The 12 Best Cardigans, Tested and Reviewed - Travel + Leisure

Why We Love It

• It doesn’t crease, so it’s perfect for travel.

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What to Consider

• It has a thicker fabric that takes up more suitcase space.

T+L writer Anne Taylor describes this cardigan as “plain without being boring,” which is a quality that makes it easy to style with various outfits, from comfortable airport ensembles to looks for long days spent exploring.

With a classic V-neck, flattering slouchy shoulders, and a slightly cropped fit, it layers well over pants and shorter hemlines. The boxy structure is designed to look relaxed, and the fabric has a textural element. It is made from chunky, ribbed cotton rendered in nine different colorways.

Another reason why it’s great for travel: it’s wrinkle-resistant, so it’s a low-maintenance staple to have on hand. “I've packed it in a suitcase several times and have never seen a single wrinkle, which is impressive because I seem to have a knack for wrinkling my clothes while traveling,” Taylor confirmed. 

The only consideration that Taylor noted for buying this cardigan as a travel garment is the thicker material, which takes up more suitcase space. “I wouldn't want to change that because ultimately I think it speaks to the quality, but it's something to keep in mind for light packers,” she explains. So, if you’re traveling with a carry-on only, you may want to wear it over your shoulders or opt for a lighter cashmere knit instead.

The Details: Sizes 2XS to 2XL | 100 percent organic cotton

Why We Love It

• Like the name, it’s super cozy and high quality.

What to Consider

• You can always size down if you have a smaller frame.

Renowned for its luxurious bedding and bath bundles, Cozy Earth also has some of the very best loungewear staples on the market, like this oversized cardigan. T+L senior editor, Jasmine Grant, says it’s “hefty and warm, and versatile enough to be paired with a variety of outfits from loungewear to dressier daytime outfits.” Grant considers this classic cardigan a go-to for chilly plane rides and to wear while working from home, noting that the V-neck and tortoiseshell buttons give it a timeless and elevated look. It’s available in multiple colorways, too, so you can opt for your favorite color. Due to the nature of the oversized fit, it's going to have a slouchy feel, but you can size down as desired.

The Details: Sizes XS to XL | Bamboo, modal, and nylon

Why We Love It

• It doesn’t have the scratchy feel that other wool-blend fabrics can often have.

What to Consider

• It’s hand-wash only. 

As the brand name suggests, this elegant cardigan feels silky and lovely to wear.  “It's made from a wool and cashmere blend (90 percent wool and 10 percent cashmere), so it's toasty warm without any of the scratchiness that sometimes comes with 100 percent wool sweaters and cardigans,” Taylor said. Another reason that Taylor recommends this cardigan is that it doesn’t crease, so it’s a low-maintenance staple to travel with. It features a wide shawl collar that accentuates the V-neck and has large pockets at the hip, making it feel extra cozy to lounge in (and convenient if you are popping out for the morning coffee run without a bag).

The Details: Sizes S to L | Wool and cashmere

Why We Love It

• It won’t break the bank, so you might want to pick up multiple colors. 

What to Consider

• There are inconsistencies across different colorways, and the fabric on some can feel thinner than others.

T+L senior editor Jackie Cucco owns this Old Navy cardigan in three different colors, and with the fair price, she could buy all for less than what a single cardigan would cost elsewhere. In addition to being available in various colorways from muted to bright shades, it’s also available in a broad sizing range, including petite, regular, and tall options. “It is fitted and true to size, hitting above the hips but not cropped,” explains Cucco, adding that the fabric is thin but warm. “I've brought it with me to various cold destinations like Jackson Hole and Denver, and also wear it to work in New York City,” she added. “It's versatile and easy to throw in a tote bag (or maybe even a smaller bag because it folds up pretty small) if you think you may get chilly.”

The Details: Sizes XS to 4XL (petite, regular, and tall) | Cotton, recycled polyester, and polyester

Why We Love It

• It’s timeless, elegant, and made to the quality standards that Vince is known for.

What to Consider

• The white version can pick up dark-colored lint if you’re not careful about your choice of outerwear.

