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Please work your magic and help me find the perfect cardigan.

62 replies

stealthsquirrelnutkin · 20/10/2026 16:34

I'm trying to find a cosy cardigan, in a deep, rich shade of green (bottle, forest end of the spectrum, not sage, moss or sea foam) in size 12 or 14.

Not acrylic or polyester, though a bit of nylon to help alpaca keep its shape is OK. Cashmere, mohair, merino, alpaca all preferred. Nothing "wool rich" that turns out to be only 14% wool and 86% plastic.

In summer I tend to wear those lacy cotton cardigans from Seasalt with the three quarter sleeves, but they are useless once there's a bit of a wind.

I've gone from a size 36 to a size 10/12 over the past 55 months, and am now at a stage where I am looking to buy stuff that will "see me out" - as gran used to say.

I was very tempted by this https://www.broraonline.com/en-gb/products/cashmere-cardigan-parsley-wpc2602c7151 but it is only available in size 8/10 and 16/18, I wanted the medium size 12/14 so there'd be plenty of room for extra layers underneath and although there is an option to be notified when the size is back in stock, I strongly suspect that when they do get new stock it will be at the full price of £495.00 rather than the £298.00 current offer.

I wouldn't normally consider paying 300 quid for a cardigan, but it's 6 ply pure Cashmere, and Brora have a good reputation for quality. I am tempted to order the size 8/10, but know myself too well. If I managed to button it up the front without stretching the button holes then I'd probably be seduced by the quality and keep it, even if it would be too tight to go over all the layers required to keep me warm. (Going from 73% body fat to 24% has me sitting here in cashmere wrist warmers and electrically heated slippers, despite the central heating being set at 22 degrees).

Personally I feel that a long cardigan with useful pockets (boyfriend style?) is better value than a neat fitted cardigan like the one linked above, but cropped and boxy cardigans seem to be fashionable at the moment.

Here's a link to the heated slippers, just in case any other Reynaud's sufferers are wondering. I just wish they hadn't sold out of spare battery packs because although the batteries last all day on the lower heat setting they take nearly five hours to fully recharge afterwards and I don't like leaving Chinese batteries unsupervised on the charger overnight.

edited to add the forgotten link. https://www.saviorheat.co.uk/products/sph203g3-smart-heated-slippers

Scottish Cashmere Cardigan in Parsley | Brora Sale

Expertly made in Scotland from world-class cashmere, our Cashmere Cardigan in Parsley is a layering essential for cooler evenings. Now in the Brora Sale.

https://www.broraonline.com/en-gb/products/cashmere-cardigan-parsley-wpc2602c7151

OP posts:
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StylishAndBeautiful · 21/10/2026 20:51

EleanorMc67 · 21/10/2026 20:36

Chalfont St Giles (rhymes with piles ...). Can't think of a body part that rhymes with Peter!!

Why did you feel the need to explain it to me?

EleanorMc67 · 21/10/2026 21:51

StylishAndBeautiful · 21/10/2026 20:51

Why did you feel the need to explain it to me?

Because the OP said she had to Google it? And it took me a few moments to remember what it meant, as I've only ever heard one friend use that phrase. It was just a funny remark by @LuciferOverLancashire about a funny photo, that's all ...

StylishAndBeautiful · 21/10/2026 21:58

I'm familiar with the area and didn't need it explaining. The reference to Chalfont St Peter should have been a giveaway.

EleanorMc67 · 21/10/2026 22:24

StylishAndBeautiful · 21/10/2026 21:58

I'm familiar with the area and didn't need it explaining. The reference to Chalfont St Peter should have been a giveaway.

Okay ... perhaps so, but I barely know the phrase, & I don't know either place. So that wasn't immediately clear to me. But I'm not sure why you couldn't have just said that you knew what it meant?

StylishAndBeautiful · 21/10/2026 22:29

EleanorMc67 · 21/10/2026 22:24

Okay ... perhaps so, but I barely know the phrase, & I don't know either place. So that wasn't immediately clear to me. But I'm not sure why you couldn't have just said that you knew what it meant?

No wonder Gerrard's Cross.

ChristmasLightsLover · 21/10/2026 22:33

Congratulations on getting from a 36 to 10/12 Stealth Squirrel. I haven’t had quite so big a change as you but I am now several sizes smaller than I used to be. I’m a fan of Vinted. Have a look there before you part with your money. Might be something to trial from a brand you like the look of, before committing £££…

EleanorMc67 · 22/10/2026 00:12

StylishAndBeautiful · 21/10/2026 22:29

No wonder Gerrard's Cross.

That did make me laugh ...

Lifelover16 · 22/10/2026 10:05

I bought 2 John Lewis cashmere cardigans last year and they went bobbly and thin after half a dozen wears ( I did use a cashmere comb). Just a cautionary tale - the quality might be better this year.

StylishAndBeautiful · 22/10/2026 10:43

Mamamia35 · 22/10/2026 09:59

They've got some nice knits. Thanks for the link.

StylishAndBeautiful · 22/10/2026 10:45

EleanorMc67 · 22/10/2026 00:12

That did make me laugh ...

I always want to sneak an apostrophe into the sign.Grin
When will I ever grow up?

Cushionthefloor · 22/10/2026 10:52

https://www.cos.com/en-gb/women/womenswear/coatsjackets/jackets/funnelneck/product/rounded-wool-funnel-neck-zip-up-jacket-dark-green-1363298001
I've just bought this - described as a jacket but comfortable as a cardigan and it's warm, looks better in real life - less shiny.

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