Cable Stitch Cardigan

I had to write this review, to rebut a poor review of this sweater. This is a 100% cotton sweater. It is exactly as warm as a cotton sweater should be. I live in the Washington DC area, and find this sweater perfect for most of the year. I know this because I've purchased several of them in various colors, over the past couple of years. I love them and wear them frequently. They look great on their own or layered over a tank or shirt. They go with everything from jeans to a maxi dress. In the summer they provide elegant cover, but breathe, so they keep you cool. In the fall and winter they wear beautifully under a down jacket or peacoat. The style is a classic. It will never go out of style. And the construction is as it should be for this quality of sweater. Don't let one bad review stay you if you like the look of this. It will be the Ralph Lauren quality you've grown to love. FYI, for fit, I'm a 36B but have wide shoulders, and a Large fits me perfectly. In addition, this sweater is meant to hit below the waist, but may not long enough to cover your derrière. It doesn't cover mine, and I'm all of 5'4" and short waisted. It hits a couple of inches below my waist and it flatters the waist, giving you that hourglass look in an understated way. As to the Gem Blue color, it is really lovely. I don't have this particular color in my collection. It is a dusty version of a sapphire blue. So not a bright cobalt. Nor is it a denim color. In fact, I will be more inclined to wear this with black jeans rather than blue. This comes in other colors as well. I have both the white and the navy, which are still available elsewhere. Hope this review was helpful. And, if you buy this sweater, I hope you love it.

I have multiples of this sweater. And I love it. What I don't love is the hefty price increase. Full price for this sweater last year was $148. Year before was $128. At $198 this is a cash grab and it really ticks me off. If they had improved this sweater by adding elastane, so the shape would snap back after washing, they could excuse the price rise because of a new fabric characteristic. But it's the identical sweater. So shame on you Ralph Lauren. Also, because it is only cotton with viscose trim, this will stretch out if you wash it. So life for this sweater fails the number-of-wears test that would have made it a good investment. I'll probably get mine dry cleaned. Which, for a cotton sweater is a crying shame. If you've been patient with my rant, I'll tell you what I love about the garment. It just looks great. And, because of the shorter length, it wears well with jeans, trousers, skirts, you name it. Also, this length is extremely flattering. I'm 5'5" and short waisted, and this hits below the waist at the top of my hipbone. So de-emphasizes my tummy, indents my waist, and has a tailored look that looks fresh all day. Also, it is year round wear for many areas. In winter, it can go under a peacoat, down jacket, or whatever you choose, and it's perfect. In Spring, Summer and Fall, it is a great casual substitute for a blazer. Conversely, you can throw it over a maxi dress or a bikini in summer and be wrinkle free in the heat. Plus, being cotton, it breathes. So I love the sweater. Just not the extraordinary price hikes that I'm seeing across the board in this brand. FYI, I got the Gem Blue. Does not match the Sapphire Blue from the Lauren line. It's dustier than cobalt and has a slight teal tinge to it. Very pretty, but matches none of the other blues I have from this brand. And I have a lot. As for fit, I'd say true to size. I have broad shoulders, even though I'm a 36B, and a Large fits me perfectly. Hope that helps you decide.