Daniel Craig Prada Shawl Collar Cardigan

Updated October 5th, 2022 – One of the very first posts I wrote for the site was on alternatives for the Daniel Craig Prada shawl collar cardigan. I first saw it in the August, 2011 issue of Esquire UK and it’s a look that’s stuck with me more than a decade later. The combination of the cardigan with the white Henley, the dark jeans with the R.M.Williams plaited belt and the Crockett and Jones Skye boots won’t be going out of style anytime soon. 

It also seems that Mr. Craig has been digging into the back of his closet and the Prada cardigan has once again become part of his regular knitwear rotation. There’s been a couple of “man on the street” photos of him wearing it ovdr the years. But it also featured prominently in the monochrome look he wore at the BAFTA presentation for the 2019 film Knives Out. 

Features wanted for the Daniel Craig Prada Shawl Collar Cardigan

• Mid-grey merino wool or cashmere
• Subtle, finer gauge rib knit
• Five button closure with dark grey buttons
• Raglan sleeves

Best Option for the Daniel Craig Prada Shawl Collar Cardigan

Best Made Wool Shawl Collar Cardigan in Dark Gray Heather: $189.50

There are a few key differences between the Best Made cardigan and Craig’s knitwear. This alternative is missing the raglan sleeves and wider ribbed knit hem. It also has a six button front and pockets. But they’ve used a smoother knit and a higher button stance. And that darker grey color looks like a great match. Plus the 100% Merino wool yarn should provide plenty of warmth and durability. It’s not exactly what were looking for. But it’s definitely in the ballpark. Sizes XS to XXL are in stock on the Best Made website.

Under $100

Goodthreads 100% Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in Grey Heather: $26.94 to $44.90

In my experience, some pieces from Amazon’s inhouse Goodthreads label can be winners for the price. And some are definite misses. This one had potential. I mean, forty bucks for a 100% lambswool sweater ain’t too bad. But it just missed the mark when I tried it out. The fabric was pretty thin and the fit was just …  odd. In terms of it being a match for the Prada, there’s also the lighter grey color and front pockets to consider. If you’re one of those guys that runs warm or has really long arms, this could do the trick if you keep your expectations in check. Otherwise, I’d give it a pass. Plenty of sizes left on Amazon U.S.. However Amazon UK doesn’t seem to carry the lambswool cardigan at all. 

Kallspin Merino Wool Blend Shawl Collar Cardigan in Light Grey: $39.99/£39.99

One of the better options available on Amazon that should do the job as an affordable alternative for the Prada. The yarn isn’t exactly luxury, a blend of 20% wool and 80% synthetics. And the set-in sleeves and lower pockets aren’t a perfect match. But the color and finer rib knit aren’t a bad match. Plus it has 4.5 stars out of 5 after more than 700 reviews. Sizes small to 4XL are available. 

Express Wool Blend Shawl Cardigan in Heather Grey: on sale for $68.60

The grey is a couple of shades too light. Then there’re those pockets. And the 43% recycled polyester, 52% acrylic and 5% wool fabric ain’t exactly what I’d call luxury. But this option does have the smoother knit and raglan sleeves we want. At the full $98.00 retail price, I’d say we can do a lot better. However the sale price makes it worth a look. They have sizes XS to XXL in stock.

Line of Trade Dockside Shawl Cardigan in Charcoal: $80.00

If you don’t mind the slightly heavier ribbed knit and front pockets, this option looks like it delivers some solid value for the money. Made from a 100% Shetland wool yarn, they’ve given it a tailored, tapered fit for a more contemporary look. And that darker grey color comes pretty close to what we want. Sizes small to 3XL are in stock at Bespoke Post. 

Under $300

Marks & Spencer Autograph Pure Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan in Grey: $225.00/£129.00

The grey is a little lighter than we’d prefer. But the design is more refined, with a smoother knit and streamlined collar. And the price is actually pretty good for cashmere (assuming it’s of decent quality), especially for those of you in the UK. You’ll find sizes XS to 4XL on the M&S U.S. and UK websites. 

John Lewis Shawl Neck Cardigan in Charcoal: $270.00/£175.00

Again we have the heavier ribbed knit and the front pockets. But I’m liking that dark-but-not-too-dark charcoal color. And the fit looks to be a little more tailored in the online photos. Plus the 90% Merino wool and 10% cashmere blend yarn sounds like it would be darn cozy. If you’re in the UK, John Lewis has sizes small to XXL available. Unfortunately they don’t ship to the U.S., but those of you on the other side of the pond can find it at Thread.

The Investment Pieces

Maison Cashmere Fishermen’s Rib Blazer in Melange Grey: $357.00

I came this close to making the Maison Cashmere cardigan our “Best Option”. In the end, it was the ribbed knit and the price when compared to the Best Made that held it back. But if you’ve got some cash to splash around I still think it would a great choice. Made in Italy from a mid-weight 5 gauge cashmere and finished with genuine mother-of-pearl buttons, it has raglan sleeves, no pockets and that shade of grey looks awesome. Truly an elegant piece of knitwear. Sizes small to XXL are in stock on their website. 

Greyson Ottawa Shawl Cardigan in Smoke Heather: $450.00

Can’t say I’d ever heard of Greyson before I went hunting for grey shawl collar cardigans. But their take on the classic looks very nice and offers a lot of what we want: a 5 button front with a higher top button stance, a good shade of grey, a lower profile knit through the body, and collar with some heft to it. And the 70% wool and 30% cashmere fabric adds a healthy dose of luxury to help justify the price. You’ll find sizes small to XXL on their website. 

If you have any comments or suggestions for alternatives for the Daniel Craig Prada shawl collar cardigan, leave them in the comments below. You can also find alternatives for the James Bond Quantum of Solace cardigan here and the iconic Steve McQueen blue cardigan here. And remember to visit our Facebook page, Instagram account and Pinterest Boards for more James Bond style advice and inspiration!

The photo of Daniel Craig at BAFTA used in the featured image for this post was sourced from What’s Daniel Wearing.