Looking for good quality cardigans (NO wool/cashmere)

[s7714]

I use cotton cardigans a lot to thrown on in cool mornings or in overly A/C'd stores. I'm tired of having them pill up or fade after only a year or two though. Who makes really good quality ones that will last? I haven't tried Lands End or LL Bean yet. Are those any good?

Please no recommendations for sweaters that contain ANY amount of animal fur or fluff--they all make me itch!

TIA!

[lizzywednesday]

Can you wear acrylic? (I can't.) Acrylic usually won't fade or pill.

You might also want to look into silk or silk-blends.

No brand rec's, unfortunately, because I haven't worn cardigans since college.

[twowhat?]

I hear ya, I hate acrylic and animal fluff - they make me itch no matter how soft. I love cotton, and silk

I just bought a LE cardigan. It seems well-made, with supima cotton (so theoretically it won't pill as easily because of longer cotton fibers) with substantial fabric (thicker than most) but I haven't washed or worn it yet so who knows. I also find the style/print a little fuddy-duddy (though I love the colors) - so I will be very careful to wear it with skinny jeans and modern accessories to tone that down! I tend to prefer prints when it comes to cardis but LE has lots of solid color choices too. I got this one:



I have a cotton/silk cardi from AT that is a few years old that has held up nicely though I really only wear it for work and it's dry clean only. I also have a black BR cotton/silk cardi that has held up extremely well (and machine wash, too!) but it's several years old and we all know clothes were better quality in past years. Every other cardi that I have with high cotton content pills under the arms where they rub the most. I don't mind for the ones I wear to work because they aren't worn as often, but for casual everyday wear, I just buy cheap cotton cardis from Target. They are on-trend enough for casual clothing, look and fit nicely, and are cheap so I don't mind replacing every couple of years.

eta: I also have this from loft which is a ramie/viscose blend. Not itchy, but quite sheer and would only take the slightest chill off - but it works for me because just having even a thin layer over my arms helps. I can tell this will hold up well - no pilling.

[pastrygirl]

I've found some nice longer ones at Nordstrom Rack. One is a 100% cotton (with faux leather pocket patches) from Michael Kors, and another is a synthetic blend from Olivia Sky. I've only had them this winter so they haven't passed the test of time. I have two long cotton wraparound cardigans from years ago that are still going great, but I rarely find anything else that is the same quality. They're too big on me now but I won't give them up!

I tried the "blardigan" yesterday (see goldenpig's thread, LOL) and found the sleeves waaaay too tight. I didn't try the larger size. But it did seem awful snuggly and comfy!

[s7714]

Can you wear acrylic? (I can't.) Acrylic usually won't fade or pill.

You might also want to look into silk or silk-blends.

No brand rec's, unfortunately, because I haven't worn cardigans since college.

Acrylic makes me itch a little so I usually avoid it. More because it's so static prone though!

[s7714]

I hear ya, I hate acrylic and animal fluff - they make me itch no matter how soft. I love cotton, and silk

I just bought a LE cardigan. It seems well-made, with supima cotton (so theoretically it won't pill as easily because of longer cotton fibers) with substantial fabric (thicker than most) but I haven't washed or worn it yet so who knows. I also find the style/print a little fuddy-duddy (though I love the colors) - so I will be very careful to wear it with skinny jeans and modern accessories to tone that down! I tend to prefer prints when it comes to cardis but LE has lots of solid color choices too. I got this one:

I have a cotton/silk cardi from AT that is a few years old that has held up nicely though I really only wear it for work and it's dry clean only. I also have a black BR cotton/silk cardi that has held up extremely well (and machine wash, too!) but it's several years old and we all know clothes were better quality in past years. Every other cardi that I have with high cotton content pills under the arms where they rub the most. I don't mind for the ones I wear to work because they aren't worn as often, but for casual everyday wear, I just buy cheap cotton cardis from Target. They are on-trend enough for casual clothing, look and fit nicely, and are cheap so I don't mind replacing every couple of years.

The cheap Target ones are what I usually end up with too. I bought one at AT last year but it faded after a few washings so I was really disappointed (black, so the worst offender when faded). I don't buy dry clean stuff, LOL! I've looked at some expensive ones at Nordie's, but they didn't seem any different than the Target ones on simple inspection (other than price) so I'm afraid to get them out of fear they'll pill and fade just as easily so I thought I'd ask around! Maybe I'll start looking for some silk/cotton blends. I've probably seen some and just not paid any attention.

[arivecchi]

I'd look at Splendid. A little pricier than most but very flattering and comfy. I do have a bunch of LE cardigans and I don't wear them because I always feel so grandmaish in them. Haven't tried llbean but I don't find their regular clothes to be flattering or appropriate for my age (do love their outerwear though!) I do have a loft one that is cute and comfy but I don't wear it that often because it's not as flattering as I'd like.

[Percycat]

Let me state first that I am not someone to go to for fashion adivice...... I am a creature of habit and when I find something that works for me, I stick with it.

LE suprima cotton cardigans and the coordinating short sleeved sweaters are a staple in my closet. I wear them several times a week and have been wearing them for many years. I have at least 10 sets and several are very old. So far, the only ones I have gotten rid of are ones I ruined with a stain I couldn't get out.

The sweaters hold up well to my neglect. I wash them as needed in the washing machine with detergent and vinegar and usually let air dry, although they also frequently get thrown in the dryer. I don't do anything special --- like putting them in lingere bags or laying out flat to dry. I think they hold up great.

You can also get them at a really good price if you purchase with a 40% off sale or get them from Sears during a 50% off sale near the end of a season.

[Kindra178]

I, too, have a bunch of LE cardis. I don't think they fit right, are not as flattering as I would like and I feel generally older than I am. Check out BR, Loft or even Gap. Loft quality is low but perfect for summer clothes that seemed to get ruined easier than more substantial winter pieces. For quality, Splendid. For in the middle pricing, Nordstrom's Halogen or Caslon.

[citymama]

Another vote for Splendid. They continue to look great after lots of use.