Vince continues to master the art of elevating basic wardrobe staples, and this simple cardigan is a prime example of that design philosophy.  It’s a classic silhouette that has been refined with contrasted piping and sleek snap buttons that give it an elegant flair. T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker said that the contrasting color at the sleeves, pocket, and placket makes it feel dressier than a block-colored cardigan, which is a bonus if you are looking for a piece that can provide warmth and also double as a more formal “going out” top. Pair it with a simple tank top and a skirt, and you have an effortless look that will translate well from sightseeing to dinner in the evening.

The Details: Sizes 2XS to XL | Wool, cotton, nylon, cashmere, and spandex

Why We Love It

• The breathable fabric makes it wearable year-round.

What to Consider

• The buttons are a bit heavy, so they can drape downwards. 
  

Lake is a haven of loungewear that is stylish, sustainable, and supremely comfortable, and this roomy cardigan is an excellent travel layer to have on hand. “I've worn it flying and on a long train ride, and it's just a perfect extra layer for when things get chilly,” T+L editor Taylor Fox said. Like the brand’s popular Pima cotton pajamas, this cardigan feels soft and easy to wear.  The varsity-style stripes add a subtle point of interest, and the V-neck is high enough to be worn alone (directly over a bra) as a sweater or over a camisole. It’s made with 100 percent cotton material that is thick enough to wear when the temperatures drop but not so hot that you’ll overheat easily.

The Details: Sizes 2XS to 2XL | 100 percent cotton

Why We Love It

• It is built to be cherished season after season.  

What to Consider

• It is an investment.  

Synonymous with quiet luxury, Jenni Kayne’s cropped cashmere cardigan is perfect for casual moments in beautiful places. It is crafted from the highest quality cashmere, and it’s available in classic and seasonal colorways, all of which are versatile enough to pair with anything from a flowy dress for a night out to daytime denim, thanks to the cropped fit. Associate editor Anna Popp praised its soft fabric, which made it lovely to travel with. “I brought it with me on a six-week-long trip home in the winter, and it was the perfect cashmere sweater to pair with jeans or leggings since it has that versatile knit look with oversized buttons.” You can pair it with a V-neck camisole, capri pants, or a gold chain necklace, and you have a comfortable airplane outfit formula for any season.

The Details: Sizes 2XS to 3XL | 100 percent Mongolian cashmere

Why We Love It

• It feels like a robe but has the polish of an overcoat.

What to Consider

• It is knee-length, so if you’re going to be wearing it on public transport, consider going for a darker colorway as cashmere can be difficult to clean.
  

“My favorite thing about this cardigan is the length because it’s warm and cozy like a robe, but it's more elegant to wear out of the house,” Cucco raved. “I also like the thick ribbing on it, which adds some texture, as well as the slouchy pockets because not all sweaters and cardigans have pockets.” The seamless structure makes it look more polished and formal, particularly with the black colorway, which has more of a traditional duster look.  It’s made entirely from cashmere, but it is on the thicker side, so it has a bit more structure, like what you would expect from a wool overcoat. Cucco also praised its quality construction, noting that it doesn’t pill like cheaper cashmere options.

The Details: Sizes XS to XL | 100 percent cashmere

Why We Love It

• It’s so soft that you don’t need to wear a base layer underneath. 

What to Consider

• It’s hand-wash (or dry clean) only. 
  

Quince creates luxurious essentials for a reasonable price, and its vast range of knitwear is no exception, with many merino wool and cashmere options for under $100. This cable-knit cardigan with a wide collar and a shirt-style structure is T+L writer Asia London Palomba’s preferred cardigan. “It's got a cropped design that's a true crop — I'm 5 feet tall, and it hits right at my hips, so it's flattering. I've basically been living in it,” she raved. It’s roomy enough to wear over another sweater for extra cold days, but it’s not too bulky, so you can easily layer a wool overcoat on top, too. 

The Details: Sizes XS to XL | 100 percent Australian Merino wool

Why We Love It

• It’s a good value for what you get with two tops in one.

