Edge to Edge Cardigan: Which Length Suits You and How to Wear It
An edge to edge cardigan has no buttons or fastening, so the two front edges hang straight down and meet, or nearly meet, in the middle. That open line runs from shoulder to hem and draws the eye down, which is why it's such a flattering layer.
It's also the easiest thing to throw on for the months when a coat feels like too much. There's nothing to do up and nothing to pull over your hair. You put it on over whatever you're wearing and you're ready.
At a glance
- No buttons, so it hangs open in one long vertical line
- Longline styles of around 37 to 40 inches cover the hips
- Heavier knits work like a light jacket; lightweight ones fold into a bag
- Pockets are worth having, and the Chichester has two
- Ours are one size, fitting approximately a UK 8 to 16
- What is an edge to edge cardigan?
- Which length suits you
- Picking the fabric
- How to wear an edge to edge cardigan
- Frequently asked questions
What is an edge to edge cardigan?
The name describes the front. Instead of a button band that overlaps, the two edges simply meet, so the cardigan always hangs open. Some styles have a plain straight edge, and some have extra fabric that falls in soft folds, known as a waterfall front.
- Straight edge: the Chichester keeps a clean line down the front and feels closer to a jacket.
- Waterfall edge: the Lindsay has cascading sides with a light crinkle texture, so it drapes around you.
- No fastening at all: both hang open, which suits you if buttons never sit flat across the bust.
Which length of edge to edge cardigan suits you?
The Chichester and the Lindsay both run long, at around 39 and 37 inches from shoulder to hem. On most people that lands somewhere around the upper thigh, covering the hips and bottom.
A longline cardigan looks best over something slim underneath. Straight trousers, leggings or a column of one colour let the open front do its job. If you're petite, it still works well. Keep your top and trousers in similar shades so the line runs unbroken from neck to shoe.
- Over slim trousers or jeans for a long, lean shape
- Over a knee-length dress, with the dress just peeping below the hem
- Sleeves pushed up if they feel long on you, which also shows off a bracelet
Heavy knit or lightweight: picking the fabric
Weight changes how an edge to edge cardigan behaves more than anything else. The Chichester is made in a heavyweight fabric that holds its shape and hangs straight, so it passes for a soft jacket on a mild day.
The Lindsay goes the other way. It's a lightweight viscose with a crinkled finish, and it rolls up small enough to go in your handbag or suitcase. That makes it the one to take away, or to keep in the car for when the evening turns cool.
How to wear an edge to edge cardigan
Because it hangs open, what you wear underneath is always on show. That makes it a great way to stretch a few favourite tops across the week.
- With magic trousers: a pair from our trousers and jumpsuits and a plain tee makes an easy everyday outfit.
- Over a dress: a long cardigan takes a summer dress on into autumn with tights and boots.
- With a long necklace: the open front leaves room for a pendant from our long necklaces to hang right down the middle.
Colour does a lot of the work too. Stone, grey and navy go with nearly everything, while burgundy and olive green add warmth to a plain black or cream outfit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an edge to edge cardigan and a normal cardigan?
A normal cardigan has a button band, so the two front panels overlap and fasten. An edge to edge cardigan has no fastening at all. The two front edges just meet, or come close, and the cardigan always hangs open in a straight line. That makes it quicker to put on and more forgiving across the bust, since there are no buttons to pull. It also gives you a long vertical line from shoulder to hem.
What size is an edge to edge cardigan?
The Chichester and the Lindsay are both one size, fitting approximately a UK 8 to 16. Because they hang open with nothing to fasten, the fit is more relaxed than a buttoned cardigan of the same measurement. The bust measures around 50 inches on the Chichester and 48 inches on the Lindsay. The stated fit range on each product page is the one to trust, and we are happy to measure anything for you over the phone.
How long is a long edge to edge cardigan?
Ours measure around 37 to 39 inches from shoulder to hem. On most people that falls around the upper thigh, which covers the hips and bottom comfortably. If you're petite it will sit lower, closer to the knee, and still looks good. Wear it over slim trousers or a straight dress so the length has a clean line to run down.
Can you wear an edge to edge cardigan instead of a coat?
On mild days, yes. A heavyweight style like the Chichester holds its shape and hangs much like a soft jacket, so it works for the school run, a walk into town or an evening that turns cool. The lightweight ones are better thought of as an extra layer. When the weather properly turns, wear your long cardigan under a coat instead, where the length still shows below the hem.
What should I wear under an edge to edge cardigan?
Something fairly fitted works best, because the cardigan brings the volume. A plain tee, a vest or a fine jumper all sit neatly underneath. With trousers, straight or slim legs keep the shape long and lean. A simple dress is lovely too, especially one that finishes a little below the cardigan's hem. Keep the top plain and let a necklace or scarf add the interest.
Written by Gina Paskins
Gina co-owns Sugarplum Boutique & Home on Fleet Road in Hampshire. She helps choose everything that comes into the shop, and cares most that you leave feeling like yourself in it.
