cardigan

A cardigan is a type of machine- or hand-knitted sweater (or jumper) that ties, buttons or zips down the front; by contrast, a pullover does not open in front but must be "pulled over" the head to be worn. The cardigan was named after James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, a British military commander, following his service in the Crimean War.^[1] Cardigans are available for both sexes, but they have become popular for men in recent years due to rise of fashion houses incorporating the traditional garment in men's fashion runway. Plain cardigans are often worn over shirts and inside suit jackets as a kind of less formal waistcoat or vest that restrains the necktie when the jacket has been removed. Its versatility means it can be worn either in casual or formal settings and in any seasons, but popularly during the autumn and winter months.

A cardigan is a sweater that opens in the front and attaches with either buttons, hooks, or a zipper. Cardigan sweaters are thought to have originated in 17th century France and the British Isles, where fishermen wore heavy, hand-knitted woolen sweaters. Fondly known as fishermen's sweaters, the industry of knitting the heavy sweaters soon became popular on the coast of Ireland. Fishermen and outdoor workers sought out the expensive cardigans that kept them warm during the harsh North Atlantic winters. Today the same cardigan sweaters are produced in Ireland and although they are still worn for warmth, they have become a fashion statement for casual wear. Yet cardigans are not limited to this heavy, woolen style; cardigan sweaters can be made of nearly any fabric, with styles for both women and men. Styles include fabrics such as wool, cotton, polyester, rayon, cashmere, Lycra and many more.

courtesy of wikipedia.org / wisegeek.com