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In the fall, winter, or springtime, it gets chilly in many places and you may need something in addition to your coat that can keep you warm, such as a cozy cardigan to layer underneath or wear alone if weather permits. Check out the best packable and beautiful cardigan sweaters that you’ll want for your next trip!
Cute Womens Cardigans
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Aside from your destination and your itinerary, part of planning a fall or winter trip is avoiding looking or feeling too bulky. Aside from your coat, if you need some additional warmth, merino wool cardigan womens sweaters are a sound pick as they’re more light than other types of wool and also wick away moisture so you don’t feel chill but stay toasty. Another option is cashmere and womens cotton cardigans because they’re cozy without the bulk and are more lightweight for packing.
Cardigans are also handy in the spring as well, or any time of the year where temperatures may drop and you want an additional layer.
Here are some top-rated cotton, cashmere, and women wool cardigans that you can layer to your heart’s content (or wear solo)!
Best Women’s Cardigans
Shop Sizes 0-14: Amazon
LANPULUX Merino Wool Cardigans Women
Women’s button down cardigan sweaters like this one from Lanpulux is ideal for traveling because it’s long-sleeve so it keeps the arms covered, it’s lightweight, and not a heavy type of fabric to wear or lug around. It’s made of merino wool and it has a little bit of a stretch to it, and it also features a crew neck with buttons down the front.
It’s well made, and being neutral color you know you’ll be able to wear it with almost everything. One wearer mentioned that “It looks elegant and feels expensive.” It’s available in sizes 0-14 and in numerous colors!
Find out why Merino Wool is the ultimate fabric for travel here!
Shop Nordstrom: Sizes XXS-XL Regular | 1X-3X Plus
Halogen® Long Sleeve Simple Cardigan (Plus Size)
Fall and winter cardigans for ladies should be not only comfortable but versatile. This Halogen long-sleeve choice is quite flattering and goes with almost every outfit. It’s made of a linen-polyester blended fabric, features an open front, and is button-free style.
It’s long enough that it can be dressed up or dressed down. One wearer says, “Very comfortable and sturdy feel. Has a silky texture to the fabric that is very nice on the skin. Feels long and modest.”
It is available in regular and petite sizes, and comes in 1X-3X in a bunch of colors!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Wool&
Wool& Women’s Signature Merino Wool Knit Cardigan
Looking for the perfect cardigan? This Wool& merino wool pick is made by a lauded company for their merino wool products and it’s described as being breathable and comfortable in both hot and cold climates making it ideal for travel.
It’s a very chic and expensive-looking jersey knit for half the cost. It features an open front with two front pockets and it pairs well with jeans, slacks, and dresses. One wearer states, “Perfect addition to my capsule wardrobe!” Grab this in three colors and sizes XS-3X.
These are the best merino wool sweaters, according to our readers!
Shop Sizes XXS-3X: J.Crew
J.Crew Cashmere-Cotton Knit Cardigan Women
These J.Crew womens button down cardigans is the perfect accompaniment to a cute dress or with a long-sleeve tee and a pair of jeans and ankle boots for a casual day out sightseeing.
It’s slightly longer so it falls just below your hips, and it also features a V-neck. Made of a soft cotton-cashmere blend, it has all the marks of a comfortable piece to wear for travel or at home. As usual, the selection is awesome as this comes in sizes XXS-3X and tons of colors!
Readers love these cashmere sweaters for their polished and timeless look, incredible warmth, and versatility.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince
Quince Open Merino Wool Cardigan
Simple and polished, this Quince merino wool cardigan for women has some seriously outstanding features. It’s super soft, breathable, and UV-resistant, so you can throw it in your day bag whenever the weather gets chilly, and it’ll come out looking nice and neat!
A review says, “The quality is incredible and the price is unmatched. Feels like a sweater-blazer and works well to dress up any outfit!” It comes in sizes XS-XL and in pretty colors!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Nordstrom | Dillard’s
Nic + Zoe Convertible Cardigan
This mélange-knit convertible cardigan from Nic + Zoe is a travel must have! For maximum versatility, this cardigan is made of linen and viscose blend and can be worn in four ways. Leave the front draped open; knot or twist the hem ties together; or crisscross the front panels and anchor to side buttons for a chic wrapped look. Available in XS-3X and a bunch of colors!
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Banana Republic
Banana Republic Caro Button Down Cardigan Womens
These comfy, yet pretty cardigans from Banana Republic are smart-looking and made from 100% lightweight, breathable, and soft cashmere. It features a button-down closure, two front pockets, and it drapes down to around your mid-thigh area.
So cozy and versatile, as this wearer shares, “It’s perfect for days when it’s too warm for a light jacket but too cold to go out without another layer on.” Available in XXS-XXL and four colors!
Shop Sizes S-XXL: Amazon
Zesica Women’s Printed Cardigans
These Zesica printed cardigans for women are a nice choice that would look fab with a long-sleeve shirt, in addition to some fleece-lined leggings and a pair of knee-high boots.
