FYI, The Cardigan Was Named After Someone Specific

It was named after "an arrogant and cantankerous person” whose past is either heroic or sordid, depending on who you ask.
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Mister Rogers may be the most iconic cardigan-wearer in pop culture history.

The knitwear world is filled with different styles, from chunky oversized pullovers to sleek stretchy turtlenecks. While the origin of words like “turtleneck” and “pullover” seem relatively self-evident, there’s another famous sweater variety with a less straightforward name history: the cardigan.

A perfect staple for transitional weather, the term cardigan generally refers to a knitted sweater with an open front that can be buttoned up, which allows for it to be worn like a jacket over almost any outfit. Iterations of this garment have been around for centuries, but the name cardigan appears to date back to the mid-19th century. And it’s all thanks to a nobleman with the title of the Earl of Cardigan.  

To explore the origins of the word cardigan and this sweater’s connection to English nobility, HuffPost spoke to a couple of fashion historians about this classic piece of knitwear and its legacy in our times. 

The Origin Of The Name

“The accepted lore and history of the name ‘cardigan’ is that it comes from the Earl of Cardigan, James Thomas Brudenell, during the Crimean War where his Light Brigade was dressed in a close-fitting, knitted jacket,” fashion historian Abby Cox told HuffPost.

Indeed, the seventh Earl of Cardigan, aka Lord Cardigan, lived from 1797 to 1868 and was an officer in the British Army during the Crimean War of the 1850s. He led the famous Charge of the Light Brigade against Russian forces during the Battle of Balaclava in 1854. 

In historian Robert Powyszynski Sr.’s book “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” he states that Lord Cardigan was “an arrogant and cantankerous person” who possessed a sartorial flair and spent large sums of money on new uniforms and equipment for his regiment.

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James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, lived from 1797 to 1868 and is famous for leading the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War.

“During that time he became infamous for living on a yacht harbored at the town of Balaclava and venturing onto shore to seek the company of local women,” said Keren Ben-Horin, a fashion historian, curator and co-author of “The Sweater: A History.”

Lord Cardigan was reportedly given a hero’s welcome upon his return to England after the Charge of the Light Brigade, and some say this moment of fame put his signature waistcoat or jacket style on the map. (Later accounts of the battle suggested that he actually retreated during the attack, which cast doubt on his supposed heroism.) 

“It’s possible that he and other soldiers wore a type of woolen coat, but if the earl wore an actual knitted cardigan, it was more likely later in his life when he retired to the English countryside,” Ben-Horin said.

Whether or not knitted waistcoats or jackets were worn by Lord Cardigan or his regiment during the Crimean War, this type of garment came to be associated with the nobleman and thus known as a cardigan. So just as the sandwich was named for the Earl of Sandwich, the Earl of Cardigan was the guy behind this piece of sweater taxonomy.

“However, knitted jackets for men, women and children have been around for centuries, just with different names,” Cox said, sharing an example from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s collection dated between 1580 and 1610. “So while the name ‘cardigan’ might date back to the 1850s, the concept of the cardigan ― a knitted, long-sleeved, open-fronted garment ― has been around for centuries.”

Still, Cox noted that the earliest mention of the term cardigan in this context that she could find comes from a January 1862 edition of Godey’s Lady’s Book, which stated:

“‘The Cardigan Jacket,’ a novelty of the season, may be described as a very elastic ribbed worsted shirt, in high colors. It is intended to serve the purpose of a lady’s sacque, ‘a wrap up,’ to be worn under a coat for warmth.”

“While this snippet doesn’t explain the etymology of the term ‘cardigan,’ the date of publication does lend itself to the Earl of Cardigan and the Crimean War,” Cox said. 

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From British nobility to British pop idols: Harry Styles sported a whimsical cardigan at a Spotify album release event in May 2022.

The Rise

“Knitting at home grew in popularity during the 1800s through the 1900s, and I think that, in addition to technological advancement that allowed for more ready-made knitwear, it makes sense that knitted garments like cardigans would grow in popularity,” Cox said.

As evidenced by the ads for “cardigan jackets” that date back to the 1860s, this article of clothing quickly appeared in shops and catalogs in England and beyond. References suggest that these early cardigans may have been sleeveless, but that changed over time.

And although the term cardigan proved to have real staying power, there were other names for this style as well. 

