A cardigan is a knitted garment with a front opening, typically fastened with a zip or buttons, or even left open. On the contrary, a sweater is a closed knitted garment pulled on over the head. Aklanda Australia has been manufacturing both cardigans and sweaters in Melbourne from 100% Australian merino wool since 1988.
Going shopping for a cardigan? Or do you have a sweater in mind? Don't worry. You are not the only one who has mistaken one for the other. The confusion is understandable as both the cardigan sweater are just knitted garments that are worn over the upper body. However, they do have some features that distinguish them from each other.
Knowing the difference between a cardigan and a sweater can be beneficial the next time you go shopping. You no longer have to waste time checking sweaters when you are actually looking for cardigans. Similarly, you also get the benefit of knowing what qualities to look for in each type of garment.
Here, we provide some more insights into what sweaters and cardigans are. Though the answer seems obvious, there are some uncommon nuances that you might find surprising and informative. If you wish to learn more, feel free to read on.
What Is a Sweater? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
To start, a sweater is one of the most popular types of knitted garments that is worn over the upper body. The term sweater is mostly used in American English. Here in Australia, we typically refer to them as a jersey or jumper.
Structurally, a sweater comes with long sleeves that cover the arms. They are typically made with adequate room around the belly area to provide more warmth during cold weather. They are traditionally made using wool. But the modern era has ushered in the use of synthetic fibres to manufacture sweaters.
The differences between natural wool and synthetic fibres are still highly debated until now. Regardless, different kinds of fabric produce different kinds of feel and level of comfort. The jury lies on the wearer, whom he or she will prefer.
In addition to that, sweaters can be worn directly over the skin. But they are usually worn over another piece of clothing, like a shirt or blouse. Fashion doesn't have a hard and fast rule on how to style a sweater, as it can be worn with almost anything – be it short skirts or bulky pants.
There are so many shops that sell high-quality sweaters nowadays. Most of the shops in Australia offer sweaters that come with unique designs and patterns. They also come with various necklines, including turtle neck, V-neck, and crew neck, among others. You can also purchase sweaters with varying sleeve lengths. You can find sweaters with full-length sleeves, three-quarters, short-sleeved, and some are even sleeveless.
Not all sweaters are similar when it comes to material. As far as merino wool is concerned, it has been widely regarded as the premium knitwear benchmark. When merino wool is authentic, produced to the right standard, it is 100% machine-washable, naturally soft, and temperature-regulating.
Are you looking for entirely Australia-made, men’s or women’s merino sweaters? Browse Aklanda's merino basics collection that covers the classic crew neck, V-neck, and many other styles that work across every occasion.
What Is a Cardigan? Style, Fit & Function Explained
Cardigans are knitted garments that have an opening at the front. They are, in essence, under the sweater category. The only difference is that they have an opening at the front which can be closed through buttons or zippers. Most modern cardigans don't even have buttons or zippers and are designed to simply hang open.
Like sweaters, they come in various necklines. But perhaps the most common type of neckline for cardigans is the V-neck style. Another similarity it shares with sweaters is that they are also traditionally made with wool. Modern times have since shown quite an evolution in the way cardigans are made.
Cardigans were inspired by the waistcoats that British male officers wore in the 19th century, and so, for a long time, men were commonly seen wearing them. But that's not to say that women can't rock cardigans. Today, cardigans are worn by almost everyone!
The cardigan has become one of the most versatile wardrobe pieces for women across all age groups and occasions. Aklanda's women's merino wool coats and cardigans offer both open style and button-front style in 100% Australian superfine merino. If you are looking for a men’s cardigan in the same quality, find both button and zip options in Aklanda's men's merino cardigan range.
Sweater vs Cardigan: The Key Difference in a Nutshell
All cardigans are sweaters, but not all sweaters are cardigans. The main difference between a cardigan and a sweater is the opening that is present in all cardigans. Each type of clothing has a place in your wardrobe as none of them is better than the other.
Now that you know the difference between a cardigan and a sweater, we hope that your next shopping trip will be a breeze.
