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Struggling to pack light for your winter travels? Choose merino wool! It’s the best fabric for traveling light and staying warm in the winter. Find out the best merino wool sweaters!
Best Merino Wool Sweater
Table Of Contents
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
Everyone recommends merino wool for winter traveling. What are your suggestions for the best merino sweaters?
Nothing will ruin your trip faster than standing outside freezing because you packed the wrong type of clothing. When traveling during the winter months, make sure you include a merino wool sweater on your packing list!
Hanging out in a J.Crew Merino Wool Sweater (similar style)
A sweater like this is also versatile to wear around town, during the times you aren’t traveling either!
Start by reading these tips on packing for cold-weather travel:
- Winter Packing List
- How to Pack for Cold Weather
- How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather
- The Best Travel Shoes for Winter
Here are our picks for the top merino wool sweater women return to again and again!
Best Women’s Merino Wool Sweaters
Shop Sizes XXXS-3X: J Crew
J. Crew Halle Women Merino Wool Sweaters
If you’ve been reading TFG for a while, you know how obsessed we are with J. Crew. The Halle crewneck sweater comes in many gorgeous colors, so there is a color to suit everyone, and it’s soft as well as durable. However, the Halle is mainly recommended for the fall or spring seasons as it’s a thinner sweater than previous J.Crew iterations. It’s offered in inclusive sizing too (XXS-3X)!
One ardent fan says, “I love my sweaters, as they are incredibly soft. I’m a little obsessed now.” Another one adds, “I only get my merino wool sweaters from J. Crew, as they are such great quality.”
A secondary sweater I’ve loved before is the J.Crew Margot sweater which doesn’t have many sizes left, but there are a few if you wanted to pick one up.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince
Quince V-Neck Women’s Merino Wool Sweater
Quince is reader-approved and is another well-priced option, and this cute merino wool jumper is made from soft merino wool and looks beautifully classic—with a V-neck and ribbed cuffs.
One user describes this as “comfortable and light to wear but sufficiently warm enough without being too hot.” It’s packable yet will keep you warm when it counts. Comes in tons of lovely colors and sizes XS-XL.
Not sure about wool? TFG Readers love these cashmere sweaters for their polished and timeless look, incredible warmth, and versatility.
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Woolx
Woolx Women’s Fine Merino Wool Sweaters (Plus Sizes Available)
The key to a capsule wardrobe for winter is to use great base pieces, and this chic merino wool sweater comes in many colors to suit anyone’s style and is cozy and not itchy. The biggest plus is the turtleneck which can keep your neck warm at all times!
The flattering silhouette, and lightweight feel make this packable or wearable most anywhere! Comes in sizes XS-3X.
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Wool&
Wool& Merino Wool Sweaters Womens
For a totally cozy choice, this relaxed merino sweater by Wool& is a soft merino wool that gives coverage without the bulk. The slightly boxy will go with regular leggings, jeans, fleece-lined leggings or merino wool leggings.
This merino wool sweater comes in sizes XS-XXL!
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Uniqlo
Uniqlo Merino Wool Womens Sweater
This ladies merino wool sweater is a cute vneck style described as “very warm and light.” And it comes in a variety of sizes, available from XXS-XXL.
Readers gave a merino sweater review and rave about this piece, saying it’s well priced at under $50 and a winter must-have for its quality.
The slim fit and classic look means you could wear this for travel or out and about. It would look lovely with Ponte pants or leggings, and ankle booties or knee-high boots!
These are our readers top picks for merino wool t-shirts!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: ibex
ibex Tranquil Merino Wool Sweaters Women
Stay cozy with this cotton-merino wool pullover sweater from ibex that has moisture-wicking fibers that also repels odors which means you don’t need to wash it while vacationing. Simply hang it up and air it out and voila, good as new. This makes it the best travel sweater around!
This pullover is cropped for a chic look and can be easily worn with a longer blouse undergarment, some classic high-waisted jeans, and flats for a sophisticated look! Or go more casual with joggers and a short sleeve tee underneath!
