The History of... the cardigan

It’s official, autumn has arrived. The days will soon be getting shorter, the nights a little longer and a little nippier. What do you need to remedy this? Hot chocolate? A cuddle from Channing Tatum? No! A snuggly cardigan, that’s what - and of that we have many, both in-store and online. It’s hard to believe that this staple garment is a relatively new creation. Cardigans were first developed sometime around the 1850’s or 1860’s. The cardigan has traditionally been a knitted wool garment that is open at the front and secured by buttons.  These days’ cardigans come in every colour, style, shape and material imaginable.  The cardigan takes its name from James Brudenell, the 7^th Earl of Cardigan, also infamously known for his hapless command of the Light Cavalry Brigade at the battle of Balaclava during the Crimean war. His notoriety led to a rise in the garments popularity, as the cardigan is modelled after a similar wool waistcoat that soldiers wore during the Crimean war. It is also thought that he took to wearing the cardigan later in life, during winters in the English countryside. Fans of the cardigan include Michelle Obama, David Beckham, Elsa Schiaparelli, Daniel Craig and Zooey Deschanel. Proving that a cardigan can be comfy, stylish and the perfect wardrobe staple for both guys and girls. James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan A cardigan designed by Elsa Schiaparelli Michelle Obama in an array of cardigans Vintage Cardigan from Beyond Retro David Beckham sporting a cardigan Zooey Deschanel in a cute colour blocked outfit Daniel Craig wearing one of his many cardigans