The hooded cardigan is arguably one of the most functional types of sweaters for both men and women. It provides another level of insulation courtesy of the hood and is a great layering piece. Since hooded cardigans are dressier than hooded sweatshirts, you can wear them in some situations where nicer attire is required.
If you’re looking for a hooded cardigan that has a polished aesthetic, consider the Style & Co Women’s Hooded Cardigan. The streamlined silhouette hits mid-thigh, creating flattering lines with its simplicity. The shawl neckline has an attached hood for convenience and you can choose from six different colors.
What to know before you buy a hooded cardigan
Benefits of a hooded cardigan
There are compelling reasons why the popularity of the hooded cardigan has endured for years. Some are functional while others are aesthetically driven.
You don’t have to worry about your head getting cold if you wear a hooded cardigan, even if you forget your hat. The hood covers all the areas that a hat does, keeping the entirety of your head and your ears toasty warm.
Hooded cardigans are great for layering. For example, you can pull the hood out and lay it over the back of the coat to add interest and create a multidimensional effect. Since most hooded cardigans are lighter than a coat, they add an insulating layer without causing you to become overheated.
Versatility is another benefit of a hooded cardigan. They look nice with a large variety of footwear, tops, shirts and pant styles. You can wear yours with everything from boots to ballet flats, and skinny jeans to khakis. In terms of outerwear, hooded cardigans look particularly sharp with trench coats.
Style
Hooded cardigans are sold in a virtually infinite selection of styles, giving you the flexibility to choose your favorite. The style of a sweater consists of its cut, length, material qualities and any design details it features.
Hooded cardigan features
Sewn-on vs. detachable hood
While most hooded cardigans are designed with permanently attached hoods, some have detachable hoods. Removable hoods are often affixed to the sweater via buttons or a zipper. A detachable hood gives you the option to wear the cardigan with or without it, depending on your preference and the situation.
Adjustable hood
Occasionally, the hood of a cardigan is designed with functionality that makes it adjustable. Most of these hoods are constructed with a drawstring that threads into one end, runs through the hood and emerges on the other side. You pull on the drawstring to tighten the fit of the hood and release the tension to loosen it.
Material
The material of which a hooded cardigan is constructed makes a major impact on the level of insulation it provides. Materials like cotton and modal provide lighter insulation, while fabrics like wool and cashmere provide robust insulation.
Another critical factor is the way the material feels against your skin. Make sure you don’t have any allergies to the fabric, and if you experience an allergic reaction, don’t risk wearing the sweater again.
Hooded cardigan cost
You can find a well-made hooded cardigan in a wide range of price points, from as low as $30 to more than $100 for designer versions.
Hooded cardigan FAQ
Is a hooded cardigan suitable for the office?
A. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on the dress code of your office, if there is one. The majority of hooded cardigans fall into the casual category, although they’re more formal than hooded sweatshirts. In short, if your office has a relaxed dress code policy, or none at all, a hooded cardigan is a safe bet. If the dress code is business casual or more formal, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get a definitive answer from human resources.
Can you wear a hooded cardigan as a coat?
A. In certain temperature ranges, a hooded cardigan can indeed function as a coat. Since these sweaters aren’t lined like a coat, you should avoid wearing them in temperatures that dip below a certain level, but if you’re in a seasonal transition or live in a warm climate, a hooded cardigan makes a great lightweight coat.
Which hooded cardigan should I get?
Best of the best hooded cardigan
Style & Co Women’s Hooded Cardigan: available at Macy’s
Our take: The style of this open-front hooded cardigan makes it a polished finishing touch for your fall and winter ensembles.
What we like: Made with an attached hood, this cardigan is cozy and fashionable. The stylish shawl neckline travels up to your collarbone, where it becomes a hood. This cardigan has a relaxed fit and a 31-inch hem length. A selection of six different shades gives you plenty of color options.
What we dislike: One buyer felt the sweater looked different in real life than as pictured online, while another person reported the material collected lint.
Best bang for your buck hooded cardigan
Victorious Men’s Cardigan Hoodie: available at Amazon
Our take: Doubling as an extra-long cardigan and a lightweight hoodie, this sweater gives you plenty of bang for your buck in the functionality department.
What we like: Designed with a draped open front and cloak style, this elongated hoodie sweater is striking and unique. The cotton blend is lightweight and soft, making it a comfortable piece for layering. The hood is attached for security and convenience. An elongated silhouette and two side pockets give this cardigan similarities to a coat.
What we dislike: Quality control issues reported by a couple of buyers included melted plastic on the back of the hood and a hole in the pocket.
Honorable mention hooded cardigan
INC International Concepts Men’s Textured-Knit Hooded Cardigan: available at Macy’s
Our take: A textured knit design elevates the style of this hooded cardigan, making it a dapper piece for pulling together your outfits.
What we like: It’s the subtle design details in this sweater that pack a punch. The cotton-blend fabric is finished with a textured knit design, ribbed knit cuffs and a ribbed knit hem. The attached hood will help keep your head warm. You can choose from a heather onyx or navy bud color.
What we dislike: The cardigan isn’t made with closures, so there’s no way to secure the front. Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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