A cardigan shirt is a fun combination of professional meets sexy. In many cases, it is simply the act of wearing a button-front cardigan as a shirt — but it takes a specific kind of button-front cardigan. For instance, wearing the standard high neck J.Crew cardigan as a shirt is too retro.
The Best Cardigan Shirt
Instead, I recommend wearing a v-neck button-front cardigan as a top, as you can see from the options I have provided below. The v-neck is more flattering than the standard crew neck cardigan and sits against your body better when all the buttons are buttoned up. But before you buy one, remember to order one size up. Your usual size cardigan will generally be too snug to be worn as a shirt. Anyone who has tried this at home with their existing cardigans, probably already knows this. If you try to wear a cardigan as a shirt in your correct size, the buttons will pull and you will see your bra and belly through the gaps between the buttons. A simple size-up will usually fix this. But if it doesn’t…
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How To Wear A Cardigan As A Shirt
Once you have a button front cardigan in a size up, you may still see a little bit between the buttons as you move. This can be solved by five methods.
- Wear a tank top or bodysuit under the buttoned-up cardigan.
- Wear a bralette underneath (sometimes the space between the buttons only offers a peek at the bust, making it the only area in need of extra coverage.)
- Place Topstick between the buttons to tape the fabric together. (See all the reasons I love Topstick in my post on the best fashion tools.)
- Have your tailor (or yourself) add little snaps between the buttons.
- If you only plan to wear the cardigan as a shirt from now on, have your tailor sew down the button placket. This turns the sweater into a pullover, but it shouldn’t be an issue since most cardigans are stretchy.
Heart Patch Stripe Cardigan
Halogen Crop Cardigan
Good American Cozy Rib Crop Cardigan
This cardigan is available at Nordstrom and Good American.
Vero Moda Lapoilu V-Neck Cardigan
Astr the Label V-Neck Cardigan
This cardigan is available at Nordstrom and Astr the Label.
Treasure & Bond Women’s Marbled Cardigan
Pistola London Crop Cardigan
This cardigan is available at Nordstrom and Revolve.
Open Edit Two-Button Rib Cardigan
This is a super sexy cardigan to wear as a shirt. If it’s too sexy for you, you still want this as a regular cardigan. It is one of my favorite cardigans to pair with jeans as well as dresses.
Free People Game on Cardigan
This cardigan is available at Nordstrom, Zappos, and Amazon.
Maje Mimoselle Pointelle Cardigan Sweater
This cardigan is available at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and FarFetch.
Only Hearts Mesh Cardigan
This cardigan is available at Revolve and Shopbop.
Astr the Label Romilly Jacquard Crop Cardigan
This cardigan is available at Nordstrom, Zappos, and Astr the Label.
Capsule 121 The Keck Cardigan
This cardigan is available at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus.
Cardigans as Shirts from Years Past
I originally wrote this post years ago and update it regularly due to its popularity. I’ve left these photos below for nostalgic purposes. Whenever I update older posts, I love to hold on to a collection of images as a bit of a time capsule so we can watch how our style evolves.
Sanctuary Supersoft Crop Cardigan
The fuzzy texture of the Sanctuary Supersoft Crop Cardigan will keep you cozy warm all day.
Sizing Tip: It runs bigger, so order a size down.
Lost + Wander Joey V-Neck Crop Cardigan
The Lost + Wander Joey V-Neck Crop Cardigan pairs nicely with high-waisted jeans, pants, or skirts. Pair it with off-white jeans for a year-round look, or espresso-colored bottoms for a solid fall look. I also love this with the Wit & Wisdom HIgh waisted cotton joggers.
Joe’s The Favorite Daughter Button-Up Cardigan
Joe’s The Favorite Daughter Button-Up Cardigan is a bit more form-fitting than some of the other cardigans on this list.
Kenzo Leopard Jacquard Crop Cardigan
The Kenzo Leopard Jacquard Crop Cardigan has a looser crop fit.
Sizing Tip: Order a size down for a leaner look.
BB Dakota Speckle Agent Cardigan
The BB Dakota Speckle Agent Cardigan offers a looser fit and is super comfortable.
Nili Lotan Brenna Ribbed Merino Wool Blend Cardigan
The Nili Lotan Brenna Ribbed Merino Wool Blend Cardigan is a bit see-through so I recommend wearing it over a tank or bralette.
1.State Shaker Stitch Crop Cotton Blend Cardigan
The 1.State Shaker Stitch Crop Cotton Blend Cardigan is a relaxed version of the look for those who don’t want such a tight cardigan shirt. Pair it with any type of casual pant or tighter skirt.
Sizing Tip: You can order your regular size with this one.
Missoni Pointelle Panel Stripe Cardigan
I adore this Missoni Pointelle Panel Stripe Cardigan. Pair this gorgeous look with leggings or side-zip slim pants.
Sizing Tip: Order one size up.
Something Navy V-Neck Cardigan
Pair this Something Navy V-Neck Cardigan with lower rise jeans, or side-zip slim pants.
Sizing Tip: Order one size up.
Theory Ribbed Cardigan
This Theory Ribbed Cardigan is a bit see-through, so I recommend wearing it over a white tank or white bralette.
Sizing Tip: Order one size up.
Cotton Emporium Eyelash Crop Cardigan
This 50s-esque Cotton Emporium Eyelash Crop Cardigan has a fabulous wide neckline that is far more flattering than the usual crew neck cardigan. Pair with jeans for a fresh look.
Sizing Tip: Your regular size should work, but order a size up to compare just in case.
Chelsea28 Shrunken Cardigan
This Chelsea28 Shrunken Cardigan looks great, but its closures are bulky snaps that don’t sit right and are annoying. I recommend switching out the buttons or simply sewing down the button placket.
Sizing Tip: Your regular size should be good, but order a size up to compare just in case.
Simon Miller Chiz Check Jacquard Crop Cardigan
This Simon Miller Chiz Check Jacquard Crop Cardigan is my favorite cardigan shirt of the bunch. The cut and coloring are so sexy and chic.
Sizing Tip: Order one size up.
Madewell Shelley Cardigan
This Madewell Shelley Cardigan is perfection with jeans. It should work with both skinny and wide jeans. The vee is a bit low though, so you may want a tank or bralette underneath.
Sizing Tip: Your regular size will be good.
Reformation Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan
This Reformation Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan is a great cardigan shirt option that is not too loose or too tight. It will pair well with both skinny and wide-leg jeans.
Sizing Tip: Order your regular size and a size up to compare fits.
Whistles Chunky Yak Mix Cardigan
This Whistles Chunky Yak Mix Cardigan is another relaxed version for those not wanting such a tight cardigan shirt. Pair it with any type of casual pant, or tighter skirt.
Sizing Tip: Order your regular size as well as a size down.
J.O.A. Ribbed Crop Cardigan
This sexy J.O.A. Ribbed Crop Cardigan looks fantastic with skirts and wide-leg pants.
Sizing Tip: Order one size up.
