This smashing vintage wool cardigan is loaded with the loveliest iridescent sequins that are tan with pink in them, and sparkle in the light. The sequins were sewn on the sweater in a fish scale pattern with beautiful swoops.

I would consider this a size large. It has a size tag that says 38 but today’s sizes don’t equate, so please go by these measurements to determine if it will fit you. It is about 39” underarm to underarm, 36” around the bottom (which would fall at the waist or below) and 21” long from the shoulder to the bottom. The sleeves are about 18” long. Of course, if you don’t zip the zipper, it can be a little larger.

The cardigan has a full-length zipper in front. It has shoulder pads, which you can take out if you don’t want them. The wool is a white or cream color.

The lining is white and extends through the sleeves (a lot of vintage sweaters like this only have the lining in the bodice and back, not the sleeves). The lining is in great shape, with no stains that I can see.

In some light, it looks like the sequins have discolored. But then you turn around and it doesn’t look that way. So while there certainly may have been some aging of the sequins’ color, I do think the overall effect is because of the reflection of light.

I ran my hand across the sequins to gauge their condition. I re-sewed a few that were loose. There may be some missing here and there because you can see the wool more clearly in some areas than others. But I don’t know for sure; it could just be the way the fabric has stretched. Regardless, given the age of this sweater, I would consider the sequins somewhat fragile so suggest handling it gently and being careful not to catch the sequins on anything when you’re wearing it.

I do not see any moth holes.

There is no maker’s label on the sweater so I don’t know its exact provenance. But these were commonly made in Hong Kong in the 1950s or 1960s. There’s also no fabric tag, but I’m pretty sure it’s 100% wool.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Jenkintown, Pa.