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The “Boho” look is everywhere right now, but finding a crochet piece that doesn’t look like a doily from a grandmother’s table is tough. I kept seeing the Ermonn Crochet Cardigan pop up in my recommendations, promising that effortless 70s vibe. I bought one to see if it’s actually a wearable piece of clothing or just a prop for Instagram photos.
I’ve worn this cardigan for about ten days now—styling it with jeans, throwing it over a dress, and inevitably snagging it on a door handle (more on that later). Here is the honest breakdown of quality, fit, and practicality.
🔍 The ‘Truth’ Test
My first reaction pulling this out of the bag was surprise at the weight. Most “kimono” style cover-ups are flimsy and light. This thing has heft. It feels like a legitimate sweater, not just a beach cover-up.
The “oversized” claim is accurate. I ordered my usual size, and it swallows me a bit—but in a good, intentional way. It hangs heavy and straight. If you are looking for something fitted or structured, stop reading now. This is loose, floppy, and very relaxed.
🧶 Build & Design Audit
I took a close look at the yarn and stitching, because crochet knits are notorious for unraveling.
The Material
The yarn is thick. It feels like a cotton/acrylic blend. It’s soft to the touch and doesn’t have that shiny, plastic look that cheap synthetic yarn often has. Because the yarn is thick, the “holes” in the crochet pattern are distinct. It gives great texture visually.
Stitching Durability
The seams where the sleeves meet the body are reinforced, which is good because the weight of the sleeves pulls on the shoulder seams. However, the open-knit nature means there are hundreds of loops waiting to be pulled. The construction is solid, but the design itself is fragile by nature.
⚙️ Real-World Performance
I wore this out to dinner and around the house to see how it functions.
Warmth vs. Ventilation
This is a weird piece of clothing. It’s heavy, so it traps some heat, but it’s full of holes, so the wind cuts right through it. It works best in that specific 60-70°F (15-21°C) window. It’s perfect for a fall afternoon where the sun is out but the air is crisp. It is not a winter coat replacement.
The “Sleeve” Problem
The sleeves are wide—bell-bottoms for your arms. They look cool when you are standing still. But the moment I tried to eat soup, wash my hands, or type on my laptop, they got in the way. I spent half the time rolling them up, but because the knit is chunky, they don’t stay rolled. It’s a high-maintenance garment.
Styling Versatility
This is where it shines. I threw it over a basic white tank top and jeans, and suddenly I looked like I put effort into my outfit. It adds texture and interest immediately. It also works surprisingly well as a swimsuit cover-up if you want something heavier than a sarong.
📉 The Downsides (Critical)
It’s cute, but it has some serious functional flaws:
1. The Snag Factor is High
I cannot stress this enough: this sweater catches on everything. Door handles, my own jewelry, the corner of my desk. Within the first three days, I had to pull two loops back into place. If you have a cat that likes to knead, this sweater will be destroyed in seconds.
2. It “Grows” When You Wear It
Because the yarn is heavy and the knit is loose, gravity takes a toll. By the end of the day, the cardigan felt two inches longer than it did in the morning. It stretches out vertically. You absolutely cannot hang this on a hanger in your closet; you must fold it, or it will stretch out of shape permanently.
3. Dropped Shoulders look Boxy
The cut is very square. If you have broad shoulders, this might make you look a bit like a linebacker because of where the seams hit. It adds bulk to the upper body.
📊 Pros/Cons Table
| Pros (What I Liked) | Cons (What I Didn’t) |
|---|---|
| ✅ Beautiful, thick texture that looks expensive. | ❌ Snags on jewelry, furniture, and pets easily. |
| ✅ Heavy weight provides a nice drape. | ❌ Sleeves are impractical for eating/working. |
| ✅ Perfect for “Boho” layering. | ❌ Stretches out vertically throughout the day. |
| ✅ Soft yarn, not scratchy against skin. | ❌ Adds bulk to the silhouette (boxy fit). |
⚔️ Head-to-Head: Ermonn vs. The Fast Fashion Kimonos
Ermonn 🆚 Shein/Temu Thin Cardigans
You can find printed kimonos on Shein for $10. Those are usually thin, shiny polyester that clings to you due to static. The Ermonn is actual knitwear. It has physical texture and weight. It feels like a garment, not a costume. The Ermonn will last longer (if you don’t snag it), whereas the cheap printed ones usually fray after one wash.
Ermonn 🆚 Free People
Free People sells this exact vibe for $120+. The Free People version usually uses natural fibers (cotton/linen) which breathe better. The Ermonn is likely synthetic, so it traps more heat. But visually? From five feet away, you can’t tell the difference.
⚖️ Expert Verdict
After testing, I consider the Ermonn Crochet Cardigan a high-maintenance but high-reward style piece.
You should buy this if:
- You love the 70s/Boho aesthetic and need a fall layering piece.
- You want a swimsuit cover-up that doubles as an evening sweater.
- You are gentle with your clothes and don’t wear spiky jewelry.
Skip this if:
- You have cats with claws (serious warning).
- You are looking for a jacket to keep you warm in winter.
- You are petite and easily overwhelmed by bulky fabric.
It’s not the most practical thing I own, but every time I wear it, I get a compliment. Just be careful around door handles.
