We live in a wonderful time, when new words and definitions are rapidly bursting into our lives, languages are becoming a new paradigm, a standard.
One of these words was the definition of “Cardigan” - a long, swinging jacket without a collar. It is perfect for free communication, on vacation, at work, with friends and on a trip. What is a cardigan? This is a stylish and always fashionable thing for all occasions.
Origin and history of the cardigan
Having found out where the cardigan came from, the reader will never confuse this clothing with a sweater or jacket. There are too many bright and memorable details in it.
So, the Crimean War of the 19th century. The confrontation lasts quite a long time - two and a half years, and in late autumn and winter in Crimea it can be quite cold and damp. Regular jackets do not keep warm. And then Earl James Cardigan, commander of the English cavalry, enters the stage of historical fashion.
It was he who came up with the wonderful idea of wearing a warm jacket under his uniform red uniform.But bad luck, the sweater with its multi-layered collar was completely unsuitable for this, since the English buttoned jacket of the 19th century had a stand-up collar.
And if you unbutton the uniform, the sweater immediately becomes noticeable. This is already a violation of the statutory dress code. It was necessary to find another solution, and it was found.
An open jacket was ordered and knitted, exactly repeating the edges of a rather long uniform, but not going beyond them. Naturally, this jacket was without a collar so that the stand would not put pressure on the throat.
War is over. The officers returned home to their native England, France. And it turned out that wearing a knitted, unbuttoned sweater of this type is very practical and quite elegant in everyday life. Immediately, options appeared with a belt made of one material or another. This solution almost instantly became fashionable. The trend spread throughout Europe.
Coco Chanel and cardigan
At first it was exclusively men's clothing, but the brilliant Coco Chanel created several elegant women's models and exhibited them at her shows.
Women appreciated this gift. It became a hit and began to develop in parallel, but independently of the male version. And the ladies invented and implemented hundreds of new models with differences in color, scent, length and thickness of knitting.
Important! If the associated swing option has collar, regardless of its type (turn-down or lapel), then this is no longer a Cardigan, but regular sweater. Don't forget this, many people get confused!
Although, the prototype is often supplemented with collars, and this is called after the English commander. Strictly speaking, this is already a jacket, but with elements characteristic of cardigans, in particular, they are longer.Such clothes have become a kind of symbiosis of one and the other, and if a successful option comes across, does it really matter what it will be called?
It is even easier to distinguish a cardigan from a jacket. There, the main criterion becomes the material from which the thing is made. After all, jackets are sewn from fabric that has a dense structure that holds its given shape well. Cardigans are made of soft material that flows over the body.
Although there are quite a lot of similarities between them: sleeves of different lengths, the presence of pockets, buttons, belts or options without them. The rigidity and density of the material is what really distinguishes them.
Women's cardigan
Here our knitted hero has the largest number of colors, textures and styles. It also distinguished itself by having an off-season character. Its airy and light versions are quite appropriate to wear in the evening, both in summer and spring. Warmer and larger knitted specimens are intended for autumn and winter. They are often used instead of outerwear.
The cardigan is versatile and can go with almost any outfit it will be worn on. What is important here is the woman’s own sense of inner taste. They combine different combination options and find the most optimal one for themselves.
The following combinations will look harmonious:
- tapered trousers, jeans or leggings;
- high boots and shoes, shoes with long or short heels, sports shoes with flat soles;
- flared maxi or sheath skirt;
- dresses in business and classic styles;
- shorts in combination will look like a squeak of youth fashion, for outdoor recreation;
- bright accents from accessories.
We must also remember that cardigans are an excellent replacement and competitor for various jackets, demi-season coats, jackets and jackets.Short and long products, asymmetrical and classic shapes can be used. There is no end to the fantasies of professional and home designers!
Classic
A symmetrical model with buttons or with a belt, what could be more laconic and traditional? The question is rhetorical, since this was originally intended. Any combination of clothes and shoes worn is suitable. The length of the jacket varies from hip to ankle, most often to mid-calf.
