Are cardigan sweaters still in style?

Cardigans used to scream “grandpa chic”—now they’re everywhere from TikTok to runways. Are they just having a moment, or are they truly back for good?

Yes, cardigan sweaters are still in style in 2025. They’ve been reimagined with oversized fits, bold textures, and trend-forward styling—becoming a go-to piece in modern fashion wardrobes.

I used to treat cardigans like background noise in a closet. Now I find them front and center in both my own wardrobe and every client’s brand collection. Let’s look at why they’re trending harder than ever.

What Role Do Cardigans Play in Today’s Fashion Clothing Trends?

Cardigans have found new life. No longer a fallback for chillier weather, they’re now statement pieces.

In 2025, cardigans are a bridge between cozy and cool—embraced by both streetwear and minimalists, thanks to creative design spins and versatile silhouettes.

Cardigan Style Collage

How have cardigans evolved from classic to trendy in recent years?

Today’s cardigans come with exaggerated shapes, asymmetric cuts, and layered textures—far from the prim styles of the past.

Fashion designers are blending:

• Ribbed knits with open-weave yarns
• Chunky textures with cropped cuts
• Color-blocking with soft pastels or bold earth tones

It’s comfort redefined—with edge.

Are cardigans part of the current streetwear or minimalist fashion movement?

Yes. Oversized cardigans layered over cargos or clean, tonal knits are staples in both streetwear and minimalist aesthetics.

Streetwear lovers layer them with:

• Baggy denim
• Beanies and sneakers
• Graphic tees peeking underneath

Minimalists keep them pared-down:

• Neutral palettes
• Boxy fits
• Paired with trousers or midi skirts

Who Is Wearing Cardigans in 2025—and How?

From influencers to fashion insiders, cardigans are no longer background players. They're central to how people express their style.

Cardigans are favored by celebrities, style icons, and young trendsetters—each styling them to match their identity and generation.

What celebrities and influencers are bringing cardigans back?

Style icons like Harry Styles, Bella Hadid, and South Korea’s IU have made cardigans part of their signature looks—both gender-fluid and trend-setting.

They wear them:

• Slouchy and oversized on tour
• With pearls and pleated skirts at events
• Tucked into jeans for coffee-run candids

Each look makes cardigans feel new.

How are Gen Z and millennials styling cardigans differently?

Gen Z styles cardigans in playful, ironic ways, while millennials lean into polish and versatility.

Gen Z loves:

• Y2K colorways
• Cropped knits with tank tops
• Grunge layers or ‘coquette’ vibes

Millennials prefer:

• Belted cardigans for work
• Earth-tone button-downs over turtlenecks
• Layering with structured coats

The same garment—totally different vibes.

What Types of Cardigan Sweaters Are Trending Right Now?

You’ll find more cardigan styles than ever—some borrowed from past decades, others brand-new silhouettes.

Oversized, cropped, and belted cardigans dominate 2025 trends, often paired with tactile fabrics and playful patterns.

Are oversized, cropped, or belted cardigans more fashionable in 2025?

Oversized cardigans lead the pack, followed by cropped and belted styles for tailored silhouettes or Y2K-inspired layering.

Each version fits a different aesthetic—but all are on trend.

Which colors, patterns, and textures are dominating cardigan styles?

Muted earth tones, washed pastels, checkerboard prints, and marled yarn textures are in heavy rotation.

Popular choices include:

• Moss green, lavender, and dusty rose
• Bouclé and cable-knit textures
• Statement buttons or embroidery
• Argyle and checker patterns with a 2025 twist

Textures matter as much as colors now.

How to Wear a Cardigan Without Looking Outdated?

It’s easy for a cardigan to look dated—unless you style it intentionally.

To modernize a cardigan, choose exaggerated fits, style with contrast (e.g., wide-leg pants or bold accessories), and avoid matching head-to-toe “set” looks.

What styling tips keep cardigans modern and fashion-forward?

Play with proportion, mix materials, and go bold with accessories to freshen up traditional cardigans.

Tips that work:

• Half-tuck cropped cardigans into wide pants
• Wear oversized ones off-shoulder for a slouchy vibe
• Pair soft knits with leather, denim, or techwear

Break the old rules—cardigans thrive on contrast.

Can cardigans work for both casual and business wear?

Yes, cardigans are now wardrobe chameleons—soft enough for weekend layering, sharp enough for business casual.

For business:

• Try structured ribbed knits in neutrals
• Layer over button-downs or turtlenecks
• Add tailored trousers and loafers

For casual:

• Cropped knits with leggings or denim
• Open cardigans over tees
• Sneakers or chunky boots to finish

Where to Shop for Stylish Cardigan Sweaters That Fit Today’s Fashion?

Knowing where to shop is half the battle—especially when style meets substance.

Look for brands that blend design, comfort, and trend accuracy—available both from luxury labels and savvy e-commerce retailers.

Which fashion clothing brands¹ offer on-trend, quality cardigans?

Check brands like GANNI, Acne Studios, Sézane, and COS for cardigan sweaters that balance fashion with quality.

For luxury looks, even The Row and Loewe are spotlighting cardigans.

What online stores carry the most updated cardigan collections?

Shop on sites like SSENSE, Net-a-Porter, Farfetch, and Urban Outfitters for the freshest cardigan drops.

Best platforms by category:

• SSENSE & Farfetch: High-fashion and designer options
• Urban Outfitters: Youth-driven, trend-heavy styles
• Everlane & Uniqlo: Affordable basics with a modern touch
• ASOS: Massive variety across trends and price points

Always filter by “new arrivals” for the freshest picks.

Conclusion

Cardigans aren’t just still in style—they’re defining the 2025 aesthetic. From Gen Z influencers to polished professionals, this once-overlooked staple is now one of fashion’s most versatile pieces.