It’s light enough to take with you and keep you warm on your next trip. One wearer says, “Oh, I absolutely love this sweater for traveling. Airplanes can be so cold and this is completely comfortable and warm. It also pulls together my outfit to make me feel a little more dressed up. It’s also great while I’m away as it is so versatile. I do dry clean it to keep it looking great. Highly recommend.”
Available in S-XXL in many lovely colors and prints!
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Nordstrom
Nordstrom Everyday Women’s Classic Cardigan Sweaters
Nordstrom’s women’s classic cardigans are an ideal flying buddy because they slip on easily with the open-flow design and feel so soft due to the merino-wool blend. This sweater’s lightweight and breathable, yet warm fabric make it an ideal option for long travel days, while the polished look keeps it versatile. Wear it for sightseeing, business travel, or enjoying a night out at your destination!
One wearer shares, “Perfect sweater to have in your travel bag! I wore it on the plane and during chilly evenings.” Comes in sizes XXS-XXL and in six neutral colors.
Learn more about how to pack for cold weather!
Shop Sizes S-XL: Nordstrom
Barefoot Dreams® CozyChic Lite® Long Cardigan
The best cardigan to have is one that is flattering, comfy, and stands out style-wise, and this Barefoot Dreams cutie is the epitome of all three. It’s a comfortable and chic-looking, lightweight knit with an open front with two pockets.
It’s a definite loungewear item, but the design can be dressed up or down with slacks, dresses, blouses, thermals, t-shirts, and cozy leggings. This is necessary for when you’re on a trip and want some diversity when it comes to packing. One wearer shares, “Love the style, fit, and comfort of this cardigan!” Grab this in an array of colors and sizes S-XL.
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Encircled
Encircled The Unblazer Cotton Cardigans Womens
Reminiscent of a comfy bathrobe, the Encircled cotton cardigans for women are wonderful for traveling because it’s casual enough for the plane and seeing the sights during the day, but with a switch of a few garments and shoes, like a pair of dressier pants and some sleek Chelsea ankle boots, this can go from day to night easily.
One wearer shares, “The fabric is soft. The sizing is spot on.” Made from sustainable fabrics, it hits at the hip and features a tie belt that can also be worn openly, along with puffy, long sleeves. Grab this in sizes XS-XXL and three shades.
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Amazon
Skechers Restful Hooded Cardigan Woman
When you can find cute cardigans for women that are also practical, grab them up! This Skechers hooded sweater cardigan is the ultimate choice because it’s so comfortable, it’s like you’re wearing your favorite blanket. It features a hood (toasty feature!), and an open front with side pockets, and drapes nicely around your mid-thigh area.
Made from a multi-fabric blend, it’ll keep you warm wearing it solo or layered, and it’s cozy enough to wear for hours on the plane. One wearer shares, “So soft, comfortable, perfect length, and I love that there are pockets and a hood.” Available in sizes XS-3X and in 7 colors.
Best Cardigan for Women Comparison Chart
Compass Rose Carryon Packing Cubes
How to Pack Your Cardigan Sweater
Packing cubes will change the way you pack. We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything—ESPECIALLY your sweaters!
We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. Check out the first video below:
Learn our packing hacks with packing cubes in this video!
If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
What is the best cardigan brand for you? Share your pick with us in the comments!
For more winter clothing ideas, please read:
- Warm Winter Dresses
- Best Thermal Underwear
- Cozy Fleece Jackets for Women
- Best Travel Hoodies for Women That Are Comfy, Yet Stylish
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I need to check out Merino Wool cardigans, I’ve heard many good things that are helpful for deciding. Thanks!
I really like the style and comfort of long cardigans. However, I never know how to wear another layer/coat on top as the temps drop. Other than a trench coat or long puffer coat, can you make some recommendations?
Personally, I’m all about the buttons and the pockets! Great list!
Thank you!
Excellent post! Nothing better than a cozy cardigan when it starts to cool off in Southern California.
So glad that you liked the post Saina!
love all the styles. great post for travelling at this time of year. Mine is packed or I’d be wearing it right now! ( Sept/Ottawa, Canada)
I wore my long cardigans everyday on my trip to Iceland and Norway. I loved my Gap boucle cozy cardigan (I think it’s sold out right now). It was long like a coat and worked perfectly to cover me up like a blanket on the planes. It packed very nicely in a packing cube and took up a small amount of space considering it’s size.
I love the Unblazer from encircled and also the everyday twist top as a cardigan layer too! It’s perfect on the plane when travelling.
I love the Barefoot Dreams cardigan! I wear it in place of a robe over my pjs when the weather gets chilly. So cozy and soft.
Isn’t everything terribly wrinkled when stuffed in those cubes?
Hi Syd, one of our favorite ways to avoid wrinkles is to use the bundle wrapping method inside the packing cube! Also choosing wrinkle-resistant fabrics is very important. ?
You can find more tips here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-clothes-without-wrinkles/
I can’t believe I didn’t find this post earlier! I have been scouring the internet looking for a nice cardigan to dress up or down yet add a layer of warmth. There are so many options and I have been apprehensive to take a leap with Amazon since I’ve had some less than spectacular experiences buying clothes there before. This is so helpful!