There are, technically, only two forms of collar for a cardigan:the round neck and the V-neck. In the first category are all the cardigans with a rounded neckline, including Peter Pan collars or the classic flat round neck. In the second, all cardigans with a V as a neckline, including the shawl collar, the wrap-over top or the kimono, if worn closed.
As a general rule, a V-neck cardigan is renowned for its propensity to refine the silhouette, lengthen the neck and sublimate the curves:by releasing more skin, it accentuates the verticality, while the point of the V plunges into the neckline. An asset for the vast majority of morphologies, to be exploited without complexes with its variety of variations, from the ultra-feminine wrap-over top to the so trendy masculine cardigan.
The round-neck cardigan, on the other hand, better enhances small builds and slender silhouettes, accentuating the androgynous side. However, it can be suitable for all body types as long as it is not too tight, otherwise it will flatten the curves and flatten the silhouette. If you like round necks but are complex about your curves, choose deep round necklines to free up the neck, rather than encumber it.
The kimono neckline is flat and collarless, falling straight to the hem. When the vest is closed with a belt, it turns into a V-neck! Generally accompanied by kimono sleeves, these cardigans are best worn over a fitted outfit to balance the volumes, their shape being loose and square:slim pants and low-cut sweater, pencil dress, etc. Their good points? Comfortable and elegant, they bring a touch of modernity to any outfit.
Like the kimono, the shawl collar is a V-neck when closed. It has, for its part, a lapel rather than a flat collar, hence the name "shawl". More classic, it is more often associated with the male wardrobe, on a twisted vest, with pockets and large round buttons, sometimes crossed. Basic and essential, therefore, but not very feminine! Wear it over a shirt for an androgynous outfit, or shift it with a low-cut T-shirt. Unless you opt for the feminized version, a fine, loose and flexible cardigan with a shawl collar, falling in waves on the hips. In this case, bet on fitted pants to compensate for the volume.
The women's cardigan favorite features a collar, or lack thereof, similar to the kimono. It crosses under the chest and wraps around the waist, hugging the figure and drawing a V-neckline. If the curvy figures love it, the more timid ones may find it too tight. There are, in this case, wrap-over vests belted lower on the hips, allowing the knit to be bloused rather than molded to the bust.
Beware of Col Claudine! Retro and trendy or corny and ridiculous, opinions are divided. If you choose to adopt this little girl's round neck on your cardigans, wear them staggered, unless you assume. For example ? A thin, cropped baby blue knit cardigan with a lace collar, over a white t-shirt and ripped boyfriend jeans. Vary with leather pants, a military jumpsuit... or dare the total look with a pencil skirt and a pair of pumps! Avoid, on the other hand, the Claudine collar with skirt and ballet flats...
