Cardigans are menswear’s new cool

From film wardrobes to public appearances, the cardigan is quietly making a comeback in men’s fashion. It’s showing up in ways that feel fresh and relevant. Andrew Garfield, for instance, wore a playful green lamb-knit at The Magic Faraway Tree premiere, while Chris Brown chose a pastel pink version at the Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall 2026 show. These moments point to a clear shift. The cardigan is no longer just a layering piece but a softer, more expressive alternative to sharp tailoring.At the centre of this is Ryan Gosling’s fox-pattern cardigan in Project Hail Mary. Inspired by a 1950s design, it carries a simple, vintage charm. The move from wolves to foxes gives it a warmer, more approachable feel. Fans and knitters are recreating it and sharing their versions online, making it feel accessible and personal.Celebrity stylist Priya Patil says, “These celebrities have made the cardigan feel intentional again. It’s not just something you throw on; it’s part of the look. The way they’re styling it—with relaxed tailoring or sharper pieces—gives it a certain ease while still feeling put together. It reflects where menswear is going: less rigid, more fluid.”Celebrities redefining the cardiganAccording to stylists, this is more than a passing trend. When names like Ryan Gosling and Andrew Garfield step out in cardigans, they are quietly changing how the piece is seen. Celebrity stylist Ajay Jay explains, “When you see them in cardigans, they’re not just wearing them; they’re changing how we see them. For years, the cardigan felt dated or overly academic. Now it sits between comfort and fashion. It looks effortless, but it’s still very considered.”Priyanka Gadia, founder of a clothing brand, adds, “For years, the cardigan sat somewhere between your grandfather’s wardrobe and an afterthought layer, more functional than aspirational. What they have done is reframe it. Worn with ease and a relaxed feel, it now comes across as effortless, slightly undone, and very much part of the modern man’s wardrobe.”Resurgence of cardigans in menswearExperts say the cardigan’s return is rooted in a broader shift towards comfort and ease in dressing. Designer Ravi Gupta explains, “Post-pandemic, fashion has moved from complexity to simplicity. Consumers now want versatile clothing that looks good and works across different settings. Cardigans fit this need perfectly, especially with the growing interest in knits and layering.”Priyanka adds, “The shift is really coming from how men want to dress today; there’s a clear move towards pieces that feel as good as they look. The cardigan fits seamlessly into that mindset. Whether it’s worn on a flight, to a casual meeting, or layered into an evening look, it carries a certain ease, making it feel like a natural choice rather than a trend-led one.”Symbolises soft powerMore broadly, the cardigan reflects a shift in how masculinity is expressed through fashion. Experts say it has become a symbol of soft power. Speaking about this change, Gupta says, “Instead of strict and formal cuts, there is a move towards more flexible styles. The cardigan is a good example of this shift, as it is both easy to wear and refined. Today, celebrities are not using it as just another outerwear piece; they are wearing it as a statement, even with more formal looks.”Ajay adds, “It reflects a shift in masculinity. A cardigan feels easier than a blazer, more relaxed but still confident. It doesn’t try too hard.”No longer about nostalgia“Today’s cardigans are styled with intent but never feel forced—layered over a crisp white tee, worn under a trench, or paired with tailored trousers for contrast. It’s no longer about playing into nostalgia; it’s about versatility,” says Priyanka, adding, “The cardigan has become that in-between piece—not as formal as a jacket, not as casual as a sweatshirt—which makes it incredibly relevant to how people are dressing right now.”Priya adds, “Cardigans lean into effortless luxury. It’s about how it feels as much as how it looks—good fabric, a clean fit, and nothing overdone. That understated quality is what makes it feel modern right now.”