Hermes Silk and Wool Cardigan/ Vest
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Silk and wool cardigan, marked size 44FR. Presence of stains on the silk
Hermes Silk and Wool Cardigan/ Vest
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Silk and wool cardigan, marked size 44FR. Presence of stains on the silk
Hermes Canoe Chaine d'Ancre Silk & Cashmere Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe Hermes Canoe Chaine d'Ancre long-sleeve cardigan. New with tags plus all buttons still
1990s Hermes Parures des Sables Black Silk & Cashmere Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A striking 1990s Hermes mix between a classic shirt and a cardigan. Contrasting black, gold and
HERMES beige nude cashmere blend graphic silk crop cardigan FR38 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES beige nude cashmere blend graphic silk crop cardigan FR38 M Reference: KYCG/A00127 Brand
HERMES ecru viscose silk silver zipper head ribbed crop cardigan FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES ecru viscose silk silver zipper head ribbed crop cardigan FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00079
Hermes Men's Jacket White Cotton and Silk 41 /16
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes rare limited edition reversible men's casual jacket featured in White
Hermes Sweater Striped Wool / Mohair / Silk / Cashmere 36 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Sweater featured in jacquard knit striped earth tones. Brushed mohair
Hermes Sweater Ex-Libris Gray Cashmere and Silk 34 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Ex-Libris sweater featured in Gray. Slight drop shoulder, crewneck wool
Hermes Sweater Ex-Libris Gray Cashmere and Silk 40 / 8
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Ex-Libris sweater featured in Gray. Slight drop shoulder, crewneck wool
HERMES beige cotton & silk 2019 BRIDES DE GALA TWILLAINE Sweater 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Twillaine sweater is crafted in Beige Silice with a multicolored Brides
HERMES black yellow blue silk CARRE CUBE Turtleneck Sweater 40 M
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Carre Cube turtleneck sweater in black, petrol, mustard and grey silk (100
Hermes Sweater Ex-Libris Winter White Cashmere and Silk 34 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Ex-Libris sweater featured in Winter White. Slight drop shoulder
Hermes 1980 Top Pull Twillaine FR38 Les clés Twillaine Silk wool Sweater US8
By Cathy Latham, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès turtleneck sweater from the Twillaine series in ecru wool, front in silk twill with Les
Hermes Hussar Print Silk Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Circa late 20th century, this unique Hermes cardigan features a Hussar Jacket print on the front
Hermes Green Mushroom Print Silk & Wool Cardigan circa 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Green Mushroom Print Silk & Wool Cardigan from the circa 1980s is a striking example of
Vintage Hermes Cardigan with Silk Front
By Hermès
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Hermes wool sweater cardigan with silk print bodice front. Cardigan features round neckline
Hermès Navy Blue Print Silk and Cashmere Knit Sleeveless Buttoned Cardigan M
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Stay warm and stylish all day as you step out wearing this cardigan from Hermès. It features an
Hermes Sweater Silk Cardigan Magnificent
By Hermès
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Hermes silk and wool cardigan is perhaps the most lovely Hermes sweater I have ever seen It is
1980s Hermes Silk Scarf Cardigan, Size 40
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A beautiful classic Hermes cardigan featuring silk scarf design on front with gold Hermes buttons
Hermès Brown-tone Cashmere and Silk Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Brown-tone cashmere and silk cardigan. Missing size and composition
Hermès Burgundy Silk & Wool Printed Cardigan Size XXXL
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès designer resale item. Details Burgundy Silk and wool Cardigan Horse and dog print Long
Vintage HERMES Size 4 Brown Wool/ Silk Scarf Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautiful Hermes silk winter illustration graphic with wool sleeves. A fabulous holiday addition
HERMES beige silk LES INSECTS Cardigan Sweater 42 L
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès cardigan in beige, green, brown, blue, yellow, red and gray silk (100
Hermes tan cashmere silk cable knit cardigan sweater 1960s
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes tan cashmere silk cable knit cardigan sweater from the 1960s. Boyfriend style, button front
Vintage Hermes Silk & Cotton Knit Printed Long Sleeved Cardigan Sweater
By Hermès
