Our tennis cardigan is modelled after the chunky lambswool or cotton cardigans worn by tennis players over their tennis polos prior to the 1950s to keep warm after a match. It was often made in an off-white or cream colour, to go with the players' regulation "tennis whites". The regulation, though strict and cumbersome, had the unintended effect of breeding a stylish off-shoot of sportswear whereby everybody in the club looked dashing in off-white, tonal ensembles - what we now reminisce as the romance of old tennis uniforms.
Just like its vintage inspirations, our tennis cardigan is made using a luscious 100% superfine lambswool in a light oatmeal colour. The superfine lambswool is from Todd & Duncan's prestigious Lamaine range, regarded as the world's softest lambswool. It is chunkier than merino, but still soft and breathable.
Its woolly texture also contrasts well with other lighter pieces in our knitwear range, such as our cashmere silk tennis polo.
Our tennis cardigan is furnished with Italian made horn buttons in natural dark brown, making it a luxurious, versatile piece of knitwear with uses that go far beyond the tennis court! It can be dressed up with a shirt and suit for a classic look, but can also be worn casually with a pair of light wash jeans and a t-shirt.
It is thicker and warmer than most merino cardigans, with a weight of about 400 grams. It is not bulky though, and will fit comfortably under a blazer or coat so, perfect for layering on chilly summer evenings.
As with our classic crew neck and v necks in the same yarn, it possesses all the properties of traditional lambswool that we know and love, including its warmth, moisture-wicking abilities and breathability, whilst being soft to the touch.
For ideas on how to style this piece, view our Style Journal here.