This "Boring" Basic Is Officially One of the Hottest Buys of the Season
It’s true—we have a weakness for cardigans. And when it comes to the best cardigans for women, there are a select few we find ourselves gravitating to. Regardless of what time of year it is, trust us when we say a cardigan is always a good idea. Chilly summer night? Pop on a cardigan. Stepping out for a latte in fall? Cardigan! Cozying up by the fireplace during winter? Cardigan!
The best cardigans all have a few things in common—comfort and the ability to layer. Cardigans are a timeless piece that everyone should have in their wardrobe, and they give off an air of Parisian authority. Not only are cardigans super comfortable, but they’re easy to style and throw on when you’re in a rush. And with the right silhouette, you'll look more like a chic Miu Miu librarian and less like a grandmother. (If the latter is your vibe, though, we have selections for that style preference too. There is no wrong way to style or wear a cardigan.)
Lucky for you, we’ve scoured the internet for the best cardigans for women that are currently available on the market, and we’ve located some top-notch finds. We prioritized options that are made from wool, cashmere, and cotton but also included a few blends for affordability purposes. From thicker knits to sheer options and ribbed silhouettes, there’s a little something for everyone. Just keep scrolling to get a look at 23 of the best cardigans.
Our Top Picks
You won't want to take this off—trust. The cardigan is not only incredibly soft but it can also be worn as a regular sweater with a back opening.
Size Range: XXS–XXXL
Colors Available: Camel, Black, Sage, Grey, Red, Ecru, Vintage Blue, Rosewood Pink, Navy, Sky Blue, Sea Green, Royal Blue, Powder Pink, Pastel Violet
Materials: Merino and Alpaca Wool
Thank you, Jenni Kayne, for making the cardigan of our dreams. It's so easy to throw on with seemingly any outfit.
Size Range: XS–XXL
Colors Available: Taupe, Ivory, Black, Taupe/Navy Stripe, Chocolate, Dark, Grey
Materials: Wool, cashmere
Customer Review: "I was reluctant to spend this much on a cardigan but I’m glad I did. It’s luxurious, best of all Jennie Kayne sweaters I’ve ever purchased and I feel like a million bucks in it."
Anything by J.Crew just exudes rich energy, and this cardigan-jacket hybrid is no different. Be sure to wear gold jewelry to tie in with the hardware.
Size Range: XXXS–3X
Colors Available: Bleached Sand, Hthr Hazelnut, Black
Materials: 100% Cotton
Customer Review: "I love my new lady sweater, it will be a classic that I will wear again and again for many years. Looks great with jeans or a black skirt."
Chilly nights call for a cardigan like this one. We also love that it comes in both regular and plus sizes.
Size Range: XS–4X
Colors Available: Red, Pink, Black, Dark Heather Brown, Light Heather Brown, Cream, Lime, Bottle Green
Materials: Cotton, Polyester
Customer Review: "When I opened the bag, I thought this sweater would be too small for me, but it fits perfectly (the sleeves are long enough as well). I usually wear a 4 or 6 and this sweater fits even over another shirt. It is also extremely soft and comfortable! Very few items are as versatile and necessary in one's wardrobe as a cardigan!
There's something so cozy and classy about longline cardigans. Plus, it's easy to dress it up or down.
Size Range: XS–XL
Colors Available: Oatmeal
Materials: Cashmere
Madewell is a hub for finding the best basics, and according to customer reviews, this cardigan is one to have on your shopping list.
Size Range: XS–L
Colors Available: Black, Poppy, Hickory, Deep Sea, Pewter,
Materials: Wool, cotton, polyamide
Customer Review: "I’ve been looking for a warm, but not bulky, cardigan. I usually wear an XS and that’s the size I got. I would say it’s relaxed, but not oversized and slouchy. If you want a truly slouchy, oversized fit, you might want to go up a size. I got this in the blue and it’s a rich navy color that will go with many colors in my closet. I was on the fence and did a lot of searching to find a cheaper version, but this looks like it will hold up for many years and I can see wearing this a lot this fall and winter."
This timeless piece will stay in your wardrobe for years to come.
Size Range: XS–L
Colors Available: Grey, Ivory, Red, Black, Light Blue
Materials: Alpaca, Polyamide, Spandex
A cardigan with a collar? Yes, please. Reformation never ceases to amaze us, and this cashmere blend-sweater is on our wish lists.
Size Range: XS–XL
Colors Available: Gossamer, Oatmeal, Compost, Black
Materials: Cashmere Blend
Customer Review: "Soft and effortless! Love the oversized look!"
If a cropped and shorter option is more your cup of tea.
Size Range: XS–XXL
Colors Available: Heather Grey, Rust
Materials: Cotton, Viscose, Nylon, Spandex
Customer Review: "I love this cardigan, it fits great and is perfect for high-rise jeans. I am a small/medium and needed to get a medium so it wasn’t too cropped. It's nice quality for treasure and bond."
The tailored design of this Khaite cardigan is impeccable.
Size Range: XS–XL
Colors Available: Army Green, Black
Materials: Cashmere
If you're always cold in the office like we are, this is the kind of cardigan you'll want to keep at your desk.
Size Range: XXXS–3X
Colors Available: Black, Hthr Khaki, Hthr Dove
Materials: Cotton, Polyester, Merino Wool
Customer Review: "I’ve been adding one or two colors to my wardrobe for years and they never disappoint. Excellent addition to any wardrobe!"
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