Cardigans are an indispensable item in any woman’s wardrobe. Not only are they a stylish addition to a range of ensembles, but they are also practical and perfect for layering. No matter the season, there’s a case for wearing a cardigan, however with such a wide range of cardigans out there, you need to choose the right ones for the season you’re in.
Let’s have a look at popular women’s cardigans, their fabrics and designs, and which are the best choices in each season.
Autumn & Winter
Autumn Cardigans: The Season of Transitional Layers
Autumn calls for a little more warmth and density. Fabric blends that include wool, acrylic, or polyester start to come into play as temperatures drop. In warmer parts of Australia, viscose and linen remain viable options in Autumn.
Winter Cardigans: Dense, Cosy, and Insulating
The best cardigans for winter in Australia offer good coverage, and are made from insulating fabrics. Wool cardigans are a classic choice, as wool is so cosy, however it’s not the only warm and cosy cardigan available.
Acrylic and polyester are common fibres used in winter cardigans, and can be as warm as wool. Add some nylon to the mix and you get added stretch, which makes for very versatile cardigans that accentuate the silhouette, without feeling tight.
In terms of cardigan design, winter cardigans tend to provide more coverage than their spring/summer counterparts. You’ll find knit cardigans with high collars or even hoods, and longline cardigans that keep the hips warm.
Let’s run through the virtues of some common autumn and winter knit cardigan materials, so that you can choose the right thread, or combination of threads, for you.
Autumn/Winter cardigan fabrics:
- Wool: Wool is an autumn and winter classic that’s naturally breathable and warm. It has a natural resistance to water, so if you get caught in light rain, you’ll still probably stay dry underneath your wool cardi. Wool is also highly insulating, especially if you choose a dense knit.
On the downside, pure wool cardigans can be pricey, so if it’s beyond your budget, look for a wool blend, or consider acrylic knits instead. Some people also find that wool feels a little prickly against their skin. If this is you, either avoid wool or ensure your baselayers provide a barrier between the wool and your skin.
Note, wool easily shrinks, so take extra care when washing it, and be sure to follow care instructions. Wool blended with a synthetic fabric like elastane might be more forgiving.
- 100% Polyester: Fluffy, shaggy and plush cardigans made from polyester are super warm yet lightweight at the same time. This means they’re perfect for carrying in your handbag, and throwing on when needed. They also look and feel cosy, and are reminiscent of fur—hence, they look the part in winter.
Blends that use mainly polyester mixed with a tiny bit of elastane are common in stretchy, longline cardigans, which are great for comfortable indoor wear.
- Acrylic-Polyester-Nylon Blends: These can be very warm, and are a more affordable alternative to wool. They are also easier to wash and not prone to shrinking. The blend offers softness, warmth, and durability, and is perfect for slouchy or oversized cardigans that are cosy, but not too heavy.
- Viscose-Polyester-Nylon Blends: When there’s a decent percentage of viscose in the blend, you’ll get a cardigan that’s soft and breathable. These blends are often used in lightweight, loose-fitting cardigans, however also appear in more structured styles.
Viscose blends aren’t as warm as some of the other blends, and work best in spring/summer, however they can still play a role in an autumn or winter ensemble if you live in a location with mild winter temperatures. - Polyester-Elastane: This blend adds comfort and stretch whilst offering a sleek silhouette. It is popular in longline cardigans.
Spring & Summer: Lightweight and Breathable
In spring and summer we welcome in more lightweight pieces. We don’t want to be weighed down with heavy, dense or fluffy knits. Instead, we want light layers to keep on hand to throw over our shoulders only if needed.
Easy and airy layering becomes essential as the weather warms up—we don’t want to overheat or feel constricted. Ideal spring summer fabrics are cotton, linen, viscose, silk and thin polyester blends.
Designwise, spring and summer cardigans become loose and less structured, though there are still structured designs that are suitable for wearing to work and more formal settings.
