A fashion trend for Fall 2024 is the cardigan. But if you’re a fan of vintage fashion, you know cardigans have always been a timeless wardrobe staple—for both women and men! And while they’re perfect for fall, cardigans are truly seasonless, even working for those cool summer nights.

Personally, I have several in my closet, ranging in different weights and styles. They’re incredibly versatile—ideal for layering over dresses or tops. Another great thing about cardigans is how accessible they are. You can find them in both new and vintage styles, or even knit your own. They’re truly everywhere! In today’s post, I’m sharing a collection of fun vintage images, knitting patterns, catalog pages, and even some classic ads from the 1920s-1960s.

Let’s take a look!

1950s vintage photo of a woman on the beach wearing a cardigan over her dress. 1950s fashion

Source: Etsy-iloveyoumorephotos

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase

Brief History Lesson On The Cardigan Sweater

“The accepted lore and history of the name ‘cardigan’ is that it comes from the Earl of Cardigan, James Thomas Brudenell, during the Crimean War where his Light Brigade was dressed in a close-fitting, knitted jacket,” fashion historian Abby Cox told HuffPost.

“It’s possible that he and other soldiers wore a type of woolen coat, but if the earl wore an actual knitted cardigan, it was more likely later in his life when he retired to the English countryside,” Ben-Horin said.

Whether or not knitted waistcoats or jackets were worn by Lord Cardigan or his regiment during the Crimean War, this type of garment came to be associated with the nobleman and thus known as a cardigan (Source).

Now the official definition of what a Cardigan is from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: a usually collarless sweater or jacket that opens the full length of the center front (Source).

Vintage Photo of the Earl of Cardigan, James Thomas Brudenell

Collection of Vintage Advertising, Images, Knitting Patterns and Catalog Pages

“The Hip-Length Classic Cardigan & The Sweetheart of All America” – 1941 Sears Fall / Winter Catalog featuring women’s cardigans.

Further Reading: Vintage Magazines & Catalogs (archived collection)

1941 Sears Fall / Winter Catalog featuring women's cardigans. Super 1940s Fashions & Fall Outfits Inspiration!

Source: Christmas.musetechnical.com

January 1956-A mild winter means a cardigan is all one would need when posing outside with kids in the leaves.

1950s Vintage Photo from January 1956 of a mother and her two kids posing a pile of leaves in their 1950s fashions. Our mom is wearing a cardigan over her shirt. Must be mild out!

Source: Etsy- therescuedphoto

Raglan Cardigans for Men-1950s cardigan sweater / smoking jacket knitting patterns (avail in a PDF on Etsy).

1950s Fashion: The Raglan Cardigans for men-1950s Cardigan Sweater / smoking jacket knitting patterns.

Source: Etsy-StarShopPatterns

1960s photo of Mable & Dede enjoying a game of bingo.

1960s vintage photo of an older couple playing Bingo. Their names are Mable & Dede. Love Mabels cat eye glasses and cardigan. Fun 1960s fashions.

Source: Etsy-iloveyoumorephotos

Apple picking outfits as seen in a 1950s Jantzen ad featuring “Nylofleece” the finest wool and nylon for your fall sweaters.

Further Reading: “Jantzen Makes the Finest Sweaters”-1940s & 1950s Vintage Jantzen Ads

1950s Vintage Advertisement for Jantzen Sweaters for Men and Women featuring a woman wearing a cardigan. Great 1950s fashions & Fall Outfit Inspiration.

I am team bolero cardigans, I think they are just so lovely when paired with a blouse and skirt. A great example is seen in the 1950s below on our young Jackson College student, Murilyn Wince. She looks so great!

1950s vintage photo of a young Black Women at Jackson College posing for a photo in her Bolero Cardigan and skirt.

Source: Etsy-JakeRoebucks

If you are knitter you can make your own bolero cardigan (with pearls!) as seen here in this 1950s knitting pattern (in PDF format).

