The 20 Best Cardigans That Make Layering a Breeze
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Button up.
InStyle / Kristin Kempa
Cardigans have become somewhat of a wardrobe staple over the years. What started traditionally as a knitted menswear piece, worn by a British officer in England during the 1800s Crimean War, has since become a genderless mainstay, taking on many shapes and silhouettes over the years. Coco Chanel’s refined, slouchier styles solidified cardigans as a garment for women as well during the 1930s, whereas the fitted cardigan sets of the 1950s took on a sexier take, highlighting the waistline, and of course, cropped styles of the 1990s became synonymous with the minimalist movement of the period.
Today, the best cardigans come in all shapes and sizes — from shrunken shrugs to oversized, grandfather styles, crewnecks, V-necks, and more. What’s more, they offer incredible versatility and wear throughout the seasons. “Cardigans are wardrobe staples because they are the perfect layering piece for all seasons,” says beauty entrepreneur Katie Sturino. “They are a constant go-to for me when dressing in transitional temperatures.” Because of these reasons and more, keep reading to find which styles three fashion experts have on their must-have shopping lists, and why the best cardigans for women are an essential buy.
Related: The 19 Best Sweaters for an Extra Cozy Year
Best Overall: Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan Sweater
What We Love: The size range extends up to 6X.
What We Don’t Love: It has a touch of polyester, rather than being 100 percent cotton.
The everyday staple, fit to perfection. This cardigan has a slimmer, relaxed silhouette that won’t restrict, while the soft, cotton fabrication makes it an extremely transitional piece for all seasons and climates. The long-sleeve, crewneck shape also comes in at an extremely affordable price point, so don’t be afraid to load up on more than one of the 27 colorways. Whether worn as is, buttoned-up as a stand-alone top, and tucked into a pair of trousers for work or jeans for the weekend, it makes for a wardrobe power player that you’ll reach for over and over. If you prefer to layer, try over tanks and tees, and even thin turtlenecks come fall and winter, as a reliable option that will add a stylish touch to any outfit.
Size: XS–6X | Colors: 27 | Material: Cotton, modal, polyester
Best Ribbed: Good American Cozy Rib Crop Cardigan
What We Love: It’s available in sizes up to 3XL.
What We Don’t Love: It is hand-wash only.
If oversized styles aren’t your thing, reach for this cropped and ribbed cardigan that fits a woman’s form like a glove. The deep V-neck silhouette allows this cardigan style to be worn as a standalone top. The lightweight fabrication has a bit of stretch, which offers both comfort and free-standing movement. Wear it in black or white with a pair of high-waisted jeans and leather boots for a cute lunch look or with flowy, satin trousers and diamanté jewels for a modern evening look. It’s a versatile option that is a no-brainer.
Size: 0–6 (XS–3XL) | Colors: 2 | Material: Viscose, PBT polyester, nylon
Best Cable-Knit: J.Crew Cable-Knit Cardigan Sweater
What We Love: The military-inspired gold metal button front.
What We Don’t Love: Must be hand-washed.
Cable knits are a sweater drawer mainstay. On the chunkier side, the beautiful texture created through the knitting technique gives the garment extra warmth and style points. This one is crafted in a Fair Trade-certified factory, made from a polyamide and lambswool yarn, and gives off major prep school meets alpine vibes, in the best way. Whether worn for an après ski moment with jeans and boots or paired with a midi skirt for a day at the office, lean into the military notes of the gold metal buttons with coordinating separates.
Size: XXXS–3X | Colors: 3 | Material: Polyamide, lambswool
Best Cashmere: Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan
What We Love: Made from cashmere that is both lightweight and extremely warm.
What We Don’t Love: Brand notes pilling might occur on the garment with wear.
“The Jenni Kayne Cocoon Cardigan is on my wish list,” says Sturino. “I call it the Range Rover of cardigans — it’s pure cashmere and super soft. I just know I would never take this off if I owned it.” Her splurge pick is both cozy and stylish, designed with a relaxed fit and made from a luxurious ribbed cashmere. Slouchy, yet effortlessly chic, the V-neck silhouette has medium-sized, faux-horn buttons cascading down the front band. Wear as is, with only a bra underneath, and pair with a pair of trousers for a refined look, or style with your typical T-shirt and jeans for an easy, weekend feel.
