Review: J.Crew Cardigans - not all XS's created equal

After finding success with a J.Crew size XS cardigan from this post, I fell under the false impression that all of their sweaters would fit equally well in XS. I ordered a bunch online, looking for the word "fitted" under descriptions and scoped out all the model photos to see which sweaters seemed the most snug. I ended up with the following three:

*Warning - it was a frizzy hair day to say the least. I literally rolled out of bed and decided to start the day w/ some blogging pics*

1. First up, the dream crewneck cardigan in XS. $85 only $35 with EXTRA30 (extended til Sunday!). They really sold me on the product description, and I liked the unique exposed seaming at the arms and down the back. The sweater looks so snug on the online model - I was SURE it would fit great on petites.

Click for more info

In real life (hrmm, notice that the sweater kind of "gained 5 lbs" from the image above? As in, it looks wider and dumpier than the sleek sweater shown above?):

And on me:

Verdict: return. Too much baggage around the torso. Loose and long sleeves. A nice knit though, and some very pretty color options. Someone 1 size up would fit much better in this, especially if it shrinks a little in the wash.

Click "Read More" for more sweaters.

2. Jackie Cotton Cardigan in XS, $62. Select colors were $21 but apparently they are sold out. I like this cardigan because it looked kind of "shrunken" on the model and it comes in a myriad of colors.

Click for more info

In real life (sleeves look shorter than on the model):

And the pewter color, on me:

 

 

I didn't think the fit was bad at all, esp for $21. There was a lil' room to spare, but the material is a cotton blend so I imagine it will shrink in the wash. I liked the cut as well - a classic crewneck style.

Verdict: I would have kept this cardigan, except I was so irked about the final sale item (sweater # 3) that I made myself return this to save $. I will probably track this sweater again online until the more vibrant colors go on sale.

3. Bling-Button Cardigan in XS, $68 now $28 with EXTRA30. This one also looked so snug on the model. I've also been looking for a more "airy" cardigan and the material read: "Spun from a lightweight blend of acrylic/alpaca/wool in a 7-gauge knit." Sounds nice, right?

Click for more info

The material was airy alright - it was soo flimsy that snag-able that I'm sure I'll destroy this cardigan in no time. I like tighter knits that don't really leave any holes to be snagged by pens, pencils, or hooks. I already caught this on a necklace just while trying it on.

Verdict: Final Sale...boo. But at least the fit is "acceptable!"