Shawl Collar Cardigan & Raglan Sleeve

It’s always interesting to learn about another garments’ cut & style that has come about directly from practical application (or popularity) for military purposes, & a little vanity but directly with its’ true heritage in military history.

Incidentally both came about from two Lords, Lord Raglan who fought at Waterloo & the Crimean War, & Lord Brundenell later to become the Earl Of Cardigan!

Lets start with the Cardigan..

Modelled on the knitted wool vest or waistcoat worn by British officers during the Crimean war, worn as an extra layer in the cold of Crimea. The legend is that Brudenell invented the cardigan after noticing that the tails of his coat had accidentally been burnt whilst warming himself in front of the hearth. It is down his infamy, having led the doomed Charge of the Light Brigade, & survived the led to the rise of the garment's popularity with the public back in England.

The vanity version is that he wanted a jumper that wouldn't muss his hair so invented the cardigan, however this is a mix-up with CoCo Chanel as she wanted to wear a tighter jumper that didn’t need to be pulled over the head thus messing a ladies coiffered hairstyle.

Raglan Sleeve, as seen in the photograph below, this is where the sleeve joins directly with the neck rather than the shoulder, then neck.

Named after Lord Raglan who wore a military dress coat in battle, designed for him by Aquascutum with the raglan sleeve after he lost his arm in the Battle of Waterloo. This allowed more movement with his remaining arm to use his sword in battle.

So a combination of the two Lords / Earl has led to the Shawl Collared Raglan Sleeved Cardigan, ideal for battle & keeping your hair in place 😉