What to Consider

• The cardigan is made with almost all synthetic materials, so it’s not super breathable.
  

A matching set is the simplest way to achieve a streamlined look. This cardigan and tank duo from Abercrombie and Fitch is an excellent two-for-one option.  “It's great for traveling since I can wear the tank underneath and button it all the way up for a dressier look or dress it down by leaving the buttons open,” Popp said. Whether you opt for the cream, brown, or gray stripe version, you can rest assured that you’ll have a low-maintenance look on hand, ready to style with jeans and ballet flats or a miniskirt and leather boots for something dressier.

The Details: Sizes 2XS to XL | Polyester, nylon, acrylic, wool, and elastane

Why We Love It

• It’s fitted but stretchy, so it’s a great piece to wear for workouts on the go.

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What to Consider

• It’s a cropped style, so consider pairing with high-waisted bottoms if you’re uncomfortable having exposed skin.
  

You can rely on Reformation for flattering and wearable staples like this chic cotton cardigan. It’s fitted but is comfortable enough for virtually any activity — I layer mine over a sports bra and wear it to workout classes, where I’m moving my arms around in all directions, and it never feels restrictive. It’s a great piece to pair with athleisure, but it can be adapted to complete any daily uniform, from the school drop-off paired with cropped jeans to a meeting layered under a tailored suit. I have it in the classic black, but it’s also available in other neutral colors, too.

The Details: Sizes XS to XL | Organic cotton and nylon

Why We Love It

• The color on the buttons is perfectly matched to the fabric, and it’s machine washable.

What to Consider

• It runs a bit large and long, so size down if you want a more fitted look.
  

This fine rib knit cardigan from J.Crew has a distinctly 90s style and looks like something that could live in the wardrobe for the cast of Friends. The silhouette is true to a classic cardigan: slim-fit, boat neck, with small circular buttons. It’s the perfect transitional wardrobe staple, and unlike many other cardigans, the buttons are perfectly matched to the color of the fabric, be it a teal blue, vibrant red, ivory, or jet black (the gray version is the only one with contrasting white buttons). Another advantage? It is machine washable, so it’s a low-maintenance option.

The Details: Sizes 2XS to 3XL | Cotton, modal rayon, and elastane

In an effort to make apples-to-apples comparisons, we considered only 100% cashmere sweaters—made from the soft undercoats of cashmere goats—that are available in crew-neck styles in women’s (or unisex) sizes. Our maximum budget was $100.

Four clear contenders emerged: Naadam’s The Original Cashmere Sweater, Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, Gobi’s $99 Cashmere Hat and Sweater Set, and Uniqlo’s Cashmere Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Sweater.

We identified five key areas where a cashmere sweater can shine (or not):

Texture: Quality cashmere is soft, smooth, and warm. While it should never be rough or itchy, it also shouldn’t feel excessively soft, mushy, or slick—those are signs that it’s been overwashed or treated with chemical softeners.

Aesthetics: We looked for sweaters with a refined, even surface that’s opaque when you’re wearing it. Design-wise, we wanted sweaters to fit properly, flatter, and be stylish.

Construction: Well-made sweaters have neat seams and sturdy ribbing at the cuffs, collar, and hem. Fully fashioned marks—small rows of upraised marks, often at the shoulder and armhole—indicate higher quality and help with longevity.

Durability: Even the best cashmere pills, but it shouldn’t do so too readily. It should have good stretch recovery, snapping back quickly when tugged. And it should retain its shape and texture after being hand-washed.

Fiber Quality: Long, fine fibers translate to more luxurious garments. Length can range from about 28 to 42 mm. Fineness ranges from around 14 microns in diameter for Grade A cashmere (the finest and best) to 30 microns for Grade C (the coarsest).

I ordered each sweater in my usual size, a women’s medium. When they arrived, I felt the fabrics between my fingers and against my (more sensitive) cheek. I wore the sweaters on their own and layered over and under other garments in New York City’s autumn chill.

