Hold the Crew-Neck Cardigans—In 2026, Women With Good Taste Are Wearing This Chic Style Instead
The subtle design detail quietly transforming cardigans into 2026’s most polished knitwear staple.
Every time a new season rolls around, I’m struck by how the most familiar pieces in our wardrobes are quietly reworked to feel fresh again. A subtle tweak here, a new proportion there. Suddenly the staples we rely on most feel relevant for another year. Few items demonstrate this better than the cardigan, which seems to undergo a thoughtful reinvention season after season.
Last year, it was all about the waist-defining cinch. A simple adjustment that transformed the cardigan from a cosy layering piece into something you could legitimately wear with tailored trousers and heels for dinner. This year, however, it’s the funnel neck that’s giving the cardigan its modern update. What began with funnel-neck jackets gradually filtered into coats, then jumpers, and now cardigans, emerging as one of the defining details of 2026.
Mariana wearing the Zara funnel-neck cardigan.
The appeal lies in both form and function. A higher, structured neckline instantly lends a sleek, Scandi-leaning edge, sharpening the silhouette and making even the simplest outfit feel sophisticated. It’s also quietly practical: the raised neck offers warmth without the need for a scarf, streamlining winter dressing in a way that feels very now.
If the mark of a true trend is sell-out power, funnel-neck cardigans have more than proved their case. Look to Massimo Dutti for a prime example. The brand’s elevated off-white funnel-neck style disappeared almost immediately, only to resurface on resale platforms such as eBay at double the original price. Months later, the knit returned in a rich cognac shade, and sold out again within a day.
The good news? You don’t need to hunt the resale market to buy into the look. Right now, the high street is awash with chic funnel-neck cardigans that deliver the same polished effect, from Zara to H&M. Below, I’ve rounded up the best styles to shop now; the kind you’ll reach for on repeat, long after the novelty wears off.
Shop The Best Funnel-Neck Cardigans
A classic cable-knit updated with a neat, modern fit. This style strikes the balance between cosy and polished, making it ideal for elevating everyday denim or layering over tailored trousers when you want something timeless but still relevant.
Crafted from merino wool, this COS cardigan has a clean, structured neckline that instantly sharpens the silhouette while remaining soft and wearable. A true wardrobe workhorse.
Easy to throw on yet undeniably chic, this zip cardigan works beautifully with straight-leg jeans or layered over a simple dress.
Part cardigan, part jacket, Marks & Spencer's bouclé style feels especially current. The funnel neck and bomber silhouette add structure, while the textured fabric keeps it cosy.
A minimalist, trend-forward cardigan that leans into the clean Scandi aesthetic. The raised neckline elevates even the simplest outfit, making this an easy way to refresh your knitwear rotation.
This chic zip-through style sits somewhere between knitwear and outerwear.
Ideal for layering now and wearing solo later, this high-neck cardigan from H&M is a versatile option for everyday wear.
Massimo's best-selling design is now available in navy; it feels clean, elevated and beautifully understated.
Ultra-soft and effortlessly luxurious, this brushed cashmere cardigan has a relaxed feel that still looks elevated. Perfect for layering over simple separates for understated elegance.
A more fashion-forward take on the funnel-neck cardigan. The layered effect adds depth and interest, while the merino wool keeps it feeling luxe and wearable.
A relaxed, contemporary cardigan with ribbed cuffs and a softly structured shape. It’s an easy everyday piece that still feels polished, especially styled with straight-leg jeans.
This is the definition of an investment knit. Crafted from cashmere, this style can be worn buttoned up as a turtleneck or open as a cardigan, making it a refined addition to a capsule wardrobe.
A classic, easy-wear cardigan with a flattering shape and timeless appeal.