An elated fan says, “It elevates the piece from a “sweatshirt” to a versatile item that boosts many outfits, from hiking duds to athleisure wear to high-waisted denim. It’s lightweight and comfortable.” These are available in sizes XS-XL and in classic shades that work as a base with anything!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon
KNITTONS Italian Merino Wool Sweaters
Speaking of “fine merino wool sweaters,” you can’t go wrong with this stylish turtleneck, which evokes European flair. Made from Italian merino wool, this is amazing for travel because it won’t pill nor wrinkle.
Comes in multiple colors. An incredibly lightweight staple that you can layer or wear alone!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon
Aran Crafts Merino Wool Cardigan Sweater
The epitome of chic and practical, this beautifully crafted sweater seems right out of an Irish tourism brochure but with the modern touches of a sleek jacket. It has a zip feature and even pockets to warm your hands!
Wearers describe it as super-soft yet sturdy, so it can hold up to the rigors of travel or daily life. And it can double as a pullover jacket!
Grab this in other shades and sizes XS-XXL.
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon
Minus33 Merino Wool Sweater Hoodie
This could very well be the best merino wool hoodie! Minus33 is a long-time reader favorite, and this cutie could be added to the hall of fame.
This black merino wool sweater is a pull-over style that’s durable, soft, and lightweight and has a hood to protect your head. A perfect layering piece that’s a bit more casual but would look terrific with skinny jeans and Chelsea ankle boots!
Comes in sizes XS-XXL and gray color as well!
Here are our readers recommendations for the most comfortable hoodies for travel!
Shop Sizes 01-8: Amazon
LANPULUX Womens Merino Wool Sweater
If you want something classic and “take anywhere” this merino wool pullover sweater is a crewneck long-sleeve with ribbed cuffs and comes in a number of colors to suit your personal style.
Mostly though, it’s very versatile and can be dressed up or down. Described as “soft and warm,” we can’t help but agree!
Besides the numerous pretty colors, it comes in sizes 0-18.
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon
Woolly Cowl Neck Pullover
If you want another cozy choice, the Woolly pullover is a merino wool option that’s lightweight, breathable, and an essential fall and winter item for layering when traveling. It has warming thumbholes so it’s got coverage even over the hands. Also excellent for just lounging, too! Comes in sizes XS-XXL.
Looking for a versatile option for travel or lounging at home? Here are some tunic sweaters that are comfy and cute!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Smartwool | Amazon
Smartwool Shadow Pine Extra Fine Merino Wool Sweater
When it comes to making fabulous fine merino wool sweaters Smartwool is a top candidate. This V-neck selection has a lovely ribbed texture and a loose, yet modern look.
It comes in two other wonderful neutral colors. Wearers have said it’s soft and lightweight, a wonderful accompaniment to your winter capsule wardrobe!
Merino wool is also a popular choice for leggings in the cooler weather. These are our readers top picks!
Shop Sizes XXS-XL: Everlane
Everlane Felted Merino Sweater
The half-zip merino wool sweater from Everlane feels absolutely dreamy, made of a soft and warm ribbed knit. The cut is relaxed, but the half-zip collar keeps it polished, so it’s a perfect layering piece. You can pair this cutie with anything from leggings to jeans to skirts!
It comes in a range of pretty colors and in sizes XXS-XL.
