Tuesday, May 5, 2009

J.Crew: Soft Tee Cardigan Review

This is J.Crew's Soft Tee Cardigan (item #14945), which retails for $49.50.  It is alpha-sized, and comes in tropical palm, weathered stone, natural, papaya, black, navy, heather graphite, and warm blush.  It is also available in light pewter, but I don't see that color online.  J.Crew describes the cardigan as such:
A classic cardigan that's as soft as your most comfy broken-in tee. Pima cotton/lightweight Modal® rayon. Slim fit. V-neck. Long sleeves. Patch pockets. Hits at low hip. Import. Machine wash.
I tried this cardigan on in a size small, and it looked really big on the rack.  It fits pretty big in real life as well.  Looking at the model pictures, it looks like it's supposed to be on the looser, more casual side, but I think this much sizing discrepancy is a little ridiculous.  I would size down at least one size in this sweater - I didn't get a chance to (was sick of trying on clothes at this point), but I'd be curious if an XS would be too big, too.

I mean, honestly, look at how loose this cardigan is!  Instead of looking cute and casual, which I think was the intention, it comes across as sloppy and way too carefree.  The only place I think i would ever wear this is lazing around the house, when I'm not giving two figs about my appearance.

I will give this sweater a ton of points for being super nice and soft.  I know there are some who turn their noses up at manmade materials, but I am not one of them.  One of my favorite fabrics is probably rayon (nice, smooth rayon), and I also love Modal.  The sweater is on the lighter side, and it moves nicely.  I just don't think it's that flattering, even from the side.  It just sort of hangs there, and gapes.  It's also pretty long, and normally I don't mind that too much, but because it's so loose, I don't think the length works for me on this sweater.

I did not like this cardigan.  I think it is sad looking, and too unstructured to be so long, especially with those pockets.  I also felt like a grandma (actually a grandpa) wearing this, which is never a good thing.  I do think the sweater is a really nice, soft, lounge sweater, and would probably look great on others in the right size.

What do you think?  Do you like this sweater?  Have you seen it or tried it on?  What do you think of J.Crew's recent bunch of long, grandpa-like cardigans?

7 comments:

Miss Pants May 5, 2009 at 10:32 PM  

I have to admit...I love these sweaters. I own two. Paired with the right jeans and shirt, it just looks comfy cool. (I made that up) I especially like it with tank tops to provide a loose flowy contrast to a tighter fitting tank. I'm probably the odd man out on these though.

Cate May 5, 2009 at 11:02 PM  

i think we're pretty close to the same size, and I tried on the XS on saturday... it was still too big :( but i might buy it if it gets super cheap cause it would be cute for just hanging out in.

Michelle May 6, 2009 at 2:36 AM  

Why have they made so many pieces huge this season? There have been a few items that I love but people keep reviewing that they have to size down one or two sizes (and when you start at an XS there is no where to go). So sad!!

Julia May 6, 2009 at 11:55 AM  

I had such high hopes for this cardigan! I have a cardigan very similar to it that was made by Splendid which is Pima cotton and modal. I typically wear an extra-small in Jcrew cardigans, but this one may be just too big for me. Maybe I'll buy it if it goes on sale.

Jenni May 6, 2009 at 2:08 PM  

I first tried on this cardi in size small, and felt exactly the same way! It was huge! So I sized down to an XS and was much more satisfied....but I couldn't help but wonder, what size are smaller people supposed to wear?
But regardless, it is a super comfy cardigan and is very cute paired with the fan eyelet mini skirt, which is how I will wear it.

ashley May 14, 2009 at 12:20 PM  

thanks for the review! looks really comfy!

JTS May 14, 2009 at 10:14 PM  

@Miss Pants - I agree - I think a lot of it is in the styling. The way you've described it sounds nice :)

@Cate - Yes, it would be a nice lounge sweater. Right now I just use my bathrobe for that, I feel so old, haha!

@Michelle - I was thinking the same thing! How do people who wear XS "size down" when the stuff runs big?? It's not like their Crewcuts has comparable sizes or matching styles!

@Julia - The cardi is really soft, and would be really good for lounge (like Cate said). You should definitely go for it on sale! (I think it is already on sale, actually)

@Jenni - That sounds like a really cute outfit! I just tried on that mini, and it is super cute!

@ashley - you're welcome - it is super comfy!