lightweight non-sweater-y cardigans

July 5, 2019 11:45 AM

I have a few cardigans that are my workday staples, but they're ancient. My three favorites are sort of a jersey-like polyester fabric (sort of like a technical/wicking fabric, but no need for actual athletic performance). A bit fitted/tailored (generally wear over short sleeve or sleeveless tops), not super loose and drapey. Can you help me find new ones (more inside)?

- I don't want a knitted texture like a sweater, not even really fine gauge. Jersey would be OK if it's not styled like a sweatshirt or T-shirt.
- Machine washable and dryable, wrinkle free.
- Any sleeve length is ok (I usually wear these to take the edge off in the air conditioning, because I'm self conscious about wearing a sleeveless top to work, or because I feel like a print dress is too much).
- Buttons not necessary.
- Not long. I feel like the ones that cover your butt look good with pants but not skirts or dresses

posted by Kriesa to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (8 answers total)

Response by poster: Oh, also, I'm looking for womens' small to medium sizes. Thanks!
posted by Kriesa at 11:46 AM on July 5, 2019

I saw this one last night while hunting through the LLBean sale section: Pima Cotton Tee Open Cardigan, though it does fall at "low hip." I wonder if you could get away with ordering a petite fit to get a shorter length?
posted by batter_my_heart at 12:12 PM on July 5, 2019

Would something like a "jardigan" (jacket/cardigan hybrid) work? Some examples in the linked article and more in the comments.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 12:38 PM on July 5, 2019 [5 favorites]

I just bought the Crosscurrent UPF Jacket from Athleta and can’t wait to wear it. It might be too long for you, though. It definitely has a sporty look that might not work in the office, but I lurve it.
posted by bananacabana at 12:55 PM on July 5, 2019

The Uniqlo UPF hoodies are very similar to the Athleta jacket that bananacabana lists above, but around $20-$30. If you like that style, that's another alternative.
posted by matildaben at 1:26 PM on July 5, 2019

Best answer: The J Jill “wearever” line has some items that might work, or at least give you some words or phrases for the hunt. This “jacket” which is totally a cardigan is an example.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 5:45 PM on July 5, 2019 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Ohh! You sound like me!

These have been my go-to. They hold up pretty well, they're great for taking off the office chill, and light enough to wear out to lunch when it's 90 degrees out. I'm 6' and the length is great for me in an XL so I imagine they would scale well. They look great with dresses, both flowy a-line and more straight silhouette dresses too.

They are a little drapey in the front, but the cut is pretty nice and flattering overall.
posted by spbb at 6:39 PM on July 5, 2019 [2 favorites]

Best answer: I have 3 cardigans made of this material and IIRC I got them from Dress Barn. You might want to try Kohl's too.
posted by jraz at 7:41 PM on July 7, 2019 [1 favorite]