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Original poster

Let’s talk about cardigans

58 replies

Sohardtochooseausername · 03/10/2018 21:05

I have literally got 11 black or navy crew neck cardigans in my wardrobe and they are all horrible - they are old and bobbly and I feel frumpy in them.

I’m looking for cardigans I can wear with a t shirt and jeans, and/or with nice shift dresses.

I like the idea of cardigans because I need a warm layer but I just haven’t seen any that I want to buy (except everything in Toast but I don’t think I can afford that.)

I’m looking for nice cardies that are around £50-100 each that won’t look awful when I wash them and have a bit of style. Any ideas?

OP posts:
ZenNudist · 03/10/2018 21:06

Woolovers are good

Hobbs knitwear can be nice

plus3 · 03/10/2018 21:10

A gorgeous cardigan is my holy grail ...

Original poster
Sohardtochooseausername · 03/10/2018 21:14

zennudist oohhh thanks the woolovers ones look like good value. Maybe I could get a couple of everyday cardigans from there.

plus3 I feel the same! They are so good in theory. I really want something that is warm and wow.

OP posts:
Accountant222 · 03/10/2018 21:16

Boden do some nice ones

LtGreggs · 03/10/2018 21:23

Boden "favourite" cardigans are quite good and wash well.

I used to really like woolovers, but not so keen the last few years. They are good value for the natural fabrics. But the colours have gone a bit bland? And they don't do the straight shape that I want.

H&M basics are cheap and look good for a season. Then they look knackered.

Also, sainsbury's do some surprisingly good acrylic, which I find fine for everyday. Probably not good to confess to that!

dontcallmelen · 03/10/2018 21:28

John Lewis has some really good knitwear at the moment, also joules have some nice plain jumpers, boden are good for cashmere & cotton cardigans.

NotAnotherJaffaCake · 03/10/2018 21:33

Uniqlo have merino wool cardigans.

Original poster
Sohardtochooseausername · 03/10/2018 21:36

I have got Boden and Banana Republic ones now. I guess I’ve washed them to death. I also am just bored. I want more style with a cardigan but I don’t know how to achieve it.

OP posts:
MotherForkinShirtBalls · 03/10/2018 21:47

Uniqlo merino and cashmere options are lovely. But I agree, it's hard to feel glam in one.

KingIrving · 04/10/2018 05:41

I have several from eseoese www.eseoese.com/knitwear and they deliver to UK. They don't look frumpy or old

Mmer · 04/10/2018 05:46

Just got this one from The Gap. It is so soft and warm.
www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=350297032

Fatted · 04/10/2018 05:51

I'm sorry but I don't think a cardigan could ever be described as stylish!
I used to love my cardigans but have ditched them all recently cos they do just look frumpy however I wear them!

Original poster
Sohardtochooseausername · 04/10/2018 06:11

fatted what do you wear instead to be warm but not too hot?

OP posts:
AwkwardSquad · 04/10/2018 06:14

I love cardigans. I tried Woolovers ones, I thought the quality was really poor. I actually ended up throwing them out after a few months, they’d worn so badly.

IME Toast is excellent quality but not bought any woollens from there for a few years so can’t speak for current stock.

I’ve had some really nice and good quality ones from Cos. Got a couple of woollens from Uniqlo this season, and so far so good.

Original poster
Sohardtochooseausername · 04/10/2018 06:14

kingirving thanks - another great looking shop I’d not heard of, will check it out.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sohardtochooseausername · 04/10/2018 06:15

mmer very cosy looking!

OP posts:
Original poster
Sohardtochooseausername · 04/10/2018 06:16

awkwardsquad maybe I should do quality over quantity and get the Toast one I like the most rather than 3 cheaper ones!

OP posts:
AwkwardSquad · 04/10/2018 06:18

Jigsaw have some smart, quite structured merino wool jacket/cardigans, but they are very expensive. Boiled wool jackets can be a good alternative, but can be a bit dowdy (especially if you let them get bobbly) so care needs to be taken in selecting.

AwkwardSquad · 04/10/2018 06:19

Sohardtochoose yes! Do that. It’ll make you happy each time you wear it. Much better to get one thing you really want.

WinnerWinnerChickenDinner0 · 04/10/2018 06:20

2 years ago a got a grey and a navy cashmere cardigan from pure.

They are probably the most worn items in my wardrobe. Have gotten rid of those piles of out of shape bobbly cheap ones finally

Fatted · 04/10/2018 06:21

I do still wear my beloved long chunky cardigan around the house. Outside, I wear thin long sleeved tops instead. Like a long sleeved jersey top or shirt. I find they keep me warm enough in work. I also like things like plaid shirts and use them a bit like a jacket/cardigan with a t-shirt underneath for something casual. I also started wearing jumpers over dresses.

I don't think it helps I'm so short and they just always look too long on me. If I undo them then they just hang there and look stupid.

BusterGonad · 04/10/2018 06:43

In the autumn winter I like to wear tight roll necks under dresses, in a sixties way. I love that look.

Original poster
Sohardtochooseausername · 04/10/2018 06:56

I’d love to do jumpers and roll necks and things but I am freezing one minute roasting the next, and I hate being hot indoors. I like my cardies because they are so easy to take on and off. I guess style is rarely comfortable!

OP posts:
Original poster
Sohardtochooseausername · 04/10/2018 06:57

awkwardsquad now you’ve said it I think that’s what I’ll do!

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SleepingInYourFlowerbed · 04/10/2018 06:59

Check what the cardigan is made from. High acrylic and polyester content will always bobble and pile. Cotton cardigans are good value as they last longer.