vcb VINTAGE: Evening Cardigans

As the days get shorter and the weather gets crisper, layering with cardigans is a fun way to switch up your wardrobe. My favorites are cashmere evening cardigans but it is so difficult to find current cashmere of a great quality that won't pill and constructed to last.

I recently added this vintage 1950s hand embroidered Dalton cashmere evening cardigan to my personal vintage collection:

The photos do not even do justice to the beautiful hummingbird embroidery in rich purples, blues, and oranges.

The evening sweater was a must-have for the fashionable mid-century woman. It is also quite common to see evening cardigans lined in either a corresponding color fabric or like the one above, silk. If decorative beading or embroidery is too much for you, the more conservative daywear twinset was also very prevalent. Twinsets consist of a sleeveless shell and matching cardigan. Sleeve length on 1950s cardigans tends to be 3/4 or bracelet length and the length frequently hit just to the natural waist. These evening sweaters can pair fabulously with pants or brighten up a solid dress.

Interested in adding one to your wardrobe? Not sure what to look for to get the perfect Liz Taylor look?

The major vintage labels for cardigans are Dalton and Hadley. Several Scottish labels were also common as such Pringle. Helen Bond Carruthers label is one of the most coveted for their elaborately decorated sweaters.

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1950s Pringle Cashmere

Feel the cashmere, make sure it is of a decent weight. A sweater made to last of a fine quality cashmere will be heavy and without pilling.

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A Helen Bond Carruthers beauty!

The number one enemy of all wool sweaters are moths. Look over the sweater carefully to make sure it is free of moth holes. Small ones in inconspicuous areas can be mended but larger or many holes would require an expensive professional reweaving of the fiber. Sometimes you don't see the holes when you purchase a vintage item and discover the moth holes after the fact. It happens, just take it immediately to the cleaners. If the sweater is beaded or so antique that chemical dry cleaning could damage it further, put the sweater in a plastic bag and place it in your freezer for 48-72 hours. The shock of warm to cold to warm will kill any remaining moth eggs.

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A modern take by Alexander McQueen

Find It: The bad news is vintage cashmere is highly collectible and a piece in great condition could cost you through a curated vintage collector or shop. The good news is these sweaters were so prevalent that you can find one in less than perfect condition to mend at a reasonable cost. Or, scour estate sales and Goodwill for a random pop-up treasure!

Buy It: Evening cardigans are starting to come back. Check designer collections for pieces like the McQueen sweater posted above. Vintage-inspired stores like Anthropologie are also a great place to start for finds like this one.

Pro Tip: Check for stains. Sadly, 60 year old stains are so set in that it is more likely the garment will be damaged in the attempt to clean it before the stain would lift.