HIGH-STREET FASHION WITH CARDIGAN
History dictates that cardigan emerged in the 17th century France, and in particular the British Isles, as fishermen use heavy and hand woven or knitted wool sweaters to protect them from the harsh cold wind and winter. Cardigan, also known as fishermen’s sweater, is also used by workers in the coast of Ireland because of its warmness and its ability to insulation. Today, cardigan is known for its casual appeal and is commonly used as a form of sweater that is open in the front and is sewn with buttons or hooks.
Cardigan today is made from mostly any type of fabric with styles accommodating both men and women fashion and style. Some fabrics from which cardigan are made from are nylon, polyester, and cotton. Those that are specifically made for women have varieties which would perfectly fit an ensemble for casual occasions. Cardigan for women not only has wide range in colors but in style – as some are made with collars and even bejeweled with pearl buttons. Deemed as inappropriate, cardigan is never worn with formal dresses and in formal parties. Used mostly with knee-length dresses, cardigan is used primarily to top dressy occasions such as tea, garden, and even shower parties. Most women would use cardigan as jackets that would warm them on chilly and windy days, fashion had necessitated the evolution of this kind of clothing accessory to use zipper and even snaps for convenient and easy closing up. Work office setting had encouraged women to wear cardigans as jacket to top off sleeveless dress and even blouses giving them the polished and professional look that are made popular in the 50s.