19 Best Shawl Collar Cardigans for Winter

19 Best Shawl Collar Cardigans for Winter

The Shawl Collar Cardigan: Your Key to Homey Fashion Royalty

When we think of royal fashion, we think of luxury: polished shoes, chunky Rolexes, and maybe even a hefty bulldog with a gold chain. But have you ever considered the regality of a cardigan? And not just any cardigan, but the patriarch of cardigans, the Logan Roy of cardigans – the shawl collar cardigan? It’s time to unleash the king of knitwear that you’ve been secretly neglecting for years.

Now, there’s something about the sheer chunkiness of a shawl collar cardigan that makes it the perfect match for the roomier silhouettes we’ve been championing for. As a friend of mine, a shawl collar connoisseur, once said, “Personally, I love ’em because I have a long neck and a winter belly, so it accentuates my good features.” That’s right – the shawl collar cardigan is not just stylish, but designed to flatter all body types in the toastiest of ways.

Let’s dive into the fabulous world of shawl collar cardigans. Here are some top picks:

Wrapping yourself in the warm embrace of a shawl collar cardigan is like spending a meaningful weekend with your grandpa, sans any of the meandering (and often embellished) anecdotes about Vietnam. Imagine wearing a hefty cable knit version with your recently purchased pleated cords and your favorite thick-soled loafers. Or layering a ribbed take over a fine gauge turtleneck for a look that leans into the style’s retro charm.

As our cardigan connoisseur friend wisely said, “It’s about who makes it, the thickness, and the cut of the neck. And 100 percent of the time, it’s who’s wearing it.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. The only real way to rock a shawl collar cardigan is to find the right one and wear it like the king you are.

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Best Classic Shawl Collar Cardigan – L.L.Bean Classic Ragg Wool Cardigan

Price: $109 at L.L.Bean

A ragg wool sweater that generations of Bean devotees have relied on to keep them warm through the worst of winter.

Best Rugged Shawl Collar Cardigan – J.Crew Rugged Merino Wool Cardigan

Price: $158 at J.Crew

It’s rugged, and you know it not just by looking at it, but because it’s right there in the name.

Best Cable Knit Shawl Collar Cardigan – Signals Aran Cardigan

Price: $150 at signals.com

Made with pure merino wool in the village of Monasterevin, Ireland, this is the real deal.

Best Affordable Shawl Collar Cardigan – Amazon Essentials Long-Sleeve Shawl Collar Cardigan

Price: $41 at Amazon

You don’t have to search far and wide for the perfect shawl collar cardigan. It’s as easy as going on Amazon – they make their own style that’s plush, cozy, and under 50 bucks.

Best Basic Shawl Collar Cardigan – Narex Shawl Collar Cardigan

Price: $38 at Amazon

For a basic option without the frills and fuss (and high price tag), Narex has you covered.

Best Thick Shawl Collar Cardigan – Wellen Seawool Fisherman Shawl Cardigan Sweater

Price: $188 at Huckberry

This is the kind of shawl collar cardigan that you put on when it’s chilly outside, and you have a cup of steaming tea, and maybe a nice, solid leather-bound book to read.

Best Elegant Shawl Collar Cardigan – Banana Republic Raoul Cotton Cable Cardigan

Price: $200 at Banana Republic

Banana Republic brings the same timeless elegance to the shawl collar cardigan as they do to most other things. With denim and boots or dress pants and loafers, you’re in for a chic-yet-cozy day.

Softest Shawl Collar Cardigan – Quince 100% Organic Cotton Shawl-Collar Cardigan

Price: $70 at quince.com

When you’re wearing a cardigan, you expect to be enveloped in softness. Quince exceeds that expectation with a 100% organic cotton style that’s still chic.

Best High-End Shawl Collar Cardigan – Polo Ralph Lauren Luxury Jersey Cardigan

Price: $148 at Ralph Lauren

Made from super-soft jersey, PRL’s take on the shawl collar cardigan is a refined, everyday staple.

Best Cozy Shawl Collar Cardigan – Gap Rib Shawl Cardigan

Now 21% Off – Price: $63 at GAP

A relaxed fit, oversized option that pairs very nicely with fuzzy slippers, sweats, and a WFH day.

Dressing like fashion royalty has never been easier. Each of these shawl collar cardigans exudes its own charm, making you feel like the king of your own style. Choose the one that speaks to you and wear it with confidence.

Authors: Trishna Rikhy & Avidan Grossman

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