At this point, Sezane’s renowned cardigans are almost like a rite of passage for those looking to embody that effortless European aura. And I’ll be honest, for a while I debated if the hype was really worth it. After all, it’s just a cardigan, right? Wrong. Oh, ma cherie, so wrong.
I didn’t intend to order both. But when Sézane’s fall 2025 knitwear restocked and I found myself torn between the Emile and the Basile, I decided to just get both and let the cardigans speak for themselves. Spoiler alert: After living in these cardigans (and nearly returning one), I ended up keeping them both.
If it’s your first time purchasing one of Sézane’s cardigans and you don’t know where to start, or you’re simply looking for an in-depth comparison review of the Emile and Basile cardigans, (like I was!) you’re in the right place.
In this post, I break down everything you need to know about the Emile cardigan and the Basile cardigan, including fit, sizing, fabric, styling tips, price and more.
You can also watch my full unboxing and first impressions of the Sézane Emile and Basile cardigans below, and then scroll down for the complete breakdown!
First, a word on the brand
Sézane was founded in Paris in 2013 by Morgane Sézalory, originally as a vintage resale platform before evolving into one of France’s most beloved ready-to-wear labels.
Their knitwear in particular has developed a cult following, and it’s not hard to see why. Natural fibres, thoughtful construction, tone-on-tone details, and that quietly elevated aesthetic that makes everything look intentional. Their essential cardigans in particular sell out fast every season, and the Emile and Basile are fan favorites.
If you’re new to the brand, I’d also recommend starting with their Max shirt. It’s another Sézane piece I’ve worn on repeat.
*Worth noting: Sézane holds certifications for both the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS), meaning their fibers are traceable from farm to final product. For the price point, that’s a detail that matters to me.
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Emile vs Basile Cardigan: First Impressions and Fit
The first thing you should know is that neither cardigan is 100% wool. Both sweaters are a blend of alpaca, polyamide, and wool. That means a little softness, a little structure, and inevitably, some shedding potential (I noticed a bit of mohair fluff, which is pretty standard for alpaca blends).
If you’re expecting full cashmere-level melt-the-moment-you-touch-it softness, adjust your expectations slightly. I would say this sweater definitely leans more into its wool genetics. Still, the overall quality is very much there.
*A note on care: hand wash only in cold water, flat to dry. This is a non-negotiable with these fibers. The horror stories of shrunken Sézane sweaters are real, don’t let yours turn into one of them.
When it comes to price, both of these cardigans come in at $175, which is a pretty penny for a sweater! If you’re anything like me, you want to do your due diligence before investing in one these pieces.
This is the review I wish I had before purchasing both my Emile and Basile cardigans.
Sézane Emile Cardigan (navy)
Style & fit
The Sézane Emile cardigan instantly won me over. Crew neck, slightly oversized, and longer in length is exactly what I was looking for in a layering piece.
I ordered a size small (I typically wear a size 4-6 on top) after reading that it runs a bit big, and the fit was perfect. The navy is deep and rich, and one detail I really loved is how the buttons are the same color as the knit. I know it sounds small, but I really feel like it makes the whole look more intentional!
*A note on fit– I ordered the XS in mottled grey for my mom, and could honestly probably get away with wearing it. The sleeves are a tad bit shorter, and it would fit like a more fitted cardigan compared to the slightly oversized look it’s meant to have.
Fabric & feel
When it comes to the fabric, the biggest surprise for me was how soft it was in comparison to what I was expecting. With wool and alpaca blends I always brace for itchiness, but this one sat comfortably against my skin with minimal irritation.
Then again, I’m not someone who is usually bothered by itchy fabrics. However, this cardigan definitely leans on the softer side, which is great for my girls who are a bit more sensitive to itchy fabrics.
The details
The tone-on-tone buttons on the Sézane Emile cardigan are one of those small details that make a big difference. In navy, they disappear into the knit in a subtle way, giving the cardigan a clean, uninterrupted look.
I also heard someone say that you can wear this sweater backwards, with the buttons at the back! This would give it more of a pullover look. I love that you basically get 2 sweaters out of one.
Verdict: An immediate keep. It’s versatile, soft, and one of those layering pieces I know I’ll be reaching for every autumn and winter season.
Sézane Basile Cardigan (olive)
Style & fit
Think of the Basile as the Emile’s V-neck counterpart. V-neck, equally oversized, and the olive color is even more stunning in person. The matching tone-on-tone buttons are back, and the overall silhouette is just as flattering as the Emile.
I also ordered a S in this cardigan, and it fit as perfectly as the Sézane Emile cardigan. Both cardigans have a subtle puff or “bubble” look around the sleeves, with the fabric cinching in around the wrist. Similar to the Emile, the Basile also has beautiful tone-on-tone buttons to match the gorgeous olive green color.
The Basile cardigan layers beautifully over a lace bralette (for warmer weather), or a cotton mock-neck top, which is probably how I’ll style it most. If you’re someone who’s bothered by a bit of itch, layering a long sleeve shirt or turtleneck under this will solve the problem.
Fabric & feel
One small thing I noticed about the fabric. Maybe it was just me, but I found the Basile to be a bit itchier than the Emile cardigan!
Upon digging into this further, I found that it’s possible lighter dyed wools can be itchier because they go through a less harsh chemical process, preserving more of its natural texture. So, maybe that could be the reason for it. For reference, both sweaters are made of the exact same composition, 55% Alpaca, 30% Polyamide, and 15% Wool.
The color situation
The olive color is what initially drew me to this style—I don’t believe the olive green comes in the Emile cardigan. It has that deep, muted, perfectly autumnal green that photographs beautifully and goes with everything, from denim to black, camel, cream, and even chocolate brown.
In fact, it was the color that stopped me from returning it, despite the slight itch. The Basile comes in several different color ways and they tend to sell out fast, so if your size is available, don’t sleep on it.
Verdict: I almost returned it. I didn’t. Layer it right and this piece will earn its place in your wardrobe.
Sizing guide
Both cardigans run slightly generous. Sézane’s official guidance is to size down if you’re between sizes.
My take: if you want a relaxed, true-to-the-aesthetic fit, stay true to size. I typically wear a size 4-6, and opted for the S, which fit perfectly. As I mentioned earlier, my mom wears the XS and I could definitely get away with wearing that as well. If you prefer something a little more structured, go down one. I’m typically a small and ordered a small in both — they were perfect.
The Emile hits at hip length, making it easy to half-tuck. The Basile has a similar length but the V-neck makes it feel slightly longer visually. Neither is cropped, which is what I love most about these cardigans.
If you’re investing in Sézane knitwear, you’ll also want to know about the brands like Sézane that offer a similar aesthetic. This will be helpful for when pieces sell out!
So, which one is worth the splurge?
If you can only pick one, the Sézane Emile cardigan for me wins on versatility. It’s soft enough to wear any way you like, has a timeless cut, and the navy color (even the other ones!) is never going out of style.
But if you’re building an autumn wardrobe around considered layering (and you should be), the Basile cardigan in olive is one of the most beautiful knits I’ve added to my closet this season. And, if you’re building out a full autumn wardrobe around considered pieces, my French capsule wardrobe guide is a good place to start.
I kept both, and I’d do it again without hesitation.
