Wow! Royalty creating fashion again. I would be thankful and proud to own and wear one of you mum's knitted cardigans. Never owned one . myself, but definitely looking for one. Yours, again, is very nice.
Nothing like a woolen cardigan and a pair of corduroys to be at home, or having a stroll around the neighborhood, or going to the pub, love them also for driving or even in yachting and if you need a reinforcement a tweed jacket is perfect or if get warmer it is so easy to fold it in a packrack.....
I've always been a fan of the cardigan sweater for as far back as I can remember growing up seeing the "rat pack" Sammy Davis Jr. Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra sporting a cardigan sweater really left an indelible impression upon me I will indeed be checking out North Sea Clothing I appreciate investing in quality made clothes thank for a great video on the cardigan sweater it's history
Hello Ash! I'm really enjoying your splendid videos every day in deep appreciation and respect for your knowledge on any sartorial topic! Well done! Never stop doing this, please! I enjoy these daily edifying moments indeed. This goes indeed for this video as well - although I do have an important historical objection to make to this one! The anecdote about loosing ones tails of the coat to the fire! I've always heard a different story to this, namely that the, somewhat doubtful, "honour" for this unfortunate incident leading to the invention of a new garment goes to George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer - hence the spencer jacket! - from which the military mess dress has derived. A spencer jacket for gentlemen - that is (Though stylish ladies soon after adopted this garment - but of coarse in a style much more apropriate for women). Best known, I suppose, is probably the white spencer jacket worn in summer, but mostly in hot climates abroad, by gentlemen as an alternative to tailcoats for evening dress. Apparently this story is reported through history: web.archive.org/web/20150402081803/www.spencerofalthorp.com/heritage/unique-family/george-john-second-earl-spencer military-history.fandom.com/wiki/George_Spencer,_2nd_Earl_Spencer. www.wikiwand.com/en/George_Spencer,_2nd_Earl_Spencer www.pinterest.dk/pin/316026098840848043/ Forgive me - I am more apt to believe in the anecdote of the tails being singed off belongs to Lord Spencer, since the material of a spencer jacket mostly is like that of a tailcoat - and not knitted like the cardigan. Nevertheless, the rumour that Lord Cardigan is the one behind the incident seems quite persistent , I give you that: www.wikiwand.com/en/Cardigan_(sweater) I heard another reason for the origin of the name of the cardigan connected to Lord Cardigan. Still that the Crimean War offered unusually cold conditions for the participants - as also mentioned in the latter source above - that the knitted wool waistcoat that British officers supposedly wore during the war became so popular up to these days. The name of the garment became inextricably linked to Lord Cardigan - since he - presumably not only Coco Chanel!? - or the stories have been mixed up?! - was the one that for some reason did not like to pull garments over his head but preferred to put them on as a jacket, and hence once had a 'sweater' cut open at the front and buttons attached to it. Historical source to this regretfully lost. Well, nevertheless, we love the cardigan - whatever the story behind it eventually is! The source of many a good story can be flawed - so it goes with the raglan sleeves! No doubt connected to FitzRoy Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan - but some say he "is said to have worn a coat with this style of sleeve after the loss of his arm in the Battle of Waterloo". Others say Lord Raglan invented the sleeves seeing his men shivering immensely from cold during the Crimean War, and hence improvised by hastely producing some great coats made from some abbandoned sacks or bags formerly used for supply. Best regards, Alex (the anecdote behind the 'Y....name' of my RU-vid-name belongs to another time and place!)
Good show Ash! My wife gave me a shawl neck cardigan for Christmas and l'm wallowing in the casual sophistication it adds to my wardrobe. The "King of Cool" provenance dispenses with any notion of dowdiness. Flat out, it's a classy look. Cheers!
Ash i prefer that cardigan over the Shawl neck one you own. It just looks so classy. My mum was also a prolific knitter and knitted cardigans for me and my sisters when we were growing up. Then the grandchildren also. My sister as taken up the neeedles and continues the knitting tradition.
What amazing timing, Ash! Just a few days ago I ordered myself a Cardigan and it arrived today and I'm wearing it as I type this. I always love the history lessons added in with each of your videos.
Here in the US I and many other men of a certain age tend to associate the cardigan with the late Mr. Rogers. While we loved him (and still do), a child's TV icon isn't the sort of person whose fashion I'd try to emulate. You've presented such a variety of cardigans that it gives me a new appreciation of them and their versatility. Thank you. And here's to Fred Rogers too!