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Hermes cardigan with periwinkle & white silk print fabric at the front bodice and royal
Hermes Black Checkerboard Racehorse Print Silk & Wool Cardigan Sweater 46
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
black silk twill checkerboard print with wool body button up cardigan sweater. Brass buttons are
HERMES NWT Moss Green Ribbed Cotton/Silk ButtonDown Cardigan - Sz Medium
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes NWT Moss Green Ribbed Cotton/Silk Button Down Cardigan - Sz Medium Made in Italy
HERMES cream black 100% silk scarf panel cotton ribbed cardigan S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES cream black 100% silk scarf panel cotton ribbed cardigan S Reference: LNKO/A02605 Brand
HERMES Sundial black cashmere-blend 100% silk printed robe cardigan FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Sundial black cashmere-blend 100% silk printed robe cardigan FR34 XS Brand: Hermes Material
HERMES blue silk & cashmere LES SANGLES Open Twillaine Cardigan Sweater 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès 'Les Sangles' open coat with ragaln sleeves in sky blue, blue, pertol, taupe, cream and off
HERMES taupe cashmere & silk 2020 LOGO MOCK NECK Sweater 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès mock neck sweater in taupe cashmere (50%) and silk (50%). Features
HERMES beige cotton & silk H LIFT SHORT SLEEVE CREWNECK Sweater 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès H Lift sweater in beige silk (57%) and cotton (43%). Features short sleeves
Hermès 1991 Ensemble FR40 Parures du Vent Silk Jacket Cardigan US12 US10 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès ensemble circa 1991 comprising a silk twill parka with the "Les Parures du Vent" motif in
HERMES 100% silk feather print beige ribbed cotton cropped cardigan FR42 L
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% silk feather print beige ribbed cotton cropped cardigan FR42 L Reference: GIYG/A00198
HERMES Vintage 100% silk animal print teal blue ribbed cotton cardigan FR38 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Vintage 100% silk animal print teal blue ribbed cotton cardigan FR38 M Reference: GIYG
Hermes Nautical Silk Scarf Cardigan Sweater
By Hermès
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage Hermes black silk and wool cardigan. Front silk panels, wool arms and back. Striking gold
1970's HERMES silk scarf cardigan
By Hermès
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Classic cream wool cardigan with silk scarf detail from Hermes dating to the 1970's. French size 36
Hermes Paris Luxurious Silk Panel Cardigan Size 46
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Luxurious silk panel cardigan Size 46 The elegant cardigan is illustrated with a
Vintage HERMES Size 8 Navy Cashmere / Silk Scarf Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in San Francisco, CA
Navy Hermes scarf print cardigan made of cashmere and silk. Made in France. Excellent Pre-Owned
Hermès Vintage Feather Print Silk and Wool Cardigan Sweater
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage feather print silk and wool cardigan sweater. This sweater features : - Silk panels
Hermes Scarf Printed Silk Vintage Cardigan w/Horn Buttons sz FR38
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Scarf Printed Silk Vintage Cardigan w/Horn Buttons Made In: France Year of Production
HERMES c.1980's "Les Becanes" Silk Scarf Bicycle Cycle Themed Knit Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Thiensville, WI
Hermes c.1980's "Les Becanes" silk scarf and wool knit cardigan. "Les Becanes" silk scarf designed
Hermes Paris Silk & Cotton Gilt Button Cardian Size 42
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Silk & cotton gilt button cardigan Size 42 The elegant cardigan is designed with
HERMES grey silk SLEEVELESS Turtleneck Sweater Vest 40 M
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès sleeveless turtleneck sweater in grey silk (93%) and elastane (7%). Has been
Hermes Cashmere & Silk Cardi/Coat - Twillaine Boucles Et Galons Du Tsa
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Cashmere & Silk Cardi/Coat - Twillaine Boucles Et Galons Du Tsa Belted, red fine knitted
Hermes
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes, silk, wool, and cashmere, cardigan. Cardigan has front panels of a silk horse themed
Sold
Size: Equivalent French Size 42/44
A Hermès Cardigan Jacket in Silk Knit and Silk Print - France Circa 2000
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 2000 France A 100% silk cardigan jacket, as new, from the 2000s. Jacket in navy blue silk
Hermes Silk and Wool Printed Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cardigan sweater from Hermes dates to the 1980's through the 1990's. The front is printed in hues
