THE DUDE’S ICONIC CARDIGAN

The Enduring Legacy of the Westerly Cardigan: From Heritage Knitwear to Cult Cinema Icon. 

The original Westerly Cardigan with a zip closure, distinguished by its 100% lambswool construction and signature Jacquard pattern, first appeared in 1972. However, its global recognition stems primarily from its prominent role as part of ‘The Dude's’ wardrobe, the iconic character played by Jeff Bridges in the now-classic film, ‘The Big Lebowski.’ 

A Cult Following in Film.                                                                                              

While The Dude often favours highly casual attire—such as distressed hoodies, loose plaid shorts, or a worn-out bathrobe—his tan, patterned knit sweater represents one of his most ‘socially acceptable’ ensembles in the movie. Given its unique appearance and its presence in several of the film's most memorable scenes, The Dude's cardigan has, nearly two decades later, become one of the most recognizable items of film costuming. As a result, replicas and knitting patterns are widely available across the internet. 

Heritage and Craftsmanship: The Cowichan Knit 

The sweater worn by The Dude is predominantly lambswool in a tan shade, featuring a characteristic geometric pattern known as a Cowichan knit rendered in two darker tones of brown. The origins of this distinctive knit can be traced back to the 1850s with the settlement of European pioneers on Vancouver Island, which was then primarily inhabited by the Cowichan First Nation tribe. The simultaneous introduction of sheep to the region provided a sustainable supply of wool, influencing local textile production. 

European knitting techniques were integrated with traditional Cowichan practices, leading to the creation of the modern Cowichan sweater. These garments are distinct from traditional Scottish knitwear, such as Fair Isle, due to their construction. Cowichan sweaters are traditionally hand-knit using thick, one-ply natural-coloured yarn, resulting in a heavier garment intended for outerwear. This contrasts with the lighter-weight, two-ply dyed yarns used in Scottish pieces.                                                                                         

Today you can purchase a very close copy of the Dudes Cardigan with more affordable wool and fabric but the exact same style. Come take a look.