardigan with a V-neck is suitable for everyday office wear. With lapels, it even replaces the blazer. A plain cotton cardigan can be combined well with a white business shirt and a pair of chinos. The combination looks elegant and slightly sporty and can be worn with or without a tie.

For festive occasions, simple fine-knit jackets are a hit and can be worn under a blazer. The V-neck perfectly showcases a tie or bow tie.

A cardigan with a cable pattern or a ribbed texture can be combined well with a denim shirt and corduroy trousers for a cool casual outfit. Eye-catching colors or a playful design are also possible for a casual look here and can be combined well with a simple T-shirt and jeans.

For outdoor types, cardigans made of pure virgin wool with horn or toggle buttons as well as leather appliqués are exactly the right substitute for a jacket. With a fleece lining, the knit jacket becomes a multifunctional jacket. It is breathable and at the same time offers protection from the cold when sailing, hiking or doing other leisure activities.

The right care for long-lasting comfort

It is recommended to follow the care instructions on the respective manufacturer's label and to use a special detergent for wool items when washing. As a rule, cotton knit jackets can be washed in the washing machine on a wool or cold wash cycle at 30° to 40° C. However, caution is required with wool knit jackets, and cardigans made of high-quality merino wool should be washed on a gentle cycle. Hand washing is not recommended, as the water can quickly become too hot or the delicate material could be wrung out too firmly. In general, fabric softener should not be used, as the cardigan could lose its natural elasticity and resilience.

Wool items should generally not be put in the dryer. After washing, they should be spread out flat on a towel on a drying rack so that the material does not lose its shape. Even after drying, wool items should not be hung on a clothes hanger, but stored flat on a shelf in the wardrobe.

Wool fibers are especially popular with moths. Therefore, the cardigan should be stored as cool and dark as possible, possibly even in a thin plastic bag. This also keeps dirt and dust away. A piece of cedar wood or a lavender sachet also helps to keep moths at a distance.