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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!
If you want more ideas, we’ve amassed quite a catalog of merino wool articles to aid your capsule wardrobe choices:
- Best Merino Wool T-Shirts
- Best Merino Wool Leggings
- Best Merino Wool Dresses
- Best Merino Wool Clothing
Here are our picks for the top merino wool sweater women return to again and again!
Best Women’s Merino Wool Sweaters
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince
Quince Women’s Merino Wool Sweater
This Quince merino wool jumper is reader-approved and well-priced, made from plush merino wool that brings superior warmth while keeping things breathable. The cable knit texture will make this one a forever classic, with an oversized fit keeping it comfy and easy to layer with.
One wearer says, “Wonderful sweater! The weight is substantial, which I love! It looks exquisite, isn’t itchy, and is overall definitely a great buy.” It comes in four neutral colors and in 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-XL: Quince
Quince Women’s Fine Merino Wool Sweaters
The key to a capsule wardrobe for winter is to use great base pieces, and this merino wool sweater is a chic and easy go-to on cold days! The mock neck adds some sophistication and that extra bit of warmth, and the cropped length gives it a cool factor.
Not only that, but the fabric is smooth, lightweight, and perfectly insulating. It comes in sizes XS-XL.
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 XS-XL: Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino Women Merino Wool Sweaters
If you’ve been reading TFG for a while, you know how reader’s are obsessed with Unbound Merino. The merino crewneck sweater comes in many gorgeous colors, so there is a color to suit everyone, and it’s soft as well as durable. However, this mainly recommended for the fall or spring seasons as it’s a thinner sweater. It’s offered in sizes XS-XL!
One ardent fan says, “This is a great fitting wool crew shirt. It is soft and cozy, yet sharp enough to wear on its own with jeans or cords. It will also be a warm bottom layer for chilly days.” Another one adds, “This is the best feeling sweater I’ve ever worn. I love it!”
If you prefer a v neck version and a slim one, here’s another popular choice from the same brand.
Shop Sizes XXS-XL: Uniqlo
Uniqlo Crew Neck Merino Wool Womens Sweater
This ladies merino wool sweater is a cute style described as “very warm and light.” Wearers rave about this piece, saying it’s well priced at under $50 and a winter must-have for its quality.
This merino wool sweater has a slim fit and classic look that goes with just about everything. It would look lovely worn with ponte pants or leggings, and ankle booties or knee-high boots!
If you’re looking for a turtleneck version, here’s a good option too.
Shop Sizes XXXS-3X: J.Crew
J.Crew Carolyn Merino Wool Sweaters Women
Stay cozy with this merino wool pullover sweater from J. Crew that’s slim, minimalist, and versatile. The lightweight merino wool fabric makes it perfect for wearing alone on mildly chilly days or layering when the temps drop.
The cut is chic and flattering, and you can always size up for a more relaxed fit. Pair it with some wide leg denim and flats for a sophisticated look, or go more casual with joggers and stylish tennies!
An fan sums it up, “Really nice sweater, very flattering, and doesn’t need to be washed too often!” It’s available in multiple colors and sizes XXXS-3X.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Wool&
Wool& Addison Fine Merino Wool Sweaters
This stylish turtleneck from Wool& is simple and classic, with a slim fit that makes layering easy. Whether peeking out from under a thicker sweater or worn as is, this top makes a lovely staple that you can style up in endless ways and rewear over and over!
It also comes in a few other colors.
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-XL: Ridge Merino
Ridge Merino Solstice Merino Wool Sweater Hoodie
This could very well be the best merino wool hoodie! Ridge Merino is a reader favorite, and this cutie checks all the boxes for a functional merino wool staple.
This black merino wool sweater is a pull-over style that’s durable, soft, and lightweight, with a loose-fitting hood and thumbhole cuffs. It even offers UPF sun protection! This is a perfect layering piece that’s a bit more casual but would look terrific dressed up with wide leg jeans and leather booties!
It comes in sizes XS-XL and a range of other colors!
Here are our readers recommendations for the most comfortable hoodies for travel!
Shop Sizes 4-22: 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 4-22.
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 XXS-XXL: Banana Republic
Banana Republic Turtleneck Extra Fine Merino Wool Sweater
When it comes to making fabulous fine merino wool sweaters Banana Republic is a top candidate. This turtleneck selection has a lovely ribbed neck, arm cuffs and hem, drop shoulders, a straight hem with slim fit, yet modern look.
It comes in other wonderful bold & neutral colors. Wearers have said it’s soft and lightweight, a wonderful accompaniment to your winter capsule wardrobe! If you’re looking for a more relaxed type, here’s another merino sweater from the same brand!
Merino wool is also a popular choice for leggings in the cooler weather. These are our readers top picks!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: LL Bean
LL Bean Commando Crewneck Merino Sweater
The merino wool sweater from LL Bean feels absolutely dreamy, made of a soft and warm knit. Not only do the elbow and shoulder patches ensure long wear, they add some extra style details to this perfect layering piece.
One wearer shares “Very warm, flattering and comfortable. The fit is perfect.”
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 Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
How to Pack Your Merino Wool Sweater
Packing cubes will change the way you pack. We designed our own brand of packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything—ESPECIALLY your sweaters!
The Compass Rose Packing Cubes 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 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:
- How to Pack for Cold Weather
- Best Winter Coats And Tips on How to Choose One
- Best Thermal Underwear for Women
- Cold Weather Pants
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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!