The Evolution of the Cardigan: From Battlefield to Runway Icon

A Garment with a Story

Few items in your wardrobe have a history as rich and varied as the cardigan. Today, we see it as a symbol of comfort and versatile style, a staple available in our Cardigan Collection. But its origins are far from cozy.

Did you know that this soft knitwear piece was born on the battlefield? From military uniforms to the rebellious grunge era, the cardigan has constantly reinvented itself. In this article, we take a journey through time to understand how the cardigan became the fashion icon it is today.

The Origins: Born from Necessity

The cardigan is named after James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan. A British military commander during the Crimean War (1850s), the Earl and his officers wore a knitted wool waistcoat with buttons down the front to keep warm in the freezing Russian winters without restricting movement.

Unlike the pullover sweater, the buttoned design allowed for easy removal without messing up the perfectly groomed hair of the aristocracy. It was functional, masculine, and strictly utilitarian.

The Evolution: Decades of Style

The cardigan didn't stay on the battlefield for long. Over the 20th century, it was adopted and adapted by different subcultures and fashion icons.

The 1920s: Coco Chanel’s Revolution

We owe the modern women's cardigan to Coco Chanel. She hated how men's sweaters had to be pulled over the head, ruining her hair. She began wearing loose, button-front knits, transforming the cardigan into a symbol of liberation and relaxed elegance.

• The Look: Boxy cuts, jersey fabric, and pockets.

The 1950s: The Twinset Era

Post-war fashion embraced femininity. The "Twinset"—a matching cardigan and short-sleeved jumper—became the uniform of the polished woman.

• The Look: Fitted, fine-gauge wool, often worn with pearls (think Grace Kelly).

The 1990s: Grunge & Rebellion

Fast forward to the 90s, and the cardigan took a darker turn. Icons like Kurt Cobain popularized the "Grandpa Cardigan"—oversized, fuzzy, and often thrifted. It was no longer about being polished; it was about being cool and effortless.

Modern Design: Redefining the Classic

Today, the cardigan has transcended its specific eras to become a canvas for modern designers. It is no longer just "preppy" or "grunge"—it is everything in between.

At WFS Cashmere, we honor this history while pushing the boundaries of design. Modern trends we are seeing include:

• The "Deconstructed" Look: Asymmetrical buttons and mixed textures.

• Sustainable Luxury: A shift back to premium natural fibers like cashmere, prioritizing longevity over fast fashion.

• Gender Fluidity: The lines between "men's" and "women's" cardigans are blurring, with oversized, boxy cuts appealing to everyone.

Experience the Evolution: See how we interpret these modern trends in our latest Women's Cardigan line.

Pop Culture: The Cardigan as a Symbol

Why does the cardigan remain so popular? Because pop culture keeps it alive.

• Mr. Rogers: For decades, Fred Rogers changing into his cardigan signaled "it's time to be kind and comfortable." It became a universal symbol of safety.

• Taylor Swift: Her 2020 hit song "Cardigan" sparked a massive global trend, framing the garment as a nostalgic, romantic keepsake.

• Harry Styles: His famous colorful patchwork cardigan went viral on TikTok, proving that knitwear can still break the internet.

These moments cement the cardigan's status not just as clothing, but as a cultural artifact.

Conclusion: A Timeless Investment

From the freezing battlefields of Crimea to the high-fashion runways of Paris, the cardigan has proven its staying power. It survives because it adapts.

When you buy a cardigan today, you aren't just buying a sweater; you are buying a piece of fashion history. Whether you prefer the structured look of the 50s or the relaxed vibe of the 90s, there is a style for you.

Own a Piece of History: Explore our timeless and contemporary designs in the WFS Cashmere Cardigan Shop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who invented the cardigan?

A: The garment is named after James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan, who popularized the style during the Crimean War in the 1850s.

Q2: Why do cardigans have buttons?

A: Originally, buttons were added so that soldiers (and later, women) could put on the layer without pulling it over their heads, preserving their hairstyles and allowing for easier removal.

Q3: Is the cardigan considered formal or casual?

A: It is the ultimate hybrid. A chunky, oversized cardigan is casual, while a fine-gauge cashmere cardigan buttoned up can be business formal.

Q4: What is a "Twinset"?

A: A Twinset is a classic 1950s fashion staple consisting of a matching cardigan and a short-sleeved sweater (shell) worn underneath.