Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
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
Table Of Contents
Aside from your destination and your itinerary, part of planning a fall or winter trip is avoiding looking or feeling too bulky.
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 XS-XL: Uniqlo
Uniqlo Merino Wool Cardigans Women
Women’s button down cardigan sweaters like this one from Uniqlo are ideal for traveling because it’s lightweight, and not heavy to wear or lug around. It’s made of merino wool, and being neutral color you know you’ll be able to wear it with almost everything.
One wearer mentioned that “Great sweater for travel. Packs small and can wear a loaded crossbody and/or backpack over it hustling through the airport and it doesn’t pill or stretch. Prefer it to cashmere. Nicely tailored and goes over T-shirts, collared shirts or dresses.”
It’s available in sizes XS-XL and in five colors!
Find out why Merino Wool is the ultimate fabric for travel here!
Shop Land’s End: XS-XL Regular | XS-XL Petite | S-XL Tall | 1X-3X Plus
Lands’ End Cashmere Cardigan Sweater
Stay cozy and stylish with this luxurious Cashmere Cardigan from Lands’ End. Perfect for chilly mornings at the airport or layering under your winter coat, this soft cardigan provides warmth without feeling bulky while its versatile design pairs effortlessly with any outfit,
One wearer shares “These cashmere cardigans are the best! I just tested them in winter, in Baltimore and Wa DC. They are so warm, comfy, tasteful.” While another adds “This sweater fits perfectly! It’s so soft and luxurious. I am 6′ tall and weigh 158. Finally a sweater with sleeves that are L-O-N-G enough.”
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Wool&
Wool& Women’s Signature Merino Wool Knit Cardigan
Looking for the perfect chic 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 features an open front with two front pockets and 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 Cardigan Women
This J.Crew womens button down cardigan 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 spent sightseeing.
Made of soft 100% cashmere fabric, it has all the marks of a comfortable piece to wear for travel or at home. 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-XXL: Nordstrom
Nic + Zoe Convertible Cardigan
This convertible cardigan from Nic + Zoe is a travel must! For maximum versatility, this cardigan is made of a linen and viscose blend that 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-XXL and in two colors!
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 Land’s End: XS-XL Regular | XS-XL Petite | S-XL Tall | 1X-3X Plus
Land’s End Long Sleeve Simple Cardigan
Fall and winter cardigans for ladies should be not only comfortable but versatile. This Land’s End long-sleeve choice is quite flattering and goes with almost every outfit. It’s made of a cotton 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, “I’ve had these sweaters over the years in various colors. Love them.”
It is available in in sizes XS-3X in a bunch of colors!
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Banana Republic
Banana Republic Button Down Cardigan Womens
These comfy, yet pretty relaxed cardigans from Banana Republic are smart-looking and made from 100% lightweight, breathable, and soft cashmere. It features a button-down closure, relaxed fit with a straight hem.
So cozy and versatile, as this wearer shares, “This is so beautiful! A spurge worth it. Love it and can’t wait to wear it all year long.” Available in XXS-XXL and five colors!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Encircled
Encircled The Unblazer Cotton Cardigans Womens
Made from sustainable fabrics, the Encircled cotton cardigans for women are wonderful for travel. 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 ankle boots, this can easily go from day to night. It also has two side-zippered pockets that have enough space for keys or your phone.
One wearer shares, “The fabric is soft. The sizing is spot on.” Grab this in sizes XS-XXL and three shades.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince
Quince Cashmere Women’s Classic Cardigan Sweaters
Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater is an ideal flying buddy with its slouchy design and cozy warmth. Made from lightweight luxe cashmere he oversized boyfriend fit gives it a fashion-forward edge, too!
Wear it for sightseeing, business travel, or enjoying a night out at your destination! One wearer shares, “It’s the perfect, cozy-chic layering piece to keep you warm while still looking cute. I recently wore it on a long flight and it was the perfect travel piece that still made me look put together!” It comes in sizes XS-XL and in several neutral colors
Learn more about how to pack for cold weather!
Shop Sizes XXS-XL: Nordstrom
Eileen Fisher Organic Long Cardigan
Flattering, comfortable, and elegant, this Eileen Fisher cardigan checks all the boxes. Made from a breezy blend of organic linen and cotton, so it’s the perfect summer layer. It’s elevated design can make a casual outfit look more polished or be worn with your dressier outfits.
One wearer shares, “Comfy and functional, the perfect length, and easy to dress up!” Choose from a few neutral colors and sizes XXS-XL.
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. It’s cozy enough to wear for hours on the plane because it’s like you’re wearing your favorite blanket.
Made from a multi-fabric blend, it features a hood (toasty feature!), and an open front with side pockets, and drapes nicely around your mid-thigh area.
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.
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size 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!
Many of our readers use Compass Rose Packing Cubes to organize and compress their clothing and other items they plan to bring. These are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!
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 travel clothing ideas, please read:
- Ultimate Guide to a Travel Capsule Wardrobe
- Essential Travel Clothing Brands
- Ultimate Guide to the Best Merino Wool Brands for Women
- Best Linen Clothing for Women: Ultimate Summer Guide
LIKE THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
We hope you liked this post on the best cardigans. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Can’t wait to try some of these!
She’s looking for cropped. I’m short waisted so cropped looks better on me unless I want a sweater coat.
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!