If you are thinking about online shopping, we have a host of selections here at Aklanda. From simple to designer cardigans andhigh-neck sweaters that are made with the highest quality Merino wool in Australia, you can always find something exceptional here. Visit the Aklanda Australiashop today.
While both are traditionally made from wool, Aklanda ensures that both are made from 100% Australian superfine merino wool, which is widely considered the premium fibre choice. Both styles are popular among men and women as a versatile addition to their wardrobes. Attributes like softness, temperature-regulating properties, and machine-washable durability maintain the popularity of both sweaters and cardigans all over Australia.
Still not sure about buying a sweater or a cardigan? Well, a good starting point is understanding what you need it for. A cardigan gives you flexibility. It lets you layer easily, remove, and adjust throughout the day. But if you are looking forward to getting a single pull-on piece that reflects both simplicity and warmth, a sweater is definitely the choice. However, it is important to remember that the fabric matters as much as the style.
Explore Aklanda's full Australian merino wool knitwear range to find both in 100% superfine merino, entirely made in Victoria. Wonder what makes Australian merino wool different from standard wool? Visit the Merino Wool Explained page to learn that.
Merino Wool Sweater or Cardigan: What to Choose?
If you are buying Australian merino wool knitwear specifically, the choice between a sweater and a cardigan comes down to three practical questions:
How do you run temperature-wise?
If you warm up quickly indoors, a merino cardigan gives you the option to keep it open or remove it without disrupting your outfit. A merino sweater retains more heat and is better suited to consistently cool conditions.
What occasions will you wear it for?
A merino wool sweater, particularly a crew-neck or cable knit style, tends to read as a more casual, relaxed piece. A merino cardigan, especially a button-front style, transitions more naturally from smart casual to business settings.
Are you buying it as a gift?
A merino wool cardigan is generally the safer gift for women due to its versatility and ease of fit. For men, a classic merino sweater in a neutral colourway is the most universally wearable choice.
Either way, choosing 100% Australian superfine merino wool over a synthetic blend or mixed-fibre garment means the piece will hold its softness, shape, and colour across years of wearing, not just one season.
Shop Australian-Made Merino Wool Cardigans and Sweaters
Aklanda's full range of Australian-made merino wool cardigans and sweaters is available online, with free domestic shipping on orders over $350 and free click-and-collect from our Melbourne factory outlet in Reservoir, VIC.
- Women's merino cardigans and sweaters: Shop Women's Knitwear
- Men's merino cardigans and sweaters: Shop Men's Knitwear
- New season arrivals: Shop New Winter Collection
- Browse everything: Shop All Aklanda Collections
Frequently Asked Questions About the Difference Between Cardigan and Sweater
Which is the warmer one - a cardigan or a sweater?
A merino wool sweater generally retains more warmth than a cardigan of the same weight because the closed-front construction eliminates the gap where heat can escape. However, Australian superfine merino wool is naturally temperature-regulating in both styles, which means neither will overheat you indoors the way a synthetic garment might. For maximum warmth in cold conditions, a midweight merino sweater is the stronger choice.
Can I wear a merino wool cardigan as a substitute for a jacket?
Yes, a well-made merino wool cardigan, particularly a button-front style in a midweight Australian merino, functions effectively as a light jacket in mild to cool conditions. Aklanda's men's and women's merino cardigans are fully fashioned in Melbourne and made from 100% superfine Australian merino wool, which provides genuine insulation without the bulk of a coat. You can also pair it smartly with a collared shirt for a stylish casual look that works for everything, from work to weekend hangouts.
What fabric is best for cardigans and sweaters in Australia?
Australian superfine merino wool is widely considered the best fabric for both cardigans and sweaters in the Australian climate. It insulates in cool weather, breathes in warmer conditions, resists odour naturally, and when manufactured to the right standard, is fully machine washable. Unlike cotton, which loses its shape, or synthetics, which trap heat and odour, merino wool performs consistently across the variable temperatures that characterise Australian winters, particularly in Victoria and NSW.