I think if you avoid wearing garments because of "look like"s, you're left with practically nothing. Cardigans make you look like Mr. Rogers, blue suits make you look like a politician, fedoras make you look like a neckbeard, pinstripe makes you look like a mobster, red ties make you look like Trump, tails make you look like a magician, cufflinks make you look like a bigwig... Eventually, you're left with the most boring, bare minimum wardrobe imaginable, consisting of plain colors, no accessories, and a shunning of any and everything that might have been associated with some personality at some point throughout history out of a "you look like" paranoia. Is this the world we want to live in?
I like cardigans and find them both practical and stylish. My favorites are made by William Lockie and Brenire but I also have a couple from Magee and Peregrine. However, I really appreciate the pockets and added formality that jackets can provide and generally prefer wearing a jacket when I am out and about, and a cardigan in the comfort of my home.
Along with a cardigan, I must say that I am quite a fan of a red-brown corduroy jacket, especially when paired with a light turtleneck - a la Steve McQueen style! Speaking of which, one cannot go wrong with a pair of Persols and a Heuer Monaco either 😎🕶️⌚
Wool is the best. The other day I found a genuine Cowichan sweater in a thrift store--an _incredible_ wool item, for those who may not be familiar. (Though it's such a heavy item, I wouldn't call it a Cardigan). It's in mint condition. It's amazing. By the way, I just subscribed to the channel... I'm a chap!
I love wool cardigans. They are so under-rated; it's my go-to in the Winter. It's warm, dry, easy to put on, and stylish. They layer super well with a button-up collared shirt and an overcoat. So easy.
I haven’t worn a cardigan since I was a little boy. I think I’ll get myself a shawl collar cardigan. At the moment, I’m wearing a white Aran roll/polo neck sweater. It’s so incredibly warm! It’s made from Merino wool. I wore it one day with my peacoat, not realising it wasn’t quite as cold outside as I first thought. By the time I got back home, I was absolutely roasting 😂😂😂😂. It’s often too warm indoors too. A cardigan though, can be unbuttoned indoors when you feel too warm. The extremely cool Sir Rodger Moore modelled cardigans for knitting patterns so if they were ok for him, they’re ok for me.
My wife is a knitter she has made several cardigans for me. I like to wear them around the house and on short errands. They look much better than a sweatshirt and keep you warm when you're chilly but turning up the heat would be too much
Love that you say sweater rather than jumper. I’m new to the channel and I’m not sure if you have covered them in a video yet but the differences between the British and American terms & original usage & history would be interesting.
I have bought three North Sea clothing sweaters since you first video about them. The Engineer, Explorer and the Brig 2 which arrived yesterday. Great sweaters.
I like shawl lapel cardigans. While they don't quite replace a sport coat or blazer for me, I quite like wearing them with a tie and optional collar clip for those more casual occasions - golfing, visiting or hosting a friend, a walk in the park, stuff like that. Here are a few cardigan rules: - Sleeveless cardigans are designed to be worn under a jacket, whereas sleeved cardigans are designed to be worn as the outer layer. - You can leave every button buttoned, unbutton just the bottom, or unbutton the bottom and top. I prefer the last option for that bit of sprezattura. - Shorts with a cardigan are a faux-pas. Shorts are for summer, cardigans are for cooler weather. - Cardigans are best paired with loafers or casual dress shoes rather than oxfords or black shoes.
I have recently been indulging in some cardigans. I have a few heavier ones that I wear instead of a jacket, plus a light charcoal grey one I often use as a layer.
Ash. Love my cardigan sweaters. Have an Orvis one that I wear in the evenings around the house sort of bulky nice and warm. Also have an LL Bean thinner one like the one you're wearing and I also have a sleeveless one that's purple color that I wear with tweed jackets occasionally. Always looking for another one. Cheers Ron
The Cardigan, eh? Now there's a blast from the past! In my mind's eye I can just see Ash after he nipped back indoors following this video: sitting by a crackling log fire, wearing some comfy sheepskin slippers from Draper of Glastonbury, puffing on a Sherlock Holmes pipe, and listening to Elgar's Violin Concerto! (Just kidding! 🤠But it does retain its image as a garment of choice for the well-to-do gentleman of...ehm...a certain age!)
You must be psychic. I visited Drapers factory shop in Glasto on Saturday and bought 2 pairs of their excellent slipper (to be reviewed and showcased in a few weeks).
