Just take a look at that trim. It is exactly that kind of small detail that suddenly makes a seemingly simple cardigan a lot more fun. The DOETE by MADNESS is a finely knitted cardigan made of 60% organic wool and 40% organic cotton and is essentially the cardigan sister to the SOFIE sweater.
We have it in two colors: bright green with a dark blue trim and Imperial Blue with a hot pink trim. That contrast is subtly applied along the neckline, sleeves, and hem. Not loud, but just enough to turn a basic cardigan into something special.
Why is the MADNESS DOETE such a lovely cardigan?
Because you can combine it endlessly. Buttoned up, you can simply wear it as a nice little sweater with jeans or trousers. Open, it becomes an easy layer over a T-shirt, blouse, dress, or camisole.
And because the knit is not thick or chunky, you won't end up with a bulky layer over your clothes. The DOETE is finely and smoothly knitted, which gives it a lightweight feel, while the wool provides cozy warmth.
- 60% organic wool
- 40% organic cotton
- Fine and smooth knit
- Round neckline
- Button-through fastening
- Long sleeves
- Green with dark blue contrast trim
- Imperial Blue with bright pink contrast trim
- Great for wearing both open and closed
How does the MADNESS DOETE cardigan fit?
The DOETE has a feminine, relatively fitted cut. The cardigan follows the shape of your body beautifully without becoming tight or restrictive. It hits roughly at the hip, making it pair very nicely with both jeans and higher-waisted trousers or skirts.
I am wearing a size 40 in the photos. This allows you to see exactly how the cardigan fits on a woman's body and how the length sits.
What is the difference between the MADNESS DOETE and SOFIE?
In terms of material, they are related: both the DOETE and the SOFIE consist of 60% organic wool and 40% organic cotton. The SOFIE is a round-neck sweater; the DOETE is a fully button-through cardigan.
And the DOETE naturally features that fun contrast trim. We absolutely love that little splash of color, as it makes the cardigan anything but a boring basic.
What is the advantage of wool with cotton?
It is a wonderful combination if you like wearing wool but don't always need a heavy wool sweater. The wool provides warmth and helps regulate your body temperature, while the cotton makes the knit smoother and more breathable.
This makes the DOETE a cardigan you can wear almost all year round. In the fall over a T-shirt, in the winter as an extra layer, and as soon as spring begins, as an easy cardigan instead of a jacket.
Which DOETE color will you choose?
The green DOETE features a dark blue trim along the edges. You only really notice it when you look closely, and that is exactly why it's so nice. Plus, green and dark blue is a combination you can hardly go wrong with.
And then there is Imperial Blue with hot pink. That makes us happy. Imperial Blue is an intense blue with a slightly purplish undertone, and there is a bright pink edge running along the neck, sleeves, and hem. Very subtle in size, not at all subtle in color. Just right.
How do you style a fine-knit wool cardigan?
The easiest answer: with just about everything.
Wear the DOETE closed with jeans, and you are basically ready to go. Open over a white T-shirt, it becomes a bit more casual, and worn over a dress or skirt, it feels more feminine. Also fun: button just the top few buttons and leave the rest open.
And because the cardigan is so finely knitted, you can easily wear a blazer or coat over it in winter without everything bunching up at the arms.
Is the MADNESS DOETE itchy?
Whether wool is itchy remains a personal matter, of course. Due to the blend with 40% organic cotton, the DOETE feels smoother and less "woolly" than many sweaters and cardigans made of 100% wool.
Are you very sensitive to wool? We always say the same thing: come and feel it for yourself. What isn't itchy for one person might feel different to another.
How do you wash the MADNESS DOETE?
Not too often! Wool has natural self-cleaning properties, and airing it out is often enough. Especially with a cardigan that you regularly wear over something else, the washing machine definitely doesn't need to run after every few wears.
If it does need to be washed, use a reliable wool wash cycle, wash cold or at a maximum of 30 degrees, and use a detergent suitable for wool. We like to use Lanalicious wool detergent with lanolin for this.
After washing, gently reshape it and lay it flat to dry. Do not tumble dry. For more explanation, watch our wool washing video and be sure to read the washing guide included with your order.
What should you do if your wool cardigan starts to pill?
With natural fibers, pilling can occur due to friction. This is normal and doesn't mean your cardigan is of poor quality. Please don't pull the pills off with your fingers, as that just pulls more fibers out of the knit.
It is better to carefully use a Gleener fabric shaver. This will neatly remove any pills and keep your cardigan looking new for much longer.
Frequently asked questions about the MADNESS DOETE cardigan
What is the MADNESS DOETE made of?
Of 60% organic wool and 40% organic cotton. It is a fine and relatively lightweight knit.
How does the DOETE cardigan fit?
The cardigan has a feminine, relatively fitted cut and hits about at the hip. I am wearing a size 40 in the photos.
Which colors are available?
We have the DOETE in green with a dark blue trim and Imperial Blue with a bright pink trim.
Can you also wear the DOETE as a sweater?
Absolutely. Button it up completely, and you essentially have a fine-knit sweater with buttons. You can naturally wear it as a classic cardigan when open.
Is this a thick wool cardigan?
No. The DOETE is actually finely and smoothly knitted. This makes it very suitable as an intermediate layer, and you can wear it for a large part of the year.
And sometimes, the charm really is just in a trim of a few millimeters. Because without that trim, the DOETE would be a very nice basic cardigan. With that dark blue or hot pink edge, it is suddenly typical of those MADNESS items that make us happy.