1950s fashion as seen in this 1950s knitting pattern for a woman bolero cardigan with pearls. Fall Outfit Inspiration

Source: Etsy-StarShopPatterns

“The Sweatered Look”. Orlon ad for a Glengarry sweater, as published in the Mademoiselle magazine from October, 1956. The Fall colours are wonderful in this ad.

1950s Fashion / 1950s Advertising: Orlon ad for a Glengarry sweater, as published in the Mademoiselle magazine from October, 1956. Fantastic Fall Outfit Inspiration!

1920s photo of a young woman posing by the chilly lake with hands in her cardigan pockets. I like the mix of masculine and feminine in her look.

1920s vintage photo of a young woman in a 1920s bathing suit with her hands in the pocket of her cardigan. I like the mix of masculine and feminine in her look.

Source: Etsy- therescuedphoto

1955 Sears Fall / Winter Catalog. 1955 is one of my favourite years in fashion and you can see why below. That plaid dress with the red cardigan is drool worthy and of course the matching cardigans are equally as delightful. What fun fall outfit inspiration!

Further Reading: Plaid: A Fall Fashion Trend. The Vintage Edition

1950s Fashion / Fall Fashion Outfit Inspiration: 1955 Sears Fall / Winter Catalog featuring cardigans that match your plaid dress or your sweater and skirt or just the skirt.

Source: Christmas.musetechnical.com

Original vintage magazine ad for boy’s cardigans at J.C. Penney.

Source: Atticpaper.com

The “Just Us Girls club” in Los Angeles in 1946 at UCLA. LOVE this photo! Our young women are so stylish and I spy a couple of cardigans and even a pair of saddle shoes.

1940s vintage photo of 'The Just Us Girls club in Los Angeles in 1946' at UCLA. A group of stylish Japanese American Young Women in skirts, sweaters and cardigans and saddle shoes.

Source:UCLA

1940s Fair Isle Cardigan with matching sweater (Avail as a PDF HERE). Beautiful!

1940s Fashion / Fall Outfit Inspiration: Fair Isle Cardigan 1940's Vintage Knitting Pattern

Source: Etsy-MyVintageWish

1944 Sears Fall / Winter Catalog page for men’s sweaters and cardigans, like the ‘Husky Coat Style’.

1940s Fashion for Men as seen in 1944 Sears Fall / Winter Catalog featuring men's sweaters and cardigans.

Source: Christmas.musetechnical.com

1930s photo of a young woman named Clara Foster with fingers waves in her hair and a long belted cardigan, poses casually in a random flower garden.

The original Instagrammer in the wild (taking photos just anywhere).

1930s photo of a young woman named Clara Foster with fingers waves in her hair and a long cardigan, poses casually in a random flower garden.

Source: Etsy- therescuedphoto

One of my archived blog posts is entitled ‘Fashion Highlights of an Eatons Catalogue-Fall & Winter 1934-1935‘ and it features a cute short cardigan at the very bottom.

1934 1935 Womens Fashion for Fall and Winter Eatons Catalogue Skirts and Skiing outfits

1959 British advertisement for Pringle Knitwear featuring a pretty rose cashmere cardigan.

Source: vintageclothingguides.com

Tiny sweaters and cardigans for kids! So cute! 1948 Sears Fall Winter Catalog.

1940s vintage catalog page from a 1948 Sears Fall Winter Catalog featuring Sweaters and Cardigans for kids. Fun Fall Fashion Inspiration for kids. 1940s Fashion.

Source: Christmas.musetechnical.com

1940s photo of three girls with big smiles and cute 1940s hairstyles and cardigans. Adorable photo.

1940s vintage photo of 3 young girls in cardigans and 1940s hairstyles posing together with smiles outside. Fun 1940s fashions & 1940s vintage hairstyle inspiration

Source: Etsy- therescuedphoto

I would like 3 of these sweaters please! How stunning is this 1950s Raglan cardigan knitting pattern? It just screams Fall! (avail in a PDF Here)

1950s Fashion / Fall Outfit Inspiration-1950s Raglan cardigan knitting pattern.

