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Looking for the best merino wool sweaters for travel? These cozy, lightweight styles are perfect for cold-weather; warm, stylish and ideal for women on the go.
Best Merino Wool Sweater
Table Of Contents
Don’t let cold weather ruin your trip. Packing the wrong clothes can leave you freezing and uncomfortable, especially when traveling in winter. That’s why a merino wool sweater is a must-have: warm, breathable, lightweight and perfect for layering without bulk.
To help you stay cozy and stylish wherever you go, we’ve rounded up he top merino wool sweater women return to again and again!
Looking for more versatile merino pieces? From dresses and pants to hoodies and even underwear, check out the top merino wool clothing brands our readers love!
Best Women’s Merino Wool Sweaters
Shop: Quince | Sizes: XS-XL
Quince Merino Wool Cropped Mocked Neck Sweater
This fine merino wool sweater from Quince is a sleek winter staple for the savvy traveler. The lightweight yet insulating knit keeps you warm without overheating, perfect for city strolls in London or cozy café stops in Vienna.
The cropped length adds a modern edge, while the mock neck offers extra coverage without bulk. Smooth and breathable, it’s a polished base layer that transitions effortlessly from sightseeing to dinner out.
Not sure about wool? TFG Readers love these cashmere sweaters for their polished and timeless look, incredible warmth, and versatility.
Shop: Gap
Sizes XXS-XXL Regular | S-XXL Tall | XS-L Petite
Gap Merino Wool Crew Neck Sweater
Made from 100% Merino wool, this sweater from Gap is naturally lightweight, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant, making it the perfect layering piece for everything from long-haul flights to breezy city strolls.
Its classic crew neck silhouette is effortlessly chic and easy to dress up or down, while the four neutral color options make mixing and matching a breeze. Whether you’re packing light or building a capsule wardrobe, this versatile sweater is a must-have for every trip.
Shop: J.Crew | Sizes XXXS-3X
J.Crew Carolyn Merino Wool Sweaters Women
With its slim fit and lightweight warmth, this merino wool sweater from J.Crew is a travel-friendly favorite that layers effortlessly or shines on its own. The sleek, minimalist cut works with everything from wide-leg trousers to joggers.
Naturally breathable and soft, it keeps you comfortable on long travel days or busy city outings. Choose from a range of colors to suit your capsule wardrobe.
Shop: Uniqlo | Sizes XXS-XL
Uniqlo Crew Neck Merino Wool Womens Sweater
Lightweight, warm, and budget-friendly, this Uniqlo sweater is a go-to layering piece for stylish, practical travelers. With its slim fit and timeless crew neck, it pairs effortlessly with leggings, skirts, ponte pants, or tucked into jeans
Soft and breathable, it’s ideal for packing light on a winter city break to Rome or layering under a jacket in Tokyo. At under $50, it’s a smart addition to any capsule travel wardrobe.
Looking for a turtleneck version? This one from Uniqlo is also a great option too.
Shop: Royal Robbins | Sizes XS-XL
Royal Robbins Merino Pullover Sweater
Ideal for adventure-ready travelers, the Royal Robbins Rockcraft sweater blends performance with easy, everyday style. Made from temperature-regulating merino wool, it layers effortlessly, perfect for brisk mornings in the Scottish Highlands or cool evenings in Patagonia.
It’s available in versatile earth tones and subtle patterns that pair well with neutral bottoms, making it easy to mix and match on the road. Though a splurge, its comfort, durability, and eco-conscious materials make a must-have for active, sustainable wardrobes.
Shop: Banana Republic | Sizes: XXS-XXL
Banana Republic Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater
A sleek essential for winter travel, this fine merino wool turtleneck from Banana Republic is both elegant and practical. The slim fit and ribbed details add polish, while the lightweight knit makes it ideal for layering under a blazer for dinner in Lisbon or a coat for sightseeing in London.
The soft, breathable fabric keeps you warm without overheating, and its range of bold and neutral colors makes it easy to mix and match in a capsule wardrobe.
Our readers also love this Merino Crew Neck Sweater from the same brand!
Shop: Wool& | Sizes XS-3X
Wool& Merino Wool Sweatershirt
Blending sweatshirt comfort with merino wool performance, Wool&’s relaxed merino sweatershirt is the ultimate cozy layer for travel days and chilly destinations. The relaxed, slightly boxy fit pairs perfectly with leggings or jeans, ideal for exploring markets in Copenhagen or layering up for a scenic train ride through the Alps.
Made from soft, breathable merino, it keeps you warm without weighing down your suitcase. It’s a casual, capsule-friendly piece you’ll reach for again and again on the road.