I scrutinized hems, seams, and ribbing and examined the knits. I tugged on the sweaters’ sleeves to check how quickly they snapped back into shape, rubbed their surfaces with a finger to make them pill, and hand-washed them, drying them flat, to see how they’d fare.

Finally, I considered the cashmere itself: the length and fineness of its fibers, and the ply of the yarn (higher ply yarn is warmer and more durable).

Best for...

With a soft feel and form-fitting yet comfortable fit, this well-priced classic crewneck is the perfect entry point into the world of cashmere. Plus, it’s available in a wide variety of colors and sizes.

With a soft feel and form-fitting yet comfortable fit, this well-priced classic crewneck is the perfect entry point into the world of cashmere. Plus, it’s available in a wide variety of colors and sizes.

Naadam’s The Original Cashmere Sweater is a long-time pick in our guide to the best cashmere sweaters, as well as a Wirecutter staff favorite, so we already knew it was good. But we were curious to see how it would fare when put head-to-head against a new group of under-$100 contenders—and it won by a landslide.

The Naadam sweater is the warmest and most luxurious-feeling of the bunch, and we like its classic style. Plus, it’s well constructed, durable, and made from the highest-quality cashmere. It’s available in women’s and men’s sizes from XXS to XXL and more than a dozen colors.

Note: This was previously called the Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater, but in October , Naadam raised the price to $98 and renamed it The Original Cashmere Sweater.

It feels refined, substantial, and way spendier than it is. The Naadam sweater has a soft, supple, and slightly fuzzy texture that’s pleasant against bare skin. While not as downy as the Quince and Gobi sweaters, it does feel more high-end. And the light-to-medium weight was warm enough to keep me comfy on its own (sans jacket) on a breezy, 60 °F autumn day.

It has a classic silhouette. The shape of this sweater is slim but slouchy; it’s roomy enough to layer over a button-up shirt, and it also works beautifully under a coat. But I didn’t find it quite as figure-flattering as the Quince sweater, and its longer, less-fitted shape didn’t look as cute or polished with jeans unless it was artfully tucked.

It’s well constructed. The Naadam sweater has fully fashioned marks (small rows of upraised seam reinforcements, a sign of craftsmanship and quality) at the tops of the shoulders and around the arms. I did notice some barely there puckering where the sleeve attaches to the shoulder, but it was much less pronounced than on the other three sweaters. It also has substantial ribbing at the cuffs and hem and by far the sturdiest collar of the sweaters we tested. These details—in addition to looking good—should help it hold up over time.

It’s more durable than the competition. It took 65 vigorous rubs with my finger before a small pill began to form—the most of any in this group. When I pulled on the Naadam sweater’s sleeve, it sprang quickly back into shape. And after being hand-washed, it emerged just as well-formed, albeit considerably fluffier (which was par for the course among our candidates).

One Wirecutter writer told us that he’s had his Naadam sweater since : “There’s no major pilling, no holes, and it’s still as soft as ever.” But two other staffers reported more significant pilling after a few months. (If you’re up to the task, pills can be gently and effectively removed with a cashmere comb.)

The cashmere quality is legit. The Naadam sweater is made from Grade A Mongolian cashmere sourced from Zalaa Jinst white goats. Because it uses primarily long, fine fibers, the knit feels luxurious and durable. But it’s very likely blended with some shorter fibers too, which would explain the amount of fuzz that sprouted up after being washed.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Although we like this sweater’s simple style, its long, classic shape lends itself more to layering than to being worn on its own, like a top. For that, we preferred the Quince sweater.
• We noticed some very subtle puckering at the seam where the sleeve meets the shoulder—but it was much less pronounced than on the other three sweaters.
• After being hand-washed, the Naadam sweater developed a decent amount of surface fluff.

Drapey, flattering, and super-soft, this costs half the price of our (already well-priced) favorite value cashmere sweater pick. It pills fairly easily, and we have questions about its longevity, but it’s still a terrific bargain.

Drapey, flattering, and super-soft, this costs half the price of our (already well-priced) favorite value cashmere sweater pick. It pills fairly easily, and we have questions about its longevity, but it’s still a terrific bargain.

