What is a shawl collar cardigan
A shawl collar cardigan is built around one continuous, rolled collar that runs from the base of the front opening up and around the back of the neck, with no notch and no lapel. It fastens with buttons down the front. The collar gives more coverage at the neck and chest than a V-neck or a crew neck cardigan, which is why the style is often worn as an outer layer rather than under something else.
How this one is made
Gloverall's shawl collar cardigan is made in England from 100% Merino wool, knitted to a chunky 7-gauge. It is a heavyweight cardigan with a deep shawl collar, cut to layer under an overcoat or to wear on its own. The fit is regular.
The sleeve is raglan rather than set-in at the shoulder. There are two front pockets, and the cardigan fastens with branded horn buttons. It is made in eight colours, Black, Burnt Orange, Ecru, Green, Light Blue, Light Grey, Mushroom and Navy, and runs from size XS to 2XL.
A history worn on screen
The shawl collar cardigan gained widespread appeal in the 1950s, partly through being worn by Steve McQueen and Cary Grant on and off screen. Its combination of comfort and style made it a favourite for layering, with a casual shirt or with more formal clothes. Gloverall's version keeps to that pattern: a heavyweight cardigan with a deep shawl collar, cut to layer under an overcoat or to wear on its own.
How to wear it
The cardigan works in two ways. Worn on its own, the deep shawl collar covers the neck and chest and the chunky 7-gauge knit carries the weight of an outer layer. Worn under an overcoat, it sits as a heavyweight mid-layer, which is what it is cut for.
It takes a casual shirt underneath, and it also goes with more formal clothes, which is the combination that made the style popular in the first place. The branded horn buttons and the raglan sleeve keep the front and the shoulder line clean, so the cardigan can be worn open or fastened.
Choosing between makers
Shawl collar cardigans vary in three main ways: the weight of the knit, the depth of the collar, and where the garment is made. Gloverall's is knitted to a chunky 7-gauge in 100% Merino wool, so it is a heavyweight cardigan rather than a fine mid-layer. The collar is deep, which is what gives the coverage at the neck and chest when the cardigan is worn open over a shirt. Gloverall's is made in England. Comparing those three points, gauge, collar depth and country of manufacture, is the simplest way to put one shawl collar cardigan next to another.
Sizing and fit
The cardigan is cut in a regular fit and runs from XS to 2XL. Because the sleeve is raglan rather than set-in at the shoulder, the sleeve measurement is taken from the collarbone to the hem of the sleeve, not from the shoulder seam. Anyone comparing this cardigan's measurements against a set-in sleeve jumper should allow for that difference before choosing a size.
Colours
The cardigan is made in eight colours: Black, Burnt Orange, Ecru, Green, Light Blue, Light Grey, Mushroom and Navy. Black, Navy, Light Grey, Ecru and Mushroom are the quieter shades in the range. Burnt Orange, Green and Light Blue are the stronger ones, for anyone who wants the cardigan to read as the main piece rather than sit back in a layered outfit. All eight are the same cardigan: 100% Merino wool, made in England, regular fit, XS to 2XL.
