By That Girl Whitney Team
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If there’s one piece every plus size closet needs, it’s a great cardigan. It saves you in a freezing office, dresses up a simple tee, adds warmth on a cool evening, and pulls an outfit together in seconds. Cardigans are the ultimate “I don’t know what to wear” solution.
But not all cardigans are created equal. Some are too short and hit at the widest part of your hips and some stretch out after a few washes. The right plus size cardigan drapes beautifully and holds its shape.
This guide covers the cardigan styles worth owning, the fabrics for each season, how to style a cardigan for work and weekends, and how to keep your knits looking new. Fall is around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to stock up.
Cardigan Styles Worth Owning
Different lengths and shapes serve different purposes.
The classic button cardigan hits at the hip and buttons up the front. Wear it open over a dress or buttoned as a top.
The long duster cardigan falls to the knee or below. It creates a long, vertical line that looks elegant over leggings and slim pants.
The cropped cardigan ends at the waist. It’s perfect over high-waisted pants and dresses, since it shows off your waist.
The chunky cable knit brings cozy texture for fall and winter. The oversized “grandpa” style is especially popular.
The open-front waterfall cardigan drapes softly with no buttons, so it never pulls across the bust.
The longline ribbed cardigan is a thinner, sleeker version of the duster. It adds length without bulk and looks polished over fitted tees.
Start with a neutral like black, gray, cream, or camel. Then add a color or two that you love.
If you’re building from scratch, start with one neutral cardigan in a length that works with your most-worn bottoms. A hip-length button cardigan goes with jeans and dresses alike, while a duster is easier to wear over leggings.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size long duster cardigan or plus size button cardigan
Fabrics for Every Season
The right fabric makes a cardigan comfortable in any weather.
Summer. Lightweight cotton and thin rayon knits keep your shoulders covered without overheating. They’re perfect for air-conditioned offices.
Spring and fall. Medium-weight cotton and acrylic blends are versatile and easy to wash.
Winter. Chunky knits and soft fleece-lined cardigans keep you warm.
Check the fabric content and the reviews before you buy. Some budget knits pill quickly, while blends with a bit of nylon or wool tend to hold up better.
For budget-friendly cozy knits, our roundup of cozy plus size sweaters under $20 includes two cardigans.
Read the fabric content before you buy. Cotton and wool blends breathe well and tend to hold their shape, while cardigans made mostly of acrylic are budget friendly but can pill and stretch out faster. A little spandex or nylon in the blend helps a cardigan bounce back after you wear it.
Styling a Cardigan for Work and Weekends
A cardigan works with almost everything.
At work. Layer a hip-length cardigan over a shell with trousers, or drape it over your shoulders with a sheath dress. Our plus size work pants guide has pants that pair perfectly.
Weekend casual. Wear a chunky cardigan with a tee and sneakers. Belt it at the waist for shape.
Over dresses. A cropped or classic cardigan over a sundress takes it from summer to fall.
With leggings. A long duster cardigan over a fitted tee and leggings creates a balanced, comfortable outfit.
As a top. Button a fitted cardigan all the way up and tuck it into a skirt or high-waisted pants.
Belted. A thin belt over a long cardigan defines your waist and turns a loose layer into a more structured outfit. It works especially well over a dress.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size chunky cable knit cardigan or plus size cropped cardigan
Keeping Your Knits Looking New
A little care keeps cardigans soft and shapely.
Wash cold and inside out. This reduces pilling and fading.
Lay flat to dry. Hanging wet knits stretches them out.
Fold instead of hanging. Hangers create bumps in the shoulders.
De-pill with a fabric shaver. It removes fuzz in seconds.
Store seasonal knits clean. Wash heavy cardigans before storing them for summer, and use a breathable bag.
Hand-wash delicate knits like cashmere or merino in cool water with a gentle detergent. Press out the water with a towel instead of wringing, which can stretch the fibers.
Your New Favorite Layer
A great plus size cardigan works in every season and with almost every outfit. Choose a few styles in different lengths, pick fabrics that suit the weather, and style them over dresses, with jeans, or at the office. Care for them gently, and your cardigans will stay cozy and polished for years.
Shop Whitney’s favorite cozy finds on her Amazon storefront, and follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.