@@TheChapsGuide I was last there a couple of years ago - the slippers are still going strong! From where I live (wider B.-on-Avon area) it's conveniently en route to the Clarke's Outlet Village.😛
Good evening Ash As we are of a similar vintage, my mother too knitted. Cardigans, jumpers, gloves mittens and that other legacy of the Crimea- Balaklava helmets. I seldom have need of knitwear these days. My career requires practical corporate wear. I do though, as I have previously commented, own a couple of Submariner sweaters which I team with jeans, chinos or walking trousers (versatility is key). Maybe soon I may invest in a cardigan, not just yet though. *Salutes PS. I note too the mention of Raglan sleeves. Another legacy of the Crimean war.
I have a dark grey one very similar to what you are wearing, I think its Morino wool, it must be coming up to 25 years old and is still in very good condition, its the ultimate multi use clothing garment, its apart of my lounge wear if it gets chilli, its a jacket alternative on clement days, its a layering item on cold days, I have even used it as a dressing gown, even my other half nicks it from time to time, when it starts to chill down in the evening I sometimes spot it draped over her on the couch when a movie is on the box. Thanks to style icons like Daniel Craig and Steve McQueen, they are seen as cool and classically stylish. Great items to have Show less
This is why I love your channel Ash - you broaden my horizons (which I thought were pretty broad but clearly still a lot to learn). I'd never considered a cardigan but I might just go and invest in one now. I'm not sure that the tight, fitted example you can get away with would suit me (a bit of a Christmas belly has developed) but that Steve McQueen version (a little more loose fit) might work. Thanks for all the time you put into these.
I'm 70 and have wore this garment since I was about twelve years old. In those days they were popular to ware with a turtle neck shirt in cool weather. Another popular look in those days was to ware it with an open neck shirt and an ascot beneath it. It was the middle 60s and everything was experimental. I still ware them today often with a blazer of sport coat weather permitting. If it's a bit warmer by itself is fine. I enjoy your channel. I watch from The States.
Great video Ash! I had never heard of North Sea Clothing until watching this video. I have just ordered one of their Explorer cardigans after checking out their website. I think a owe you a coffee, sir 👏👍
With or without collar great garments. But in winter woolen cardigans with lapels are best alternatives to tweed jackets. My thick Aran cardigan is warm as a coat.
Thea reason why I like the cardigan is that it's so versatile to wear. You can wear it with a t-shirt or dress shirt, with a pair of jeans or slacks, or maybe with a pair of chinos. (depending on the style)I tend to like more color and really fine knitwear.
BTW Ash, seeing that we have the Dents and Draper factory shops in common, I reckon we can make it a hat-trick - I wouldn't mind betting that you've seen the inside of the Mulberry store in Shepton Mallet too?😊
Good morning! Cardigan... Hm, I have some but I rarly wore them, for no particular reason really other than preferance. In autumn I usually decide on a sweater vest over my shirt or a full sweater. Recently I decided to significantly dial down my heating (and there we are, we have a somewhat depressing connection to the inventor...) and suddenly turns out that a cardigan is ma new best friend for homewear...😶 So this appreciation of the Cardigan arrives just in time for me as I develop a new fondness for the humble garment... 😹 Thanks. Best regards Raoul G. Kunz
I have two cardigans but don't often wear them, mostly due to them filling a relatively small gap in my wardrobe. I could wear them while lounging around the house, but I have my silk dressing gowns and velvet smoking jackets for that. They're a bit too casual for me to wear to most public venues - if I'm going to a bar, I'm probably wearing a blazer and cravat. They're good for hosting people at my home, visiting theirs, golf, walks in the park, and so on. They are comfortable and stylish, don't get me wrong, but I just prefer a tailored jacket most of the time. When I do wear a cardigan, I usually wear loafers or brown dress shoes, neckties with a collar clip, dress slacks, suspenders, and a fedora, Panama, pork pie, or flat cap.