“One great example is the Columbia Book of Yarns from 1908 ― it has several different knitted jacket options for men, women, and children with names like ‘Golf Jacket,’ ‘Bryn Mawr Jacket,’ and ‘Norfolk Jacket,’” Cox said. “They all look different, but they all fit the basic definition of a cardigan ― knitted, long sleeve, and open-front garment that is secured with buttons.”

There are many reasons why the cardigan would thrive in the age of industrial manufacturing, Ben-Horin noted.

“First, the knitting frame had an almost perfect design and required very little improvement from its invention in 1589 through the early 20th century, making the production of socks, underwear and sweaters the earliest example of mechanized manufacturing,” she explained. “Second, because sweaters are created by looping only one continuous yarn, they have the ability to stretch and adjust to different body shapes, unlike tailored, woven garments that require individual adjustments to fit well, making the sweater an ideal garment for the rise of industrial, mass manufacturing.”

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Princess Diana's iconic style featured many cozy cardigans to keep her warm in the dreary British weather. The sweater's association with Britain inspired the Swedish rock band The Cardigans' name, as its members were self-proclaimed Britophiles.

She also noted that women’s clothing started to relax at the end of the 19th century, as many in the middle class started to participate in sports, attend college and otherwise engage in a more dynamic lifestyle.

“What better garment than a stretchy, practical sweater to meet the new demands of modern life?” Ben-Horin said.

Some credit Coco Chanel with popularizing cardigans for women as many of her iconic sweaters featured a button front. 

“While Chanel is known for her knitwear and her fondness of British country life, where men were wearing cardigans for several decades if not centuries, she was responding to a trend rather than creating it,” Ben-Horin said.

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Tennis player Suzanne Lenglen (right) worked with designer Jean Patou and sported many chic cardigans on and off the court.

She pointed to the influence of other early 20th-century designers like Elsa Schiaparelli and Jean Patou, who famously dressed tennis star Suzanne Lenglen in chic sweater outfits that allowed for ease of movement. 

“By that point, cardigans were already widely worn in American colleges, the English countryside, and of course in Nordic countries where knitting has a long history,” Ben-Horin added. “In the early 1920s, even the mail order catalog of Sears, Roebuck and Co. sold fashionable cardigans ranging in price from $4.50 to $10.75. In the early 20th century, sweaters and cardigans became an important dressing category akin to athleisure today. They were associated with class and athleticism and were seen as quintessentially modern.”

Cardigans Today

“For most Americans of a certain age, the word ‘cardigan’ instantaneously evokes Mister Rogers ― a warm, fatherly figure,” Ben-Horin said. “Like most other pieces of clothing, the meaning of a cardigan changes based on who wore it, when and where, but perhaps one association prevails: There’s something intimate about a cardigan, how it envelopes the body and provides warmth.”

She recalled Kurt Cobain’s famous green cardigan that he wore during Nirvana’s 1993 appearance on “MTV Unplugged” (which sold at auction for a whopping $334,000 in 2019). 

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The green cardigan that Kurt Cobain wore during Nirvana's appearance on "MTV Unplugged" in 1993 has become an iconic piece of music history.

“Why did this appearance on that show become so iconic?” Ben-Horin asked. “There was something vulnerable, intimate, about a grunge superstar that not only unplugs his guitar but also appears in a humble cardigan that looks like it was borrowed from his mother.”

Other iconic pop culture cardigans include receptionist Pam Beesly’s signature look on the U.S. version of “The Office,” Sandy and Danny’s respective knitwear moments in “Grease,” and The Dude’s sweater in “The Big Lebowski.” First Lady Michelle Obama was also known to sport her fair share of cardigans throughout her time in the White House, notably wearing one to meet Queen Elizabeth in 2009.

When Taylor Swift released her 2020 album “Folklore,” the lead single was “Cardigan,” which featured the lyrics:

And when I felt like I was an old cardigan / Under someone’s bed / You put me on and said I was your favorite

Accompanying the release of the album and single was a special new piece of merch: a cream-colored cable knit cardigan like the one Swift wears in the music video for the song. Cox believes “Cardigan” nicely captures the essence of the garment.

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First lady Michelle Obama wore many cardigans throughout her time in the White House, starting with this mustard yellow number during the inauguration festivities in 2009.