Spring/Summer Cardigan Fabrics:
- Viscose: Viscose is a plant-derived fabric that’s not only soft, but makes for one of the most breathable cardigan materials. It works well in lightweight cardigans, particularly those in draped designs. Look out for waterfall cardigans, with a soft open collar—perfect for wearing over t-shirts and tank tops.
- Polyester: Fine polyester cardigans can work well in spring and summer. Often they have a little elastane in the mix to give them stretch. These cardigans are great for offering coverage from the sun or air-conditioning, without trapping in too much heat.
- Linen: Linen is a plant-derived fabric renowned for being breathable and moisture-wicking (it draws moisture away from the body and keeps you dry). Lightweight linen cardigans are a great option to wear to the beach over bathers, but also to casual events over a t-shirt and paired with jeans.
- Cotton: Like linen, cotton is plant-derived and highly breathable. It is also lightweight. Consider cotton boho cardigans as a statement piece, or else look out for cotton/polyester blends for breathable and comfortable summer knit cardigans.
- Blends: You’ll encounter blends of viscose, cotton, linen, polyester and nylon in spring and summer cardigans. Those with a heavy plant-derived fibre component will be more breathable than those without.
Climate and Your Cardigan
Obviously where you reside in Australia will factor into your cardigan choice! Our weather is diverse, and winter temperatures in Hobart are very different to those in Brisbane. So take that into account when choosing your cardigan fabrics. If winter temps dip low where you live, you’ll need to invest in cardigans that cover you well and are made from insulating materials. If you live in Darwin, spring/summer cardigan fabrics can be worn year round.
Don’t Forget Design and Density Count
While your choice of cardigan fabric matters, the cardigan’s construction, style and fit also impact its suitability for a particular season.
Cardigan length: Obviously, the longer your cardigan is, the more of your body will be covered and insulated, particularly if it’s a button-front cardigan. So, for the colder seasons, consider longline cardigans that cover your waist and upper legs (a little like wearing a cosy dressing gown outdoors).
Buttoned vs Open-Front: Cardigans without fastenings at the front are going to hang open and allow airflow. Hence, these styles work best in spring and summer, or for indoor wear in autumn/winter. Cardigans with button-up fronts or those that tie at the front are going to offer more coverage and insulation in the cold.
Cardigan Density: Thick solid knits, cable knits, and fluffy knits will all trap in more heat than fine weave cardigans will. Hence, reserve you lightweight or fine weave cardis for summer and spring, and your dense and fluffy knits for autumn and winter.
Seasonal Cardigan: Quick Guide
- Spring
Recommended Fabrics: Cotton, Viscose, Light Polyester
Why?: These fabrics are breathable, soft on the skin, and perfect for layering over spring dresses or light tops. They help regulate temperature during crisp mornings and warm afternoons.
- Summer
Recommended Fabrics: Linen, Viscose, Light Cotton
Why?: Lightweight and moisture-wicking, these fabrics allow airflow and prevent overheating. Ideal for covering shoulders or arms in the sun without adding bulk.
- Autumn
Recommended Fabrics: Wool Blends, Polyester, Viscose Blends
Why?: These blends offer medium warmth and are great for layering during fluctuating temperatures. Perfect for pairing with jeans or over midweight tops.
- Winter
Recommended Fabrics: Wool, Acrylic, Dense Polyester
Why?: Warm and insulating, these materials help retain body heat and are suitable for colder climates. Ideal for layering over thermals or under winter coats.
Cardigans at Femme Connection
Whether you're layering up for a chilly day or just adding a touch of style to your outfit, the right cardigan starts with the right fabric. At Femme Connection, our broad cardigan collection includes options for all seasons. From lightweight waterfall knits to plush winter-ready styles, you’ll find the perfect cardigan to keep you comfortable and stylish all year round.
See our other collections for essential Tops, Skirts, Dresses, Pants and Outerwear to go with your gorgeous cardigans! A wide range of sizes and a huge selection of styles is available.