The material is 80% wool and 20% linen, making it lightweight and warm. It's a vest-style cardigan that can be worn either way, front or back. I usually wore it open. There's a diamond pattern on one side, but it's subtle and stylish. I bought it about two years ago and found it useful to wear in the fall and when it was a little chilly in the spring. This is a used item, so please understand.