The last time I was actually excited about a long cardigan was….[thinks]…2010? And I’m pretty sure I was breastfeeding (which explains a lot). After I got through those nursing years I mentally burned all of my ubiquitous cardigans and never really looked back.
So I don’t quite know what is happening right now, but not only am I reaching for long, oversized, slightly rumpled grandpa cardigans multiple times a week, but I’ve been wearing them with *gasp* baggy jeans, breaking all my 2010 rules.
similar cardigan (m) | jeans (28) | bag | clogs
What Is A Grandpa Cardigan Anyway?
If it’s been a minute, grandpa cardigans are basically the opposite of the fitted, cropped, ladylike cardigan that have been dominating the trends. Grandpa cardigans are long cardigans, hitting somewhere between bum-length to mid-thigh. They’re on the thicker side, too – almost chunky – done in cable knit, or a cushy ribbed knit. The best Grandpa cardigans are a bit oversized and comfy, and usually have a nostalgic vibe.
similar cardigan (m) | cami (6) | bag | necklace | ring (on sale)
Grandpa cardigans also need to close – there should be buttons, a wrap-tie, something. I’m not talking about those forever open, longline cardigans. Those still look a bit dated.
Long Grandpa Cardigans: My Top Picks
Obviously, the best long, Grandpa-style cardigans are often dug out of your husband’s, Dad’s, or Grandpa’s closet. This is 100% a shop-your-closet situation! That said, if you’re as partial to 100% cashmere as I am, and your guy in question isn’t (which, frankly, is something we need to change, at least if we want to keep stealing their stuff haha) I do have a few strong opinions.
similar cardigan (m) | jeans (28) | bag | clogs
Grandpa Cardigan Inspo
The cardigan above is from Naked Cashmere and is completely sold out. I bought it while researching the 2026 cashmere guide, and it’s a dead-ringer for the exact cardigan I wore back in 2008. Except for the price: the new one was bananas expensive. In hindsight…I’m not sure it was worth the extra $$. For another wildly special take on a grandpa cardigan, tho, check out this cable knit wool & cashmere cardigan from La Ligne. So cool, right?
The Actual Best (Classic) Grandpa Cardigan
Quince’s Luxe Baby Cashmere Cable Knit Cardigan is freaking amazing. One of our Discord members turned me onto this piece just recently, and I can’t believe how good it is: thick, soft, and a much higher quality than expected. I sized up to a size medium for a little extra slouch, and it’s perfect. This is the Grandpa cardigan I recommend to anyone not digging one out of a closet.
cardigan (m) | jeans (28) | necklace | similar bag
Also Worth Considering
Jenni Kayne’s Original Cocoon Cashmere Cardigan is a classic for a reason, and an absolute drool-worthy version of a Grandpa cardigan. It comes in some seriously good colors, too. Jenni’s Cashmere Spencer Cardigan is also pretty darn delicious. Both of these are great for tall mamas – they run quite long.
For budget-friendly grandpa cardigans…Quince has a boyfriend cable knit cardigan in 100% cotton instead of cashmere that’s under $70 (I’d size up one size), and GAP has an oversized boyfriend cardigan on sale for $44 (also in 100% cotton).
How To Wear Long Grandpa Cardigans With Baggy Jeans: 4 Winter Outfits
Before I get into coats (that part is really tricky), here are four ways I’ve been wearing my long, grandpa cardigan this winter. Hint: with baggy jeans. As I know I’ve mentioned before, baggy jeans are basically all I’m wearing these days. And, surprisingly, the ever-so-slight tailoring (or maybe just the menswear vibe) of the grandpa cardigan is freaking perfect with baggy jeans.
Outfit 1: With Comfy Boots & Beanies On The Weekend
cardigan (m) | jeans (28) | boots | ring | beanie
This is how I’m wearing my grandpa cardigan the most: over a simple cami, baggy jeans, and my Mou boots. This is my uniform. If I’m wearing it out of the house, I’ll add a cute beanie and jewelry to make it look more intentional.
Note: This cute beanie is part of J.Crew’s US Ski & Snowboard collab, and it’s made by the original Moriarty family. While I LOVE that J.Crew added something so ski-lore legit to this collection, their model is wearing it wrong, haha. To quote Pax, you gotta wear it “like a shark fin”. 😉
Outfit 2: As A Shirt on Date Night
cardigan (m) | jeans (28) | boots | necklace | similar bag | ring | earrings
I’m never afraid of a little cleavage on date night, all the better to show off my sexy little necklace, haha. I do love when an outfit is subtly sexy, and this one is great on a cold winter night.
Outfit 3: With Long-Sleeve Layers & Chukka Boots When It’s Cold
cardigan (m) | layering tee (m) | jeans (28) | necklace | ring
This cardigan is always cozy and warm, but if we’re dealing with negative digits, I layer my favorite longsleeve tee underneath. In order to make sure this outfit stays far away from boring, I added in cute chukka boots (they go with the menswear vibe)…then offset the whole thing with a necklace bold enough for cozy cable knits.
cardigan (m) | layering tee (m) | necklace | earrings
Outfit 4: With a Graphic Tee For Running Errands
cardigan (m) | graphic tee (m) | jeans (28) | boots | bag | ring
My favorite layer, however, is a cute graphic tee. I love when the graphic peeks out from behind the cardigan, adding a little interest. And any ol’ boot will work here, but I’m wearing my Laidback Londons, one of my top picks for winter boots this year.
What Coats Work Best With Long Grandpa Cardigans?
The one tricky thing about these long, oversized cardigans is layering them under coats – especially if you’re wearing baggy jeans and already dealing with volume. After a bit of trial & error, there are two coat types I’ve found to be pretty reliable.
Best Bet: Long, Wool Cocoon Coat
coat (m) | cardigan (m) | jeans (28) | boots | similar bag | ring
I LOVE wool cocoon coats. They’re long enough to fit over longer sweaters like this one, and they’re cut with more room under the arms, so they fit nicely over sweaters, too. If you only get one “nice” winter coat, look for a cocoon style. The one I’m wearing is by Quince and it’s pretty darn good for the price. That said, despite the blend of natural materials (90% RWS-certified wool, 10% cashmere) it’s not as soft as other coats I’ve tried. But for $200, it’s shockingly warm and drapey enough.
Also Works: Hip-Length Puffer
cardigan (m) | graphic tee (m) | jeans (28) | boots | bag | ring
My usual cropped puffers look absolutely ridiculous with these long, chunky cardigans. The proportions are all off. That said, you don’t *always* have to cover them up completely. My rule of thumb is that hip or mid-length puffers can work, as long as only a inch or two or cardigan is showing.
I also really like when my hip-length puffers are suuuper puffy instead of fitted. I think the puffier look – if you want a hip or mid-length puffer – is a little fresher.
The puffer I’m wearing here is an old one from Adidas (a sleeper hit – it’s one of the warmest coats I own) – this year’s version is a little different, but looks pretty cool and would also work great. Aritzia’s Super Puff also looks like it would work!
Anyone else feeling the grandpa cardi?
xo,
S
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