BiBi Checkered Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan | OLIVE / L 100101487763788

Why this cardigan is worth it

A checkered open-front cardigan is a high-impact staple: the graphic pattern gives an outfit instant personality while the unstructured, pocketed silhouette keeps it comfortable and practical. This piece works as a top layer for everyday wear, a polished throw-on for the office, and a travel-friendly option when you need something that packs, resists wrinkles, and layers easily.

Key shopper benefits: effortless pattern interest without overdoing it, functional pockets, and a forgiving, slightly stretchy knit that moves with you. Ideal if you like wardrobe pieces that transition between casual and smart-casual looks.

Materials & how they perform

The cardigan is built from a polyester-rich knit with added elastane for recovery and give. That combination is chosen to deliver reliable shape retention, easy-care handling, and comfortable stretch for everyday movement.

• Polyester (performance): strong, colorfast and quick-drying; resists wrinkles and holds printed/knitted patterns sharply. It’s durable for repeated wear and regular laundering.
• Spandex/elastane (performance): added in small amounts to give the fabric stretch and recovery so sleeves and body keep their shape and don’t bag out quickly.

Practical notes: synthetic knits can be less breathable than natural fibers and may develop light pilling over time on high-friction areas. Washing on cold and using a laundry bag will help preserve appearance and reduce microfibre release.

Fabric advantages — pros & cons

How to measure this cardigan (garment measurements)

To compare this cardigan to garments you already own, lay it flat on a smooth surface and use a soft measuring tape. Measure in inches or centimeters and record the flat measurements; to get the circumference, multiply flat width by two.

• Chest (bust): measure straight across from one underarm seam to the other; double that number for full chest circumference.
• Back/shoulder width: measure from shoulder seam to shoulder seam across the back.
• Sleeve length: measure from the shoulder seam to the sleeve cuff.
• Body length: measure from high point of shoulder (or center back at neck) straight down to the hem.
• Pocket depth: measure from top edge of pocket opening to the bottom of the pocket bag to understand how deep items will sit.

Tip: compare these garment measurements to a cardigan you already own and like. If the flat chest measurement is larger than your preferred cardigan, expect a looser fit; if smaller, expect a closer fit or less room for layers.

How to measure yourself to pick the right fit

1. Wear a thin layer similar to what you’d wear under the cardigan (a tee or light sweater).
2. Bust: measure around the fullest part of your chest with the tape parallel to the floor.
3. Underbust/band: measure directly under the bust if you need to gauge band fit.
4. Waist: measure at the smallest point of your torso.
5. Hips: measure at the fullest part of your hips if the cardigan falls past the hip line.
6. Shoulder: measure from the tip of one shoulder straight across the back to the other tip if you want to compare shoulder seam placement.

Once you have body measurements, compare them to the garment measurements and decide how much ease you want:

• Close/streamlined: 0–2 inches of ease (garment measurement minus body measurement) for a fitted look or thin under-layers.
• Classic/comfortable: 2–4 inches for a typical relaxed cardigan fit with room for a tee or blouse.
• Layering/oversized: 4+ inches if you plan to wear chunky knits or want a roomy, drapey silhouette.

Model & fit reference

The product imagery shows a model wearing a Small to illustrate how the cardigan drapes with a single lightweight base layer. The open-front shape is intentionally unstructured, so length and shoulder fit are useful clues: if you prefer a more fitted look over thicker layers, select the larger size for extra room.

Fit observations: shoulders are designed for a relaxed placement rather than a sharply tailored line; the sleeves have moderate stretch but won’t accommodate very bulky sweaters underneath without sizing up.

Color & pairing ideas

Checkered patterns are exceptionally versatile. Use the pattern as the outfit’s focal point and combine it with clean, solid pieces for a balanced look.