“There is something comforting, familiar and safe about the cardigan, evoking nostalgia for a certain time like autumn, crunchy leaves, apple cider and the smell of firewood in the air, or feelings for a beloved family member,” she said. ”During the holidays, my mother wears a Christmas cardigan that was worn by my grandmother as a sort of honor to her memory. By wrapping ourselves in a cardigan we can blanket ourselves in precious memories and emotions, instilling this sense of safety and security.”

Needless to say, it makes sense that we often refer to certain styles as “grandfather cardigans” or “grandpa cardigans.” Cox said she also enjoys the TikTok discourse around the female gaze and the idea that men in cardigans epitomize sex appeal for women. However you feel about wearing or seeing cardigans in your everyday life, it’s quite clear this article of clothing is here to stay ― and has been for some time. 

“I think the cardigan is a great example of how some aspects of fashion don’t really change all that much over time,” Cox said. “There are cardigans for sale today at Target that would be familiar to our great-great grandparents, which is pretty neat when you think about it.”

Before You Go

29 Cozy Sweaters To Live Your Best Fall Life
A crewneck sweater with a built-in collar(01 of29)
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Available in sizes XS–2XL and eight styles.

Promising review:
"I love this sweater! It is super soft and drapes really nicely. I ordered an extra small, and it fits perfectly. It would look wonderful with jeans or leggings. It is super comfortable, but the collar gives it a polished look." — Joanna Alper
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A oversized varsity-style sweater(02 of29)
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Available in sizes XL–5XL and 10 colors.

Promising review
: "Soooo cozy!!! This sweater was better than I expected. As a plus size woman, it can be hard to find 'oversized' sweaters but this one fit perfectly. I highly recommend. I bought a 5XL but could easily have gone down a few sizes for a more fitted look." —Stephanie Massalone
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A fisherman cable turtleneck(03 of29)
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Available in sizes XS–2XL and 21 colors.

Promising review:
"This is one of the most comfortable turtleneck sweaters I've ever worn! It is extremely soft and very comfortable! I paired it with skinny jeans and boots and they looked great together. It is extremely well made." — Courtney L.

Promising review: "It’s so cute and warm and I’ll definitely be wearing it a lot this winter!" — Kelli Budge
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An eye-catching leopard-sleeved sweater(04 of29)
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Available in sizes S–XL and 14 colors.

Promising review:
"I have to tell you how soft this sweater is. SO SOFT! It’s not at all itchy, it fits well. I wore it tucked with a black leather-style mini and it was so cute and chic! Love love love it!" — Miss Liss
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An Amazon Essentials V-neck sweater(05 of29)
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Available in sizes 3XS–6XL and 32 colors.

Promising review
: "This is the perfect sweater for me and for others of us who have work to do in your winter clothes. This sweater is beautiful to look at and feels soft too. I need clothes that look like Winter but are light weight and this sweater fills the bill!" — Christine Chilcote
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A long-sleeve turtleneck sweater with bat wing sleeves(06 of29)
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Available in women's sizes XS–XL and 33 colors.

Promising review:
"I bought this sweater on impulse and it did not disappoint! So soft and warm. It's so freaking cute! I don't want to take it off!!" — Kathryn O.
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An oversized balloon-sleeve waffle sweater(07 of29)
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Available in sizes S–XL and in 22 styles.

Promising review:
"This is my first time reviewing a product, but I think this product deserves more! The quality feels great; it’s not itchy or anything. It’s very warm and very oversized, exactly how I want it to fit. I’m usually a L to XL, and it was still very baggy on me. There’s a slight turtleneck, which I thought was an additional plus to the sweater! Overall, I think this is a great investment if you’re looking for something warm and oversized!" — Vivian
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A bestselling lightweight Madewell cardigan(08 of29)
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Available in sizes 2XS–2XL, 1X–4X, and four colors.

Promising review:
"I got the sweater in green and am obsessed with how rich the color is! Some reviewers indicated it was a bit too thin, but I love that for layering purposes so things don't get too heavy! The material is super soft, the length isn't too short or cropped, and I find it to be super versatile. Would love for more colors!" — KatieK24
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A custom pet portrait sweatshirt(09 of29)
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Based in Orlando, Florida, Made My Days is a small biz making personalized printed apparel based on customer photos — they'll even embroider your favorite car or an image of you and your significant onto a sweatshirt. Just send the seller a photo to have it replicated onto a cozy crewneck. Available in hoodie, crewneck, and t-shirt options in sizes S–XXL and six colors.

