When was the cardigan invented?

The cardigan originated in the mid-19th century, specifically during the Crimean War (1853–1856).

Origin of the Cardigan

The garment is named after James Brudenell, a British army officer. His troops wore a knitted wool waistcoat that opened at the front, designed to provide warmth while allowing ease of movement and ventilation compared to pull-over sweaters.

When It Became Civilian Fashion

• Late 1800s: The cardigan transitioned from military wear to civilian clothing in Britain.

• Early 20th century: It gained popularity as practical everyday knitwear.

• 1920s–1950s: Widely adopted in women’s fashion; later became a menswear staple.

• Modern era: A core knitwear category, spanning fine-gauge merino cardigans to chunky cable-knit styles.

Why the Invention Mattered

From a garment-engineering perspective, the cardigan was innovative because it:

• Introduced front-opening knitted construction

• Improved thermal regulation

• Enabled layering, which later became fundamental in both casualwear and tailored wardrobes

In short, the cardigan was invented in the 1850s, born from military necessity, and evolved into one of the most enduring knitwear designs in fashion history.