Indulgent Shawl Cardigan back in stock, with new black
*NB: The black shawl actually has black-horn buttons, not light brown as in the sample shown.*
After a good few weeks' delay, I'm pleased to say that the Indulgent Shawl-Collar Cardigan is finally back in stock - in a new black iteration as well as navy and grey.
Quite a few went to the waiting list, as is probably to be expected at this stage; readers had been waiting a while. But there is still good stock in the central sizes across all colours.
It's also worth noting early, that I had misreported in the past what was available at Anderson & Sheppard.
This cardigan was designed with them, and originally they had some stock of the same style in their London shop. But that's no longer the case: the thick shawl cardigan they now have is knitted in Italy, rather than Scotland. It is not as dense, as long, or uses as much cashmere.
It's still lovely, but it's not the same as the Indulgent Shawl, whose raison d'etre was to be the most luxurious version possible of the menswear staple.
I hope the black goes down well. Certainly enough people have been asking for it, and I've loved mine since I received the sample.
We've talked several times this year about wearing black - here with cord trousers, here with a linen overshirt, here with a polo shirt in an all-black look. There's a piece coming on black tweed as well.
What I'm increasingly feeling is that it's easiest to wear black in more casual materials and styles - tweed not worsted, cord not flannel, a polo shirt rather than poplin. This might seem obvious or intuitive, but I tend to be a slow learner.
A black shawl cardigan falls nicely into that category, and is a match for all manner of muted, cold colours I love, as well as suiting things like dark jeans, pale beige chinos and green fatigues.
I've chosen to show the cardigan here in a slightly more (for me) unusual outfit, which illustrates the same point.
The shirt is a washed black denim from RRL. It is a lot easier to wear than a black shirt in a smarter material would be, given its texture. Though of course the fact black denim fades to grey helps too.
The shirt, by the way, is a great colour and a decent denim, but I do wish the RRL ones had bigger collars. It's low at the back and mean in its point. I can only recommend it if you like that style, or find it suits you more than it does me.
Returning to the Indulgent Shawl Collar Cardigan, for anyone that needs a reminder, it is made in 12-ply cashmere in Scotland - which means more cashmere knitted in there than most Italian versions.
It is soft, fluffy and big, and I usually wear a size small (I'm six foot tall, 39-inch chest). However I do also wear a medium, and just find that different, not wrong. A little more roomy and drapey.
In the images below, I’m wearing a medium in the navy, but a small in the grey (and a small above in the black).
The cardigan is a piece A&S used to sell in their Haberdashery shop, but discontinued. I had one, and loved it so much that I asked if we could bring it back together.
If anyone wants to read the full story behind the knit, it is on the original launch article here. There are also more images of the navy there, and of the grey on this article from last year, when we introduced that colour.
Finally, I'd like to finish with a testimonial, because they're always so nice. This is from Paul: "Just wanted to confirm that I...have a 48” chest measurement and the XL cardigan fits me very comfortably. I was a bit concerned about fit when ordering it, but it’s great. As Simon says, it’s very soft and roomy, and there is considerable give in the knit. I’ve been very glad of it today – cold and grey outdoors, not feeling too well, I threw my (cream) shawl cardigan on for the first time this winter and immediately felt warmer and happier, if not better – it’s so comfortable and slouchy that it’s like wearing a hug. Lovely and cosy to curl up in – truly indulgent!"
Other details:
- The cardigan is knitted in Scotland, from the finest 12-ply cashmere, also spun in Scotland
- Uses unpolished horn buttons (always my favourite)
- Has a button on the chest, and a hidden loop, in order to enable it to be buttoned up to the chin
- Doesn’t have the last button at the bottom of the placket many do. Because no one does that one up. It looks weird
- Has two hip pockets, but they come loosely sewn up, so you can keep them closed if (like me) you prefer them not to become baggy. But just snip out the thread if you do want to use them
- Can be worn open or closed, collar up or down, casually or formally
- As mentioned, Anderson & Sheppard sell several other shawl-collar cardigans, but not this one currently
- It is available in black, dark navy and flannel grey, priced £845 plus taxes. As ever, you’ll struggle to find better value in terms of the amount of work and cashmere in there
Measurements
| Extra Small | Small | Medium | Large | Extra large | |
| Chest | 51cm | 53 | 55 | 57 | 61 |
| Length | 63 | 65 | 69 | 70 | 71 |
| Sleeve | 76 | 78 | 79 | 83 | 85 |
(Chest is pit to pit; length is centre back neck to hem; sleeve is centre back neck to end of cuff. Do bear in mind that sizes might seem a little large as well, given the thickness of the material.)
