Team Cardigan or Team Pullover

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Team Cardigan or Team Pullover

— by Angie

on December 16, 2010

A pullover is any style of knitwear with a single neck opening. It has no front or back opening and is often referred to as “a sweater” in the US and Canada. A cardigan, on the other hand, is any style of knitwear with a center front opening. Sometimes the opening has no closures and sometimes there are button, snap, zipper or hook closures.

I feel the cold quickly so I have lots of knitwear. I have more pullovers than cardigans because I love turtle necks (polo necks) and cowl necked sweaters. Cardigans definitely earn their keep in my wardrobe, but pullovers win hands down. I am Team Pullover.

Over to you. Are you Team Cardigan or Team Pullover? Tell us why. Absolutely no batting for both Teams. I predict that there will be an even split between the Teams in this game.

Team X Team Y

87 comments · Add a comment

Louise

Veteran

Team cardigan. I often get warm when indoors so I like the ease with which a cardi can be removed x

December 16, 2010 at 2:33 pm

Cynthia

(website)

Team cardigan all the way. I only have a tiny number of pullover sweaters.

December 16, 2010 at 2:42 pm

Kate

Veteran

100% team cardigan. I am down to 1 pullover! I am constantly taking my layers off and then putting them back on, and going over the head is just too awkward. I don’t like feeling as though I’m undressing in public, not to mention fixing my hair afterward. Go team cardi!

December 16, 2010 at 2:49 pm

mamark

Cardigan all the way. Especially longer ones, or cardigan/jackets as in Kat’s post.

December 16, 2010 at 2:49 pm

Becky

Veteran

Prior to YLF, I would have been Team Pullover all the way. I don’t even think I owned a cardigan. Now I much prefer cardigans; swapping out layering pieces underneath provides limitless possibilities. I can leave it unbuttoned or button it up partway or all the way. As Louise said, the cardigan can be easily removed or put on throughout the day in different climate conditions. Team Cardigan!

December 16, 2010 at 2:51 pm

shana

Veteran

Totally team cardigan! The funny thing is that I would say that it is a recent phenomenon (<4 years) – before then it was the opposite. I think my collection grew as I became more accustomed to the idea of layering. Also, my lifestyle is fairly casual and as much as I love wearing jackets, cardigans represent a casual, easier alternative (e.g. cardis feel better for chasing after kids, wrestling with them, washing their snot off etc!).

December 16, 2010 at 2:54 pm

Bri

Team Cardigan all the way. I’m always cold so I like the option. I have four pullovers but a dozen cardies.

December 16, 2010 at 2:56 pm

Mellllls

Veteran

cardigan! i generally feel more stylish in a cardigan and they are more work appropriate for me. I do own and wear many pullovers though.

December 16, 2010 at 2:58 pm

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Team Cardigan. But I am wondering if this will be like all the other Team X Team Y posts, which somehow seem to make me veer unstoppably towards the opposite side in the following weeks…

For me it’s an easy extra layer to put on, but if I want real warmth then I go for a boyfriend pullover (this is defined as your SO’s favourite pullover that you have washed on too hot a wash and is now sized perfectly only for you).

Haven’t managed yet a stylish, warm and sufficiently long wearing pullover so will stay where I am for now.

December 16, 2010 at 3:03 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh my goodness! So far, I’m the only one on my Team

December 16, 2010 at 3:14 pm

Queen Mum

Veteran

This is a tough one, as I have pretty well an equal number of cardigans and pullovers, but I’m going to choose team cardigan because the cardigan season extends from September through atleast May. Pullovers only come out to play from December through February usually.

December 16, 2010 at 3:15 pm

summerbl4ck

Active Member

Definitely Team Cardi! I always feel too bulky in a pullover. I like that a cardigan is more like a jacket.

December 16, 2010 at 3:19 pm

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

With all of the new styles available, I am team cardigan. I love the ruffles, draping, wraps and floaty version in stores nowadays.

December 16, 2010 at 3:20 pm

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I find it very hard to find pullovers that complement my enormous bust, and that makes me sad because I far prefer them to cardigans. A really great pullover, i.e. one with a flattering neckline, cozy fabric and adequate drape, would be a genuine treasure in my wardrobe and see a lot of service during a Canadian winter.
I’ve only recently started experimenting with cardigans again thanks to YLF, but pullovers will always have my heart.

December 16, 2010 at 3:21 pm

qfbrenda

Veteran

I’m on team cardigan at the moment, but do have pullovers on my “to buy” list. We’ll see what team I’m on in a year.

