Women's Navy Cardigans: Classic Depth in Natural Cotton

by Simon Kensington

Navy holds a particular place in most wardrobes, darker than royal blue, softer than black, and somehow more versatile than either. It's the shade that sits comfortably in both formal and casual contexts without announcing itself too loudly. Perhaps that's why so many people reach for it when assembling capsule wardrobes or planning travel packing lists.

This guide examines two cotton pieces from Paul James Knitwear, each approaching the same rich colour from different angles. One brings tailored structure, the other embraces relaxed proportions. Both prioritise natural fibres and honest construction over trend-chasing details.

Why Navy Remains Essential

There's a reason navy appears repeatedly in well-edited wardrobes. It functions without demanding attention.

Works across seasons: Deep enough for autumn and winter layering, but not as heavy-feeling as black when spring arrives and temperatures become unpredictable.
Pairs effortlessly: Navy sits comfortably beside denim (yes, even other blues), grey, camel, burgundy, olive, cream, and white. It doesn't clash with much.
Hides daily wear better: Coffee drips, small marks, general handling, navy conceals these better than lighter shades, whilst avoiding the lint-attracting properties of black.
Professional without being severe: Office environments welcome navy. Casual settings don't find it overly formal. That flexibility matters.

Our Collection

1. Women's Midweight Cotton Relaxed Fit Knitted Blazer

Tara bridges the gap between cardigan comfort and blazer structure. Constructed from pure cotton with Milano stitch throughout, this piece maintains elegant drape whilst providing enough body to look intentional rather than slouchy. Italian buttons add quiet quality, whilst patch pockets and an internal pocket bring functional detail. The relaxed cut means you can layer jumpers or shirts underneath without restriction, particularly useful during transitional months when morning temperatures don't match afternoon warmth.

2. Women's 100% Cotton Oversized V-Neck Ribbed Cardigan

Tilda takes the opposite approach entirely. Cropped at 53cm with deliberately oversized proportions, this half-cardigan stitch piece creates volume through the chest and sleeves whilst maintaining wearability. Raglan sleeves bring detailed stitching across the shoulders, finished with natural Agoya shell buttons that catch light subtly. Layer it over slip dresses for weekend plans, or wear it with finer knits when the forecast turns unpredictable; the chunky texture holds its own in both scenarios.

Cotton Construction Matters

Both pieces use 100% cotton exclusively, which affects how they wear, wash, and age over time more significantly than most people realise.

Cotton breathes naturally. During those awkward temperature swings, leaving warm offices for cold streets, moving between heated rooms and outdoor spaces, cotton wicks moisture away from skin rather than trapping it. This prevents that clammy feeling that synthetic fibres can create.

The Milano stitch on the knitted blazer produces sturdy, double-faced fabric with natural crease resistance. Pack it in a bag, pull it out hours later, it recovers its shape without excessive fuss. The half-cardigan stitch on the oversized piece creates appealing texture whilst maintaining softness against bare skin.

Quality cotton also ages more gracefully than blended fabrics. Rather than pilling quickly or distorting after a few washes, it settles into shape, gradually conforming to how you wear it, where you fold it, and which pockets you actually use.

Styling Approaches (Practical Options)

The Navy doesn't demand elaborate styling. That's arguably its greatest strength.

Professional contexts
Knitted blazer over a white or cream silk camisole, tailored grey or black trousers, leather court shoes or loafers. Add a structured leather bag. Simple.

Weekend casual
Oversized cardigan worn open, white t-shirt underneath, straight-leg jeans, white trainers. Roll the sleeves if the weather warms unexpectedly.

Transitional layering
Either piece works over lightweight jumpers or long-sleeved tees when mornings feel cold but afternoons turn mild. Navy sits visibly on top without creating excessive bulk.

Evening adaptable
The cropped cardigan pairs naturally with midi skirts or slip dresses, add ankle boots and minimal jewellery. The knitted blazer works with wide-leg trousers and a simple top underneath.

Colour combinations
Navy tolerates most palettes, but particularly likes camel, rust, cream, soft pink, burgundy, olive, grey, and denim. Metallic jewellery works too, gold or silver both sit comfortably against this shade's depth.

Stitch Techniques Explained

Understanding construction helps predict how pieces will wear and what they suit best.

Milano Stitch (Knitted Blazer)
This technique creates double-faced fabric with excellent stability and natural drape. Heavier than standard jersey but still flexible, which explains why it maintains shape under coats or when worn unbuttoned. The 682g weight feels substantial without becoming burdensome; you notice quality rather than heaviness.

Half Cardigan Stitch (Oversized Cardigan)
This method produces eye-catching texture through alternating knit and purl patterns. Visually chunkier but still relatively lightweight in actual feel, creating a desirable contrast between looking cosy and remaining wearable across multiple seasons. At 53cm, it hits around hip level, which changes proportions in flattering ways for most body types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does navy blue fade faster than other colours in cotton knitwear?

Navy actually holds colour reasonably well compared to brighter shades, though all dyes fade gradually with repeated washing and light exposure. The key factors affecting the navy's longevity are water temperature, detergent type, and sunlight exposure during storage or drying. Always wash navy pieces in cool or cold water; hot water opens cotton fibres and speeds the release of dye molecules. Use colour-safe detergents without optical brighteners or bleaching agents, as these can strip colour unevenly. Turn pieces inside out before washing to protect the outer surface from friction against other items and the machine drum. Perhaps most importantly, avoid drying navy knitwear in direct sunlight, as UV exposure accelerates fading. Instead, dry flat in shaded areas with good air circulation. Following these practices, quality navy cotton maintains its depth for years rather than months. When fading does occur, it tends to happen evenly across the garment rather than in patches, which often looks intentional rather than worn out.

