Cashmere Cardigans

The Cardigan Fit Problem

Cashmere cardigans stretch. That's the nature of the fiber — it's soft because the individual strands are thin, and thin strands give under tension. The question isn't whether a cardigan will relax over time, but whether the knit structure is designed to accommodate that stretch without losing its shape entirely.

Look for tighter gauge knits if you want structure, and looser gauges if drape matters more. Button-front styles hold their silhouette better than open cardigans because the closure points anchor the fabric. Longer cardigans (mid-thigh and below) benefit from a bit of weight in the yarn — 2-ply minimum — so they hang properly instead of clinging.

Layering Notes

A cashmere cardigan over a cotton tee is the most common layering move, but cashmere-on-cashmere (cardigan over a thin crewneck) creates an insulation pocket that works remarkably well in cold offices. The fibers trap air between the layers without adding bulk.

If you run warm, go with single-ply open-front styles. If you're always cold, the button-front 2-ply options below will serve you better.