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Eight of the best cardigans for middle-aged men

Cardigans are now considered characterful, cool and, even more surprisingly, rugged
Cardigans are now considered characterful, cool and, even more surprisingly, rugged

Growing up in the 1980s, I was firmly of the opinion that cardigans were only worn by dull, middle-aged men who had given up on the idea of looking good. Until I saw The Big Lebowski, that is. Jeff Bridges’ stellar performance as “The Dude” in the 1998 Coen Brothers caper exposed a hidden soft spot for the cardi that has stayed with me. Bridges made cardigans characterful, cool and, even more impressively, surprisingly rugged.

Like The Dude, I’d advise swerving slinky knits, although they can look good over a thin roll-neck (think vintage Michael Caine). Instead, follow Bridges and opt for something chunkier with lots of surface texture. Gap has a great one (the Shaker) in a tweedy-effect, 100 per cent cotton yarn, that is machine-washable.

Shawl-collars are a big trend this autumn; either in chunky rib-textured knit, such as John Lewis & Partners’ wool and cashmere blend, or in cable. Peregrine has a very covetable one in an Aran pattern, crafted from 5-gauge British wool; it’s double-breasted, so can be worn as outerwear.

We’re almost in “Christmas sweater” season, so don’t shy away from pattern, but do sidestep Argyle unless you like looking as though you’ve just come off the golf course. J Crew’s rugged merino wool cardi in a bird’s-eye pattern has a Nordic edge, and is one of my favourite pieces for this season.

Equally good for adding some colour to your wardrobe is Universal Works’ russet-toned Austin wool fleece in a blanket-check, featuring a stylish curved V-neck collar. In fact russet and the entire palette of autumnal-leafy-golden hues are the way to go at the moment. Two of the best are from H&M, a classic V-neck in a spiced pumpkin colour, and from Cos, which has been knitted from conker alpaca.

Comfort is extremely important, especially as we’re all likely to be spending even more time at home, so the allure of a luxury yarn can’t be argued with. Top marks go to MrQuintessential’s Woodbury cardi, made from a tactile cashmere and merino wool mix, that will keep you snug as well as looking stylish. And if you want something to bridge the casual/formal divide, online retailer Yoox has a cardi-blazer hybrid that’ll really tie your outfit together.

Eight of the best

Alpaca oversized, £79, Cos
Alpaca oversized, £79, Cos

Alpaca oversized cardigan, £79, Cos

Shawl collar wool/cashmere (green), £175, John Lewis & Partners 
Shawl collar wool/cashmere (green), £175, John Lewis & Partners

Shawl collar wool/cashmere (green), £175, John Lewis & Partners

Austin wool fleece (orange), £139, Universal Works
Austin wool fleece (orange), £139, Universal Works

Austin wool fleece (orange), £139, Universal Works

Machine-washable, £34, Next 
Machine-washable, £34, Next

Light-grey cardigan, £34, Next

Rugged merino bird’s-eye shawl, £154, J Crew 
Rugged merino bird’s-eye shawl, £154, J Crew

Rugged merino bird’s-eye shawl, £154, J Crew

Aran double-breasted, £125, Peregrine
Aran double-breasted, £125, Peregrine

Aran double-breasted, £125, Peregrine

Shaker shawl collar, £58, Gap 
Shaker shawl collar, £58, Gap

Shaker shawl collar, £58, Gap

Woodbury cashmere and merino blend, £160, MrQuintessential 
Woodbury cashmere and merino blend, £160, MrQuintessential

Woodbury cashmere and merino blend, £160, MrQuintessential