Shop: prAna | Sizes XS-XL
prAna Crewneck Merino Sweater
Effortlessly combining comfort and sustainability, the prAna Cades Cove sweater is a dream for eco-conscious travelers. Its lightweight merino wool blend provides cozy warmth, perfect for layering on a flight or strolling through cool mountain towns like Asheville or Banff.
The waffle knit texture adds interest, while raglan sleeves offer a flattering, relaxed fit that moves with you. Whether you’re dressing it up with ankle boots or keeping it casual with leggings, this piece blends style and function beautifully.
Shop: Banana Republic Factory | Sizes: XXS-XXL
Banana Republic Factory Merino Wool Ribbed Sweater
For a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice style, this ribbed merino wool-blend sweater from Banana Republic Factory is a reader favorite. The flattering slim fit and textured ribbing give it a polished look, while the lightweight warmth is ideal for layering on city breaks or long flights.
It’s soft, breathable, and easy to dress up or down, great for mixing into your travel capsule without breaking the bank. A versatile staple for stylish, practical packing.
Shop: Quince | Sizes XS-XL
Quince Women’s Merino Wool Sweater
Warm, breathable, and endlessly versatile, this Quince merino wool jumper is a massive favorite with TFG readers. Its plush, midweight knit offers cozy comfort without feeling bulk, perfect for chilly walks through Paris in the fall or layering under a coat for a winter trip to New York.
The classic cable-knit design and relaxed fit make it easy to dress up or down, while the soft merino keeps you warm on the go. Stylish, packable, and affordable, it’s a smart addition to any travel capsule wardrobe.
Everlane The Half-Zip Sweater | Sizes: XXS-XXL
FAQ
Why Merino Wool?
Merino wool is one of the best fabrics for travel because it’s breathable, naturally temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant.
It keeps you warm in the cold and cool in the heat, all while staying soft and comfortable against the skin. Plus, you can wear it multiple times without needing a wash, making it perfect for packing light.
How Do I Wash My Merino Wool Sweater?
Most merino wool items can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a wool or delicate option if available.
Use a mild, wool-friendly detergent, and avoid bleach or fabric softeners. If you are worried the machine might ruin the wool, then hand wash your sweater inside out to prevent bobbling.
To prolong the life of your garment, lay it flat to dry rather than using a dryer. Always check the care label for specific instructions.
How Should I Store My Merino Wool Sweater?
Store clean, dry merino wool garments folded in a cool, dry place. To prevent moth damage, consider using cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your drawer or storage bins. If you’re storing items long-term, like over the summer, seal them in a breathable garment bag or airtight container.
Does Merino Wool Itch?
High-quality merino wool is much softer than traditional wool, thanks to its ultra-fine fibers, and most people find it comfortable against the skin, even those who are usually sensitive to wool.
That said, merino isn’t for everyone. A small number of people still find it slightly itchy, especially if they have very sensitive skin or allergies. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to start with a lighter-weight piece (like a tee or tank) or a blend, and see how it feels for you.
How Long Can You Wear Merino Wool Without Washing It?
That’s one of the best things about it! Depending on the activity and how much you sweat, merino can be worn multiple times, often up to a week or more, without smelling.
Just air it out between wears, and it stays fresh much longer than cotton or synthetics.
What do you think are the best merino wool sweaters for traveling in the cold? Share in the comments below!
For more ideas on what to wear in cold weather, please read:
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I am a fan of Quince and their merino wool (and cashmere) doesn’t disappoint especially at an affordable price point
isn’t everything wrinkled when you arrive?
One of our favorite ways to avoid wrinkles is to use the bundle wrapping method using packing cube!
You can find more tips here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-clothes-without-wrinkles/
Where do shoes, cosmetics and toileties go?
Have a look at this video to see how to pack your suitcase with your shoes, toiletries and other items!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiJK-aB9aJU
Thank you. I wanted to get some merino wool sweaters for a spring trip next year. After reading this, I went to my local Uniqlo store and bought several of their sweaters. My only warning is that they are a bit sheer so I’ll want to wear something underneath most likely.
So glad you found this helpful Christine, have the most amazing time on your travels next year!
I wear plus size and have difficulty finding sweaters that look good and pack light for travel in the winter. I like the Merino Wool JCrew Halle in 3X and WoolX in 2X. Both look and feel great. Thank you for your recommendations. I wouldn’t have found them without you.
Has anyone else noticed problems with small holes in both wool and cotton, and even blends these days?
I would REALLY like to know what is causing these? Everything from high-end cashmere and Merino sweaters to
cotton ( and blend) jersey sheets! It’s nuts!