Oversized grandpa cardigans have emerged as fall 2026's dominant knitwear trend across fashion retailers, according to reporting published by E! Insider Shop on September 2.
The vintage-inspired trend features thick, relaxed knits designed for cozy seasonal layering. The style aligns with the Poetcore aesthetic previously predicted for 2026 by visual discovery platform Pinterest.
According to fashion reporter Alexa Vazquez, the trend updates traditional sweater staples with vintage charm, featuring chunky fishermen cable knits, Fair Isle patterns, argyle designs, oversized silhouettes, and classic v-necklines. Fashion buyers are styling the versatile garments alongside cigarette jeans, loafers, plaid skirts, and knee-high boots.
The cardigan garment takes its name from James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, a British military commander during the Crimean War in the 1850s. The modern grandpa cardigan variant draws on slouchy, mid-20th-century menswear aesthetics, positioning itself between cozy academic attire and vintage clothing revivals.
Fair Isle knits and heritage outerwear brands
Several major apparel brands have introduced specialized Fair Isle designs for the season. Lucky Brand has released a Shawl Collar Fair Isle Cardigan featuring a statement collar and front pockets for $149.
Heritage retailer L.L. Bean offers an open-stitch Fair Isle Signature Cotton Fisherman Sweater with a mock neck collar, discounted to $109.99 from its original $150 price tag.
Fair Isle knitting is a traditional multi-color technique originating from Fair Isle, a remote island in Scotland's Shetland archipelago. The technique utilizes two colors per row to create geometric horizontal bands across the fabric.
L.L. Bean was founded in Freeport, Maine, in 1912 by outdoorsman Leon Leonwood Bean, establishing a reputation for durable outerwear. Lucky Brand was established in Los Angeles in 1990, specializing in denim and bohemian-inspired knitwear.
Cable knit textures and organic cotton designs
Cable knits represent another core variation of the fall trend. Direct-to-consumer apparel company Quince has launched a 100 percent organic cotton oversized cable cardigan in a mid-weight coastal design for $72, reduced from $168.99.
British online retailer ASOS features a crisp cream cable knit cardigan by Daisy Street. The sweater includes exposed seams, cable accents, and toggle clasps, priced at $53.10 down from $59.
Cable knit techniques originated among fishing communities in Ireland's Aran Islands during the late 19th century. The raised rope patterns were designed to add bulk and warmth, protecting sailors against North Atlantic ocean winds.
Quince operates out of San Francisco, California, offering sustainably sourced garments direct from manufacturers. ASOS, founded in London in 2000, is a major global online fashion platform targeting young adults.
Academic argyle prints and classic retail labels
For shoppers seeking an academic aesthetic, Amazon seller Cicy Bell offers a plaid color block argyle cardigan in a relaxed fit for $35.99, reduced from $59.99. The design offers a comfortable fit suitable for studying or watching autumn football games.
Argyle patterns consist of diamond-shaped blocks overlaid with diagonal lines. The design traces back to the tartan of Clan Campbell in Argyll, Scotland, before becoming widespread in 1920s casual menswear.
San Francisco-founded retailer GAP has introduced a longer-length CashSoft Oversized Cardigan Sweater crafted from a soft cashmere blend for extra coverage, priced at $89.95. American Eagle Outfitters offers a modern alternative featuring a slightly cropped silhouette and a funnel neck collar for $38.97, reduced from $64.95.
GAP was established in 1969 by Donald and Doris Fisher and remains one of the largest specialty clothing chains in the United States. American Eagle Outfitters was founded in 1977 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Gen Z fashion trends and textured knits
Gen Z-popular fashion brand Aelfric Eden has released a fuzzy cardigan inspired by artsy vintage aesthetics, complete with distressed trims, available on Amazon for $62.95.
Urban Outfitters carries the UO Hudson Fuzzy Cardigan, crafted from a wool blend with dropped shoulders and a boxy fit, priced at $49.50 in colorful striped patterns. Amazon retailer PRETTYGARDEN offers an oversized cardigan featuring cuffed sleeves for $34.99.
Aelfric Eden gained popularity among younger shoppers through viral social media marketing. Urban Outfitters was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1970 as a retail destination for youth culture and vintage apparel.
Editorial selection methodology and product availability
Reporting from E! Insider Shop notes that product selections were compiled independently by editors and writers through research, expert interviews, customer review analysis, and personal testing.
All featured items are sold directly by third-party retailers rather than E! Insider Shop, with pricing and item availability verified as of the original publication date on September 2, 2026.