Source: Etsy-MyVintageWish

1960s vintage advertisement for 100% pure-camel hair cardigan for men by Alan Paine.

1960s vintage advertisement for Alan Paine Sweaters featuring a man wearing a long cardigan-100% pure camel-hair. 1960s Fashion for Men

Source: alamy

“Once a trend, now a tradition…the ONE-COLOR LOOK’. 1962 Sears Fall /Winter Catalog page featuring sweaters, cardigans, skirts and pants that all match by color.

Do you like this look?

1960s Fashion / Fall Outfit / Winter Outfit Inspiration as seen in a 1962 Sears Fall / Winter Catalog. The page features cardigans, sweaters, skirts and pants in matching colours.

Source: Christmas.musetechnical.com

Vintage Shopping: Due to the large amount of knitting patterns on Etsy for Cardigans in PDF format (so it’s always there), I have created a ‘Vintage Cardigan Patterns‘ Collection on the platform. Head on over and purchase your fav! Happy Knitting!

Thank you for stopping by and reading my latest post! I truly enjoy creating these, as they always remind me why I started this blog—to share my love for vintage fashion. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did putting it together!

Question time: Are you a fan of the cardigan? Or not so much? Share any thoughts on this topic in the comment section below and please note, I have to approve all new comments (so it won’t show up right away). Thanks!

Further Reading: Vintage Fashions 1920s-1960s (archived blog posts) & Vintage Fall Blog Posts

Liz

Here is a photo of me aka Liz in a favourite ‘Ethel of Beverly Hills‘ Bolero Cardigan.

The Vintage Inn Blog Vintage Fashion Vintage History Vintage Life Lindy Hop 1940s 1930s 1950s

Plaid has long been a staple in fashion, but there’s something especially captivating about the way it was worn in the 1940s and 1950s. Vintage photos from this era capture the charm and versatility of plaid, whether it’s on crisp suit jackets, cozy flannel shirts, or chic dresses. Plaid is always a standout pattern and a fashion favourite.

In this post, we’ll take a nostalgic look at the iconic plaid fashions of the ‘40s and ‘50s, showcasing how this timeless print became a key part of everyday style.

Today is also PLAIDURDAY (OCT 4TH 2024) where we celebrate all things PLAID! I love a good plaid pattern and especially when it’s vintage!

1940s vintage photo: 1941 yearbook photo from the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina of a young woman wearing saddle shoes walking down the stairs of her school.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

The Best Vintage Photos from the 1940s & 1950s of People in Plaid Fashions: Timeless Style Inspiration

1950s photo of a couple in plaid shirts posing together outside. Love the Ducktail hairstyle on our man. Very cool.

1950s photo of a couple in plaid shirts posing together outside. Love the Ducktail hairstyle on our man. Fun 1950s Fashion inspiration.

Source: Etsy-iloveyoumorephotos

The following photo is from a past blog post on Easter photos & ads and I wanted to share it, not only for the plaid shirt but it has a similar feel to the photo above. That feeling being FUN!

1950s Vintage Photo: Easter egg race winners, Gatineau Park, Quebec, 1957.in

Plaid and a car, a perfect combo in this 1940s vintage photo. LOVE the plaid dress on the young woman in the photo.

Further Reading: Plaid: A Fall Fashion Trend. The Vintage Edition

1940s vintage photo of a young woman in a plaid dress posing in front of a car.

Source: Etsy-therescuedphoto

I would love to have the fabulous plaid vest our photo booth gal named “Rose” is sporting in this 1950s image. So awesome!

Further Reading: 1950s Photos of Everyday Women’s Hairstyles & Vintage Photo Booth Images 1930s-1950s

1950s vintage photo of a young Black Woman with 1950s hairstyle and a plaid vest posing in a photo booth.

Bottoms up! 1950s photo of a man finishing the last of his beer.

