Belted Cardigans: The Wrap Knits That Replace a Coat

A belted cardigan is a wrap knit with a tie at the waist, and the good ones are long and heavy enough to wear as a coat. The Alanui Icon, with its two-tone tie belt, is the best known, and this edit gathers the belted cardigans and knitted coats worth buying from the Alanui collection.

Key facts

• A tie belt gives an oversized cardigan a waist
• Long, heavy belted cardigans replace a coat on mild days
• Three ways to tie: side knot, back tie, low loop
• Alanui Icon cardigans come with a two-tone belt

Why a belt changes everything

An oversized cardigan without a belt hangs straight from the shoulders. Tied, it gives a waist, holds the front closed against the wind and turns a knit into outerwear. A matching belt looks polished; a contrast belt, like Alanui's two-tone tie, adds a graphic line.

The edit

1. Bandana Jacquard Cardigan in Onda Multicolour

The Bandana Jacquard in onda blue cashmere with a two-tone belt.

2. Bandana Jacquard Coat in Black Multicolour

A belted bandana jacquard coat in virgin wool.

3. Finest Coat in Thunderstorm

The Finest coat in thunderstorm grey cashmere and silk.

4. Island Roots Foulard Cardigan in Chalk and Onda

Island Roots, a foulard print knitted in chalk and onda.

5. Riding The Waves Cardigan in Canvas and Tabacco

Riding the Waves, desert horizons and ocean waves in canvas and tobacco.

How to tie it

• The wrap knot. Cross the fronts, tie once at the side and let the ends hang. Easy and relaxed.
• The back tie. Tie the belt behind you and wear the cardigan open, for shape without closing it.
• The loose loop. Knot the belt loosely at the front, low on the hip, for a seventies feel.

Cardigan coats

A belted knitted coat replaces a wool coat on mild days and layers under one in deep winter. The Alanui jacquard coats are long and heavy, with the same belt and fringe as the cardigans. See our oversized cardigans guide for fit.

Frequently asked questions

What is a belted cardigan?

A cardigan with a tie belt at the waist, usually long and wrap-front, that can be worn closed like a coat.

How do you tie a cardigan belt?

Cross the fronts and tie a single knot at the side, tie it at the back to wear the cardigan open, and tie it loosely low on the hip for a relaxed look.

Can a belted cardigan replace a coat?

Yes, a long, heavy belted cardigan in wool and cashmere works as outerwear on mild winter days.

Which Alanui cardigans have a belt?

The Icon fit cardigans come with a tie belt, often two-tone, as do the jacquard coats and the Finest cardigans.

Read next: Shawl collar cardigans, How to style Alanui, The Alanui cardigan guide.

By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 20 October 2026.