Grandfather’s Cardigan, Updated
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

This season, menswear designers are showing a variety of remarkably comfortable long cardigans. These sturdy sweaters can be sported as outerwear early in the season, and under coats when the mercury dips. Falling almost to the knee, among the longest cardigans available for men are sweaters from designer Tim Hamilton (at IF Boutique, 94 Grand St., between Mercer and Greene streets, 212-334-4964). The cotton variety ($386) is an extra fine 18-gauge knit. To exaggerate their proportions, Mr. Hamilton paired long cardigans with shorts and bow ties during a recent presentation of his collection. For those with alpine inclinations (and Aspen cash), Missoni (1009 Madison Ave. at 78th Street, 212-517-9339) has the advantage of an extensive knitwear collection. Its white cashmere cardigan ($2,100) drops past the hip, while the cuffed sleeves reach to the knuckles. On the runway in Milan, it was shown with a split-collar white sweater. For those less daring, a classic button-down shirt or a crew neck will do. The Swedish design collective Velour offers up the perfect, past-the-hip grouchy grandpa cardigan (at Opening Ceremony, 35 Howard St., between Broadway and Crosby Street, 212-219-2688).The double-breasted oversize “Bronx” sweater ($295) is ribbed down the middle and features an extra wide collar. Slightly shorter options include super-soft, cashmere-cotton cardigans ($308–$330) in high-neck, collared, and hooded varieties from B. Son, designer Rebecca Beeson’s menswear line (at Odin, 328 E. 11th St., between First and Second avenues, 212-475-0666). And 3.1 Phillip Lim (115 Mercer St., between Prince and Spring streets, 212-334-1160) — known for its ability to revamp the classics — offers a four-button, double-breasted, striated cardigan ($550) that sits at the hip. And since sweaters like these have yet to trickle down to diffusion, the vintage boutique Screaming Mimi’s (382 Lafayette St., between Great Jones and 4th Street, 212-677-6464), seems to have received donations from the coolest octogenarians in town. Prices vary.