Grandpa Cardigans Are Fall’s Coziest Cool-Girl Knitwear Trend

Lucky BrandNothing compliments falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes quite like a cozy sweater. And while cardigans often take a backseat when it comes to knitwear, the grandpa cardigan trend is reimagining the seasonal staple with a vintage charm that "cool" girls are gravitating towards this fall. Best Fair Isle Print: Lucky Brand Shawl Collar Fair Isle CardiganBest Cable Knit Pick: Daisy Street Cable Knit CardiganGen Z-Loved: Aelfric Eden Cardigan SweaterSomewhere between cozy academia and vintage revival, a grandpa cardigan makes the ideal layering piece during the fall and winter months. It aligns with the Poetcore aesthetic that Pinterest predicted would emerge in 2026. From chunky fishermen cable knits to Fair Isle patterns, oversized silhouettes and v-necklines, grandpa cardigans come in every fit, style, color, and pattern imaginable, making them a versatile piece that you can wear with everything from cigarette jeans and loafers to plaid skirts and knee-high boots. Rather than raid your grandfather's closet, shop these styles from Aelfric Eden, GAP, L.L. Bean, and Quince instead.Cicy Bell Women Plaid Color Block CardiganAn argyle pattern gives any outfit an instantly academic feel. This color block option has a relaxed fit that makes it a comfortable choice, whether you're studying or watching a football game.Quince 100% Organic Cotton Oversized Cable CardiganMade from 100% cotton, this features a coastal fishermen-inspired cable knit texture and mid-weight design that's warm without being too bulky. GAP CashSoft Oversized Cardigan SweaterThis longer length pick is great for those looking for extra coverage and is designed from GAP's ultra-soft cashmere blend fabric.Aelfric Eden Cardigan SweaterInspired by your artsy grandpa, this funky find from Gen Z-loved brand Aelfric Eden has a fuzzy feel and distressed trims that gives it a truly vintage flair.L.L. Bean Signature Cotton Fisherman SweaterWith its open-stitch Fair Isle pattern and cozy mock neck collar, this L.L. Bean fishermen cardigan truly looks like it could have been passed down from your grandfather.AE Button Up Mock Neck Cardigan SweaterLooking for something a bit more modern? This sweater combines a slightly cropped silhouette with a trendy funnel neck design.Lucky Brand Shawl Collar Fair Isle CardiganIf you're looking for an authentic Fair Isle cardigan, this one from Lucky Brand. Complete with pockets, a statement shawl collar makes it an extra cozy pick.Daisy Street Cable Knit CardiganWith exposed seams and cable knit accents, this crisp cream cardigan features toggle clasps that give it an extra seasonal feel.UO Hudson Fuzzy CardiganA fuzzy wool blend and dropped shoulders give this boxy fit cardigan a contemporary feel. It also comes in colorful striped options if you're feeling bold.PRETTYGARDEN Winter Oversized CardiganYou can't go wrong with this oversized cardigan, not just because it goes with everything but also because it's super affordable. Cuffed sleeves for a polished yet lived-in look.Yes, sneaker mules are a thing—here’s how to actually wear them.How We ChooseThe E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.