Women's Black Cardigans: A Curated Selection

by Simon Kensington

There's something about a black cardigan that just works. Maybe it's the way it sits over a white tee without fuss, or how it transforms a simple outfit into something that feels more pulled together. Black cardigans for women have earned their place as wardrobe workhorses, adaptable enough for office days, school runs, and weekend plans without ever feeling overdressed.

If you're looking at options, this guide walks through three distinct styles from Paul James Knitwear. Each piece brings something different to the table, but they all share the same foundation: natural fibres, thoughtful construction, and that rare quality of feeling right almost immediately.

Why Black Stays Essential

Pairs without overthinking: Black sits comfortably beside denim, grey trousers, floral dresses, or printed skirts. You don't need to match; you just need to layer.
Transitions easily: Morning coffee to evening dinner? Add a scarf or swap trainers for ankle boots. The cardigan stays put.
Hides the practical stuff: Keys in your pocket, a jumper under your jumper when the heating fails, a book tucked in your bag. Black forgives creases and conceals everyday wear better than lighter shades.
Ages well: Quality black knitwear doesn't announce itself, which means it doesn't date. Five years from now, it'll still feel current.

Our Collection

1. Women's Midweight Cotton Relaxed Fit Knitted Blazer

The Tara blazer blurs the line between cardigan comfort and tailored structure. Knitted from pure cotton with an all-over Milano stitch, it drapes neatly without the stiffness of traditional blazers. Premium Italian buttons, two patch pockets, and an inside pocket add quiet functionality, while the relaxed cut means you can layer freely underneath without feeling restricted.

2. Women's Midweight Cotton Workshirt

Amber rethinks the classic work shirt in knitted cotton. Constructed with a durable half-Milano stitch, this piece sits somewhere between shirt and jacket, structured enough to wear open over lightweight knits, yet relaxed enough for slow weekends. The drop shoulder and straight fit feel contemporary without chasing trends, while practical details (chest pocket, two patch pockets, internal pocket) mean it earns its keep beyond aesthetics.

3. Women's Pure Extrafine Merino Long Cardigan Dress

Holly is the luxury option, Italian extrafine merino spun by Filivivi (established 1817), with a fitted silhouette and adjustable tie waist. At 111cm length, it works as an elegant dress on its own or layered over jeans and leggings for off-duty polish. The lightweight single jersey knit (420g) feels deceptively warm, while the V-neck and button-through design keep styling options open. Merino's natural properties mean it self-cleans between wears and regulates temperature year-round.

Styling Approaches (Keep It Real)

Perhaps the best thing about black knitwear is that it doesn't demand much from the rest of your outfit.

Office-appropriate: Black knitted blazer over a cream silk camisole, tailored navy trousers, low block heels. Add a structured leather bag and you're done.
Weekend casual: Black workshirt worn open, white tee underneath, straight-leg jeans, white trainers. Roll the sleeves if it warms up.
Evening adaptable: Long merino cardigan dress cinched at the waist, worn with tights and ankle boots. Swap the daytime crossbody for a clutch and add a coat.
Layering for colder months: Any of these pieces works under wool coats or over thinner jumpers when the temperature drops unpredictably.
Colour companions: Black tolerates most palettes, camel, olive, burgundy, cream, soft pink, and denim blue. It recedes visually, which lets other elements breathe.

Material Considerations

The three pieces featured here use different fibres for different priorities.

100% Cotton (Midweight)
Cotton breathes. It wicks moisture naturally, which matters during transitional weather when you're moving between heated spaces and cold air. The Milano and half-Milano stitches create sturdy, pill-resistant fabrics that hold their shape wash after wash. Machine washable, relatively crease-resistant, and fully biodegradable. Cotton suits daily wear because it's honest, it don't try to perform miracles, but it shows up reliably.

100% Italian Extrafine Merino Wool
Merino feels softer and lighter than its warmth level suggests. It thermoregulates (cooling when you're warm, insulating when you're cold) and naturally resists odours, reducing how often you need to wash it. A gentle steam between wears often suffices. The extrafine grade means you get merino's benefits without the scratchiness some associate with wool. Hand washing preserves the fibre longest, though many treat it more casually and still see years of wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a knitted blazer different from a traditional cardigan?

