How to Wear a Heavy Cardigan (for Men), by Justin Jeffers (The Fine Young Gentleman) on YouTube. 10 min 45 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 45 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Choose a heavy cardigan in a thick yarn such as lambswool, merino or a chunky cable knit. Thin cotton knits sag and lose shape, which is what makes cardigans look tired.
Check the fit before anything else. The shoulder seam should sit on your shoulder, the sleeves should end at your wrist bone and the front should close without pulling across your chest.
Pick the style for the occasion. A shawl collar reads casual and works over a t-shirt, while a V-neck button front looks smarter over a collared shirt.
Keep the layer underneath thin. A cotton shirt or a plain crew neck tee stops the cardigan bunching at the arms and keeps the silhouette clean.
Button the middle buttons and leave the bottom one open so the hem sits flat. For a relaxed look, wear it fully open over a tee.
Pair it with dark jeans or chinos and leather boots or derbies. Let the cardigan be the textured piece and keep everything else plain.
Start with a neutral colour like navy, grey, charcoal or camel. These work with most of your wardrobe and hide pilling better than pale shades.
If you sit between sizes, size down. A heavy cardigan that hangs past your hip or droops off the shoulder is the main reason they look slouchy.
Tips and common mistakes
Skip the top button unless it is genuinely cold, since a fully buttoned cardigan is what gives the grandfather look.
Fold heavy knits instead of hanging them, as hangers stretch the shoulders out of shape.
A thick cardigan can replace a light jacket in mild weather, but it will not keep out rain or wind.
Shorter men should look for a hem that ends around the hip bone to avoid looking swamped.
Questions
What is the difference between a regular cardigan and a heavy cardigan?
A heavy cardigan uses a thicker yarn and a denser knit, so it holds its shape and adds real warmth. A regular cardigan is usually a thin cotton or fine knit that layers under a jacket but sags on its own.
How do I stop a cardigan from looking old fashioned?
Get the fit right and keep the rest of the outfit simple. A close fit on the shoulders, a hem that stops at the hip and plain trousers do most of the work.
Can I wear a heavy cardigan instead of a jacket?
Yes, in dry mild weather a chunky cardigan is warm enough for a walk or a casual day out. It will not replace a jacket in rain, wind or proper cold.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