Hermés Cashmere Trompe l’oeil Silk Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic cashmere Hermés cardigan has panels of silk printed with a trompe l’oeil band jacket pattern
Hermes Silk and Wool Cardigan Sweater 44
By Hermès
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Gorgeous Hermes silk and wool sweater/cardigan in hunter green, with white, gold and green silk
HERMES PARIS Coral silk & cashmere cardigan sweater
By Hermès
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Gorgeous, HERMES PARIS Silk & cashmere cardigan sweater featuring aquatic, fish print. Soft
Hermès Burgundy Cashmere Silk Button Front Cardigan M
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Hermes delights us with this wonderful cardigan. It is styled in a bright burgundy shade all over
Hermès Panoplie Equestre Twillaine Patterned Silk-Back Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hermès Panoplie Equestre Twillaine Patterned Silk-Back Cardigan Off White/Ivory/Cream Twillaine
Hermes Black/White Printed Silk & Knit Belted Cardigan M
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Winters and cardigans go hand in hand. Tailored from quality fabrics, this pretty Hermes cardigan
Hermes Blue/Multicolor Printed Twill Silk Open Cardigan S
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Winters and cardigans go hand in hand. Tailored from quality fabrics, this pretty cardigan features
Hermes Blue/Multicolor Printed Twill Silk Open Cardigan S
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Winters and cardigans go hand in hand. Tailored from quality fabrics, this pretty cardigan features
Unworn HERMES PARIS Silk and wool 2pc. cardigan & tank sweater twinset
By Hermès
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Unworn HERMES PARIS Silk and virgin wool 2pc. cardigan & tank sweater twinset. Gorgeous dark
Hermes Black Animal Print Silk & Knit Trim Long Twillaine Cardigan M
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Flaunt your impressive styling choices as you wear this cardigan from Hermes. This cardigan can be
Hermès Navy Blue Print Silk and Cashmere Knit Sleeveless Buttoned Cardigan M
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Stay warm and stylish all day as you step out wearing this cardigan from Hermès. It features an
Hermes Dark Red Twin Set Silk Scarf Cashmere Cardigan Vest Jumper L
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Dark Red Twin Set Silk Scarf Cashmere Cardigan Vest Sweater Jumper LA Red silk panel
Hermes Silk Knit Twinset
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Hermes quality is unrivaled. This twin set is a dreamy taupe color and the pattern is a moder
HERMES Scarf Print Sweater, 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Fine vintage Hermes scarf print cardigan sweater. Silk twill parrot print front panels with blue
Hermes Pink Silk Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, ON
Vintage Hermes cardigan sweater with pink silk scarf front. Pink polished cotton knit body with
Hermes Silk Cardigan with Animal Print
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cardigan sweater from Hermes dates to the 1980's through the 1990's. It has an animal-printed
Vintage Hermes Cashmere and Silk Cardigan Sweater
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Fabulous HERMES silk print cashmere sweater Scarf panels are 100% silk and sweater is 65% cashmere
Hermes Brown Printed Silk Ribbed Trim Cardigan S
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This brown cardigan from French luxury house Hermes is an easy trans-seasonal companion. Made from
Hermes Mineraux White cotton silk vintage cardigan sweater
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Rare and very coveted item. Featuring collection of minerals . Button down style . Gold Hermes
Hermes Silk Scarf / Cashmere Cardigan Sweater Black - Size 44
By Hermès
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Quintessential Hermes design of beautiful silk perfume bottles on black background with tones of
Vintage Hermes 100% Silk Cardigan " La Musique Des Spheres " Like New
By Hermès
Located in Hamburg, Deutschland
Vintage Hermes 100% silk cardigan " La Musique Des Spheres " in creme with gilded buttons and
Hermes Les Tuileries Vintage two piece Cashmere and Silk Sweater Set
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
and knit trim. Cardigan has double cuffs, gold toned buttons with Hermes Paris engraved details. Made
Hermes Beige Cashmere-Silk Longline Belted Cardigan - US 6
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Beige Cashmere-Silk Longline Belted Cardigan -Fine soft cashmere & silk blend -Lightweight
Eric Javits Wide Brimmed Natural Straw Hat
By Eric Javits
Located in New Hope, PA
Fine natural straw is used for this Eric Javits hat which can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The wide brim is turned up all the way around and the hat is in...
