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We’ve tried numerous pieces from Gap’s CashSoft collection, and this cardigan is one of our favorites. Why? It’s a versatile piece that you can layer and style in multiple ways. To show this versatility, we had seven writers, with seven very different style, show us how they would wear it. What we found across the board was that if you want a roomy fit or add layers underneath, size up. The fit was true to size but snug around the arms for some.
Here is how the team styled the Gap CashSoft cardigan.
Brooke LaMantia, editorial assistant
How did it fit: True to size, but snug along the armpits. I would order this in a large, just so it’s a tad looser on my arms.
How did you style it: I love a cardigan, but I wanted to style this differently than my go-to, which regularly consists of a white tank under it with two buttons done at the top. Since it wasn’t freezing out, I decided to pair this green cardigan with my favorite silk miniskirt from Free People and some chunky leather boots from Nordstrom Rack. And I added my new prized possession, a vintage bomber jacket I scoured the streets of London for.
Danya Issawi, fashion news writer
How did it fit: True to size, but it relaxes the longer you wear it. It was very comfortable and didn’t make me sweaty.
How did you style it: Despite normally having a deep-seated hatred for the color blue, I’ve been inspired by baby blue and red together this winter and felt like the time was right for me to act on this vision. When I get dressed on most occasions, I tell myself a narrative, especially when I’m not going somewhere specific like a party or event where the dress code feels clearer. The story I told myself was that I was a woman with a clear sense of self, perhaps one who lives in Copenhagen or Paris or inside a Nora Ephron film from the late ’90s — think Parker Posey in You’ve Got Mail on her way to a casual holiday party, one where she doesn’t intend to stay late but definitely wants to make an appearance. I built the outfit around this make-believe version of myself, this character, coupled with clothes that make me feel comfortable IRL outside of this imaginary realm: a flouncy Madewell skirt with pockets, a light Dôen tank underneath that would work on its own if I got hot and needed to take the cardigan off, pointed-toe kitten heels (in case I need to make a run for it), and a funky Ganni beret, because why the hell not?
Chinea Rodriguez, shopping writer
How did it fit: Comfortably, but not as loose as I would have preferred.
How did you style it: I wanted a basic white tee to contrast with the cardigan, so I chose this one from Cou Cou Intimates. I love the cardigan as a light layering piece and wanted to lean into its preppiness. I kept the rest of the look clean and minimal but still dressed up with loose-fitting wide-leg jeans and a little heel. I prefer an oversize cardigan and have worn one for years, but this more fitted one balanced out my jeans, which tend to be baggy or wide-leg. It looked chic buttoned up slightly, but I’d also like to note that the buttons were hard to work with.
Hanna Flanagan, shopping writer and editor
How did it fit: Stretchy and comfortable with a straight silhouette throughout. I have broad shoulders, so it was a bit more formfitting up top but oversize around the waist. If you want a more forgiving fit, I’d recommend sizing up. I also have pretty long arms and find that most cardigans are a bit too short on them; this one was the perfect length, though.
How did you style it: Since this cardigan is super soft and cozy, I felt compelled to dress it down with an equally comfortable pair of pants. I wore thrifted black trousers that look put-together because they’re slightly tailored but feel like sweatpants, thanks to the elastic waistband. I layered the cardigan over my favorite Leset Margo Tee to give the look some dimension, then accessorized with satin mules from Larroudé — because leopard print and red is a classic combination that will forever remind me of Alexa Chung.
Asia Milia Ware, beauty writer
How did it fit: I ordered a large because I wanted it to fit a bit oversize; I would normally wear a medium. Cardigans aren’t usually my style, but I figured if I got it oversize, I could tailor it more to my style.
How did you style it: I wore it a bit off the shoulder with a Pinsy bodysuit underneath; it’s extremely compressional, so I was able to wear the cardigan without it looking sloppy. For bottoms, I wore COS leather culottes to add a bit of edge to the look, as well as boots, my favorite fall accessory. Because everything else in the look was black-and-white, it allowed the cardigan to pop even more, and styling it slightly off the shoulder made it feel like something I’d actually wear out.
Emma Oleck, fashion market editor
How did it fit: Comfortably. It wasn’t tight but not oversize.
How did you style it: All the way buttoned, top to bottom, for the cozy but sleek vibe. I paired it with a Frankie Shop leather jacket, oversize slacks, and a little white tee underneath. This cardigan is so versatile, I could wear it a million ways.
Morgan Evans, shopping writer and editor
How did it fit: A little boxy but not oversize or totally fitted. Most of the time, I prefer an oversize sweater, but for a cardigan like this, I wanted it to be a bit more formfitting.
How did you style it: The best thing about this cardigan is the incredibly soft texture, which makes it super versatile. It can easily be dressed up or down depending on the vibe you’re going for. With the bright-red color, I was thinking about the holidays and decided to style the cardigan in a way that can go from the office to a holiday soirée. I decided to wear the cardigan fully buttoned with no second layer, like its own top, and paired it with a black leather Reformation miniskirt, textured tights, and my favorite shoes of the season, these snake-embossed Italian leather mary jane pumps from J.Crew. When I wear red, I love to do a matching red lip (whether it’s the holidays or not), and when I do, I don’t like to overaccessorize because the lipstick is an accent on its own. But I never leave the house without earrings, so I topped off this look with a pair of round, chunky COS gold hoops — a subtle statement that isn’t overbearing but adds a nice touch to balance out the look.
