Wrap Yourself in Comfort:
The Timeless Charm of Wool Cardigans
Wool cardigans should be an essential in every woman’s wardrobe. The soft, warm layer they provide to every outfit, combined with their stylish versatility, makes them an unbeatable garment for any occasion!
Here, we discuss how to style your wool cardigan, how to care for it and why it's an essential item in any woman's wardrobe...
The Benefits of Wool Cardigans
Thanks to the unique thermal properties of wool fibres, wool cardigans are notably soft and cosy, and a great option to keep the warmth in… or out!
The naturally breathable and moisture-wicking qualities of wool can regulate your body temperature to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the day and allow you to stay warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather.
Wool is also incredibly soft and lightweight, providing a luxurious feel against your skin without feeling heavy or bulky. The natural elasticity of wool fibres enables wool cardigans to stretch and move with your body to give a flexible fit.
All these excellent features make women's wool cardigans the perfect choice for those who prioritise comfort and cosiness in their clothing, regardless of the season.
Versatile and easy to style
Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that are the most versatile. That certainly holds true for women’s wool cardigans, which can be worn with nearly any kind of outfit, on any occasion, and in any season.
Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or dressing down for a casual day out, our range of colours and designs ensures there’s a style for everyone to complete every outfit.
When it’s cold outside and you want to keep warm but you don’t want to wear that big bulky coat, wool cardigans are easy to throw over a top to take the chill off. But if it's a little bit cooler, you can also layer your cardigan with other jumpers or jackets for extra warmth; the perfect option for layering without sacrificing style or comfort.
The universally flattering nature of wool means that this timeless garment is sure to look good on everyone, especially with so many styles to choose from at Country Collection. And what’s more, the natural fibres also resist wrinkles which makes it a wonderful low-maintenance garment for on-the-go ladies!
Ideal for mature ladies
The main reason anyone buys a wool cardigan is because it's soft, warm and comfortable, but there’s much more to them than that.
Wool cardigans are also an excellent choice for more mature women who may struggle with dexterity and hand mobility, or simply appreciate a refined style and practicality.
The easy-to-wear quality of styles with no buttons like our edge-to-edge style, zip functionality or larger buttons make fastening your cardigans much easier and aids ease of dressing.A simple option that’s easy to throw on whenever you need warmth while still looking put together, what’s not to love?
Types of Wool Cardigans
There is a large selection of wool cardigans for women available from Country Collection, available in a range of sizes and different materials including cashmere cotton, lambswool, Merino wool, Shetland wool and a lovely wool mix.
Styles include the classic crew neck, edge-to-edge and v-neck in patterned, plain and striped designs with key features such as the traditional Fairisle or cable knit pattern. Simply select your preferred length and choose from zip, button or no fastenings, with or without pockets and you’re on your way to finding your next favourite cardigan.
How to Style Wool Cardigans
It’s clear to see why ladies’ wool cardigans are a versatile option that will pair with every outfit in your wardrobe. But, if you need some styling inspiration, here are some of our favourite ways to wear yours…
Pairing with jeans creates a more casual day-to-day look while your classic straight-leg trousers can be dressed up with a chic white blouse to offer a smarter appearance for more formal occasions.
For added warmth, wear your wool cardigan over a turtleneck jumper with some easy pull-on trousers to give a relaxed, comfortable look that will keep you cosy all day long.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter for the warmer weather, you could dress a lightweight cotton cardigan and leave it unbuttoned over your favourite skirt to create a flowy, breathable look that will ward off the evening breeze.
When coordinating colours and patterns, try not to overdo it with patterns and choose colours that match the rest of your outfit. For example, if your ladies’ top has navy flowers printed on it, choose a wool cardigan in a similar blue shade to compliment the pattern as opposed to detracting from it.
Caring for Wool Cardigans
Although our wool cardigans are durable and high-quality, hand washing or machine washing on a gentle cycle is recommended to keep them in their best condition for even longer. When washing, don’t use bleach or fabric softener as this can damage the fibres.
Avoid using direct heat on your garment, such as ironing and tumble drying, and ensure you are air drying and storing flat so that the cardigan retains its original shape.
The nature of wool means that your cardigan will likely pill at some point, but you can easily remove lint or pills with a lint roller or fabric shaver. Remember that pilling is not a sign of quality and will occur even on the highest quality of garments.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How can I stop my wool cardigans from shedding?
Shedding is inevitable with wool products, but it is not a reflection of the quality of your garment, but a natural result of friction when the garment is worn.
You can, however, easily whisk away loose fibres by carefully washing in cool water with a gentle detergent, or running a lint roller over the piece.
2. Will wool cardigans stretch?
Wool is not stretchy like some other synthetical materials but it does have slight stretch that can adjust to the shape of your body for comfortable wearing.
Like many natural fibres, wool can also stretch out of shape - especially when wet. This can be avoided by airy drying your wool cardigans flat and storing them folded on a shelf or in a drawer to prevent the garments from misshaping.
3. Which wool does not bobble?
Bobbling, or pilling, is an inevitable occurrence when dealing with wool fibres. Pills often appear in places that experience more friction, such as on the elbows and under the armpits.
Merino wool is less prone to pilling due to its longer, finer fibres that are tightly woven to keep it strong. Wool blend cardigans, such as cashmere cotton for example, are also a good choice for reducing the chances of those annoying pills that appear. Although these materials may still experience some pilling, they will likely not pill as quickly as other wool types.
4. Why is wool used for cardigans?
Wool fibres are insulating and breathable to make for a comfortable wear every day of the year, while the fibres are strong and durable which allows them to withstand frequent wear and washing without losing their shape or quality. On top of this, wool is renewable and naturally biodegradable, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly material.
All of these qualities make wool an excellent choice for ladies’ cardigans, providing warmth, comfort, durability and sustainability in a single garment.
5. Where do cardigans come from?
The cardigan that we all know and love today is thought to be inspired by the woollen waistcoat worn by British Army Officers. The garment is named after James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, a British Army Major General whose fame is also associated with leading the disastrous 1854 Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War.
Although originally a sleeveless V-neck vest design with pockets and a button front, the cardigan saw variations emerge, including the modern sleeved version that was known as a ‘cardigan jacket’.
Coco Chanel is then credited for making the cardigan a popular fashion piece, apparently because of her aversion to the way men’s sweaters would dishevel her hair when she wore them.
Before long, the cardigan soon became popular among both men and women and has remained a staple in fashion ever since.
6. Can wool cardigans be dry cleaned?
Wool cardigans can be dry cleaned but it's important to choose a reputable dry cleaner who has experience working with wool, as the dry cleaning process uses a special solvent to remove dirt and stains from the wool that can be harsh on the fibres if not done properly.
However, dry cleaning isn’t always necessary and, in most cases, a simple spot clean or gentle wash cycle in the machine at home will do the trick. But if you’re still unsure, read the care label on your garment to see if dry cleaning is suitable.
7. Are wool cardigans itchy?
Wool cardigans can be itchy for some people, but this greatly depends on the coarseness of wool used and the sensitivity of the individual's skin.
If you have sensitive skin, fibres such as Merino wool are finer and much less likely to cause irritation.
Fibres also soften with time and wear, so the longer you wear your wool cardigan, the less likely it is to feel itchy.
8. Are wool cardigans warm?
Yes, wool cardigans are warm and provide great insulation in cooler temperatures. Wool fibres have natural insulating properties, which means that they can trap heat and help to keep the wearer warm when it’s cold outside.