1954 Christian Dior Haute Couture 'Lily of the Valley' Satin Evening Dress Suit
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two piece suit consisting of a jacket and mid length skirt of butter black satin trimmed with a velvet and jet fringe. The fitted jacket is constructed on princess lines with raglan ...
Dsquared2 Spring 2005 Christina Aguilera Runway Leather Vintage Mini Dress
By Dsquared2
Located in San Diego, CA
Christina Aguilera closed the runway show in 2005, strutting down the Dsquared2 Runway in this exact dress! Features brown leather stitches down the front, with contrasting tan leath...
S/S 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Red Ombré Sheer Silk Oversized Tunic Top
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful sheer ombré shirt designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Spring/Summer 1997 collection. The button closure stops about halfway up the front for a plunging neckline. ...
S/S 2003 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Ad Lace-Up Satin Bodycon Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting the sexiest Dolce & Gabbana little black dress. From the Spring/Summer 2003 'Sex & Love' collection, this dress opened the season's runway as look 1, modeled by Gisele Bün...
$37,804
Size: IT40 - FR36 - UK8 - US4
Gucci by Tom Ford Red Sheepskin Floor-Length Double-Breasted Coat, fw 1996
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Gucci Runway Coat ▪ Creative Director: Tom Ford ▪ Fall-Winter 1996 ▪ Crafted from multiple panels of red-dyed sheepskin with a leather backing, this coat exudes luxurious ...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Runway F/W 2003 Green Velvet Bow Blazer Jacket S
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
Famous Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Green Velvet Bow Blazer, as seen on Demi Moore, AD and Tom Ford Book. F/W 2003 Runway Collection Approx. French size 36 - US 4 Velv...
Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful stretch silk leopard print dress from Dolce & Gabbana. The bodice has adjustable straps, functional and adjustable side lacing through to the hips plus rows of top stitch...
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress
By Givenchy, Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Knit Fitted Button Front Dress Circa: 1998 Label(s): Givenchy / Couture / Made In France / Paris / 8HG 8520152830 Desig...
1990s Valentino Black Chiffon and Velvet Dress Shirt Dress
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Amazing 1990s Valentino little black shirt dress from Holt Renfrew Canada. Top is black chiffon with a pussy bow tie, sheer bishop sleeves and delicate ruching at shoulders. Jet blac...
Ballantyne Cashmere Ladybug Sweater 1950s
By Ballantyne
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous pink cashmere cardigan sweater from Ballantyne. It has a scoop neckline, long sleeves with fold back cuffs, and matching mother of pearl buttons up the front. It is ador...
$5,612Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.06 in W 3.35 in L 11.03 in
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Glika Bag Rouge H Box Leather Golden Hdw 28 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Bag "GLIKA" Made in France Vintage item Outside made of Box Smooth Leather, Inside lined with finely grained leather Colorway: Rouge H (Hermè...
