Best cardigans 2020: musicians inspired button-down sweaters for winter

Much like leather jackets and stage boots, the cardigan is another sartorial staple that has earned a place in the rock and roll fashion hall of fame. Long before Kurt Cobain’s famous green cardigan, utility garment was a military staple that became an ‘It’ item, thanks to an aristocratic British officer in particular known for his elegant woolen waistcoat.

The traditionally-looking itchy sweater has its origins in the Seventh Earl of Cardigan James Thomas Brudenell, who won (and lost) fame for leading a doomed charge against the Russians during the Crimean War. It wasn’t long before merchants capitalized on the famous portrait of Lord Cardigan in which he wore his fashionable iconic waistcoat, and a style icon was born.

The cardigan through the history of music

The highly versatile sweater (as the British call it) became a rockstar staple when Kurt Cobain wore his now famous green sweater MTV Unplugged in New York in 1993. It sold for $ 334,000 at Julien’s Auctions in 2015, and was one of several cardigans the Nirvana frontman had in regular rotation, says costume designer Nancy Steiner.

The Los Angeles-based stylist worked regularly with the group and designed the music video for “Come As You Are,” which was shot about a year before the MTV special. “At the time, they had just broken [out] with their first video, and it was their second [one]», Says Steiner Rolling stone. “I went shopping to buy things that I thought they would like; I didn’t think of anyone but them.

If her memory serves her correctly from a work accomplished almost 30 years ago (she has since stylized films like Lost in translation and Virgin suicides, and shows as Twin Peaks: the return, among many others), Steiner says she’s been to her favorite vintage and thrift stores in LA. “I bet I went to Jet Rag. I used to go out [the San Fernando Valley] at a place called Sun Thrift. At that time, I was living in Venice, so maybe I would have gone to Gotta Have It, or the Salvation Army on 11th Street.

Cobain chose a green sweater (similar to the one he wore Disconnected) from the vintage Steiner harvest. “He became iconic because he continued to wear it. He wore a lot of different cardigans, ”recalls Steiner, who argues that she“ can’t take that kind of responsibility ”for the cardigan’s iconic status, nor Cobain’s chic grandpa style.

“A lot of people were in love with Kurt and Nirvana, it was such a moment,” she explains. “I wasn’t inventing anything new. It was the scene, and it was the way people dressed back then. It was not my tendency; I was just adding to her closet.

A certain Swedish band from the 90s also used their name to pay homage to the humble button-down sweater. And if Reddit’s countless “ID that cardigan” requests are any indication, everyone from guitar gods and rappers to K-Pop idols is inspiring their fans to embrace the simple figure.

Need an example? Just see the fashion-obsessed shredder John Mayer and his love affair continues with intarsia cardigans (we’ll give you a second on Google “John Mayer cardigans”). Mayer prefers cult Japanese brands like Kapital and VISVIM, and he is apparently the muse of BTS’s RM musician style. Tyler, the playful streetwear line from the designer, Golf Wang is no stranger to cheerful sweaters.

Harry Styles sparked a pandemic TikTok trend earlier this year after donning a colorful patchwork cardigan from British designer JW Anderson’s Spring / Summer 2020 collection. The Virginia & Albert Museum in London even acquired the knitted piece for its collections, and called the former One Direction singer “one of the most influential style icons of his generation.” (The viral moment inspired Anderson himself to share the chunky knit pattern.)

Most recently, Taylor Swift wrote a # 1 song comparing herself to the classic figure and even released a replica of the cream cable knit cardigan seen in her whimsical music video so fans could wear a piece of the Folklore hit. (She even sent a few of them to a few of her famous friends.) Other high-end who continue to carry the cardigan torch include Pharrell, A $ AP Rocky and Donald Glover (formerly Childish Gambino) , all of which are at the top of Steiner’s personal list. the best dressed men in music.

The best cardigans for every style

Whether you go for a grunge-inspired look or a touch of luxe with the classic button, we’ve rounded up the best cardigan for every aesthetic. Keep reading for some of our favorites like Gucci and Everlane and even a T Swift endorsed option.

1. AllSaints Ruben Cardigan

Reminiscent of Cobain’s infamous olive sweater, this pocketless version from trendy British label AllSaints is a lightweight and easy to layer option. It’s cut from a lyocell / polyester blend fabric and features ribbed hems.

AllSaints Ruben Cardigan, $ 97 (originally $ 139), available at AllSaints

2. Taylor Swift the “cardigan”

Yes, you can own the same white cable knit cardigan that Taylor Swift sports in her music video. It features a dark gray trim, matte black buttons, and light gray embroidered stars on the arms, and it’s finished with an album title patch on the left chest.

The “Cardigan”, $ 49, available at the official Taylor Swift store

3. Ballantyne striped knit cardigan

This striped V-neck cardigan from Ballantyne hits all the right notes if you’re looking for a colorful yet subtle wardrobe upgrade. This comfortable wool and cashmere cardigan features a loose fit and two roomy front pockets, and the long sleeves lend themselves well to this effortless cool look.

Ballantyne Striped Knit Cardigan, $ 586, available at Farfetch

4. Everlane Felted Merino Wool Cardigan

The Everlane Cardigan features a slender silhouette and “none of the stripes” of your typical merino wool, thanks to a fabric made from washed and boiled yarn that maintains softness and warmth. Available in other colors and a similar option for women.

Everlane Felted Merino Wool Cardigan, $ 98, available at Everlane

5. Gucci cable-knit oversized cardigan

What is black with green and red stripes? This Gucci oversized cardigan, which will suit any designer label lover. It’s a classic piece in chunky twisted wool that sports the signature stripes of the Italian fashion house and is adorned with sturdy enamel buttons.

Gucci Cable Knit Oversized Cardigan, $ 1,200, available at Farfetch

6. Sid Mashburn slim merino wool cardigan with shawl collar

For a luxurious take on the silhouette Kurt made famous, try this shawl-neck cardigan from cult men’s clothing designer Sid Mashburn. It’s made from an ultra-fine merino wool and nylon blend for maximum comfort, and the leather-covered buttons add a vintage-inspired finishing touch.

Sid Mashburn merino wool blend cardigan, $ 350, available at M. Porter

7. Inverallan 3A Lumber Cardigan

Scotland loves winters with an average low of zero degrees Celsius (or 32 degrees Fahrenheit for Americans), so you know hand-knitted cardigans from Scottish brand Inverallan – like this timeless cable-knit – will keep the temperature going. of your warm body. This neutral-hued staple is handcrafted from 100% pure new wool and wooden buttons give it a classic, rustic feel.

Inverallan 3A Lumber Cardigan, $ 269, available at end

8. RVCA Noah Stripe Cardigan

If you prefer trendy stripes, this V-neck cardigan from RVCA ticks the boxes for comfort and style. It’s made from a soft mix of acrylic and nylon and has side seam pockets, which means you won’t weigh down the front of this cardigan with your keys and other essentials.

RVCA Noah Stripe Cardigan, $ 80, available at Nordstrom