[1] Commonly cardigans are open fronted, have buttons, and are often knitted or woven: garments that are tied are instead considered a robe.

[citation needed] By contrast, a pullover (or sweater) does not open in front but must be "pulled over" the head to be worn.

[5][6] The term originally referred only to a knitted sleeveless vest, but expanded to other types of garment over time.

Coco Chanel is credited with popularizing cardigans for women because "she hated how tight-necked men's sweaters messed up her hair when she pulled them over her head.

Varsity letters for college and high school sports teams have been applied to cardigans and letterman jackets.