Size: XXS–3X | Colors: 11 | Material: Cashmere
Best Fair Isle: L.L.Bean Signature Cotton Short Cardigan Fair Isle Fisherman Sweater
What We Love: The fabric is machine washable.
What We Don’t Love: Some reviewers note it runs large in sizing.
“I spent a lot of time in Maine and have been loving this Fisherman Knit Fair Isle Cardigan from L.L.Bean,” says Sturino, who considers the piece her favorite novelty cardigan.
Made from 100 percent cotton, L.L.Bean has taken its signature, fisherman-style cable knit and revamped it. The slightly fitted silhouette with a mock neckline offers the special, heritage details the brand is renowned for (after all, the company has been in business since the early 1900s), with a contemporary twist. Choose from patterns such as dancing Bean boots or whimsical florals, and wear the style as Sturino does — buttoned up with jeans or worn open with a white T-shirt.
Size: XS–XL regular, XS–XL petite, 1X–3X plus | Colors: 3 | Material: Cotton
Best Shrug: Neiman Marcus Cashmere Collection Superfine Shrug
What We Love: It's made from super soft, luxurious cashmere.
What We Don’t Love: It is dry clean-only.
“I love a small packable layering piece that fits in my purse and travels easily, that can be styled with everything in my wardrobe,” fashion stylist Christine Curran tells InStyle. This one comes from Neiman Marcus’ in-house brand of sumptuous cashmere. The superthin weight of the yarn is perfect for layering and makes it a great grab-and-go option. The cropped length and open-front design make it “perfect for thin strap tops, dresses, and over swimwear,” says Curran. The shrunken shape can also create definition. “A cropped, fitted shrug showcases your waistline well if paired with slacks, a skirt, or [a belted dress]."
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Cashmere
Best Wool: Madewell V-Neck Relaxed Merino Wool Blend
What We Love: The wool and cotton-blend fabrication makes it both soft and warm.
What We Don’t Love: Not all the colors come in plus sizing.
“Brown is having a moment right now and I [love] this V-neck cardigan from Madewell,” Sturino says. As the seasonal color du jour, you can’t go wrong with testing out the trend with a focal piece like this oversized cardigan. Designed to sit below the hip, the button-front style has a slightly vintage-inspired feel. Keep things easy by styling it open over a fitted top and loose trousers or boyfriend-style jeans, a baseball cap, and a retro sneaker (we love an Adidas Samba), for an easy, everyday outfit solution.
Size: XXS–XXL, 1X–4X | Colors: 7 | Material: Merino wool, polyamide, cotton
Best for Work: Rails Brunella Cardigan
What We Love: The unique shape that hugs the waistline perfectly.
What We Don’t Love: Only available in one colorway.
The Brunella cardigan is not your basic cardigan. “I love the sleek look of this cardigan from Rails,” says Sturino. “The voluminous sleeves and buttons are an outfit-maker!” Super soft, ribbed cotton gives this a comfortable touch, while the unique shape gives off a subtly sophisticated look. The real mother-of-pearl buttons are a great final touch that helps to dress up a look. It makes for a great work outfit, to be sure, when paired with trouser pants or a slip skirt and mules, both of which can easily go from your 9-to-5, straight to a night out.
Size: XS–2X | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton, recycled polyester, polyester
Best for Petites: Vince Eyelash Cardigan
What We Love: The subtly textured fabrication.
What We Don’t Love: It only comes in light colorways, which can be hard to keep clean.
“This eyelash cardigan is a timeless piece that will live in your wardrobe from season to season,” Curran says. “A structured cardigan like this doubles as a lady jacket look.” The long-sleeved, crew style hits below the collarbone, so a bit of neck and decolletage will be visible. The soft texture has an almost shaggy feel that juxtaposes the Agoya shell button-front. Since the silhouette comes in XXS, and has a cropped fit, it makes sense for petites to try it. When it comes to styling, Curran recommends pairing it with casual denim, work slacks, or a dress and playing with layers, like leather or silk textured pieces.
