Last Updated on July 9, 2023
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Aldi rotates a variety of clothing into its middle aisle throughout the year, including jackets, base layers, jeggings, pajamas, cardigans, pullovers, and more.
Some of my most recent clothing purchases from the Aisle of Shame include a plush and comfy calf-length robe, as well as a mid-thigh-length cardigan, both perfect for taking the chill off of lingering winter days.
Today, I’m offering a closer look at the cardigan I bought. Aldi refers to it as a duster.
Officially, a duster is a long overcoat, originally worn by men on horseback to protect their clothing from dust on the trail, and later worn by both men and women in open automobiles on dirt roads during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nowadays, depending on what source you consult, dusters are typically cardigans that hit below the knee.
The Aldi sweater is mid-thigh length, so whether it truly qualifies as a duster is open to interpretation, but it’s still on the longer side for a cardigan.
The Serra Ladies Duster cost $14.99 at the time of publication.
This is an Aldi Find, which means it’s only in stores for a short time. (And no, Aldi won’t ship it to you if it’s not available at your local store.)
The back of the packaging. (Click to enlarge.)
Here’s more information on the duster:
- Ivory in Sizes L–XL, Tan in Sizes M–L, or Colors in Sizes M–XL
- Mid-thigh length
- Features long sleeves
- Includes front patch pockets
- Open front
- Made of 65% acrylic, 30% nylon, and 5% spandex
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Made in Bangladesh
If you usually wear sizes 8-10, you’ll want a medium in this sweater. If you wear sizes 12-14, you’ll want a large, and if you wear sizes 16-18, you’ll want the extra large.
This sweater can be machine washed in cold water with like colors on the delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry. Cool iron if needed.
I typically wear a medium in clothing, and I got the medium sweater from Aldi, which fits fine. I’m 5’6″ tall, and the bottom of the sweater hits right around mid-thigh length for me, offering good coverage for cold days. I got the sweater described in the ad as “Colors,” which features a colorblock design with white or cream on the top, with an orange-ish red below that, followed by green, and finally a dark color on the bottom that sometimes looks navy and other times looks dark gray or black depending on the light.
Side view. The creases should hopefully disappear after washing.
The duster is a medium thickness, so it’s not the warmest sweater I own, but it’s also not the most lightweight sweater. It’s also fairly soft.
The patch pockets are a little on the floppy side and I think they could have been made to look nicer, but I also know I get what I pay for, and this is almost half the cost of similar sweaters or dusters I might purchase from retailers such as Target.
Overall, it’s a decent-looking sweater. I’m not sure how long it will last or hold its shape, but it appears to be fine for wearing around the house, for going out on errands, or for wearing to school or the office. I’ll update this post with any potential new developments.
The Verdict:
The Serra Ladies Duster is a mid-thigh-length open-front cardigan with front patch pockets. It’s a medium thickness, good for most chilly days even in the midst of winter. It was available in several light neutral colors along with a multi-colored option. It fits true to size, offers good coverage, and should hopefully make a good addition to my cardigan collection.
I wondered about this sweater, and I ended up not buying it because I didn’t know how see-through the white portion of it would be at the top. I didn’t like the idea of a cheap look where you could see tints of the shirt I was wearing under the sweater because the white was so thin. How is that part of it? I might pick it up — although like you said the pockets are pretty floppy looking.
Best Aldi clothing item I’ve ever gotten was those combat boots they came out with in the late fall, black with plaid inside. On the box they had them folded down, which you can do, but I never wear them that way; I always wear them laced up like proper combat boots. Those have been some of the most versatile, functional boots I’ve ever had, and dare I say stylish. I get compliments all the time. I’ve used them hiking in the mud and wearing to social events, with leggings, jeans, skirts, you name it. They’re super durable and decent for walking/hiking over rough terrain. Pretty amazing find.
I don’t think the white portion is see through.
They’re not the same as the combat boots, but I was just looking at some women’s lace-up winter boots at Aldi today and thinking about getting them. Might have to give them another look if they’re still around next time I go to Aldi.
Ok, great! I am going to see if they still have any of those dusters left, then! Speaking of the combat boots, I just came in from using them to hike on ice — great traction. I continue to be surprised they’re as good as they are. Hopefully the boots you saw are as useful!
I love these!!! I bought a light gray and the multicolor ones. They are super soft…even after washing. Nice lightweight for chilly mornings or evenings. Soooo comfy!!!
I recieved one as a gift and would love to get more colors! Very comfortable and warm without being too heavy