Aside from the cardigan and the RRL shirt, the other clothes shown are brown Rubato chinos, a black Rubato alligator belt, black Belgravia loafers from Edward Green, and a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso watch on an ostrich strap.
Photography: Milad Abedi, except for grey shawl cardigan, Jamie Ferguson
Hello Simon!
Lovely cardigan.
I am currently contemplating which colour to get:
I do have a cream SCC from Colhays which is absolutely lovely.
No I am looking for a darker colour to complement it. I am indecisive between Navy and Black. Which would you recommend?
I usually wear a lot of Denim in different shades, pale/cold beige Chinos and the occasional Flannels. On top a lot of Grey, Navy and Beige Sweaters, White and Striped Oxford shirts and white Tshirts.
Would be really thankful for your advise!
I think either navy or black could work well with those outfits, Johannes. I’d say get whichever you’d be more excited about, and if still in doubt then go for navy and more versatile option
Simon,
I tried on the cardigan 2.5 weeks ago at A&S. I attest it fits a little large—I have large in your other knitwear offerings but ordered medium this weekend. What I did not appreciate, however, is how thick it is. Like a super duper sponge. I can’t wait to receive and wear mine. Best of luck with this!
Amazing, thanks Fred
I had exactly the same thought when I tried it on at the pop-up. It made me truly appreciate just exactly how luxurious and indulgent it truly is.
Simon do you have a link of the shirt ? It looks indeed very nice.
Sure, it’s this one
You don’t find leather braided buttons to be smarter? The horn buttons are a little contemporary for my taste.
No, I find the horn ones to be smarter myself – subtler, less chunky – and leather braided ones a little too old-fashioned
Ah – I see. What, though, is wrong with old-fashioned?
It’s a good question, perhaps worth exploring in a bigger post some time. It touches on ideas of how much we dress for ourselves and for society as a whole, for how cultures evolve over time and which we identify with
I agree the (brown) leather braided buttons can maybe look a little dated, especially for this black model, which is arguably the “cool” version of such a cardigan. Then again, these large and relatively light-coloured horn buttons don’t look particularly cool either. Is it just this specific sample? Why not use black or dark grey horn?
Thank you very much for highlighting that Felix, those are actually just the buttons we had on the sample. The real one has a black horn. I’ll add a note about that immediately
Ah yes, I assume that will look much smarter. Looks like a really nice cardigan!
I have a navy standard version from Lockie, my only problem is that when you have the slightest problem with dandruff. the thick shawl collar with those wide ribs becomes a nightmare, and I guess even more so in black (but that’s obvsl a problem of the wearer, not the garment).
Felix/Simon, How would you say this version compares to the standard Lockie Cashmere Shawl?
See above Casey, in reference to Drake’s and Colhay’s, both of which are more similar to the Lockie
Regarding the RRL shirt, and your desire for a longer collar, I’d recommend looking into Fayad & Co, which has made bespoke Western shirts cut from Thomas Mason chambray a sort of specialty. While Miami based, they travel to New York frequently and also fit virtually.
Thanks Eric. I’ve tried having western shirts bespoke in the past, and the issue has usually been the materials available for bespoke, and the lack of industrial washing. Thomas Mason denims I find are too fine to make good westerns – Canclini has better, but even their Japanese ones are usually too fine.
And then if you want the washed look of a normal western or work shirt, most makers don’t have the capacity to do this at it requires industrial washing facilities. Buttons and snaps also tend to be better from RTW brands like RRL or the various Japanese repro brands.
Simon, are the length measurements as shown in the size chart correct? The size small looks rather long on you to be just ~25.5 inches. Maybe it’s just a product of the way the cardigan hands down to its full length, whereas most sweaters will cinch more at the waist and thus not go so far down.
I think so, but let me double check on mine when I get home
I checked mine at home, and it measures 26, so a bit longer than that but not much
Thanks for double-checking. It’s interesting — I’m surprised it’s not longer given the jacket-like fit, but that’s why we have measurements, right?
I imagine if measured down the back whilst worn it would be a good few inches longer than the measurements taken whilst laid flat on a surface. The weight, the loose weave and the lack of cinch at the bottom will allow gravity to do its thing
I think you’re right Sean, though worth noting it’s not a big difference and doesn’t increase over time – when knitting something like this the makers are very aware of risks like that, which is why this is knitted a bit more openly and so not so heavy
Hi Simon, I wear a size L in rubato knits. Since the indulgent shawl cardigan fits large, do you think I should order a size M? Thanks.
