Why I Still Love a Cardigan

If you were to look through old photos of me, you'd probably notice a pattern.

Cardigan.

Cardigan.

Ruana.

Cardigan.

Different color, same concept.

For years, a cardigan was my go-to layer. It didn't matter if it was 95 degrees outside or if I was headed to class, work, church, or dinner. Chances are, I had a cardigan on.

At the time, I convinced myself it was because they were practical.

And they are.

They're versatile.

They're comfortable.

They go with everything.

But if I'm being honest, my relationship with cardigans wasn't always about fashion.

For a long time, they were my security blanket.

I wore them to cover my arms.

I wore them to hide parts of my body I felt self-conscious about.

I wore them because they made me feel safer.

The cardigan became a barrier between me and the world.

A way to soften my silhouette.

A way to draw less attention to myself.

A way to feel protected.

And if you're a plus-size woman, you probably know exactly what I'm talking about.

There was a time when every style guide seemed to recommend the same thing:

"Just throw a cardigan over it."

Sleeveless top? Add a cardigan.

Dress? Add a cardigan.

Cute outfit you actually like? Better add a cardigan.

The message was subtle but clear.

Cover up.

Hide a little more.

Take up a little less space.

For years, I didn't question it.

Then something changed.

As I became more confident, I started wearing sleeveless tops.

Tank tops.

Swimsuits.

Bodycon dresses.

Outfits that didn't require a layer to make me feel acceptable.

And that's when I realized something important.

I no longer needed a cardigan.

But I still liked them.

That distinction matters.

Because there's a huge difference between wearing something because you're afraid and wearing something because you genuinely enjoy it.

Today, I wear cardigans because they're cozy.

Because they complete an outfit.

Because they look cute over a dress in an overly air-conditioned office.

Because sometimes I want that extra layer.

Not because I feel like I have to.

Not because I'm hiding.

Not because I think my arms need to be covered.

That's freedom.

Being able to choose a cardigan rather than depend on one.

Being able to wear it one day and skip it the next.

Being able to appreciate a piece of clothing without assigning it the job of protecting me from other people's opinions.

So yes, I still love a cardigan.

I probably always will.

But these days, it's an accessory.

Not armor.

And that's made all the difference.

Because confidence isn't about throwing away every piece of clothing that once made you feel safe.

Sometimes it's about reclaiming it.

Wearing it because you want to.

Not because you think you need to.

Because a cute cardigan and a great outfit can still be a pretty iconic combination.

And let's be honest—another thing that changed my relationship with cardigans was my tattoos.

For years, I looked at my arms and saw all the things I wanted to hide. I saw softness. I saw flabbiness. I saw the parts of myself I thought other people were judging.

Now?

I see artwork.

I see stories.

I see pieces of my personality.

I see nearly 30 tattoos that make me smile every time I catch a glimpse of them.

It's hard to spend all your energy criticizing your arms, and legs, when they're covered in things you genuinely love.

My tattoos didn't magically erase every insecurity, but they helped me view my body differently. Instead of focusing on what my arms looked like, I started focusing on what they represented. Creativity. Self-expression. Memories. Growth.

These days, when I wear a sleeveless top, I'm often more excited about showing off my tattoos than I am worried about showing my arms.

And honestly, that's been incredibly freeing.

Because somewhere along the way, my arms stopped being something to hide and became something to celebrate.

The cardigans may still be in my closet, but now they're competing with 30 tiny reasons to show off instead.

~VS~