1950s vintage photo of a man in a plaid shirt downing a beer at a table

Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage

Fun on the farm! 1940s vintage photo of a group of young women posing together on a farm. Love the girl in the middle with the cute cowboy hat and of course we have to point out our gal on the left in her plaid shirt.

1940s vintage photo: Vintage Image of a group of young women in 1940s fashions and 1940s hairstyles posing together on a farm. One girl is wearing a plaid shirt and another girl is wearing a cowboy hat.

Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage

A lovely wedding day photo with our young bride sporting a stylish plaid jacket (I actually think it’s a suit jacket as I see a pretty blouse poking out) and our groom in a lovely suit.

The back of this photo says: “Taken April 5th, 1953. Charles 25 years, 9 mins 25 days. Evelyn Wall”.

1950s Vintage Photo: Wedding Day April 1953. A lovely wedding day photo with our young bride sporting a stylish plaid jacket (I actually think it's a suit jacket as I see a pretty blouse poking out) and our groom in a lovely suit.

Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage

1940s vintage photo of a group of girls wearing matching plaid bows in their hair and seem to be all wearing some sort of costume. Of what? Not sure. Comment below if you know!

1940s vintage photo of a group of girls wearing matching plaid bows in their hair and seem to be all wearing some sort of costume. Fantastic 1940s hairstyle inspiration.

Source: Etsy-AlaskaVintage

1950s vintage photo of a family photo in the living room with bold floral wallpaper. The youngest in the photo, is sporting a plaid shirt. They look so happy.

Further Reading: Be Inspired! Vintage Photos of Wallpaper Designs in Mid Century Homes

1950s vintage photo of a Black-family posing on a couch together for a photo in their living room with the floral wallpaper. Fun Mid Century Interior Design.

Ready for a fun night out! 1940s photo of 2 women posing outside in their going out outfits. Our lady on the left is sporting a lovely plaid dress while her friends in a cute two piece suit with blouse. Big fan of the ladies 40s curl hairstyles.

1940s photo of 2 women posing outside in their going out outfits (1940s fashions). Our lady on the left is sporting a lovely plaid dress while her friends in a cute two piece suit with blouse. Big fan of the 1940s hairstyles.

Source: Etsy-girlcatdesign

Time to wash the pot! 1950s vintage photo in I think a school classroom.

1950s vintage photo: 1950s Woman Washing Pan at Sink in a Plaid Shirt

Source: Etsy-AlaskaVintage

I’m slipping this 1930s photo from 1935 in because it’s PLAID BIKINI! Amazing! Love it!

1930s photo of a woman in a plaid two piece swimsuit in 1935 on the beach.

Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage

Saddle shoes, rolled up jeans and a plaid suit jacket look so cool together! I want to sport this fun 1940s look right now.

Further Reading: Vintage Photos of Saddle Shoes

Fall Fashion Look: Plaid menswear jacket as seen on our stylish young woman in this 1940s Photo. I love the rolled up jeans, paired with the jacket and the saddle shoes. Great look!

While not plaids for the body, how about plaids for your interior design? I just HAD to share this photo from the 1950s of this very busy living room. What do you think of the plaid curtains, pillows, carpet, rattan furniture with floral cushions and a very interesting horse wallpaper? Would you of decorated your home this way?

1950s vintage photo of a mid century living room filled with lots of interesting interior design choices. Plaid curtains, horse wallpaper, Rattan furniture and floral cushions.

Source: Etsy-SherwoodsTreasures

Thank you for dropping by and stepping into the world of Plaid with me. I hope you enjoyed the photos I shared today and please comment below on anything you wish to chat about on this topic. I love hearing from my readers!

Further Reading:

Liz

Category: Vintage Fashion

Vintage Fall Fashion: The Versatile Cardigan

Brief History Lesson On The Cardigan Sweater

Collection of Vintage Advertising, Images, Knitting Patterns and Catalog Pages

The Best Vintage Photos of People in Plaid Fashions

The Best Vintage Photos from the 1940s & 1950s of People in Plaid Fashions: Timeless Style Inspiration