• Neutral checks (black/ivory, charcoal/cream): pair with a white tee, slim black jeans and leather ankle boots for a classic monochrome look.
• Muted/earth tones (camel, navy): combine with denim, a taupe sweater, and suede loafers for a warm, layered palette.
• To add a pop: introduce one saturated accent (red scarf, mustard bag, or cobalt knit) while keeping the rest of the outfit simple.
• Pattern mixing: if you want to mix prints, keep the secondary print small in scale (thin stripes or tiny polka dots) and neutral in color so it complements rather than competes with the check.

Style & silhouette guidance

The open-front design emphasizes vertical lines and creates a long, lean effect when worn open. Pockets add casual function and visual weight at the hip; consider tucking or belting to define the waist when you want a more tailored silhouette.

• Casual: throw over a crewneck tee, skinny jeans and sneakers.
• Office-friendly: layer over a blouse and tailored trousers, add low heels and minimal jewelry.
• Weekend polish: wear over a knit dress with knee boots and a belt to cinch the waist.

Season suitability

Best for transitional weather: spring and fall are the natural sweet spots. It also works as a mid-layer in cooler winter months (under a coat) or as an air-conditioning-friendly layer indoors during summer. The knit provides moderate warmth without the bulk of heavy sweaters.

Fit notes & quick shopping tips

• Moderate stretch — the fabric recovers but won’t be as forgiving as heavy jersey or ribbed knits.
• If you usually alternate between two sizes, choose the larger one if you plan to layer bulky sweaters underneath.
• Check sleeve length and shoulder placement in product photos — longline cardigans can vary in where they hit on the thigh.
• Functional pockets add utility but add a little volume at the hip; if you prefer a very slim profile avoid overfilling pockets.

Care tips & everyday maintenance

• Turn the cardigan inside out before washing to protect the knit face and pattern.
• Use a gentle detergent and cold water cycles to minimize color fade and fibre stress.
• Wash with similar colors and avoid heavy, abrasive items (jeans with zippers) in the same load.
• Remove from the washer promptly and reshape while damp to maintain drape.
• Store folded to prevent shoulder stretch; if hanging, use wide, padded hangers to preserve shape.

Care guide — keep it lovely longer

1. Pre-treat small spots with a gentle stain remover; do not bleach.
2. Turn garment inside out and place in a mesh laundry bag to reduce abrasion and lint pickup.
3. Machine wash on a gentle or delicate cycle using cold water; avoid hot water which can damage elastane.
4. Prefer line-dry or lay flat to dry for best shape retention. If using a dryer, tumble on low and remove while slightly damp to finish shaping flat.
5. To revive texture or calm minor wrinkles, use a low-heat steam rather than a hot iron directly on the fabric.
6. Remove pills with a sweater comb or electric fabric shaver, working gently in one direction.
7. To reduce microfiber shedding, wash full loads on cold and consider a microfiber-catching bag or filter product.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Style tips — 8 ways to wear it

1. Weekend casual: white tee, cropped denim, sneakers — let the check be the focal point.
2. Office smart: silk blouse, slim trousers and loafers — tuck the front or add a thin belt to define the waist.
3. Layered warmth: thin turtleneck, cardigan, long wool coat — great for commutes when temperatures fluctuate.
4. Effortless polish: monochrome base (black top and pants) with the check as visual texture and a pair of ankle boots.
5. Mix prints carefully: tiny pinstripes or subtle dots under the cardigan work best — keep colors compatible and scales different.
6. Travel capsule: pack it as your pattern piece — pairs with neutrals and compresses well in a suitcase.
7. Date night: fitted knit dress under cardigan, add heeled booties and a statement earring for polished contrast.
8. Sporty-casual: hooded sweatshirt under the cardigan, joggers, and clean sneakers for a layered streetwear look.

Final notes & purchase suggestions

If you appreciate pattern-forward basics that bring both function and polish to everyday outfits, this cardigan is a smart choice. Measure an existing favorite cardigan against the garment measurements on the product page, decide on the ease you prefer (close vs. layered), and select the size that matches your layering plans.

Quick tip: if you’re buying for travel or everyday versatility, choose a neutral check and build the rest of your capsule wardrobe around 2–3 complementary core colors.