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If you are looking for an easy and affordable way to upgrade any outfit in your wardrobe from simple jeans and a t-shirt to a floral maxi dress, one of these draped open front cardigan vests is a great option.
These vests are a great way to “finish” an outfit or will get you out of a style rut if you tend to wear the same thing over and over again.
We have found some great draped open front cardigan vests in 2024 options below that come in a variety of styles, colors, and lengths to make them fun and easy to pair with your current wardrobe. Included are a couple of maxi-length vest options that make for a flattering and lengthening silhouette while providing extra coverage and some midi drapey pieces that are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
The Top Draped Open Front Cardigan Vest Compared
Urban CoCo Draped Open Front Cardigan Vest — Best Overall
A great way to add a pop of color to a not-so-colorful outfit is with this cardigan vest. Great for year-round wear, this vest is made from a soft, lightweight, and stretchy material that will add minimal bulk but still allow for layering either under or over. A draped asymmetric hem gives this vest some texture and helps it hang well for an elegant, flowing finish. This top can be easily paired with jeans, pants, or leggings and it can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Pros
- Easily layer over a long sleeve, short sleeve, or tank top depending on the weather
Cons
- If you are more on the petite side, this cardigan may be slightly long
Beyove Long Sleeveless Vest — Runner Up
This long cardigan vest is another great option for when you need to take your outfit up a notch. Made from a similar soft and stretchy material as the one above, this vest is also roomy with a shawl waterfall collar, open front with draping, and ends mid-thigh. With almost endless color options, you can get a vest to match any outfit in your wardrobe and can rest assured knowing you can fast and easily throw this on when the need arises.
Pros
- These vests are available in a generous size range
Cons
- Hand washing is advised
URRU Open Front Cardigan Vest — Honorable Mention
For a more elongating effect, this maxi cardigan and sweater vest is a versatile option. This cardigan is soft and comfortable with an asymmetrical hem, draped body, and a waist belt that can be tied in the front or back for a number of casual styling options. Pair this with any of your basic tops, tees, tanks, and jeans, and easily dress it up or down with the simple change-up of shoes and addition of accessories.
Pros
- The material on this cardigan will not easily wrinkle
Cons
- Depending on your frame, the cardigan may need to be hemmed
Yanekop Open Front Cardigan Vest — Contender
For an option that can keep you warm when the weather warrants, this sleeveless paid vest cardigan is an easy-to-wear option. Made from a cotton, polyester, and wool mix, this is a thicker vest than our other options but still has some stretch for comfort and is soft and breathable. This vest has a draped open front, two front pockets on each side, and is finished with a stylish brown faux leather trim that makes it easy to dress up and its plaid print keeps it casually cool.
Pros
- This top comes in assorted plaid color options
Cons
- Hand wash only
Exchic Sleeveless Cardigan Vest — Also Consider
Suitable for any occasion from post-workout to a fun dinner date, this draped sleeveless vest will keep you comfortable and is easily styled. Made from a breathable, soft, stretchy, and smooth fabric, this vest comes in a variety of neutral color options and it has a loose, drapey fit that is shorter and fits closer to the body than our other options.
Pros
- This vest is hand and machine washable
Cons
- If you prefer a long vest, another option might be better
Isaac Liev maOpen Front Cardigan Vest — Editor's Pick
Another great maxi option is this long open front cardigan vest that is made from the softest and lightest rayon and spandex blend. It features high slits on each side that provide maximum flexibility and movement and a long, maxi fit provides extra coverage while giving your figure a flattering line. Pull almost any look together with the addition of this cardigan from a pair of jeans and a tee to your favorite leggings, sweatshirt, and booties.
