About Woolovers   Blog   Caring Instructions   General Information   History of Wool   My Woolovers   Origin of Words     Aran Sweaters   British Wool Processing   Cardigans   Cotton Sweaters   Country Clothing   Fisherman's Sweaters   Gilets   Golf Sweaters   Guernsey Sweaters   Jersey Sweaters   Knitwear   Knitwear Glossary   Lambswool Cardigans   Lambswool Jumpers   Lambswool Sweaters   Nordic Sweaters   Pullovers   Sweater Vests   Wool Breeds   Wool Jumpers   Wool Over   Wool Processing Terms   Wool Sweaters   Wool Waistcoats     Sizing Information   Woolly Chat     Home   -  Origin of Words   -  Cardigans   Cardigan   We are all familiar with the word cardigan. We all love feeling snug and warmth when we are wearing one. But do you know where the name came from? It can all be blamed on a misunderstanding!     Earl of Cardigan   One cold day back in 1854, some British soldiers were having a bit of a disagreement with some Russians (the Crimean War). Due to some poor communication and a few misunderstandings, the Seventh Earl of Cardigan, James Thomas Brudenell (1797 - 1868) thought he had the OK to lead his men straight into the fiery mouths of the Russian guns. Unsurprisingly, half his men, 'The Light Brigade', poor brave soles that they were, ended up dead or injured. The Earl of Cardigan was lucky, although as brave as any that day, for he was first across the Russian lines, and he did not receive a single scratch. To honour the brave Earl of Cardigan’s courage, the knitted wool vest, worn to protect him from the cold Crimean winter was named after him, and the cardigan was born.     Cardigan Fashion   It has to be said, the cardigan as we now know it, bears little resemblance to the collarless, three buttoned, V-neck garment the Earl of Cardigan wore whilst ducking out of the way of all those cannon balls. Today’s cardigan is now a high fashion item of clothing, sometimes designed in the more traditional style, or in a very modern way. Our Guernsey Cardigan is a fine example of a traditional cardigan, while our Trimmed Girly Zipper, a flattering cardigan which sits tight to a ladies body to show off her curves, is a more modern design. The fact that the wool cardigan has survived so long, and still does not look out of place in our high tech world, speaks volumes for the greatness and timelessness of its design. It also makes sure we will never forget the courage of that brave, cannonball dodging hero, the Earl of Cardigan.     Woolovers   At Wool Overs, we manufacture our Cardigans with Crew Necks or Vee Necks. Our Cotton Knits Collection for the ladies, includes a Cardigan with a French Collar (a collar which folds over at the neckline). Wool Overs Fishermans’ Zip Cardigans are immensely useful and practical, made with tightly knitted washable British wool in a variety of colours. View our range of quality lambswool cardigans:- Lambswool Crew Neck Cardigan Guernsey Cardigan Unisex Lambswool V Neck Cardigan Ladies Fishermans Zip Cardigan Mens Fishermans Zip Cardigan Italian Collar Cardigan Chic Crew Cardigan Curvy Zip Cardigan Fancy Frills Cardigan Lincoln Zipper Cardigan Oxford Collar Cardigan Pearly Girly Cardigan Scoop Neck Cardigan Shaped Zip Cardigan Stylish V Neck Cardigan Timeless Crew Neck Cardigan Versatile Vee Cardigan View our full range of quality British knitwear:- product list