The neckline on classics is usually V-shaped, but straight posts and round necklines are also used.
Button style: wood, plastic. They can be wrapped in the same material as the main product. Usually the tone of the buttons matches the color of the product, but there are exceptions to the rules - depending on what kind of buttons and the purpose of this micro-emphasis.
Traditional cardigans come in one color but come in designs, patterns, stripes and plaid. It’s easier to combine single-colored ones.
In all other cases, you must remember that this is exclusive and the main detail of the wardrobe you are wearing. Accordingly, choosing a combination will be more difficult and stricter. Here you will have to try, but the effect of hitting the apple will be simply stunning for those around you.
Neutral and pastel colors look great with a white blouse, T-shirt... Bright colors are rarely used.
The belt is usually made from the main material so that it does not visually stand out from the overall impression, but only emphasizes it. But there are no uniform rules here - it can be leather, twisted cord, thick fabric, here they are - they can stand out in color. At the same time, brightness should be avoided if the girl does not have a wasp waist. The presence of a buckle is optional, but allowed.
It is important to know! When a girl/woman is not tall, then you should not abuse overly elongated models.The created image visually shortens the length of the legs. But shortened versions will lift you up - for observers. For average height, short pieces up to the knee are suitable.
Without clasp
Simply put, it is an open, loose cape. Sometimes they are made in the form of a poncho, but with a slit - from top to bottom. It is comfortable and practical and is sometimes used as outerwear in calm weather.
Most of the knitted masterpieces in this series are large and voluminous knitting. It is heavier than air and tends downward. Thus, a vertical line is built, and it “virtually” increases the owner’s height and reduces her volume.
Ideal for girls of medium and small height. It is important not to overdo it with the length of the product. For women who tend to be overweight, a cape will help hide this flaw. Visually they will become slimmer.
In terms of color selection, preferences are common to the classics. It is advisable to avoid horizontal stripes of any kind. The effect of height and slimness may disappear.
With shelves of various shapes along the edges
Asymmetry is the most successful option for the modern fashionista. Some models from Armani simply amaze both men and women. The reasons are just different. But first we need to explain - What is a shelf in clothes?
The etymology (origin) of this concept comes from the word “floor” of any clothing that is fastened or wrapped in the front. The hem is the front half of the suit. It is structurally attached to the back. There are right and left shelves.
Now imagine that these shelves are of different lengths and shapes. For example, one hangs to the floor, and the second is at hip or knee level - classic asymmetry.
In this version, it is possible to throw a long shelf over the shoulder and the viewer is presented with a continuation of the idea of the ancient Roman toga, on a different level. The effect is incredible - it looks amazing.
Men's cardigan - models, brief description, photo
The image created by the cinema depicts a gentleman in a knitted garment wrapped in a belt, wearing a snow-white shirt combined with dark-colored trousers. A sort of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson of the early 20th century, in a homely environment. This situation has not gone away, has not gone away and continues to remain a classic. But this is an option for home...
Modern creations of designers interpret it much more broadly. Such models for the street, outdoor recreation, even for business meetings embody the physical strength of the owner of the item and his slimness. This effect is achieved by visualizing the special width of the shoulders, and vertical cuts will add height.
The length of the product varies from the trouser belt, which should cover, to the middle of the thigh. Sleeves at wrist bone level.
A wide variety of colors and designs are used. Dark or gray tones, without patterns, are considered classics, but ornaments and “braids” are allowed.
The options for fastenings or lack thereof are the same as for women. However, even lightning is acceptable for men. They are more practical and less noticeable.
Reference! Do not wear the product under a full suit with a jacket. It will turn out ugly and tasteless. Other combinations are quite acceptable, even the riskiest ones.
The wardrobe of a modern person, regardless of gender, cannot be imagined without such a universal item as a cardigan. It goes well with other toilet details and can even be used as outerwear for walking outside.
At the same time, the owner of this detail of the overall suit can boast of style and elegance. This wardrobe item is unlikely to ever go out of style. In any case, he has been feeling great there for more than a century and a half.
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