SÉZANE GASPARD CARDIGAN REVIEW

After many requests for an honest review on the cult favourite Gaspard Cardigan (aka vest or jumper) from Paris-based brand Sézane, I’ve finally collected all my thoughts for you!

Let’s get right into it and take a look at:

The Quick Facts (price, colours, sizes, composition etc.)
Why I Like It (ie: the design details that matter)
How it can be worn (+ a few ways I’ve styled it)

Allons-y mes amis!

THE QUICK FACTS

PRICE: 95 € / $120 USD / $150 CAD / Customs fees & duties may apply depending where you live.

SIZING: XXS – 3XL

FIT: Fit is true to size and I wear my usual size Small in this piece. It’s not fitted but not oversize either, which makes it easy to layer over a fitted tee and under a blazer or jacket.

COLOURS: There are 15 colour options! See them all below.

ECRU (this is the colour I have)
BLACK
GRAY MARL
CAMEL
NAVY
CAPUCINE
PURPLE
PEONY
PEACH
SAGE
VINTAGE BLUE
FUSCIA
BRIGHT BLUE
RED
NUDE

MADE IN: Italy | Learn more about where Sèzane garments are produced here.

FABRIC COMPOSITION: 37% super kid mohair / 37% alpaca / 26% polyamide

HAND FEEL: This knit is incredibly soft. I’d say it feels even softer on the skin than cashmere or baby alpaca. For me it’s no issue to wear it directly over a bra, although I typically layer over a fitted t-shirt.

WARMTH: This knit is surprisingly cozy for how light it feels, which alpaca wool is known for. In the cold months I find that the Gaspard worn over a fitted long sleeve is plenty warm enough to wear around our chilly house. Then, in the spring and summer it’s perfect over a sleeveless top or slip dress when you need something for an air conditioned space or a breezy evening.

OPACITY: I’m wearing the Ecru (similar to an ivory) and it’s slightly sheer. I’d happily wear it with just a nude bra underneath, however, I purposely wore a white t-shirt under for these photos so you can see what it looks like on top. Scroll down to see more. I expect that the other colours are more opaque.

CARE: Hand wash in cold water (I use a small amount of this wool conditioner), dry flat to maintain shape.

WHY I LIKE IT
{ The design details that matter }

MOTHER-OF-PEARL BUTTONS

These buttons are a big part of why this knit has such a timeless French look. Dainty pearl buttons (which I’ve found to be very securely sewn) also give the piece a vintage feel.

FINELY KNIT IN A SUPREMELY SOFT BLEND OF SUPER KID MOHAIR, BABY ALPACA AND POLYAMIDE

Here’s a closer look at the texture of the knit, which is quite fine. I have not found that it’s prone to pilling or pulling.

It also maintains it’s shape well thanks to the polyamide.

TAGLESS NECKLINE

This is key for it’s versatility, no tag means no front or back!

CLEAN, MINIMALLY FINISHED CUFFS & HEM

Another element of design restraint can be seen in the cuffs and hem. The sleeves and bottom have simple, clean lines making them easy to tuck and style.

RIBBON BACKED BUTTON SEAM

In my experience, Sèzane pieces are thoughtfully designed and have lovely finishing details. This ribbon backing is an example of an extra step taken to make this knit special.