Promising review: "I absolutely adore this sweatshirt!! I love that the design comes from a real photo of my dog, so it’s so personalized and so well done. It’s a fun way to showcase him but still subtle and cute. On top of that, it’s very soft and comfortable, great quality!" — jessicabogert

Promising review: "OBSESSED! That's the only word I can think of. I got this for a good friend of mine and she loves it so much. I submitted a few pictures of her dog and there was such a quick turn around and it came out perfect. I will be ordering from here again. Just buy it! You won't regret it." — Katie Barman
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A leopard-print pullover(10 of29)
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Available in sizes S–XL and 15 styles.

Promising review:
"Hands down, my new favorite sweater. I will definitely be getting more colors! I am 5'11" and it's the perfect length to wear with leggings! Soft, great quality, very comfortable." — M in NC
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A subtle pom-pom jumper(11 of29)
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Available in sizes 4–16 and 21 colors.

Promising review:
"My new favorite sweater. Incredibly soft. Super-cute design. Love the sleeve detail. I received so many compliments on this sweater. Fits exactly as expected." — Triple Blessed
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A pumpkin embroidered sweatshirt in a gorgeous orange shade(12 of29)
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Good Scout Supply is a North Carolina-based small biz specializing in super cute monogrammed apparel and accessories using a range of fun typefaces. Available in sizes S–3XL.

Promising review: "Super soft and warm without being too heavy — this was the perfect top for a brisk fall day!" — Emma Davidson

Promising review: "This sweatshirt is so adorable! The quality is great, it runs true to size and the embroidery is perfection. Can’t wait for fall to come so I can wear it!" — Elizabeth
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A vintage-inspired polo knit sweater(13 of29)
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Simple Retro is a woman-owned-and-designed small biz with a passion for vintage and retro clothes ranging from the '50s to the '80s. Eighty-seven percent of their workers are women and they ensure ethical factory working conditions. Available in sizes XS–XL.

Promising review: "Out of the three tops I ordered, this was my favorite. I love the slightly boyish-boxy shape it gives and the detailing. Perfect blend of structured and soft and the collar is slightly longer than most collars which gives it a unique feminine touch. Looks good tucked in or not! Very versatile piece. " – Victoria
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A versatile open-front cardigan(14 of29)
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Available in sizes XS–2XL, 1X–4X and eight colors.

Promising review
: "I needed a new cardigan and I am SO glad that I got this one. It is extremely soft and cozy. I love wearing it at work and it goes with everything!" — Marissa
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An off-the-shoulder sweater with a beautiful fold-down neckline(15 of29)
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Available in sizes 14–28 and two colors.

Promising review
: "OK OK OK Girl, now this is a keeper!Who says Curvy Women don't deserve style? Love everything about this off shoulder sweater, sexy after removing coat or no coat at all, you decide!" — Lumpasugar
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An Amazon Essentials lightweight turtleneck(16 of29)
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Available in sizes XS–2XL and 21 colors.

Promising review:
"I am so pleased with the quality and fit of this black turtleneck, I ordered four more! The biggest thing for me is the actual neck — it stays up and fits well. Other turtlenecks get droopy or saggy — not this one. Perfect, light sweater and the black is a nice deep rich black color that looks great on Zoom calls! The pink is lovely and I got navy and two shades of blue. Highly recommend!" — Maureen W
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An off-shoulder sweater(17 of29)
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Available in sizes XS–3XL and 18 colors.

Promising review:
"This sweater is so soft, especially after it’s been washed! It fits perfectly with just the right amount of extra room for that oversized look! I can tie it in a knot or do a bra tuck for the perfect look with skirts or high-waisted jeans" — Ashlyn
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An open-front cardigan in a color-block print(18 of29)
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Available in sizes S–3XL and 21 colors.

Promising review:
"This is exactly what I was looking for. It’s nice and long, so it pairs perfectly with either jeans or a dress. It is medium-weight, so it keeps me warm but isn’t bulky. The quality is fantastic — nothing cheap about it." — Steph G.
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A textured balloon-sleeve sweater(19 of29)
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Available in sizes 2XS–2XL and eight colors.

Promising review:
"The balloon sleeves gives it a princess charm and the texture of the material feels good, the V-neck is not too low so its even work appropriate. I am going to pair this with my straight-leg black jeans, booties, and my long necklace for a chic holiday look." — Chinadoll76
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A wide-knit, color-blocked sweater(20 of29)
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Available in sizes XS–XL and 10 styles.

