Is a Cardigan Business Casual? Find Out More!

A cardigan can be found in almost every closet. But is a cardigan business casual?

Yes, cardigans are business casual. Considering that a cardigan is a great alternative to a blazer or suit jacket, they are ideal for wearing to work.

Let’s learn more about cardigan attire.

Table of Contents

What is a Cardigan?

A cardigan is a type of knit sweater that is open in the front, usually fastened with buttons or a zipper. It can have a shawl collar, round neck, or V-neck.

Wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers are just a few of the materials that can be used to make cardigans.

The Beginning of the Cardigan

By fashion standards, the cardigan isn’t nearly as old as some other common clothing items. The cardigan is relatively new compared to many of the other clothing items you regularly wear. In the 1850s, this sweater rose to fame.

The cardigan is a product of several different choices coming together at once in what ended up being an accidently great design, much like some of the most iconic pieces of clothing in all of fashion.

England was at war with Russia in 1854. A regiment of soldiers was under Lieutenant General Brudenell’s command, and he would become famous for leading the Charge of the Light Brigade. This would go down in history as one of the worst military choices ever made.

The attack Brudenell led was a complete failure because he lost a lot of his men. He was, however, sporting a fantastic piece of attire while he was doing it.

Is a Cardigan Business Casual?

Yes, cardigans are considered business casual items. Cardigans go well with both business casual and more formal attire. They might wear this with a skirt, pair of jeans, or slacks.

If they choose to go for a business casual look, employees can also layer collared shirts under turtlenecks. Only cardigans with extremely intricate patterns or ones with holiday themes might not be regarded as business casual.

You might be able to get away with wearing a cardigan like this for a business casual look, though, depending on your company.

Is Cardigan a Formal Attire?

Cardigans are not considered formal attire but they are not suitable for proper black-tie formal events at least on their own.

With an oxford shirt and tie, you can dress them up, but a jacket is still required if you want to look formal.

A cardigan cannot be worn in place of a suit or blazer if you are going for a formal appearance, but you can consider doing so for a chic and sophisticated ensemble.

Cardigans are ideal for the workplace because they go well with semi-formal and business casual attire.

To achieve a really stylish and refined look, pair them with a dress shirt, chinos, and a pair of loafers.

Conclusion: is a Cardigan Business Casual

Cardigans are a must-have for every wardrobe they are really stylish and equally versatile.

When paired with the right items and styled well, a great-fitting cardigan can be worn with a formal look.

You can definitely pull it off if you just make sure that every other aspect of your outfit is very formal and that everything coordinates well.

FAQs

Is a Sweater Business Casual for a Woman?

For a business casual wardrobe, sweaters are unquestionably appropriate.

Is a Cardigan and T-shirt Business Casual?

The cardigan and T-shirt combo looks great with business casual attire, but you can find a way to make it look quite professional as long as you pick the right kind of cardigan.

What is Not Appropriate for Business Casual?

Business casual is typically characterized by the absence of jeans, shorts, short dresses or skirts for women, an optional tie for men, and a rotation of button-downs or blouses.