Why can’t men wear cardigans?
I bought one last weekend from Topman, fancying myself rather cutting edge. It’s plain black, simple, stylish, and slimming – inoffensive and totally undeserving of any attention.
My flatmates did not agree. On the cardigan’s first outing, I came down the stairs to loud heckling and various insults on a ‘gay librarian’ theme.
Although shocked and somewhat embarrassed by these taunts, I’ve never been one to back down from a debate, so I challenged my would-be style advisors to explain what was wrong with my new buttoned-down fashion statement.
Their response astounded me. My cardigan was fine – for a woman. Apparently, only females and males of the same-sex persuasion should wear this particular item. When I pointed out that the only difference between my cardie and any other black jumper was a few buttons, or that it’s been a Christmas classic among granddads for years, I was shouted down again.
No cardigan in whatever form could be pulled off by moi. Apparently I’m far too ‘Essex’ to fit the ‘artistic London metrosexual’ requirements.
But I will beat these petty, pigeonholing and pretentious know-it-alls at their own game. I’ve renamed the it to meet their twisted logic. Here, in all its unnecessary glory, is the birth of the ‘man-digan’. Team it with some smart pin-stripe trousers and chunky collar shirt for a smart and modern look. Alternatively, wear it over your favourite T-shirt with some loose denim for a relaxed and alternative look. Either way, ignore the shallow taunts of your sweater-clad peers: they’re just jealous.
Adam English
We are listening to Elbow
This is what’s known as a straw man fallacy.
“Why can’t men wear cardigans?”
They can, and do, despite what your flatmates might say about a particular cardigan on you.
Comment by stopsatgreen — 31/08/07
This is utter tosh, your mates are stupid.
Cardigans have been fine for men for years and most men I know sport at least one in their wardrobe.
Keep the cardie, get some new friends.
Comment by charlieravepants — 3/09/07
There is nothing wrong with being a dedicated follower of fashion, but cardigans cannot be pulled off by anyone but the most waif-like metrosexual.
I see big, masculine, butch guys with shoulders like boulders, squeezed into groaning Junk De Luxe cardigans, looking like Eamonn Holmes on Christmas Day.
The clothes people wear should wear should be chosen to play on individual features, not transforming yourself from Geoff Capes to Scott Mills.
Comment by hans_offmycrotch — 4/09/07
It goes without saying that your mate’s buffoonery is surely not befitting the Black Collar attitude espoused in your fine journal. But even though I’m currently living in San Francisco, and a few months out of touch with London foppery, aren’t cardigans a bit old news? My UK friends tell me that far from progressive dressing they’re now in every high street chain store window and thus, one would assume, entirely validated as acceptable dress by even the most dozy of British males?
Comment by spierce — 5/09/07
You’ve all touched on important points. Just to further validate a current point, cardigans are a fine item, but yes should only be worn by a slimmer individual. As for them being “fashionable” is a better question. If an item of clothing does appear in all highstreet shops, is fashionable still, or has it become typical “safe-bet” clothing fodder?
As far as I’m concerned, big chunky knit wear is now the item for this Winter, Lyle & Scott and Henri Lloyd are doing some great items.
Comment by Todd.B — 28/11/07
The point I’d like to make is that “fashion” and “style” are far from being the same thing - just look at the fashion for Burberry caps a few years ago. Cardigans, although having recently enjoyed a period of being considered fashionable, still look horrible. I’ve worked in the style design field for many years, and i’ve always refused to follow trends.
Wear what looks good on you and suits your shape.
Comment by Rich Boorman — 29/12/07
cardigan is the new hoodie… if you are a man and don’t own 1.. well you should be called “the gay librarian”
Comment by tony — 9/01/08
Have you noticed the twelve year olds outside topshop and H&M? in cardies? if you can shave you shouldn’t wear them. and man-digan sounds like especially painful sugically fitted contraception.
Comment by Mungo — 10/05/08
Cardigans are great, they go well with jeans and also under suits I’ve found - whats the problem?
Comment by k0nfl1ct — 17/05/08