Snap Cardigans Are the Classic-With-a-Twist You Need This Season

In my memories, my grandmother was impossibly chic. Many of her outfits made an impression on me, but without a doubt, one specific style stands out: She was rarely seen without a cardigan. Navy, red, black — the color didn’t matter so long as it was polished and cozy. Hers typically buttoned up, but I have no doubt that she would fully support this fall’s sweater of the moment: the snap cardigan.

The snap cardigan is nothing new; au contraire. It’s been a Parisian staple for 40 years.  A little history: French designer Agnès Troublé (for whom the fashion house Agnès B is named) invented the snap cardigan in 1979. According to legend, she wanted a sweatshirt that wouldn’t get caught in her long, curly hair. So, she got out a pair of scissors, cut one up the front, and, Voilà! The snap cardigan was born.

The brand’s earliest iteration of the snap cardigan — named “Le Classique” — was (and still is) designed in a soft but substantial cotton fleece, with a row of mother-of-pearl pressed snaps up the front. Since then, Agnès B. has riffed on the now-iconic style, creating long, cropped, bolero, slouchy, fitted, fleece, jersey, leather, and even studded versions of the wardrobe hero. 

The snap cardigan was so ubiquitous in the years after its inception, it was honored with  an exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris in 1986, featuring more than 60 photos by legendary photographers like Gilles Bensimon and Sophie Calle. And now, the French style mainstay has made its inevitable return to the New York fashion scene. This season alone designers like Molly Goddard, Rosetta Getty, Orseund Iris, and Emporio Armani all have snap-front cardis in their collections. Agnès B. offers iterations that range from the Diane (a light cotton style) to the Yvan (a snap vest cardigan) alongside Le Classique. Looking for something a little more luxe? Consider Balmain, which features a range of high-end military-inspired silhouettes emblazoned with gold snaps.

At its core, the appeal of this piece lies in its lightweight versatility, making it the perfect transitional piece to add to your wardrobe this fall. A classic V-neck or crew neckline design looks chic on its own with trousers, and when crisp temperatures hit, a high neckline pairs well with a full alpaca coat. If you’re more of a fashion girlie, there are snap cardigans with trendy details like rosette-covered snaps, contrast collars, and boho-inspired patterns available to shop. Not into a full-on sweater? Opt for the even-trendier sweater vest. Whichever you choose, know that you can pair it as easily with faded mom jeans or soft leggings as shift dresses; the snap cardigan is one of those multi-faceted styles that adds a bit of French-girl polish and sophistication to any ensemble. 

My mom and I are embracing the family cardigan tradition by adding the iconic Le Classique to our closets — in multiple colors, n’est-ce pas. I just know my grandmother would approve.

If you, too, are searching for your next great fall wardrobe staple, look no further. Ahead, we’ve rounded up a few must-buy snap cardigans. Happy layering.

Agnès B. Le Petit Snap Cardigan

Lafayette 148 New York Snap Front Wool Cardigan

Michael Kors Snap-Front Cardigan Midi Dress

NSF Lin Rib Snap Front Cardigan

Orseund Iris The Weekend Knit Cardigan

Self-Portrait Black Knit Cardigan With Contrast Collar

Re/Done Intarsia Crew Cardigan

Emporio Armani Mesh Snap Cardigan

Courrèges Snap Front Rib Cardigan

Michael Kors V-Neck Signature Snap Cardigan

For Love & Lemons Roxana Cardigan

Balmain Cropped Rib-Knit Cardigan

Outdoor Voices CozyRib Cropped Cardigan

BCBG Long Sleeve Raglan Cardigan

Sandro Salazie Snap Cardigan