Women's Cardigans

Gauge settles a cardigan before the shape does: a fine knit sits close to the body and layers under a coat, while a chunky one becomes the outer layer itself. Cropped and shrunken cardigans stop at or just above the waist; longline and duster styles fall past the hip, the longest of them to the knee. Button-through versions read tidiest, and the neckline decides how much they open — a V-neck breaks the chest where a crew or shawl collar closes it. Cocoon, waterfall and open-front cuts skip fastening altogether and rely on the drape of the yarn.

Sleeve and shoulder change the rest, as a dropped shoulder relaxes the line, a set-in sleeve keeps it neat, and a balloon or bishop sleeve carries volume through the arm before gathering it into the cuff. Cashmere and merino hold warmth at very low weight, cotton and linen blends carry into warmer months, and mohair or alpaca brings a soft halo to the surface. Cable, rib and jacquard work give an otherwise plain shape its surface interest.