Pros
- The double stitching on the bottom hem and armholes give this cardigan some durability
Cons
- The length of the cardigan will depend on your height
Unidear Plaid Vest Cardigan — Another Option
If you need an extra layering piece for when the weather starts to cool, this classic, plaid-patterned sleeveless vest is a great option. Made from a warmer, thicker polyester and wool fabric, this vest can also double as a light jacket when the need arises and easily pairs with your favorite jeans, pants, skirts, and leggings. It also features a draped open front, double lapel design, and chic leather trim.
Pros
- This vest is machine washable
Cons
- This vest has no lining
Buying Guide: Draped Open Front Cardigan Vests
We may have recommended some of the top cardigan vests so far, but you may have some additional questions on the things you should keep in mind when choosing any vest. These cardigan vests may be simple and stylish, but there are many factors you may want to consider before making your purchase.
Within this section of the article, we’ll cover some useful information about cardigan vests, helping you understand what they are and what separates them from other types of cardigans. We’ll also look at the price range and frequently asked questions.
Are you interested to find out more? Keep on reading!
What Are the Benefits of a Cardigan Vest?
Open-front cardigan vests offer numerous benefits. These include:
Transform your outfit
One of the biggest benefits of a cardigan vest is that they dress up any outfit and make it more appropriate for a daytime event. They keep your style casual but also make you look more fashionable than you would if you just wore a t-shirt.
Add an extra layer
Sure, an open-front cardigan is not going to provide too much warmth, but if you are looking to layer up when there’s a breeze on a summer’s day, open-front cardigans are a great option without getting too sweaty.
Open-front cardigans look great
As well as being an extra layer and dressing up your outfit, they also look fabulous in their own right. Versatile and comfortable, you can’t go wrong with a quality cardigan vest.
What Are the Main Characteristics of an Open-Front Cardigan?
There are a few key characteristics that make your open-front cardigan unique. Some cardigans may deviate away from this set of characteristics, but many cardigan vests will stick to most of these features. These include:
No lapels
Lapels belong on more formal jackets. The beauty of cardigan vests is that they are casual and stylish. Therefore, you are unlikely to find lapels on a cardigan vest.
No chest pockets
Like lapels, chest pockets are usually found on jackets and coats. Cardigans are much lighter and casual, so they are unlikely to have any chest pockets.
Sometimes have two side pockets
In some instances, cardigan vests can have side pockets, perfect for holding your keys, phone, wallet, etc. You may want to make sure those pockets have zips if you’re keeping valuables in there.
No sleeves
Again, if a cardigan vest has sleeves, it simply becomes a cardigan.
Available in different types of knits (textured, plain, cable, heavy, or lightweight)
Depending on your style preference, you can find cardigan vests that utilize various knits. Textured or heavy knits are better for colder weather, while lightweight knits are great for summer.
What Is the Difference Between an Open-Front Cardigan and Other Cardigans?
As you may expect, the main difference between an open-front cardigan and other types of cardigans is that it does not have any closure. As such, there are no zippers or buttons on an open-front cardigan. These cardigans are better suited to warmer days when you want to dress up an outfit but still keep cool.
Why Should You Buy Open-Front Cardigan Vests Online?
Some people think purchasing any clothing item online is a risk. In fairness, it can be difficult to determine an item’s size and whether it will suit you, without trying it on first. However, many benefits come with buying your cardigan vest online.
Firstly, you have a wider selection of cardigan vests online than you would in the shop. They are quite niche compared to regular cardigans. However, you can find thousands of cardigan vests with a simple Google search.
You’ll also have plenty of customer reviews and product descriptions to accurately gauge the vest’s fit and sizing. If you are worried about whether the vest will fit correctly (or if it is of good quality), you’ll find answers in the customer review section.
Finally, when you order online, the item will be delivered directly to your home. In some cases, you get next-day delivery, so you’ll receive your new open-front cardigan in no time at all.
Open-Front Cardigan Vest Price Range
Luckily, open-front cardigan vests are usually budget-friendly. We found some open-front cardigan vests for less than $20 (some of which are in our recommendations above). However, if you are looking for vests made by top designers, you can easily spend over $100.