December 16, 2010 at 3:34 pm

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Team Pullover. The main difficulty is my height and apart from specialized stores with correctly proportioned garments I am limited in my choices. Even they come up with the cardigans that tick all the boxes very rarely, those boxes being: style, color, fabric. I have a total of three – two black ones that are primarily layering pieces I can remove quickly when I get warmer, as opposed to being the garments I would build my look around, and a gorgeous purple one that ticked the boxes mentioned above and can be used to build a look around it.

I find it a lot easier to find the single neck opening a.k.a. pullovers in the regular stores and am also less worried about going wrong with them, in another words wasting money on the bad choices. I absolutely love turtle necks because if my neck is not covered and protected in the cold weather, no matter what else I wear I will be freezing cold. Scarves are great, but turtle necks give me the protection from cold that I need and I feel elegant in them.

I have had a couple of cowl necks but realized that although the style did work for me the colors did not, so they were removed from my wardrobe.

December 16, 2010 at 3:55 pm

Laurinda

Team Cardigan!

For creating flattering V’s and the ability to regulate the warmth.

December 16, 2010 at 4:04 pm

Gracey

I do love a good pullover, especially turtleneck sweaters, but I am definitely Team Cardigan! I wear cardigans year round and find they can’t be beat for layering.

December 16, 2010 at 4:08 pm

LegacyOfPearl

(website)

So sorry to leave the pullovers outnumbered, but another team cardigan here.

December 16, 2010 at 4:16 pm

Steffie

Active Member

Count me for Team Pullover! I love pullovers for their fit, simplicity and style. I don’t love layering and I do love how a fab pullover, accessories, jeans and boots are a complete look. Like Angie, I love turtlenecks and they look swell on me and keep me warm- I’d wear them every day if I could!

December 16, 2010 at 4:22 pm

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Team Pullover since birth!

December 16, 2010 at 4:23 pm

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Team Cardigan all the way. Like Michelle said, the girls don’t look as good in pullovers.

December 16, 2010 at 4:36 pm

Meg

Cardigan!!! Pull-overs make me feel claustrophobic.

December 16, 2010 at 4:38 pm

Beth

Veteran

Team pullover!

December 16, 2010 at 4:39 pm

Refugee

Veteran

Team pullover, I don’t know what I would do without turtlenecks.

December 16, 2010 at 5:10 pm

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Team cardigan! They just make me feel more pulled together. I tend to wear pullovers when i’m feeling lazy outfit wise.

December 16, 2010 at 5:11 pm

Kari

Veteran

Team cardigan here, too. As Michelle and Kristen mentioned, I think it’s really tricky to find a flattering style of pullover if you have a large bust. And layering is tricky with a pullover. (I find layering woven tops under sweaters VERY frustrating and often uncomfortable.) Cardigans are just plain more versatile, easier to find a flattering style, and easier to layer underneath, and then the lower layer gets more exposure, too.

December 16, 2010 at 5:16 pm

Maya

Veteran

I want to be on Team Pullover but I can never find any that suit, so I’m on Team Cardigan by force.

December 16, 2010 at 5:26 pm

taylor

Veteran

Team cardi

December 16, 2010 at 5:27 pm

Christie

Active Member

Definitely cardigan. So much more versatile for me.

December 16, 2010 at 5:30 pm

cindykay

Team Cardigan. But only since a year or so ago. Before that, it was all pullovers. However, now I’ve discovered the joys of layering, and the versatility of a sweater than can be buttoned higher, or lower, or not at all, and I’m sold. I think I’m down to two pullovers, and all my other sweaters are cardigans.

December 16, 2010 at 5:44 pm

Bookarella

Veteran

Team Cardigan for me!

December 16, 2010 at 6:23 pm

Lori

(website)

Active Member

cardi – hands down, but I have no clue as to why???

December 16, 2010 at 6:25 pm

Steph

Veteran

Team Pullover! I guess Steffie and I (kind of) share a name and reasoning for our pullover preference as well–like her, I like the ease and simplicity, and I am not a huge fan of layering. I also tend to think of cardigans as frumpy and/or office wear. I know there are a LOT of cardigan styles out there and many are very hip, fashion-forward, etc., but I do have a bit of a bias against them. I also love the variety you can get in pullovers.

I’m surprised the teams are so lopsided.

December 16, 2010 at 6:28 pm

Kyle

Cardi, for its versatility.

December 16, 2010 at 6:29 pm

synchronia

Active Member

Team Pullover – for simplicity, like Steph and Steffie said! If I want to layer, I prefer jackets to cardigans.

