A Sweater Brighter than the Sun

October 12, 2017 9:35 AM

Please help me find a lightweight wool crew-neck cardigan in an extremely bright color (neon yellow, green, or orange would be ideal.)

I have a wool cardigan from Uniqlo which is pretty much perfect, except that it's black and they're not currently offering any bright colors.

I'm a woman with a 34" bust measurement; small or medium sizes usually work best for me.

Criteria:

• Made of wool (at least 75%?) This is for warmth, breathability, and stink avoidance.
• Bright colors only; high-visibility and reflective elements are a plus.
• Lightweight.
• Cardigan, not pullover. Either buttons or zipper are fine, but it must be able to close.
• Crew neck. I don't want a V-neck sweater for this purpose.
• Long-sleeved.
• Waist/hip length.

This item might not exist, or it might not exist as a new item right now, but... here's hoping.

This yellow one from Boden looks pretty good, but $150? Ouch. Cashmere might be a bit excessive.

posted by asperity to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (10 answers total)

This green one from Brooks Brothers maybe?
posted by jabes at 9:50 AM on October 12, 2017

This spring, thinking that I might finally break out of my black/grey wardrobe, I bought a couple bright and colorful wool cardigans from JCrew, similar to this style. I never wore them and I'd be totally down to mail them to you if you wanted to cover the $13 for shipping.
posted by coldbabyshrimp at 9:53 AM on October 12, 2017 [11 favorites]

I buy a lot of wool, cashmere and blends of wool or cashmere from Off Fifth and Last Call. It's always hit or miss and there's lots of random things but the quality has served me well over the years.
posted by crush at 10:16 AM on October 12, 2017

Best answer: This seemed like a serious J. Crew question, but they only had one option that fit all your criteria - this one. Will that do?

Poshmark (which is used/resale) has one in a more neon yellow if you think J. Crew small is the right size.

But now i'm addicted and will keep looking...
posted by brainmouse at 10:48 AM on October 12, 2017 [5 favorites]

Fairly bright?
posted by runincircles at 10:48 AM on October 12, 2017

A J Crew store I was in a couple of weeks ago had super bright cardigans (they hurt my eyes) in yellow and something they called "coral" but which to my eye was neon orange-red.
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 10:50 AM on October 12, 2017

A bright red merino cardigan from Benetton? Most stores have their autumn lines in now, so it may be hard to find bright (spring/summer) colors.
posted by stillmoving at 10:58 AM on October 12, 2017

J.Crew cardigan in "neon kiwi"
posted by erst at 11:28 AM on October 12, 2017

Beware J. Crew--it's the obvious choice but their quality has gone way downhill. Most of their sweaters are super thin and snag very easily. I've gone through three of those Tippi sweaters in a year and I give up now.
posted by lovableiago at 11:37 AM on October 12, 2017 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I found the neon yellow wool Tippi sweater for $20 plus shipping on eBay, and that ought to do the job! I appreciate the tip on durability, but I don't care too much if this gets snagged. It'll provide a bit of extra warmth and visibility on cool mornings cycling to work, and I've got good heavier options for when it's colder out.

Thanks, y'all!
posted by asperity at 11:43 AM on October 12, 2017 [2 favorites]