If you are bored of regular sweaters and hoodies, it's time to turn to cardigans, because they provide you the same warmth but are much more stylish and trendy. They are high in demand because they look good no matter what outfit you pair them with. Since you are all set to purchase a cardigan, we want to save you from choosing a low-quality product, so we have created this buying guide to help you on your cardigan-buying journey.
What Should You Know About Men's Cardigans?
Earlier, cardigans were typically only worn on top of a dress shirt. People used to wear them under a suit for formal occasions. However, there have been a lot of changes in style recently. Now, cardigans are not only fit for formal occasions but can also be worn casually. Some men love pairing their cardigans with a pair of jeans and a cool graphic tee. They also work great for formal occasions, such as an interview or for going on a date. Additionally, they are popular thanks to their ability to keep you warm and comfortable on cool winter days.
How Can You Find the Best Men's Cardigan?
These factors will help you get your hands on the best men's cardigan.
Material
You can select a cardigan made of 100% cotton because they are super soft on the skin and won’t cause irritation; however, they are not the warmest option available. However, cardigans made of 45% or more acrylic are more durable and offer more warmth. They are ideal for very cold winters. Choose a cardigan based on how cold it gets where you live and work.
Buttons
Different cardigans have different numbers of buttons. They can have as few as four buttons or as many as eight buttons. You can select whatever style suits your preference. A cardigan with more buttons prevents cold winds from getting in when you have buttoned it up. On the contrary, cardigans with fewer buttons allow you to show off your shirt underneath.
Pockets
Some cardigans have two pockets on the bottom front, while others have none. You should opt for a sweater with pockets if you tend to carry a lot of trinkets with you. Pockets with ribbed openings are better because they don't gape open when items are stored inside.
Cuffs
The cuffs of a cardigan have no buttons like shirts, but instead are narrow and ribbed. This design allows them to grip your wrist nicely and ensures no cold air travels up your sleeve. You can also pull them up to add a dash of style to your look.
How is a Cardigan Different From a Regular Sweater?
A sweater is suitable for very, very cold winters, while a cardigan cannot handle extremely low temperatures. If you still want to wear a cardigan in a freezing climate, you can do so by layering it. You can also put a coat or a jacket over it. Additionally, sweaters have thick fabric with a rough texture that may irritate your skin. Therefore, wearing them for extended periods can be uncomfortable. This is not the case with cardigans, because they are made with lightweight fabric. Consequently, they are comfortable enough to wear all day long. Since they are thin and lightweight, they are easy to fold and carry in a bag. At the same time, sweaters are hard to carry because they take up more space in your luggage.
How to Maintain the Quality of a Men's Cardigan
The clothes that take care of you in the winter deserve care too. Here are some tips to keep your cardigan looking like new months after your purchase.
- Don't wash it frequently.
- If you really need to wash it, use cold water and a gentle detergent. Never use hot water.
- Don't scrub or rub it. Simply swirl it around and then rinse with water.
- Don't put it in the washing machine unless mentioned that it is safe to do so in the product description. If you are machine washing it, make sure to use the gentlest settings.
- Once washed, squeeze it gently to remove excess water. Don't squeeze too hard, as this will warp the fabric
- To dry it, you can lay it flat on a rack.
- After the cleaning process is completed, store it in a drawer. Keep it away from sunlight.
- Ensure that it is not touching any rough objects, because friction causes pilling.
How Much Does a Cardigan Cost?
A cardigan is the most affordable winter wear you will ever purchase. One of the biggest benefits is that it will last a long time if you take good care of it. You can purchase a cardigan for as little as $20. Cheaper cardigans are thin, lightweight, and suitable for mild winters. On the other hand, a warmer cardigan will cost you around $45. Evidently, the products will cost more if they are thicker.