Note: In September , Quince relaunched the Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater. The new version, which we have tested, has 20% more cashmere (and a higher percentage of long fibers) in a tighter tension knit, so it feels thicker and more luxe. (Its pilling performance also improved, though it still pills easier than we’d like.). Quince says that the fit, cut, and style remain the same, although we’ve noticed that the new version fits an inch or two shorter in the body and sleeve, perhaps due to the tighter knit. We’ve updated this section of the article to reflect our findings about the revamped sweater.

Drapey, flattering, and absurdly soft, the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater is the least expensive option (by half!) of the four sweaters we tested in this group—and it ended up being our second favorite. We found that it pills fairly easily and wasn’t quite as substantial as our Naadam pick, but it’s an outstanding value. It costs $50 in women’s sizes (XS to XL, over a dozen colors) and $60 in women’s plus sizes (1X to 3X, six colors) and men’s sizes (S to XXL, nearly a dozen colors).

It’s ultra-soft. The Quince crewneck is supremely soft, with a slightly fluffier texture than Naadam’s The Original Cashmere Sweater. It feels delicate and cloud-like against bare skin.

The shape is flattering. This sweater has a slim cut that looks stylish and effortless, with ribbing at the bottom hem that hugs the figure nicely. Of the four sweaters I tested, this one was my favorite to wear on its own as a top.

It’s surprisingly high quality. Given its price, the quality of the Quince sweater is impressive: It’s made from two-ply Grade A cashmere sourced from Inner Mongolia, and it has fully fashioned marks at the shoulder. I spotted some puckering where the sleeve attaches to the armhole, but it’s not noticeable when you’re wearing the sweater.

It’s not an heirloom piece. This sweater is a touch less substantial than the Naadam sweater, though it feels sturdier and more luxurious than the other under-$100 sweaters I tested from Gobi and Uniqlo. I was impressed with the recovery of the knit when I pulled on the sleeve of this sweater; once the tugging got more vigorous, a faint pinch mark did remain.

After Quince upgraded the design of this sweater in September , I found that it pilled less than the previous generation: The old model pilled from just 10 gentle rubs—on the newer model, it took 20 rubs with my finger to loosen a cloud of fluff, and about 30 to produce a tight pill. It’s still more pill-prone than we’d like, but for this price, we’re prepared to make some compromises.

Soft but disappointingly flimsy: Gobi $99 Cashmere Hat & Sweater Set

The Gobi $99 Cashmere Hat & Sweater Set’s crewneck—yes, the sweater comes with a matching hat, whether you want it or not—has an appealingly drapey, body-skimming fit. It feels whisper-soft and cloud-like, with an open knit, and its fine cashmere is delicate against bare skin.

But the disappointment is in the details. The ribbing around the collar and cuffs appeared flimsy at first glance—and sure enough, it began to warp after just one wash. This sweater also took the longest to regain its shape after being put to the stretch test. It has lots of surface fluff, which suggests that it’s made from shorter cashmere fibers. And it pilled quickly, after just 20 rubs with my finger. Bottom line: For the same price, or even less, you can do better than this sweater.

Itchy, oversize, and see-through: Uniqlo Cashmere Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Sweater

We had high hopes for Uniqlo’s Cashmere Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Sweater—the retail giant is many peoples’ go-to for affordable knitwear. But this women’s crewneck, which costs around $100, looks and feels notably different from the other sweaters we tested—and not in a good way. It has a roomier cut, with sleeves so long that they covered my hands. The material has a tighter, higher-tension knit; though it has very little surface fluff and resisted pilling in our tests, I found it rough and itchy against my bare skin, which pretty much defeats the purpose of wearing cashmere. And it was see-through enough to reveal a bra or cami underneath (though in fairness, the sweater we tested was off-white).

When we asked Uniqlo for specifics about the grade and source of its cashmere, a rep told us all they could share is that the sweater is “100% premium cashmere.” In our experience, a lack of transparency is often an indication of lower quality—and the sweater’s itchy texture would seem to back this up. Regardless, it’s clear that superior budget options are available.

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.

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