Promising review:
"I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and fit of this sweater! Good quality, well made, fit as expected. Not too bulky and not too thin but definitely a winter sweater. And it doesn't itch like some sweaters do. After many failed clothing purchases, I finally got this one right." — Katsjewel
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A vibrant striped pullover(21 of29)
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Available in sizes S–XL and nine styles.

Promising review:
"This sweater looks and feels great and is so soft and comfy! Quality is so good! I sized up for an oversized fit. This style runs true to size. I machine washed on the delicate cycle, tossed in the dryer for a few minutes then hung to finish drying, and the sweater still looks and feels exactly the same. Win! And the colors are so perfect for fall." — annamaynard
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An asymmetrical wrap sweater with button detailing(22 of29)
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Available in sizes XS–2XL and 33 styles.

Promising review:
"I don’t usually write reviews but I had to about this sweater because the clothing on Amazon can be so unpredictable! It’s perfect! Came just like the picture, nice wide knits, perfect thickness! Best purchase I’ve made in a while!" — Sarah Chun
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A mock-neck pullover featuring a grid design(23 of29)
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Available in sizes S–XL and six styles.

Promising review
: "I loved this sweater from the moment I laid my eyes on it. It's not only pretty but the quality is amazing. Thick and warm. Perfect for a sunny but cold weather." — Mme Vlt
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A casual knit sweater with heart patches on the elbows(24 of29)
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Available in sizes S–XL and eight colors.

Promising review:
"I absolutely love this sweater!! I think it's probably my favorite piece I have purchased the last few months. I wanted to have a bit of a baggy look and be able to wear this with leggings or a pair of jeans so I ordered a large. I just ordered another one in red and can't wait for it to get here. The material is really warm and comfy, not scratchy like I thought it would be." — Jessica Julum
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A thrifted mystery sweater(25 of29)
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Sunflower Luna is a small business based in Dayton, Ohio, that specializes in mystery clothing they thrift for you! You can also request a specific style if you're feeling a bit inspired and they will try their best to find something that makes your vision come true. Their thrifted sweaters come available men's sizes S–2XL.

Promising review: "I don't tend to buy mystery items, but I saw these and knew I had to take a chance! It arrived very quickly and I am beyond happy. It is so cozy, and it will definitely keep me warm this winter! I bought one so it would be oversized and it did NOT disappoint! I am so so happy with this product and will definitely be ordering again in the future!" — Grace
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A fuzzy V-neck popcorn sweater(26 of29)
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Available in sizes S–XL and 15 colors.

Promising review:
"This is my favorite new sweater! The quality is amazing! It's super soft and the color is a pretty taupe that goes well with everything. It's definitely oversized, so order your normal size. I love the detail on the sleeves and the length is great. I'm tempted to buy the other colors now!" — Laura Chaffee
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A turtleneck pullover with a unique color block and slight bell sleeves(27 of29)
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Available in sizes S–XL, 0–10 and 37 styles.

Promising review:
"This product is soooo cute! It is surprisingly high quality and looks high end for the price. The structure is comparable to more mid-range sweaters I have! The fit is baggy and oversized, which is perfect for wearing over leggings or for tucking into jeans. Would totally recommend this product! It’s an absolute steal for the price!" — G4
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An ultra-soft Sherpa sweater(28 of29)
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Available in sizes S–2XL and 18 colors.

Promising review:
"I love this sweater so much that I purchased the gray and pink colors! I will be purchasing every color in this sweater. They’re amazing and I find any excuse to wear them. The sweater is baggy for the days you’re not feeling 100 or it looks super cute partially tucked into your jeans. 100% comfortable and if comfortable is your style, this is YOUR sweater!" — Amazon customer
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A bold graphic cat sweater(29 of29)
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Available in sizes XS–3XL and 28 styles.

Promising review:
"This sweater was even cuter in person than the picture and it's comfortable to wear without something underneath it because it's cotton. Sometimes sweaters with cute prints like this are acrylic and it feels terrible but this? Cute and comfortable. I ordered the cat faces one and it was a hit when I wore it to work. People stopped me to see the print. It's a nice, long, and roomy sweater, which is how I like them. I'm considering ordering the second cat sweater because it is just so cute and comfy." — Larissa
(credit:www.amazon.com)

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