Can I wear navy knitwear if I already wear a lot of denim?

Absolutely, though this concern comes up often. The "don't mix blues" rule feels outdated now, particularly when textures differ significantly. Navy knitwear over light or medium-wash denim creates a clear contrast; the depth difference prevents them from competing visually. Navy over dark denim works too, especially when you introduce a third colour or texture between them (a white tee, a brown leather belt, tan boots). The key is avoiding extremely similar shades of blue with similar textures, which can look muddy rather than intentional. Think about how denim jackets pair with jeans in different washes; the same principle applies here. If uncertainty remains, simply ensure visible separation: wear the cardigan open to show another colour underneath, or add a scarf or necklace that breaks up the blue-on-blue expanse. People wear black-on-black constantly without concern; navy-on-navy (or navy-on-denim) deserves similar flexibility. Trust your eye, if it looks intentional to you, it probably reads that way to others.

How do oversized cardigans work for taller frames without looking too short?

Taller frames sometimes find cropped styles hit awkwardly, particularly when the hem falls exactly at the widest part of the hip. However, oversized proportions often work better on taller bodies than petite ones because the volume doesn't overwhelm the frame. At 53cm, the Tilda cardigan typically hits just below the waist on taller wearers, which can actually look deliberate and modern rather than accidentally short. Styling adjustments help: pair with high-waisted trousers or skirts to create visual continuity, so the cropped length feels intentional rather than insufficient. Wearing it unbuttoned creates vertical lines that add length perception. Layering over longer pieces (midi dresses, long-sleeved tees that peek out below) turns the crop into an asset rather than a limitation. Some taller wearers prefer sizing up for additional length, though this increases overall volume; it depends on whether you want dramatic proportions or more moderate oversizing. Consider trying it over fitted pieces first to see how the proportions sit on your specific frame before committing.

What's the difference between a knitted blazer and a structured cardigan in practical terms?

The distinction sits primarily in construction intent and visual language. Structured cardigans prioritise comfort and drape; they're designed to feel cosy and move with you easily. Knitted blazers borrow tailoring details: lapel-style collars, structured pocket placement, button configurations referencing suit jackets, and denser stitches (like Milano) that create body and stability. This means knitted blazers hold shape better under coats, maintain silhouettes when worn open, and generally look more intentional in professional contexts. However, they retain knitwear's comfort, no rigid interfacing, no restrictive armholes, machine machine-washable care. Functionally, both layer and button similarly, but the baseline impression differs. Cardigans default to casual; knitted blazers start from smart-casual and dress down easily but maintain polish. If your lifestyle includes client meetings, presentations, or environments where first impressions matter, knitted blazers handle those situations whilst still working for weekend errands. If your days lean casual or creative, structured cardigans probably serve you better.

Is it worth owning both structured and oversized styles in identical colours?

Perhaps surprisingly, yes, particularly in versatile neutrals like navy. The silhouettes and weights differ enough that they don't compete for wardrobe space. Knitted blazers handle professional obligations, travel (they pack efficiently and emerge looking presentable), and occasions requiring polish without formality. Oversized cardigans serve weekend plans, relaxed work environments, and layering over dresses or thinner knits. They occupy different functional territories despite sharing colour. Think of it like owning both brogues and trainers, same category, different applications. However, if budget or storage space is limited, consider which silhouette best matches your lifestyle. People working in formal environments get more use from structured pieces. Those with casual routines or creative professions probably reach for oversized styles more often. Your actual daily activities matter more than theoretical styling possibilities. One well-chosen piece that you wear weekly beats two that rarely leave the wardrobe.

How should I store navy cotton knitwear to prevent moth damage and preserve its colour?

Storage practices significantly affect longevity, particularly with natural fibres in dark colours. Always clean pieces before long-term storage, body oils and residues attract moths and can cause yellowing or discolouration even in navy. Fold rather than hang; hangers stretch shoulder seams over time, especially with heavier knits like the 682g blazer. Store in cool, dark spaces away from windows, heat, and UV light degrade fibres and gradually dull colour depth. Use breathable cotton storage bags rather than plastic, which traps moisture and encourages mildew. Cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or moth-repellent products (ensure they don't contain harsh chemicals that might affect dye) discourage insect damage without chemical sprays. For pieces worn regularly, simply folding them and storing them in drawers away from direct sunlight maintains their condition well. Check stored items occasionally; early detection of moth activity prevents extensive damage. If you notice tiny holes or webbing, freeze affected items for 72 hours to kill larvae, then clean thoroughly before returning to storage. Prevention works infinitely better than addressing established infestations, so invest time in proper storage initially rather than dealing with damage later.

Final Thoughts

These pieces aren't attempting to revolutionise your wardrobe. They're aiming to function quietly in the background, improving how everything else works together. Navy achieves that particularly well, deep enough to feel purposeful, neutral enough to remain useful across seasons and situations. That explains why it keeps appearing in thoughtfully edited wardrobes that have already discarded anything that doesn't justify its presence.