Spring is on its way and I for one can't wait to bulk buy some new knitwear. There's nothing I love more than splashing out a few key knits for the new season and this year, I'm adding to my striped cardigan collection. Because take it from me, they're one of the most useful pieces you'll own.
See, I already have a black and white fluffy striped cardigan, which has been by my side all winter long. And I'm planning to add to my repertoire with a smarter, fitted stripe cardigan, to wear with wide leg jeans and loafers. If you thought a Breton stripe top was a handy capsule piece, wait till you give a striped cardigan a whirl.
- The classic cardigan: M&S Striped Cardigan, £23 / $45.99
- The affordable version: H&M Fine Knit Cardigan, £12.99 / $14.99
- Fluffy: Ro&Zo Boucle Cardigan, £89 / $171
- Smart striped cardigan: Boden Joanna Fitted Knitted Top, £139 / $220
How to wear a striped cardigan
Why are we so in love with the humble striped cardi? They’re comfy, that’s a given, and their versatility is vast – you can wear it with jeans, wide-leg trousers and shorts, or over a block colour dress or summer frock. It also offers a cuter cover-up on a chilly day to a hoodie or sweatshirt.
I even turned to mine recently for drinks with friends, tucking my striped cardigan into a pair of balloon-fit jeans and a pair of heels. The striped cardigan has been spotted at various fashion weeks too, worn over a coordinating striped cami, as a standalone piece with denim or leather.
This time around, the trend is to stick to black and white colourways, with ribbed finishes or a boxy shape. Try ones with metal buttons or diamante fastenings for a smarter feel.
How I chose the best striped cardigans
- Design: If it isn’t striped, it isn’t in the edit. I’ve included all sorts of striped cardigans.
- Price: Whether it's designer or high street, there's plenty of pricing options to choose from and I've found striped cardigans from £15-£249.
- Inclusivity: I've found as many striped cardigans as possible in a range of sizes, from 4 to 24, or XS to XXL.
- Availability: All of the striped cardigans featured are in stock, in most if all not all sizes.
Shop the best striped cardigans
1/8
M&S Striped Cardigan
© M&S- Available in sizes XS-XL
- Round neck
- 5% wool
Editor's Note:
This is a classic round neck cardigan with brown and white stripes, and contrasting buttons.
2/8
H&M Fine Knit Cardigan
© H&M- Sizes XXS - 4XL
- Soft fine knit
- Viscose 70%, Polyamide 30%
Editor's Note:
H&M's casual take on the striped cardigan is your BFF come the weekend. Throw it on over your tee, or post-gym.
There's a few different types of black and white stripes to choose from, depending on your preference.
3/8
Ro&Zo Black Mono Stripe Boucle Cardigan
© Ro&Zo- Sizes XS-L
- Boucle finish
- 9% wool
Editor's Note:
Elevating the everyday, RO&ZO's striped cardigan has a boxy shape and a fluffy finish.
Available in a range of sizes, I'd take your normal size if you're looking for a classic fit, or size down for something more slimline - you could wear this with a cami underneath and buttoned up as a jumper.
4/8
Boden Joanna Fitted Knitted Jacket
© Boden- Sizes 4-22
- Fitted waist
- 50% cotton
Editor's Note:
This stunning cardigan is ideal if you're looking for something smarter. With the fitted waist and clean silhouette, wear with wide leg trousers or dark denim.
5/8
River Island Brown Striped Cardigan
© River Island- Sizes XS - XL
- Shell style buttons
- 46% Cotton, 54% Polyester
Editor's Note:
This is such a great layering piece, with its round neck and slightly puffed sleeve.
6/8
Abercrombie & Fitch Striped Cardigan
© Abercrombie & Fitch- Available in sizes XXS-XXL
- Crew neck
Editor's Note:
For a classic red and white stripe cardigan, Abercrombie leans into the nautical side of things with this timeless knitwear piece.
7/8
Chinti & Parker Cashmere Stripe Cardigan
© Chinti & Parker- Sizes XS - XL
- Slim fit
- 100% cashmere
Editor's Note:
This cashmere striped cardigan has a slim fit and not too chunky - but the heart motif gives it a point of difference.
8/8
Topshop Stripe Cardigan
© ASOS- XS - Large
- Wool and acrylic mix
- Multicoloured
Editor's Note:
I love the colour combination on this fluffy cardigan, with a crew neck and wool mix.