$32,739Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.49 in W 3.08 in L 9.26 in
Exceptional Hermès Passe Guide Bag Shiny Ebene Porosus Crocodile Ghw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
There's the Kelly, the Birkin, the Constance, and the PASSE-GUIDE Bag ...! To me, the most beautiful Purse Ever! Here is a rare opportunity to get an exceptional Authentic Hermès P...
$18,746Sale Price|25% Off
Museum Tom Ford for Gucci Runway F/W 1999 2 in 1 Fur Coat Jacket
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Museum Tom Ford for Gucci 2 in 1 Fur Coat Jacket F/W 1999 Runway Collection Coat can be converted to jacket in few seconds because of snap buttons along the waist - Brilliant Tom For...
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Berlin, BE
'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...
CHANEL black patent 15A SALZBURG CHAIN LOAFER Pumps Shoes 41.5 fit 40.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This is a 100% authentic pair of Chanel Black CC Chain Loafer Pumps, combining classic elegance with a modern edge. Crafted from glossy black patent leather, these pumps feature icon...
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.
As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.
In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.
Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.
Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
The vintage sweaters in your dresser may have humble origins, but they can’t be beaten for year-round fashion.
In the 15th century, sweaters originated as jersey tunics and other knitted shirts designed to keep sailors and fishermen warm. Later, during the 1880s in America, these knitted or crocheted vests or pullovers — in Britain, “jumpers” — were thought to substantially help athletes shed pounds as needed. Sweaters were an ideal garment for sports and outdoor events in the late 19th century. The knit fabric permitted movement but the material also protected against the cold. It wasn’t until the 1920s, however, that sweaters were introduced to the world of high fashion, thanks to pioneering designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.
A versatile garment, sweaters go well with most looks — from a casual gathering over drinks with friends to complementing a professional ensemble for the office to a night out at the theater. Simply pair a timeless cardigan with slacks or a skirt and your nicest dress shoes for any occasion, in any season, to tie an outfit together.
Once they were considered en vogue, sweaters were no longer strictly made with natural fibers like wool. Over time, fashion designers introduced the use of softer, synthetic materials. Today, traditional sweaters, such as those made with merino wool, are just as popular as more modern creations, such as the sweater dress. Similar to sweatshirts, sweaters come in all kinds of materials, from light synthetic blends perfect for spring to heavier fabrics, like cable-knit wool, to stay cozy and warm in winter and embrace the Danish concept of hygge.
A crucial factor that goes into selecting the perfect sweater is the material. High-quality wool, such as merino wool, which is soft and breathable, will feel luxurious and keep you warm on even the chilliest of evenings. Alpaca fleece, the fibers of which are native to Peru, offers the same warmth as wool, but an alpaca sweater is going to feel even softer than a merino wool sweater, similar to cashmere. Who doesn’t want a slouchy, oversize sweater made of a mix of mohair, nylon and wool on those subzero East Coast nights?
It’s important to note that wool can be a finicky material, easy to stain or distort and stretch. Synthetic materials are not only lightweight, but a nylon or polyester sweater will also be easier to wash and care for. If you opt for wool, take care of your sweater — fabric shavers, fabric combs and the local dry cleaner are your friends.
Sweaters come in various styles like V-neck, turtleneck and crewneck, which is the most popular style. For those extra cold days, a turtleneck offers added warmth without sacrificing style. Those looking for a casual touch that still emphasizes elegance can opt for a long tunic or scoop-neck pullover.
Maybe Versace or Gucci sweaters catch your eye, or ’90s fashion is your thing and a color-blocked sweater dress or John Galliano cardigan of the era is already a closet staple for you. Perhaps you’d rather opt for a 1970s long-sleeve knit top from Yves Saint Laurent. Either way, you’ll find exactly the black, beige or red vintage sweater you’re looking for in men, women or unisex styles today on 1stDibs.