Probably, yes, though do you have another shawl cardigan to compare the measurements too? In the chest and sleeve length in particular
Looks like sleeve and length are inverted on the above table and on the shop site too.
Do you mean because the sleeve length is longer than the body length? That’s because the sleeve length is taken from the back neck, as there’s no shoulder seam to measure from – see the diagram on the shop site
Yeah, I hadn’t looked at the diagram explaining how the cardigan is measured. My bad.
No worries
Hi Simon,
V nice shawl. What do you think of Colhay’s version?
Best,
Andrew
It’s fantastic – the classic shawl, much like Drake’s made popular and the one most people should probably start with. The point of the Indulgent Shawl was to bring back a particular, really luxurious version, but there are many out there and the Colhay’s model is the classic
Hello Simon, on the RL shirt it says “Due to the natural characteristics of this material, the colouring may rub off onto fabrics and upholstery.”
How have you found this shirt or any other in regards to rubbing on to other things. I’m rather put off by the idea unless the effect washes out after a couple of washes.
Also, which factory made the lovely cardigan? I’m guessing William Lockie or Johnston’s of Elgin
I haven’t found it to bleed like that at all, but most effects like that do go after the first wash or two.
It’s a Scottish mill, yes, though if you don’t mind I don’t think there’s much to be gained by saying which one – and it tends to lead to people trying to read things into it about a particular quality or style that aren’t accurate
Sounds like a black denim shirt might be the next PS product?
No current plans Jim, but yes that does seem like a bit of a gap
Hope the XS size gets restocked. They sold out immediately and I was waiting since last release to purchase.
I’m really sorry David, but that won’t happen until next Autumn. We might get some returns and exchanges, but that’s all
I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks for the reply!
Hi Simon.
Do you think we will ever see a re run of those chinos from rubato. I can’t seem to find anything similar in cut and fabric.
I’m not sure I’m afraid, but best to check with them
If the need us to pre order to show interest, count me in.
How does it compare to the begg cashmere you’ve shown in the past?
The Begg model I’ve shown previously is different in a couple of ways.
First, it’s much more a regular shawl cardigan in terms of thickness, size and length – more like a Drake’s or a Colhay’s model.
But, it’s different to those two in that it has some design details like a lack of pockets and a lack of ribbing on the ends of the sleeves.
Hi Simon,
The denim shirt you are wearing by RRL seem look more indigo rather than the black washed one.
Thanks
Rupesh
It is black Rupesh, although of course washed black denim is basically grey. I guess greys can look a little different in different lights
How much does the beast weigh?
I don’t know actually, though not that much given it’s cashmere rather than lambswool, and a little looser in the knit than some cashmere ones
Hi, Simon. Any idea when additional Navy or Black cardigans will be restocked in XL? I’m guessing it may be quite some time.
Yes, sorry, no plans until Autumn next year. However we’re bound to get some returns and exchanges, so worth looking out for those or adding yourself to the wait list for those sizes
Hello Simon,
I have three of these now (cream, grey and navy), so will take a pause on the black for this year. Next year my adding this black or any other colours (a deep brown or khaki/olive green I would jump all over) will be a distinct likelihood.
Just wanted to feedback on the cardigan and my use of it.
Of all the things I own, what sets these cardigans apart is just how much use they get as soon as the weather cools.
Mornings they are thrown on for a chilly school run, Saturdays they are used to pop out to the shops and take the kids for a walk, Sundays to laze around the house and be warm and cosy but still be well presented for my own sake. Simple midweek dinners out at a local favourite where I want to be casual and comfortable but still elevated. A drinks party last week combined with flannels, brown (not Navy ahem) shoes and a shirt.
Last few days I have been a little unwell and wrapping my shivery, achy body in any one of the three cardigans from morning is simply bliss.
In summary, even though I appreciate the details every time I put them on (the throat latch being one detail – like a wall of cashmere barricading your neck and chest against the cold) they simply, like the best designed quality products have become an indispensable part of daily use and life.
How wonderful, thank you Yash
My pleasure
Do you think it would be possible to stretch the sleeves 3-4 cm? I’ve done this successfully with other cashmere sweaters by wetting, stretching and weighting the sleeve down while it dries.
If you’ve done it before Lane, I can’t see why it wouldn’t be possible here, but it could be risky
Hi Simon, it was great to finally meet you in person over the weekend. I hope everything went well with the pop-up.