Ladies Merino Wool Sweaters Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
J. Crew Halle Women Merino Wool Sweaters |
“I only get my merino wool sweaters from J. Crew, as they are such great quality.” It’s offered in inclusive sizing too (sizes XXXS-3XL Plus)! | Check Price |
|
Quince V-Neck Women's Merino Wool Sweater |
“Comfortable and light to wear but sufficiently warm enough without being too hot.” | Check Price |
|
Woolx Women's Fine Merino Wool Sweaters |
The flattering silhouette, and lightweight feel make this packable or wearable most anywhere! | Check Price |
|
Wool& Merino Wool Sweaters Womens |
For a totally cozy choice, this relaxed merino sweater by Wool& is a soft merino wool that gives coverage without the bulk. | Check Price |
|
Uniqlo Merino Wool Womens Sweater |
The slim fit and classic look means you could wear this for travel or out and about. | Check Price |
|
ibex Tranquil Merino Wool Sweaters Women |
Stay cozy with this cotton-merino wool pullover sweater from ibex that has moisture-wicking fibers. This makes it the best travel sweater around! | Check Price |
|
KNITTONS Italian Merino Wool Sweaters |
Made from Italian merino wool, this is amazing for travel because it won’t pill nor wrinkle. | Check Price |
|
Aran Crafts Merino Wool Cardigan Sweater |
The epitome of chic and practical, this beautifully crafted sweater seems right out of an Irish tourism brochure but with the modern touches of a biker jacket. | Check Price |
|
Minus33 Merino Wool Sweater Hoodie |
This black merino wool sweater is a pull-over style that's durable, soft, and lightweight and has a hood to protect your head. | Check Price |
|
LANPULUX Womens Merino Wool Sweater |
Described as “soft and warm,” we can’t help but agree! | Check Price |
|
Woolly Cowl Neck Pullover |
It is a merino wool option that’s lightweight, breathable, and an essential fall and winter item for layering when traveling. | Check Price |
|
Smartwool Shadow Pine Extra Fine Merino Wool Sweater |
When it comes to making fabulous fine merino wool sweaters Smartwool is a top candidate. | Check Price |
|
Everlane Felted Merino Sweater |
The cut is relaxed, but the half-zip collar keeps it polished, so it’s a perfect layering piece. You can pair this cutie with anything from leggings to jeans to skirts! | Check Price |
Why Merino Wool Is So Popular
When choosing the best clothing for your vacation, fabric is an important factor to consider. (Read this post to find out the best fabrics for travel.) Merino wool is not just perfect for cold weather, it is also fantastic for warm weather, because it helps keep you cool.
Merino wool is the ultimate travel fabric, because it is super lightweight, durable, and very versatile, so you will only need to pack a few items. One of the best advantages of merino wool is that it wicks away moisture while retaining airflow, keeping you warm and toasty while you’re out sightseeing!
Here’s the best merino wool clothing for women!
How to Wash Merino Wool Sweaters
A smart traveler secret is that you can wear your merino wool sweaters multiple times before needing to wash them. If you do want to wash them in the machine, make sure you wash at a low temperature on a gentle machine cycle. Use a wool or delicate option if available.
If you are worried the machine might ruin the wool, then hand wash your sweater inside out to prevent bobbling. Also, double check the washing instructions on the label to ensure you are washing your sweater correctly.
Don’t use fabric softener, as it will coat the wool fibers and limit the wool’s ability to wick away moisture and keep you warm. Always dry on the line, and do not put your merino wool sweater in the tumble dryer.
One reader shares, “I machine wash my merino wool sweaters on a cold setting and then hang them out to dry.” Another reader adds, “I never wash my sweaters with regular soap or pods, as fabric softener can ruin them.”
Tip: If you attempt to wash your merino wool sweater while traveling, it may take forever to dry!
How to Care For Your Merino Wool Sweater
The best way to protect your merino wool sweaters when you’re not wearing them is to store them in a tightly sealed storage container to keep bugs and moths away from the wool. A few readers store their wool sweaters in storage bags to protect their sweaters from moths.
One reader says, “I make sure my sweater is clean and properly dry, and then I place it in a bag until it gets cold again.” A reader shares how she places her merino wool clothing in a drawer with an “unwrapped bar of soap or a lavender satchel to keep my clothing lovely and fresh.” Another reader says she “uses a cedar chest for my wool items. I put moth balls in with them.”
Moth balls, cedar balls, or a lavender satchel are the main methods that readers recommend to keep merino sweaters free from bugs and fresh for use next time.
Compass Rose Carryon Packing Cubes
How to Pack Your Merino Wool 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 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:
- Best Merino Wool Clothing
- Top Fleece Travel Jackets
- Best Thermal Underwear for Women
- Cold Weather Pants
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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!