Which Cardigan Length Is Right for You? A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fit.
- Carolina Hough
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
At Mad About Merino, we know that a cardigan isn’t just about warmth — it’s about silhouette, proportion, and style. With our four beautiful merino wool cardigans in three different lengths (hip-length, tunic-length, and full-length “coatigan” style), there’s something in the range to suit every height, shape, and wardrobe need. Here’s how to pick the right length for you — plus ideas to style each one beautifully.
Our Cardigan Lengths at a Glance
Length | Which Styles | What It Hits | Best For / Why |
Short / Hip Length | Jesse Cardigan | Hips | Great for shorter or average-height women. Gives a polished, finishing touch over pants or skirts. Ideal when you want your outfit’s proportions balanced without overwhelming your frame. |
Tunic / Longline (Mid-Thigh) | Chloe, Boyfriend Cardigans | Below the seat / upper mid-thigh | A casual wardrobe essential. Excellent over jeans, khakis, or skirts. Can dress up or down. Works well for many heights — if you’re shorter, they double as a longer cardigan over a dress; tall women can enjoy full coverage. |
Full Length / Coatigan / Duster | Our Coatigan (full length) | Around calf to knee (or below depending on height) | Statement layer. Not a heavy winter coat, but a “long duster”-style over-cardigan made for layering. Adds elegance. Great when you want a dramatic silhouette or need more coverage. |
How to Choose the Length That Flatters You
Here are style tips (pulled from what fashion editors are saying + what we see work well with our merino range):
Balance is everything. If the bottom half of your outfit is loose (wide pants, full skirt), you may want a shorter cardigan to avoid looking overwhelmed. Conversely, with slim bottoms (skinny jeans, straight pants), a longer cardigan can look very elegant.
Consider your height. Shorter women often find that too-long cardigans can “swallow” their frame; hip-length or tunic-length styles tend to elongate better. Tall women can pull off full lengths beautifully.
Proportion matters. If you go longer, aim for fitted or more structured pieces underneath so things don’t look shapeless. If shorter, you might play more with volume in pants or skirts underneath.
Fabric & flow. A lightweight knit (like mid-weight superfine merino) drapes well, so even longer pieces look elegant, not bulky. Flowing cardigans with soft fabrics create graceful movement.
How to Style Each Length
Jesse Cardigan (Short / Hip-length): Pair it with a fitted top or blouse, high-waisted pants or skirt. Belt it for a more defined waist. Perfect for a polished look—office, dinner out—and works beautifully layered over a dress.
Chloe / Boyfriend (Tunic-length / Longline): These are great for everyday casual: jeans + tee + boots or sneakers. For city style, wear with slim pants and ankle boots. To dress up, layer over a skirt or a summer dress with heels. Darker colors here work well for office essentials.
Full Length Coatigan / Duster: For spring/fall or milder winters, layer this over lighter tops, dresses, or even over jeans + merino top. Adds drama. For a refined work look, wear over a dress or a skirt-pant set. For off-duty / travel, let it be the topper over casual jeans + top, maybe with a warm travel wrap.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cardigan length is less about rigid rules and more about what makes you feel comfortable, stylish, and confident. With our four merino cardigan styles, you can mix and match lengths, colors, and layering pieces to build a wardrobe that transitions beautifully from casual to elevated, from spring through fall, and from everyday errands to special occasions.
Explore our full cardigan collection [link to collection] and find your perfect length — and let our merino do the heavy lifting of style (lightweight, layer-friendly, and always elegant).
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