Why a contest between knit jumpers and knit cardigans? After all, they’re both super practical women’s knitwear garments that keep us warm and comfortable year round. But, when we’re shopping online, sometimes we do need to weigh up a purchase to decide which garment we’ll get the most use out of. So here we go, the battle between the cardigan and the jumper!
Firstly, let’s run through the pros and cons of knit women’s jumpers and knit cardigans, so you can make up your own mind about which will be the best buy for you. Really, your choice will depend on your personal style, which item will go well with more of your outfits, and where you plan to wear them. Oh, and most importantly, it’ll depend on your budget. After all, if you can afford it, why not buy both?
After that, we’ll cover some easy outfits that utilise jumpers and cardigans, and what fashion vibe you can achieve with each.
The Pros & Cons of Knit Jumpers (a.k.a. Knit Sweaters or Pullovers)
Pros:
- Clean silhouette: Jumpers offer a streamlined, uninterrupted line—which is great when you’re going for a minimalist look.
- Warm & insulating: As there are minimal openings on a jumper, and most cover you at least to the waist, jumpers are an ideal garment for the cold weather.
- Easy to layer under coats and jackets: Jumpers fit well under most outerwear, meaning you can rock a jumper with a vegan leather biker jacket, trench coat, puffer jacket, or regular long coat. It all works! Plus, with jackets having a fastening at the front, it’s better to not have to button up a cardigan as well as a jacket.
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Low maintenance look: Jumpers speak for themselves. You’re plainly wearing a gorgeous knit texture. You don’t need to add much in the way of styling—instead, just add what’s practical (i.e. a baselayer, bottoms, footwear, and an outer layer if necessary). With a jumper, there’s also no need to fuss around with buttons and collars.
Cons:
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Less able to control temperature: If you heat up in a jumper, you need to take it off, whereas with a cardigan, you can undo some buttons to allow airflow.
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Can be challenging to layer over/under structured clothing: Bulky jumpers can look a little awkward worn over certain button-up shirts or under blazers. (Thin knits are likely fine).
- You have to pull them over your head: If your hairstyle is precious to you, pulling your jumper over your head can be a difficult operation, and you might mess up your do. Add to that, you can easily get makeup on your jumper when putting it on and taking it off if you’re not super careful.
The Pros & Cons of Knit Cardigans
Pros:
- Versatile design: You can easily take a cardigan on or off, without messing up your hair! Wear it buttoned up, with a few top or bottom buttons undone, or completely open—whatever works with your outfit.
- Varied styles available: There’s quite a variety of knit cardigans out there. You can find versions with crew-neck collars, waterfall collars, or V-neck collars. There are cardigans with buttons, without buttons, and with zips or ties at the front. There are waist-length knit cardigans, and longline cardigans that reach the knees. There are belted cardigans that create a stylish silhouette, cardigans with handy pockets, and structured cardigans that look more like coats (coatigans). There are also cardigans with hoods. Basically, the world is your oyster when it comes to the cardigan as a wardrobe piece! There’s just so many styles to choose from!
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Perfect for layering: Cardigans layer well over tank tops, camisoles, shirts, blouses, and over knit dresses.
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Temperature adjustable: A cardigan is a very practical piece. If you’re a little cold, you can throw it over your shoulders. Even colder? Put it on your arms and do it up. A little warm? Undo a few buttons. Too warm? Unbutton it completely and let it hang loose.
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Easy to style and adjust: Cardigans can be quite structured just on their own, so you shouldn’t need to style them much. If needed, you can add extra structure with a belt. Or else, let it hang for a relaxed look.
Cons:
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Can look overly casual: Oversized, fluffy or slouchy cardigans can look a little unstructured. Whilst fine for casual settings, they may not look right at work or for special events.
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Button-fronts may add bulk: The buttons and pockets on certain cardigans can look bulky, and might not look right for certain outfits, especially with evening wear.
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Won’t always work with base layers and outerwear: Cardigans aren’t always ideal over certain tops. For instance, if your cardigan is a very soft, fluffy knit, it might not work with a very structured shirt. Also some cardigans won’t work beneath fitted jackets, and longline cardigans may peak out under coats. You’ll know what works and what doesn’t when you look in the mirror. If it’s a bit off, change it up.
Best Ensembles for Jumpers and Cardigans
Now that we’ve explored the selling points and potential drawbacks of knit jumpers and cardigans, we can look at some classic ensembles for both.
Go-to Knit Jumper Outfits:
- With pants or jeans: Jumpers can look great paired with leather-look pants, mom jeans, or tailored trousers.
- With skirts: Create a smart-casual look with a fine knit jumper tucked into an A-line midi skirt or pencil skirt.
- Over dresses: Jumpers, particularly oversized jumpers, can look cute worn over midi or slip dresses. Add a belt at the waist to create shape.
- Layered with outerwear: Sweaters pair well with puffer jackets, trench coats, and wool coats in winter.
- With collared shirts: For a preppy vibe, try a jumper over a collared shirt, with the collar poking out at the top. Make sure the pattern and textures work well together, i.e., if your jumper is very textured and bulky, then opt for a finer shirt in a plain pattern or no pattern at all. Conversely, if you have a fine, solid-coloured jumper, then a patterned shirt can look really good in contrast.
Knit Jumper Style Vibes:
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Minimalist: Clean lines, neutral tones, oversized silhouettes.
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Casual chic: Pair with denim, boots, or sneakers.
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Smart casual: Fitted jumpers with dress pants or pencil skirts.
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Scandi-inspired: Boxy or oversized jumpers with muted palettes and natural textures.
Go-to Knit Cardigan Outfits:
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With collared blouses: Excellent for showcasing a blouse or shirt underneath; great in workplace settings.
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Over dresses: A cardigan worn open or belted over a midi dress is classic.
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With skirts: Pair cropped or waist-length cardigans with high-waisted skirts for a vintage-inspired look.
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With wide-leg pants: Add balance with a slim-fitted cardigan.
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Casual layering piece: Throw over leggings and a tee for comfy at-home or weekend wear.
Knit Cardigan Style Vibes:
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Boho or relaxed chic: Especially long, draped cardigans in earthy tones.
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Preppy: Button-up, crew neck cardigans with skirts or tucked-in shirts.
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Vintage-inspired: Cropped cardigans with high-waisted bottoms.
- Office casual: Fine knit cardigans over tailored pieces.
- Knit jumpers and Cardigans at Femme Connection
Whether you lean towards the clean lines of a knit jumper or the versatile layering of a cardigan, both styles have their place in a well-rounded wardrobe. At Femme Connection, we offer a gorgeous range of women’s knit jumpers and cardigans to suit every look—from office-ready to weekend casual. Explore our collection today and find the perfect knit to match your personal style.
Need pants, skirts, dresses, tops and outerwear to go with your knitwear? You can find it all at Femme Connection, in a wide range of sizes and styles!