I just wanted to ask how you have been finding the sweater to wear around outside when the weather has been quite cold in the past few days. I own a lambswool version from Drake’s, but I haven’t worn it outside much, as I don’t find that warm enough.
Many thanks,
Jack
Thank you Jack, it went well.
I like it outside, I tend to wear a thin knit underneath though, so perhaps that’s why.
Hi Simon, this is perhaps the most luxurious of the PS products!
I am not ready to take the plunge on this as i have not owned a shawl cardigan before. I will start with one from Colhay’s (i find the Drake’s ones a little short) and am toying with dark brown. So much of my knitwear is navy (or grey), and i thought that their dark brown version would be a versatile choice, to pair with indigo jeans, grey flannels and beige trousers – do you consider that a fair assessment?
https://colhays.com/collections/superfine-lambswool/products/superfine-lambswool-shawl-collar-cardigan-in-dark-brown
Many thanks
Yes I do John, and good call on starting there
You mentioned several times that most people might want to ‘start’ with a more standard version. Could you explain that further? Why would I want to have something else first? And would the PS version be an addition or a substitute?
Same question here. Please advise.
Sure. It’s because our version of the shawl cardigan is a little more niche – the most luxurious, the most cashmere, but also a little larger in size and style. If someone has never owned a shawl cardigan before, they’re likely to want something that is as versatile as possible, and this might not suit them. Also, it’s more likely budget is an issue and they might find a lambswool one in a more classic style provides better value for what they want. Our one could be an addition later on, for variety when you want another but something different, in colour but also style
Dear John. I am very happy with my navy lambswool shawl cardigan from Colhay’s. Good call on going for the lambswool rather than cashmere. At least if you want, like me, something (as far as it goes) similar to the look of the PS version. The lambswool version from Colhay’s is also very voluminous, whereas their cashmere version looks less chunky to my eyes, although I never tried the latter.
Many thanks, Simon and Alexander!
Hi Simon,
Which photo of the navy would you say is most true to life?
In the 2nd last photo, it appears almost to have an indigo quality to it vs. the seated shot of you wearing the white shirt, where it appears to be a more traditional navy.
It obviously varies with the light, but I’d say the latter, traditional navy
Not really a cardigan guy but can appreciate the aesthtics. Love the thick knit of the cardigan.
Nothing against the RRL shirt but wouldn’t it be the right time for you to try the black sawtooth westerner from Bryceland’s that you were describing as not matching your warm colors wardrobe some time ago: https://www.permanentstyle.com/2019/03/brycelands-sawtooth-shirt-review-and-range-overview.html
Yes, except that the style there is different, much more western with the snaps and western yoke etc. Great, but more of a look than a simple workshirt with square pockets and regular buttons.
And then there is wearing in. I think the denim sawtooth looks pretty great from the first wash, but personally I’d really only wear a black one when it had really faded to grey.
Thanks. BTW: Did you also try the chambray work shirt from rubato? https://www.atemporubato.com/products/work-shirt-in-light-blue-chambray
No, but I have tried the white and really like it. Very wide cut though, and come up big. I wear a small, had it slimmed a bit, and it’s still very roomy
Really nice Simon, the black is a great addition. Love the way you’ve styled the black here and the RRL washed denim shirt is great. I’m be torn between navy and black, unlikely to happen for me this year but this beauty is firmly on the ‘PS want list’. It doesn’t get much better than Scottish Cashmere!
Absolutely. If in doubt by the way, I’d go for navy always
Hi Simon.
Is there any chance that cream will ever come back for the permanent shawl collar, either next year or even after that?
I really don’t know I’m afraid Mike, we haven’t thought about future years. Good to have the vote for the cream though
Hi Simon, love the look of it. Any chance size medium of black/navy to be restocked soon? It seems i missed my chance on them
Not until next Autumn I’m afraid, though it’s always worth adding your name to the waiting list in case there’s a return or an exchange
Hi Simon – this looks beautiful. Is the weight similar to a Begg Yacht cardigan or is this heavier?
This is a thicker ply, but also more open. Not much heavier than the Begg, but bigger and warmer
Hello Simon,
Your cardigan looks outstanding, perfect for winter weekends. I’m 6’3 , 190 pounds, with long arms, I usually wear a size 42L in suits . Also, I tend to prefer a slim fit for my clothing. Any recommendations as to sizing would be appreciated.
Regards,
Leon
Hi Leon,
I think I emailed you as well and I recommended you talk to the support team – have you heard back from them?
Simon,
No response as of yet. Look forward to hearing from you.
OK Leon, I’m talking to them later so I’ll give them a nudge