A men's cardigan should fit comfortably, offering enough room for movement while maintaining a clean silhouette that tapers through the torso and widens slightly towards the hem.
Understanding the proper fit for a men's cardigan is key to looking stylish and feeling comfortable. Unlike a tightly tailored suit jacket, a cardigan offers a more relaxed versatility, but the fit still matters significantly.
Key Areas of Cardigan Fit
According to fit guidelines, they should have enough room through the shoulders and taper down the chest and the narrowest part under the ribcage. This creates a structured yet comfortable upper body fit.
From there, your cardigan should widen a bit throughout the abdomen and fit comfortably—both open and closed. When buttoned up, your cardigan shouldn't be overly tight to avoid looking overstuffed.
Here's a breakdown of the ideal fit points:
- Shoulders: The seam should sit relatively close to the edge of your shoulder, but with enough room that it doesn't feel restrictive. You should be able to move your arms freely.
- Chest & Torso: The cardigan should gently taper from the chest down to just under your ribcage. It should follow the natural lines of your body without being clingy.
- Midsection/Abdomen: Below the ribcage, the fit should widen slightly. This allows for comfort whether the cardigan is worn open or closed, preventing the fabric from pulling tight over the stomach area.
- Buttoned Fit: A crucial test is buttoning it up. It should close easily without stretching across the buttons or looking strained. You should be able to fit a hand comfortably between the cardigan and your chest. If it pulls, it's too tight.
- Length: The hem typically falls around the belt line or slightly below. It shouldn't cover your entire rear end unless it's specifically designed as a longline style.
- Sleeves: Sleeves should end at the wrist bone. They should be slim but not tight, allowing you to wear a shirt underneath comfortably.
Checking the Fit
To ensure a proper fit, try the cardigan on over the type of shirt you'd typically wear with it (e.g., a t-shirt, a dress shirt).
- Movement Test: Raise your arms, reach forward, and twist your torso. The cardigan should move with you without significant pulling or restriction.
- Button Test: As mentioned, button it up. Check for pulling at the buttons or across the back.
- Mirror Check: Look at yourself from the front, side, and back. Does it look balanced? Is it too baggy or too tight anywhere?
| Fit Area | Ideal Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Shoulders | Enough room, seams near natural shoulder edge. |
| Chest/Torso | Tapers down chest to under ribcage. |
| Midsection | Widen slightly below ribcage, comfortable fit open/closed. |
| Buttoned | Not overly tight, no pulling across buttons. |
| Length | Around belt line or just below (for standard styles). |
| Sleeves | End at wrist bone, room for layering. |
By following these guidelines, especially ensuring enough room through the shoulders and tapering down the chest and the narrowest part under the ribcage, with a slight widening through the abdomen for comfort both open and closed, and making sure it's not overly tight to avoid looking overstuffed when buttoned, you can select a men's cardigan that fits well and enhances your wardrobe.