December 16, 2010 at 6:40 pm

Aida

Veteran

I like and wear both, but I’m team pullover 150%; if I had to give one up I’d happily give up cardigans. But luckily I don’t have to They may be trickier to layer, but for both ease of wear and accessory showcasing I love them!

December 16, 2010 at 6:42 pm

Sihaya

Veteran

Definitely team pullover. I have a few cardigans but find that I just don’t wear them as much and never quite know how much to button them, which buttons looks most flattering buttoned, etc.

December 16, 2010 at 7:33 pm

April

Veteran

No doubt: Team Cardigan.

Good thing, since the temperatures in the buildings I work in fluctuate to such an extreme that I need to be able to put on/take off layers easily.

December 16, 2010 at 7:35 pm

taylor

Veteran

I really must correct, I didn’t originally think of turtlenecks, sleeveless or otherwise. I wear these at least once or twice a week year round as a layering or stand alone piece. I don’t always wear a card every week, so I am officially correcting..not changing sides
Team pullover!

December 16, 2010 at 7:46 pm

Marlene

Team Cardigan! Woo!

December 16, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This is the most lopsided poll ever. Wow!

Just to reiterate, pullovers are ANY sweater which is not a cardigan.

Thank you, Taylor. I knew you’d need to come back to Team Pullover

December 16, 2010 at 8:19 pm

Antje

Veteran

Lately, I’ve been leaning towards team pullover. A year ago, I absolutely would have said team cardigan. But over the last year my cardigans (and I have a bunch: short and long sleeved, v-neck and round necked, in several colors) have been neglected. Not sure why, I just haven’t been much into them – or at least the ones hanging in my closet. Part of the reason might be that I got bored with the tyles/cuts of my older cardigans, but just never warmed up to the ones that are “on trend” this year, like the fly-away ones. I’ve tried repeatedly but just didn’t like them on me. And now I just bought a couple pullovers (love the word, which is also used in Germany) and -if I were to spend more money on tops- I’d get even more. They are also just such an easy piece.

December 16, 2010 at 8:27 pm

MsMary

Veteran

Even though I have been buying and wearing cardi’s to beat the band lately, I do love a good pullover. If we are talking only what we Yanks would call “sweaters” (and Angie, I’m thrilled that you seem to have followed my advice about defining your terms and I think it worked spectacularly well in the post!!), then it’s a closer call. It it’s ANY knitwear, than by all means I am definitely Team (scoop or v-neck) Pullover.

December 16, 2010 at 9:05 pm

Meredith

Active Member

How I love them both!! I’ll have to choose team Cardigan, because there are just so many great, artsy ones out there that I just adore!!

December 16, 2010 at 9:17 pm

anne

Veteran

While I love the ease and styles of cardigans ( though haven’t really mastered the longer styles) I am on team pullover (or jumper, as I like Angie, would say).

In our australian winters, where the insides of houses and buildings are not very hot, they are the way to go for warmth. And like some above, I am very fond of turtlenecks and wear them the majority of time in cold weather.

For the last few years I have bought a longer, tunic length “pullover” every winter, and it is one of my standbys – just pull in on with jeans, no need to worry about layers underneath matching etc.

December 16, 2010 at 9:52 pm

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

Team cardigan.

I never find pullover flattering on me, especially turtlenecks. It looks like I’m being swallowed by a sweater monster.

I love cardis for their versatility. I live in SoCal and the light layers really suit the climate here. I pretty much wear them year round.

December 16, 2010 at 10:00 pm

Moni

Team Cardigan all the way! I wear either cardigans or blazers every day for work and also wear them all the time in my casual life. I almost never wear pullovers. I like the look of cardis so much better, especially layered with a cute belt.

December 16, 2010 at 10:22 pm

katty

Team cardigan, definitely! I need to know if it’s gets warmer, I’ll always be able to take it off graciously wherever I am. Besides, I feel cardigans are great for layering. That said, I have a couple very thin but very warm pullovers for freezing winter days.

December 17, 2010 at 2:48 am

Inge

This is a tough one, I absolutely love cardigans but I’m going with Team Pullover for the exact same reasons as you, Angie: the interesting necklines of pullovers. Cowl necks, turtlenecks, boatnecks, asymmetrical necklines,… I never tire of them!

December 17, 2010 at 3:05 am

Definitely Team Cardigan! Have nearly five times more cardigans than jumpers. Trying to figure out why that is, but I guess I just love cardigans more.

December 17, 2010 at 4:11 am

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Definitely team cardigan. The only 2 sweaters (jumpers) I own are fleeced, gear ones.

December 17, 2010 at 5:04 am

Joy

Veteran

Team Cardigan. Angie, like you I ran cold and was on Team Pullover until menopause hit. Then it became essential to wear layers that could be quickly removed. I still need this option and only wear pullovers when it’s really really cold.

