"No it's a cardigan but thanks for noticing"

[savoyspecial]

I don't own a cardigan yet, but after trying on a few in stores and noticing more guys wear them, I've got to admit it's something that looks like a winner and I'm looking to make the move. Anybody got any recommendations as far as brand goes? I looked at a few online at GAP and one at a BR factory store back in June. Both were nice, but given the season I didn't pull the trigger. Any suggestions..? Should I stick to a wool one or a cotton one? Thanks

[jicarv]

Here are a few that I like:

http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/mens-supima-pocket-cardigan~242084_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::Q36&CM_MERC H=IDX_men-_-sweaters&origin=index


http://www.landsend.com/pp/canvas-mens-heritage-cardigan~242716_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::TVY&CM_MERC H=IDX_sale-_-canvas-clearance-_-men&origin=index


http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/sweaters/cotton/PRDOVR~95617/95617.jsp


http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/s...3792/93792.jsp

[nicholascrawford]

Get a heavy shawl collar one.


Props on the Dumb & Dumber reference!

[Cannon]

Check 'em out:


http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/mens...8&fl=p9&fl=p10

[thmage]

I got a nice one from Lands End Canvas, but I don't think it's in their catalogue this year.

[runners n jeans]

This brings to mind this old thread: http://threads.dappered.com/topic/th...igans-no-balls

[nicholascrawford]

Yes - I was fondly recalling that thread. =D

[Standard_Deviance]

NC--Did it ever occur to you that your preference for thick, shawl collar cardigans might be related to your specific body type and might NOT express an absolute law of style? Your thin cardigan = no balls thread is not only offensive, however tongue-in-cheek you subsequently claim it to be, but reductive and misleading.


OP: Welcome to the world of cardigans. As with any other clothing purchase, do your research, try things on, pay attention to looks that inspire you, consider your body type, and consider how you'll likely wear the item. If you're rail thin, a chunky cardigan will add some needed bulk to your frame; if you're heavyset, it can make you look swollen. Thinner cardigans offer more layering flexibility (they can work as an inner or outer layer); thicker ones work best as the outermost layer. Wool's great if you're in the Northeast; less so if you're in Florida. Thicker, textured, patterned, and/or brightly colored ones are more unique looking and thus can't be (easily) worn as frequently. Etc, etc.


See? No absolutes. If a thin one seems like the most logical starting place for you, but you're now irrationally worried about your manhood as a result, about 15 seconds of googling will turn up pics of men looking equally ridiculous and/or effeminate in thick cardigans.


As for brand recs, BR would be a great starting place for cardigans: good quality, good looking, and they always seem to have a variety of styles available. The only downside is they price their cardigans very high (starting in the $80-100 range, I believe), higher than they're probably worth, so you'll need to be on the lookout for sales and/or discounts.

[jessy_diamond]

Is it me or shawl cardigans are always very expensive ?

[nperryx]

Try H&M (if you have one) for a couple cheap ones. No, they won't last forever, but you can get a regular (thin) cardigan for $20 and a shawl for $40 (just got one the other day, look and fit is fantastic), so it's an inexpensive way to at least see if you like the style before going full out on a ~$120 one elsewhere. Just my .02...

[bj]

I've got that LEC Heritage pocket cardigan that Juan mentioned. Even though I haven't worn it yet (it hit 100+ yesterday here in TX), I like it.

[nicholascrawford]

Standard_Deviance - I'm entitled to my opinion just as much as you are. No need to find it offensive. I see something...I have a reaction to it...I share my reaction. Basically the starting premise of every thread.

[AedanM]

I'm looking for a new cardigan as well. I tried to buy this one last week: http://m.jcrew.com/mt/www.jcrew.com/...5831/55831.jsp but it was sold out when I tried to checkout. I've been looking for something similar but no luck so far.