COOL AS a cardigan

WHEN IT COMES TO WARDROBE ESSENTIALS, FEW PIECES RIVAL THE CHARM AND ADAPTABILITY OF THE CARDIGAN, WHETHER YOU OPT FOR A TIMELESS DESIGNER LABEL OR A ONE-SEASON SPECIAL

Words: PIPPA O'KEEFE

FROM ITS humble beginnings as military uniform to its position as a versatile fashion staple, the cardigan has seamlessly woven itself into a must-have autumn essential.

As the weather cools after our long hot summer, cardigans prove to be steadfast companions. Lightweight and breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen are ideal for layering up a summer dress, and during autumn and winter months, you can top a pair of jeans with a thick and chunky cable-knit cardigan for a cosy chic look.

Growing up in Portugal, we’d always enjoy our summer holidays in the UK and since I can remember I adopted a love for my nana’s cardigans, relocating them to the Algarve for the cooler evenings of September. Still to this day her humble button up numbers are my most loved autumn essentials.

Whilst granny-chic might not be for everyone, nowadays cardigans are a true fashion chameleon and are available in various lengths, fabrics and styles to suit any occasion. You can dress a bikini with a crochet crop-short cardi or don some stylish Gucci knitwear, or even rock out in a weathered Kurt Cobain style coverup. Versatility, thy name is cardigan.

A bit of history

From Cavalry to Coco Chanel, the cardigan has undergone a captivating transformation. Its origins date back to the Crimean War (1853-1856), where James Thomas Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan led the failed Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava. Brudenell’s troops wore knitted waistcoats as part of their uniforms, and whilst his military career came to an untimely end, his knitted fashionwear met with great success.

The design of these early cardigans was simple, and they were typically made from wool or other natural fibers. Fast forward to the 1920s, when Coco Chanel played a significant role in elevating the cardigan’s status from practical to fashionable. She loved wearing them herself so decided to produce a comfy yet stylish button-down garment. Her revolutionary designs broke the traditional gender norms of the time, making the cardigan a garment that could be worn by both men and women.

Looking forward

Transcending norms is what makes the cardigan a unisex icon, and at a time where gender fluidity is so topical, we can appreciate why this garment does not go out of fashion. Its multifaceted designs, shapes, and array of colours and patterns makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of personal sense of style, personality or gender.

Beyond its versatility and inclusivity, we need to pay homage to the cardigan’s sustainability credentials. In recent years eco-friendly fashion movements have shone extra limelight on production methods and the development of materials. Ethical brands have embraced the art of hand-knitting and focused on creating highquality, long-lasting pieces that stand apart from massproduced, fast fashion clothing.

Portugal is a real trailblazer in the celebrated craft of ethical knitwear and has its own rich textile and knitting traditions, which are often techniques passed down through generations, resulting in unique and intricately-designed pieces.

Portugal’s knitwear industry has been embracing sustainable and eco-friendly practices for many years, focusing on local production, ethical sourcing of materials, and reducing environmental impact.

Chanel

Not a Portuguese brand, but a house at the forefront of the cardigan’s success, Chanel is a timeless choice. Their cardigans are made with high-quality materials and precision tailoring, ensuring that you are investing in a garment that will last for years to come. Cashmere and mohair and shades of green, black and burgandy make for an amazing two- piecer in the new season’s collection. chanel.com

Ecola Portugal

Family owned by three generations of Portuguese wool experts, Ecola is an institution in the craft of weaving and manufacturing unique products. The brand originates from the village of Manteigas in the Serra da Estrela, a place of incredible natural beauty and rather cold winters. The Fred Rogers style 100% Bordaleira sheep wool cardigan is a cosy stayhome number. ecolaportugal.com

Francis Stories

Ditch the itch and pile on the detail with this Portuguese natural knitwear company. Francis Stories ethically crafts woolen garments that stand out for their extremely soft and comfortable touch. They are the antidote to fast fashion, they want their customers to wear their designs for years. Francis-stories.com

Guaja

Founded by two sisters and their mother, Guaja is a Portuguese brand paving the way for ethical knitwear. Their garments are handmade and designed in Portugal, and they adopt a zero plastic policy. Their cardigan shirt is your wear to brunch or sunset drink cardi. It’s slightly oversized and made from a mesh of cashmere and wool. guajastudio.com

Laranjinha

Laranjinha is a gorgeous 100% Portuguese brand for babies and kiddies produced by a network of local makers within a 50km radius of its company base. Cute as a button cardis for boys and girls are just like the ones favoured by their elders! laranjinha.com

Mango

With lots of stores dotted around the country, Mango is a great place for a cardigan bargain. The high street retailer has taken its own green initiatives by choosing more respectful materials such as recycled fabrics and durable materials in their garments. The handmade 70s-style lace knit cardigan (and there’s a matching skirt) says you’re not quite ready to say goodbye summer. It would go nicely unbuttoned with a dress or on its own buttoned as a top with a pair of white jeans. shop.mango.com

Massimo Dutti

Men’s cardigans have come a long way since the battlefields and male style icons such as David Beckham and Daniel Craig are really paving the way for the suave knitwear look. We like MD’s zip-up cardigan made from at least 55% ecologically-grown cotton, produced using natural fertilizers and pesticides. massimodutti.com

Mustique

Mustique is a Lisbon-based fashion brand founded by childhood friends Vera Caldeira and Pedro Ferraz. This is a fun brand whose colourful designs can be worn day to night. The brand’s relaxed fit 100% Portuguese cotton cardigan is unisex and is perfect for pretty much every occasion. mustiqueworld.com

Naz

This Portuguese brand is eager to deliver fashion made fairly by respecting both people and natural resources. They get big ticks for being B corp certified, being transparent about their supply chain and producing products with surplus fabrics. Their cosy cable knit cardigans are a must-have for your autumn wardrobe. Made from 100% recycled material they are a classic touch to any outfit. It’s a great option for morning dog walks. naz.pt

Rororiri

The cardigan is so versatile that even our four-legged friends can wear one. Rororiri’s designs are honest, timeless and elegant. They put emphasis on high quality textiles and comfortable silhouettes. This knitted number is ideal Algarve apparel for the cooler evenings out on the town. rororiri.com

Zara

Any Algarve shopping trip is most likely to include old faithful ZARA. Lately they’ve become really transparent about the composition, care and origin of their garments. The cropped cardi includes 30% Recycled Content Standard (RCS), which helps limit the consumption of raw materials. zara.com

INTRODUCING...

Joining the AlgarvePLUS team is Pippa O’Keefe who grew up in the Algarve and has travelled throughout Portugal for many years. She runs a tailor-made travel agency and a PR and marketing business, Pippa Rose Communications, which helps small brands with big ideas.