December 17, 2010 at 6:07 am

Traci

Veteran

I am a recent convert to team pullover. Before coming to ylf and attempting to nail down silhouettes and layers, I topped almost every outfit with a cardigan. Looking at pictures of myself and reading tips from others, made me realize that the cardigan was not doing great things for my figure. I’m an apple with a waist. Topping with a cardigan was just emphasizing my apple bump and concealing my waist.

For the past couple of months my cardigans have been relegated to warm snuggly things to wear only at home with my pj’s.

Add to all this pullover love the fact that I’ve always been a fan of a turtleneck sweater in winter, even with my short neck, and I am definitely firmly on the team pullover bench.

December 17, 2010 at 6:07 am

dips

Team Cardigan all the way…..love how it just blends with any outfit whether open or buttoned up….

December 17, 2010 at 6:09 am

Bubu

Team pullover for me! (We few, we proud) – though I’ve been nudging over to cardis in recent years, I still find them very tricky – where I’m 5’2″, they tend to look it a bit floppy or messy, and seem to gape at the chest in an unflattering way … whereas pullovers are warm and fitted and stay in place. Love the v-necks for my short and short-necked ways, and just feel more clean and put-together in them. I do the layering with scarves or long tees or jewelry to add dimension.

December 17, 2010 at 6:12 am

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Team Cardigan – makes it possible to stretch out the seasons of wear for my favorite pieces, and makes layering easy and practical. Also, if I have to pull it off, it doesn’t make my hair all staticky!

December 17, 2010 at 6:27 am

Lisa

Veteran

I am team pullover. I do like and wear cardigans, but own far more pullovers. A cardigan is a layering piece to me and if I want to layer I am more prone to grab a blazer than a cardigan.

December 17, 2010 at 7:38 am

Vickie

Team Cardigan! You can button OR unbutton OR partially unbutton. Also, you can vary what’s beneath.

December 17, 2010 at 7:46 am

keets

(website)

Active Member

Team Pullover! I find that cardigans make my boobs look smaller…and I don’t like that!

December 17, 2010 at 8:22 am

Iris

Team pullover here! The reason why is that even though I recently picked up two lovely cardigans (one’s a heavy fine-knit wool with cute buttons, the other a multi-monochrome boyfriend cardigan + hood), I simply wear more jackets than pullovers or cardigans combined.

Jackets act as my warmth, so overall, I actually prefer pullovers for simplicity and the sleek but cozy look they have. I’m also lucky because I’ve snagged pullover sweaters that flatter my curves (even those sweatshirt style ones), or I pin the back of them to create figure flattery. I don’t wear turtlenecks because that’s very constricting on my neck + I use scarves, but I’m always on the lookout for wonderful v-neck sweaters with (preferably) dolman sleeves and a longer, almost-tunic style. Anything else requires a look to see if they flatter and drape over my hourglass-apple curves. Overall, pullovers suit my tastes to a T.

December 17, 2010 at 9:07 am

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Cardigans all the way! I have both summer and winter weight ones and they get worn darn near every day (Im obviously in a rut) but I love the versatility and the way they help cover my bulk!

December 17, 2010 at 9:25 am

Jessica

Team Cardigan because I can take them off in a snap if a particular building is warmer. Pullovers are nice but taking them on and off can mess up hair or smudge makeup. I also don’t look good in turtlenecks and cowlnecks because I have very small upper body frame, and they just make my head/neck/shoulders look smaller.

I also think the look of a cardigan layered over a top is more interesting and versatile. A few nice cardigans doubles what I can do with my wardrobe.

December 17, 2010 at 10:42 am

Lauren

Team Pullover! I do have a few cardigans – recent purchases – but they don’t feel comletely ME. My style is definitely for regular sweaters. I do like cardigans on other people and I’m trying to wear them more myself, but I feel less grandma-like in a sweater.

December 17, 2010 at 10:46 am

cloud9

Veteran

Team Cardigan. I like the color blocking effect provided by a cardigan. I mostly wear it open, maybe one buttoned at the waist, or belted.

December 17, 2010 at 11:59 am

Harmony

Active Member

Team Cardigan they are my to go item in my closet.

December 17, 2010 at 12:11 pm

Bianca

Veteran

Is it too late to vote? I’m team cardi! Just love the versatility of them!

December 17, 2010 at 12:20 pm

Scarlet

Veteran

I am always too hot or too cold, so team cardigan all the way. I spend my whole day adding and removing layers.

