How to style a cardigan: open, buttoned or as a top

A cardigan hangs in almost every wardrobe, and yet it is often worn in only one way: open over a T-shirt when it gets chilly. But a knitted jacket can do much more. Buttoned up it becomes a jumper, open it becomes a light jacket, and with the right pieces underneath it looks just as good at the office as at the weekend. Here you will find how to wear a cardigan open, buttoned or as a top and which trousers, skirts and dresses go with it.

Cardigan or knitted jacket: is there a difference?

In everyday language both words mean the same thing: a knitted jacket that is open at the front and usually fastened with buttons. In German, “Cardigan” is the English loanword and “Strickjacke” the German term. Sometimes cardigan is used more for finer, lighter styles and knitted jacket for chunkier, warmer ones, but there is no fixed rule.

For styling, something else matters anyway: the length and the thickness of the knit. You will find a selection in the cardigans and the knitted jackets.

Worn open: the light jacket

Open is how most people wear their cardigan, and it has one advantage: the vertical line of the button placket lengthens the upper body. Almost anything works underneath, as long as it is slimmer than the cardigan itself.

• T-shirt or top. The simplest combination. A plain top lets the cardigan shine, especially if it is patterned or striped.
• Blouse. A loose blouse under an open cardigan looks soft and polished at the same time.
• Fine roll neck. The warm option for cold days, calm and clean.

You will find matching tops in the long sleeve tops and the muslin blouses.

Buttoned: the cardigan as a jumper

Buttoned all the way up, a cardigan becomes a top. This works particularly well with shorter, rather slim styles that end at the waist. Tucked into high waisted trousers or a skirt, it creates a clean, slightly nostalgic look.

You can also fasten only the top buttons and leave the lower part open. This loosens up the look and keeps the waistband of the trousers or skirt visible.

Worn with nothing underneath, a buttoned cardigan needs a neckline that sits well. If you feel more comfortable that way, wear a thin top underneath.

Short or long: length decides

Short cardigans end at the waist and go best with high waisted trousers, midi skirts and dresses with a waist seam. They emphasise the proportions.

Long and oversized cardigans reach the hip or mid thigh. They need a slimmer shape below, such as straight jeans, leggings or a slim dress. How to wear loose cuts so they do not swamp you is explained in the article how to wear oversized.

Which trousers, skirt and dress go with it

Jeans. The most uncomplicated combination. Straight jeans go with short and long cardigans alike. You will find styles in the jeans.

Fabric trousers. Flowing fabric trousers make the cardigan office friendly, especially with a blouse underneath. More in the fabric trousers.

Leggings. With a long oversized cardigan, the most comfortable option for weekends. There is a selection in the leggings.

Skirt and dress. A short cardigan over a midi skirt or a simple dress is one of the most timeless combinations of all. You will find matching pieces in the skirts and the dresses.

Colours and patterns

Plain cardigans in cream, beige, camel or brown are the basics that go with almost everything. How to build them into a small, easy to combine wardrobe is explained in the article capsule wardrobe basics.

Striped or patterned cardigans are the eye catcher. The rule: if the cardigan is patterned, the rest stays plain, and ideally one piece picks up a colour from the pattern. Which tones are popular right now is explained in the article trend colours 2026.

Care in brief

Knitted jackets keep their shape best when they are stored folded rather than on a hanger, as otherwise the shoulders stretch out. As a general principle: air rather than wash often, wash gently and dry flat. The care label in the item is always what counts. More in the article styling and caring for knitwear.

Matching pieces in the shop: women's oversized cardigans and women's knitted vests.

Frequently asked questions

What do I wear under a cardigan?

A plain T-shirt, a loose blouse or a fine roll neck. The top should be slimmer than the cardigan so nothing adds bulk.

Can you wear a cardigan with nothing underneath?

Yes, buttoned up it becomes a top. This works best with shorter styles with a neckline that sits close.

Which trousers go with a long cardigan?

A slim or straight shape, such as straight jeans or leggings. That keeps the silhouette balanced.

What is the difference between a cardigan and a knitted jacket?

In everyday language there is none; both describe a knitted jacket that is open at the front. In German, cardigan is the English loanword and Strickjacke the German term.

Does a cardigan go with a dress?

Very well, especially a short cardigan that ends at the waist. It emphasises the proportions and keeps the dress visible.

How do I store a knitted jacket properly?

Folded in the wardrobe rather than on a hanger, so the shoulders do not stretch out. For care, generally: wash gently, dry flat, and the care label in the item is always what counts.