Construction and intent, mostly. A knitted blazer like the Tara uses structured stitching (Milano knit in this case) to create a fabric with more body and stability than typical cardigan knits. You get lapel-style collars, tailored pockets, and a silhouette that references traditional blazers, but without the rigid interfacing or lining that makes woven blazers feel formal. The result sits comfortably in smart-casual territory, polished enough for meetings, soft enough to wear on the sofa. Traditional cardigans prioritise drape and softness; knitted blazers add structure while keeping the comfort of knitwear. Think of it as borrowing the visual language of tailoring without the formality.

How do I choose between cotton and merino for a black cardigan?

Lifestyle and washing preferences guide this more than anything. Cotton handles machine washing easily, dries relatively quickly, and tolerates the kind of wear that comes with daily routines, commuting, working in varied environments, and frequent layering. It's practical if you want something you can throw in the wash without overthinking. Merino, on the other hand, offers a superior warmth-to-weight ratio and natural odour resistance, so you wash it less often. That lightweight feel makes it brilliant for travel or layering under tailored pieces where bulk matters. However, merino asks for gentler care, hand washing or delicate cycles, flat drying, more mindful handling. If you value low-maintenance reliability, cotton wins. If you prioritise lightweight warmth and fewer washes, merino makes sense.

Can a long cardigan dress work for petite frames?

Yes, though styling adjustments help. The Holly cardigan dress measures 111cm in medium, which can overwhelm shorter frames if worn loosely. The tie waist becomes essential here, cinching creates definition and breaks up the vertical line. Pairing with ankle boots or heels rather than flat trainers adds visual length. Wearing it open over slim-fit trousers or leggings also changes the proportions, turning it into a coat-like layer rather than a dress. Some petite wearers prefer sizing down for a more deliberate fit, though this depends on bust and hip measurements. The key is avoiding the "drowning in fabric" effect by introducing structure, either at the waist, through footwear, or by adjusting how you button it.

What's the best way to store black knitwear to prevent fading?

Fold rather than hang. Hangers stretch shoulder seams over time, especially with heavier knits. Store in a cool, dark space, direct sunlight and heat accelerate colour degradation. If you're storing between seasons, clean the piece first (body oils and residues attract moths and cause yellowing), then fold with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creasing. Breathable cotton storage bags work better than plastic bags, which trap moisture. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets discourage moths without chemical sprays. For pieces you wear regularly, simply folding them and storing them in a drawer away from sunlight helps maintain their colour. Black doesn't fade as noticeably as lighter shades, but UV exposure and heat still weaken the fibres and dull the tone gradually. Basically, treat them like you'd treat a good book, somewhere cool, dry, and out of harsh light.

How do I style a black workshirt without it looking too utilitarian?

The workshirt's structured details (collar, pockets, buttons) lean workwear, so softening the rest of the outfit creates balance. Try wearing it open over a silk or satin camisole; the texture contrast immediately shifts the mood. Pairing with tailored trousers in softer fabrics (wool blend, linen, or crepe) rather than rigid denim adds polish. Footwear makes a difference too: suede loafers, leather ankle boots, or minimal trainers feel more refined than heavy work boots. Jewellery helps, simple gold hoops, a delicate chain, or a structured watch bring attention upward and break the utilitarian read. Rolling the sleeves exposes wrists and adds a bit of ease. If you're layering, choose pieces with drape (a wool scarf, a long pendant) rather than stiff accessories. Essentially, you're mixing textures and softening proportions so the workshirt becomes one element rather than the dominant theme.

Is it practical to machine wash merino wool cardigans?

Technically yes, but with significant caveats. Modern washing machines often have wool or delicate cycles that reduce agitation and control temperature, enabling machine washing. Use a mesh laundry bag, cold water, wool-specific detergent, and the gentlest cycle available. Never tumble dry, lay flat instead. However, hand washing remains gentler and extends the garment's lifespan noticeably. Merino fibres have microscopic scales that can felt (matt together) under friction, heat, and pH changes, which is why hand washing with minimal agitation works best. If you're short on time and willing to accept slightly faster wear, machine-washing on a true delicate cycle won't ruin the piece right away. But if you've invested in Italian extrafine merino, hand washing twice a season (supplemented by steaming between wears) preserves the softness and structure far longer. Practicality depends on how you define it, speed versus longevity.

These pieces aren't trying to be remarkable. They're trying to be useful, reliable, and quietly well-made. Black knitwear works because it doesn't demand much attention while still enhancing the rest of your wardrobe. That's probably why it keeps appearing in wardrobes that have already been edited down to essentials.