December 17, 2010 at 1:47 pm

slythwolf

(website)

No batting for both teams? I’m a knitter. I guess I have to sit this one out.

December 17, 2010 at 3:44 pm

Cecilia

Definitely team cardigan for me! Easy on/easy off, in the right fabrication, it always looks weather-appropriate. Super-easy way to layer…

December 17, 2010 at 5:36 pm

(website)

Veteran

I was always team pullover until I recently found out they are all now too short for pants! I have bought several light weight cardis in the recent months but don’t love them like I do a cuddly, soft cowlnecked or ribbed turtleneck pullover. So I guess I’m team cardi by default right now but aim to rejoin team pullover with newer proper lengths asap!

December 17, 2010 at 7:59 pm

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Oh my, this was a sobering read. Am I the only person with an aversion to cardigans? Team Pullover, 100% always and forever.

December 18, 2010 at 2:30 pm

Andy

Cardigans seem a bit harder to wear – the shirt layered under the cardigan has to coordinate and fit just-so. With a pull-over that’s not usually an issue. That being said, I love them both and have several. Guess the pull-overs are the sweater-equivalent of a dress – one-step dressing.

December 18, 2010 at 6:16 pm

stylemama

Active Member

Team Cardigan all the way! I just counted and I have 25 cardigans (OMG!!!) and 7 pullovers (seldom worn, except for a cowl neck purchased last fall). My reasons are almost entirely work-related. I had 3 cardigans and a few pullovers before I started to work at my store two years ago. The look there is very layered and it was semi-required with jeans (less so now). I learned how to layer as I worked there and I grew to adore cardigans – plus I got most at amazing bargains. I find it hard to layer with pullovers in a way that suits my style, so I just don’t wear them that often.

25 is crazy though! But, with the exception of a couple of shorter ones that I figure will be back in style or good with skirts, I looooove and wear them all. I wear a cardigan almost every day – even in the summer.

December 18, 2010 at 6:45 pm

Reneeb

Veteran

Go team cardigan. I get hot indoors and can slip it off.

December 18, 2010 at 6:49 pm

Marley

Veteran

Team cardigan ALL THE WAY! Especially, cropped, figure hugging and v-neck – LOVe wearing them alone as my one and only top – or layered over a tank. Pull-overs just make me feel not quite as pulled together as a cardigan. Also, in my climate I can wear a cardigan year round. Let’s hear it for TEAM CARDI!

December 18, 2010 at 11:57 pm

Phoebe

Veteran

Team cardigan since they are more fashion forward at the moment. I used to wear only pullovers and will probably swing back to team pullover once the cardi-hype is over…

December 19, 2010 at 5:29 am

janetinvirginia

Active Member

Cardigan! The temperature at work varies a lot from one part to the other, so I need layers that shed easily.

December 19, 2010 at 7:32 am

rute

Veteran

Cardigan. I don’t like pullovers.. don’t know why..

December 19, 2010 at 11:04 am

drmama

Active Member

Team cardigan all the way, though I love pullovers for their warmth. The cardis are much more flattering to my large bust and give me a long, lean line. I always feel like I’ve put together more of a look when I’m wearing cardis – pullovers make me feel like I’ve just thrown something on.

December 20, 2010 at 4:17 am

Barbara

Veteran

Team cardigan – I like the versatility.

December 20, 2010 at 7:22 am

Debora

Veteran

Team cardigan for me!

December 20, 2010 at 7:05 pm

ticksgirl

Active Member

Had to weigh in for Team Pullover since it looks like we’re not doing well. Like several others, I am not a fan of layering and I prefer the simplicity of an accessorized pullover. It sounds a little silly–a cardi requires only one more piece, after all. But I don’t like having to think that much.

December 20, 2010 at 7:57 pm

Patience

Veteran

Team pullover all the way. I wear cardigans but if they were completely removed from my wardrobe I think I would be okay with that.

December 20, 2010 at 9:13 pm

Tanya

Veteran

bI am fairly late here, but I have to help out Team Pullover! While I love and wear cardis, I wear pullovers even more for the same reason as you Angie – turtlenecks and cowl necks are my favorite neckline for knitwear. Btw, sleeveles sweaters ( vests) and sweater dresses count as pullovers too, right ?

January 5, 2011 at 9:20 pm

gaz

(website)

its deffo got to be cardigan all the way!!!

February 5, 2011 at 2:31 pm

Sue Kantor

Team cardigan–I like the flexibility of what you can wear “under” the cardigan and I am one of those women who cannot wear a turtleneck due to my ‘aging” neck My scarf is my “turtleneck” replacement to stay warm.

September 21, 2012 at 2:55 pm

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