Boho Cardigans

How to Style a Boho Cardigan

The easiest thing about a boho cardigan is that it does the work for you. Throw one over a plain outfit and the whole look shifts — softer, warmer, a little more considered. Here are the combinations we come back to again and again.

Over a maxi dress. The classic for a reason. A long, open-front bohemian cardigan follows the line of the dress instead of cutting you in half, so you keep the height. Try one of our boho dresses underneath and leave the cardigan open.

Over jeans and a simple top. This is where a black boho cardigan earns its keep. Plain denim, plain tee, then something textured on top — crochet, fringe, a granny-square pattern — and the outfit suddenly looks intentional.

Belted at the waist. If a long cardigan feels shapeless on you, add a belt over it. It turns the same piece into something closer to a wrap coat and gives you a defined waist without changing anything else.

With a skirt and boots. A cropped or tie-front cardigan sits beautifully with a high waist. Pair one with our boho skirts and ankle boots for autumn.

Layered over a blouse. For cooler days, a lightweight knit over one of our boho blouses gives you two textures at once — and you can take the cardigan off indoors without the outfit falling apart.

Crochet vs Knit: Which Boho Cardigan Is Right for You

Almost every bohemian cardigan falls into one of two families, and they behave completely differently. Knowing which you want saves a lot of guessing.

Crochet is open, airy and full of texture. Because the stitches leave deliberate gaps, a boho crochet cardigan works far better in spring and summer than its weight suggests — it gives you a layer without heat. It is also the most decorative option: granny squares, floral motifs, scalloped edges. If you want the cardigan to be the thing people notice, choose crochet. Look at the Nomad Atelier Handmade Crochet Boho Cardigan or the Everyday Nomad Granny Square Crochet Boho Cardigan to see what we mean.

Knit is solid, dense and warm. A boho knit cardigan or boho cardigan sweater is what you reach for when the temperature actually drops. It drapes more heavily, holds a straighter line, and layers under a coat without bunching. The Sweet French Elegant Bow Knitted Cardigan is a good example of a knit that still reads as soft rather than bulky.

Still deciding? A simple rule: crochet for looking, knit for warmth. If you want both, the Bohemian Patchwork Dream Handcrafted Crochet Cardigan sits between the two — crochet texture, but dense enough to keep the chill off.

Batwing, Fringe and Open-Front: Finding Your Shape

Cut matters more than colour with cardigans, because it decides how the piece hangs on you.

Batwing. A deep, dramatic sleeve that falls in a wide curve from elbow to waist. A batwing cardigan is forgiving across the shoulders and arms, and it creates movement every time you lift your hands. Our Cozy Boho Chic Batwing Cardigan is the one to start with.

Open front. No buttons, no closure — it simply hangs. This is the most versatile shape in the collection because it never pulls across the bust and it works over almost anything. See the Boho Rhapsody Open-Front Bohemian Crochet Cardigan.

Fringe. A boho fringe cardigan adds length and sway without adding bulk. Fringe at the hem draws the eye downward, which is why it flatters almost everyone. The Cloak Sleeve Fringe Detail Poncho takes the idea further into cape territory.

Tie front. Gives you the option of a defined waist without committing to it. Tie it for shape, leave it loose for drape. The Festival Finesse Tie-Front Boho Cardigan does both.

Long. A boho long cardigan that reaches mid-calf or below is the most dramatic option and the most useful in transitional weather — it covers like a coat but breathes like a knit.

Boho Cardigans for Every Season

This is the piece that stays in rotation all year, which is why it is worth owning more than one.

Spring. Open-weave crochet over a slip dress or a tee. Enough for cool mornings, easy to tie around your waist by lunchtime.

Summer. Evenings by the water, air-conditioned restaurants, festival nights that turn cold at 10pm. A lightweight crochet cardigan packs down to nothing and saves you every time.

Autumn. The main event. Chunky knits, long lines, fringe and deep earth tones over boots and denim. If you buy one cardigan a year, buy it now.

Winter. Layer a dense knit under a coat, or use a long cardigan as an indoor layer when the heating never quite reaches. For heavier outer layers, see our boho jackets and coats.

Choosing Your Size

Cardigans are the most forgiving thing in your wardrobe, but a little thought helps.

Check the measurements, not the letter. Sizing varies between makers, especially on handmade crochet pieces. Every product page lists its own measurements — use those rather than assuming your usual size.

Decide how you want to wear it. If you plan to layer over dresses and thicker tops, size up. If you want it close to the body or belted, stay with your usual size.

Open-front styles are the safest bet. With no buttons to strain, fit is far less critical — which is why they are a good first purchase if you are unsure.

Handmade pieces vary slightly. Crochet is made by hand, so small differences between items are normal and are part of what makes each one individual.

If it is not right, send it back. Every order comes with free shipping and 30-day returns.

Boho Cardigan FAQs

What exactly makes a cardigan "boho"? Texture and looseness. Bohemian cardigans favour handmade-looking stitches, natural and earthy colours, relaxed shapes and details like fringe, tassels, crochet flowers or patchwork. A plain fitted cardigan is a cardigan; a boho one has something going on.

Can I wear a boho cardigan to work? Yes, if you choose the plainer end. A black or cream long knit over tailored trousers reads as smart. Save heavy fringe and bold patchwork for weekends.

What do I wear under an open-front cardigan? Anything simple. A fitted tee, a camisole, a slip dress. The cardigan is the texture, so the layer underneath should be plain.

Are crochet cardigans warm? Less warm than knit, by design — the gaps are the point. Choose crochet for spring, summer evenings and layering; choose knit when you need actual heat.

How do I wash a boho cardigan? Hand wash cool and dry flat, especially anything handmade or crocheted. Never hang a wet knit — the weight of the water stretches the shoulders permanently. Follow the care label on each item.

Do you have plus sizes? Size availability is listed on each product page. Open-front and batwing styles tend to offer the most generous fit.

What else goes with these? Finish the look with our boho earrings and boho bags. Planning something bigger? Our boho wedding dresses are worth a look.

New pieces land regularly — see new arrivals or browse what everyone else is buying in bestsellers.