Long belted cardigan in cable knit

A long cardigan in thick knit, belted at the waist, that replaces the jacket at the first cold days.

This cardigan plays on two knits in a single piece: cable panels on the shoulders and sides, wide fisherman's rib on the fronts and sleeves. The relief shows, even in a plain camel shade.

The cut is loose, stopping at mid-thigh. The shoulders are deliberately dropped, the sleeves full and gathered by ribbed cuffs. The knitted tailored collar and the wrapped fastening with large tonal buttons give it the look of a jacket rather than an indoor cardigan.

Two ways to wear it

The matching knitted belt runs through built-in loops. Tied, it marks the waist and draws the silhouette in over straight jeans or a midi skirt. Removed, the cardigan falls straight and is worn open over a fine jumper, like a thick overshirt. The two low patch pockets are deep enough for a phone or keys.

When to bring it out

• At the office, buttoned and belted over pleated trousers.
• In mid-season, in place of a light jacket, over a T-shirt and with trainers.
• In winter, worn open under a straight coat with wide enough armholes.

The fabric, plainly

This is a synthetic knit in polyester and acrylic. The blend holds its shape well, does not itch and dries quickly. It does not warm like a thick wool: count on it for autumn and mild winter days, or as a mid-layer. Sold with its belt.

Key points

• Worked knit: cables and fisherman's rib on the same piece.
• Removable belt: worn belted or falling straight, as you like.
• Mid-thigh length that stands in for a mid-season jacket.
• Tailored collar and large tonal buttons, a structured look.
• Two patch pockets you can genuinely use.
• Loose cut, available from S to XXL.

Fabric and care

Composition: Polyester and acrylic. Fisherman's rib knit with cable panels, ribbed hem and cuffs. Matching knitted belt, tonal buttons.

Care: Machine wash at 30 °C, delicate cycle, inside out and in a net bag. No tumble dryer: the knit would lose its shape. Dry flat, reshaped by hand. Ironing is unnecessary; if needed, a gentle iron through a cloth. Remove the belt before washing. A little pilling may appear in the areas that rub; a fabric shaver is enough.

Size

Sizes S to XXL, cut loose by construction with dropped shoulders. Take your usual size for the intended drape, buttoned and belted. If you prefer to wear it well open over a thick jumper, or for a more oversized effect, go up a size. The length comes to mid-thigh on a height of about 1.68 m.

Good to know

• A synthetic knit — does it keep you warm? The polyester-acrylic blend insulates properly thanks to the thickness of the knit, without reaching the warmth of a dense wool. It is an autumn and mid-season piece, or a mid-layer under a coat in deep winter.
• Won't the loose cut make me look wider? That is what the belt is for: tied at the waist, it recreates a line and lets the volume fall above and below. Wear it with a fitted or straight bottom to keep the balance.
• Will the knit pill quickly? Like any textured knit, pilling can appear where it rubs — bag and seatbelt first of all. A cold wash in a net bag and a pass of a fabric shaver now and then are enough to keep the surface clean.