As the years go by, I find it harder and harder to not pick a fault with a garment. Most of this is personal taste and ethical choices, but the amount of high-quality clothing I am exposed to being the editor for Heddels makes the competition stiff. Something that has me struggling to find fault is the new Shaker Knit Cardigan by American Trench.
First off, it’s knit by a family-run factory in Upstate New York. Secondly, it’s knit in a charming shaker rib style (also known as half-fisherman rib) from a 50% recycled cotton 50% polyester blend, which ticks the box for those aforementioned ethical choices.
Last, but most definitely not least – it looks damn good. Not too sloppy like some of the Cobain-centric mohair renditions that seem to be flooding the market, but not too slim, so it won’t be hugging your arms and chest if you layer it up. And you definitely should layer it up, ‘cos, well, it’s a cardigan. Team it with a button-down and some jewelry for a classic-but-contemporary look, or wear it oversized in a more grungey/skate-inspired ensemble with some wide fatigues and vulcanized sneakers. There’s two style ideas that I’m not charging you for.
Color-wise, the Shaker Knit cardigan comes in 4 absolute classics — red, navy, natural, and kelly green — all of which come fitted with classy brown buttons. Looking at AT’s measures, this thing fits nice and true, and goes up to XXL, too. Fault-radar still eerily silent.
Available for a solid price of $155 from American Trench