@@themoderndandy713 Aha! Very similar notions I see, I think the key difference regarding lounging clothing is that I'd *really* hate to wear my dressing gowns at home and prefer things that can endure a moderate level of distress. Dressing gowns are "hotel/holiday apartment/vacation home" wear. Lounge wear when I'm not staying mat home... No I'm not insane😅, worse: We have cats. Cat's and vulnerable textiles don't go together... well not *long* and not *intact* ... though no one ever damaged any of my spiffy pyjamas - the suit-like ones in silk and wool... maybe because they're too busy maxing out the "ain't I cute!? purrpurr"- factor at night... When I know to expect and host someone I usually wear either a cardigan, a sweater vest or a v-neck sweatshirt, mostly with a cravat tied either in the 20th century style of a double wrapped longer oriental knot or recently often in the regency-to-Victorian style with the two ends crossed and fixed with a nice pin. Since I really only wear my cardigans at home in the colder half of the year I tend to pair those (all shawl collared) mostly with informal cravats in less formal shirts, sometimes even polos, or rarely with bow-ties made from stouter, more rugged and thus less formal fabrics (tweed or knit and the like, more texture in general). I usually wear polo shirts at home, so it's currently somewhat likely that I'm wearing a navy polo shirt with an informal brown paisley cravat under a shawl collared dark brown knit cardigan, an almost-of-course-not-at-all-Burberry-house-check patterned soft wool trouser, corduroy slippers and maybe a glass of deserved evening scotch... okayokay, that's *right now* - 10:33 pm 😆 Good night! Raoul G. Kunz
Ash, thank you for all of your insightful work. It’s great to see you back. Regarding the North Sea Engineer cardigan, I’m very nearly 6 feet tall and slim at 168 pounds. If I recall, you are of similar stature. What size did you buy? I’m always hesitant to buy online from s new brand to me because sizing varies so greatly from brand to brand. Any advice is appreciated.
Can tell that NSC quality anywhere. They just have that "look." I've been eyeing the Brig 2 in ecru even though I don't even have a Shawl collar navy cardigan yet. I'm a sucker for roll necks and funnel necks. Maybe I'll bite the bullet and get the Expedition soon...
Bond fans may note that in “From Russia …” Connery walks into M’s office with a grey cardigan under his suit, much like the one Ash wears. And btw., little Alex is one handsome kid.
My favourite style,sadly no longer produced,that made by Lacoste in classic sixties style.Fortunately I managed buy 4 over the years in various colours before they went extinct,they go on and on.Just a point top button left undone?
Good morning Ash! I like cardigans because they are very flexible and can be combined with a variety of outfits. If we think about the buttons - should the top button be left open (I do this with a suit waistcoat, for example)? Or wear it completely closed? Many greetings!
Cardigans have more options with buttoning than waistcoats. Waistcoats are traditionally only unbuttoned at the bottom (save for formalwear and double-breasted), but cardigans can be unbuttoned at the bottom, top, or both.
Hello! Just had a quick question, I recently followed you eBay dress shoe guide and bought myself a lovely pair of Joseph Cheaney black toe oxfords for just £50. Yet, I’m in a bit of a predicament, as I go to a private sixth form I have to wear a smart business suit daily, would you recommend to wear the Cheney’s on foot or invest in a different shoe on eBay that has a slightly lower RRP? I’m just wondering whether a shoe that has a £350 rrp may be waisted at a sixth form? Thanks a lot, I know it’s quite a nice problem to have haha
Hi, great question. My answer is simple - Your feet will thank you for wearing the Cheaney's and you will look fiendishly sharp with those great shoes at the end of your trousers, so I would wear the Cheaney's and enjoy them, rather than buying some inferior footwear in order to save the wear and tear on the good shoes. In a perfect world, a chap would be best served by 2 pairs of dress shoes, so that one pair could 'rest' after being worn with wooden (cedar) shoe trees for at least a day, to allow the accumulated perspiration to disperse and the shoe to fully dry prior to being worn again. If I was you, I would seek out a second pair of good quality shoes that you can rotate with the Cheaney's to ensure you continue to look dapper and the shoes are maintained in the best possible condition. Ebay is such a great place to source beautiful shoes at silly prices, so keep at it and enjoy those Cheaney's - wear them with pride and passion!!
You do not make it easy Ash. I have literally been doing an audit on my knitwear collection then this video pops up in a timely fashion. Now I am forced to part ways with my hard earned cash yet again.
I havent had one in forever, I may have to aquire a couple. To start I am not a football fan this is just a situation that happens to involve a player. Side note, im not surprised but a little disappointed. Tom Brady at one point was wearing quite a stylish suit with a fedora. Instead of recognizing a man taking pride and wearing quality clothing. People have chosen to make fun of him. But yet they will practically worship guys that wear their pants around their knees.🙄