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 3 | Material: Nylon, viscose, polyester
Best Plus-Size: Amazon Essentials Open Front Cardigan Sweater
What We Love: It's offered in sizes up to 6X.
What We Don’t Love: The lightweight weave might not be warm enough in colder climates during the winter.
Effortless layering starts with an open-front cardigan. It's one of those styles that can be tucked into a tote bag, added to a personal item for travel, or worn as an easy layer when between seasons. This version comes in 20 colors and patterns, from basic neutrals such as black and white to punchy prints like leopard and zebra. Whether it’s a cozy addition to your WFH day or an on-the-go travel solution for highly air-conditioned flights, this long-sleeved cotton shape can be thrown on with ease for casual coolness.
Size: XS–6X | Colors: 20 | Material: Cotton, modal, polyester
Best Splurge: Proenza Schouler White Label Ribbed-Knit Belted Cardigan
What We Love: The removable waist belt for multiple ways to wear.
What We Don’t Love: It is not machine washable.
“I have my eye on Proenza Schouler’s White Label’s Ribbed Cotton Relaxed Cardigan,” Curran says. “I like that it's long and I can wear it all year round — alone as a dress, accessorized with belts, and open with jeans.” Investment buys are all about versatility, and this one offers just that. Whether worn with the removable waist belt or without, the ribbed, button-front cardigan will add something extra to the best basics or casualize a more formal outfit. “The cotton fabric is something I can maintain by hand-washing and air drying on my own,” she also notes.
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 4 | Material: Cotton, cashmere
Best Sustainable: Hope Macaulay Ariel Colossal Knit Jacket
What We Love: It's responsibly made in Northern Ireland.
What We Don’t Love: Sizing does not extend above a L/XL.
“I'm a massive fan of statement pieces, so I own a Hope Macaulay cardigan, which works perfectly with my wardrobe,” says digital content creator, Lauren Nicole Coppin Campbell. “Their knits are a fun way to add color into your life, and they are crafted to perfection.” The Ariel Colossal Knit Jacket is made from a chunkier yarn, giving it that true homespun feel. Color-blocked patches of bold hues add an element of play to the voluminous sleeves and cropped shape. Each item is handmade to order, eliminating waste and overconsumption, and is knitted from 100 percent biodegradable, vegan nylon, reducing the garment’s overall environmental impact. Play up the bold colors with an equally bright ensemble, or use this as a focus piece and pair it with neutral-toned basics underneath.
Size: S/M-L/XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Biodegradable nylon
Best Cropped: Sleeper Knitted Cardigan
What We Love: The playful, vintage-inspired feel.
What We Don’t Love: Feathers are delicate and may shed while wearing.
"I'm a massive fan of feathers, so I love cardigans with feather cuffs,” Coppin Campbell says. Sleeper’s knitted, long-sleeve cardigan is trimmed with a fluffy, removable marabou cuff, making it our pick for the most versatile as well. Wear the feathered sleeve, when you’re feeling like a little something extra, or without, when you are craving something simple. The cropped silhouette has a rounded, crewneck and a row of faux pearl buttons down the front, giving it the ultimate ’90s icon vibes (remember Rose McGowan in "Jawbreaker?") When it comes to colorways, choose from either Coppin Campbell’s favorites — bold red or plain black. “For a dressed-up look, I'd style this cardigan with a slip dress or even a mini skirt, for the perfect date night look,” she suggests.
Size: XS/S–XL/XXL | Colors: 2 | Material: Viscose, polyester, feather trim
Best Long: Splendid Open Front Duster Cardigan
What We Love: The dramatic, ankle-length cut.
What We Don’t Love: It only comes in one colorway.
“If you're looking for a sleek look, versatility, and options to accessorize, this is the duster for you,” Curran says. This ankle-length, closureless cardigan comes from Splendid, a brand known for its impeccably soft fabrications. “Styling this simple silhouette gives you range to play,” she says. “Cross-wrap and belt this style into a dress or take this duster along with you on a warm vacation and wear over your bathing suit to beaches. Add a thick belt, silk scarf, or brooch to style a personal touch.”
Size: XS–L | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton, nylon, silk
Best Romantic: Sea Teresa Bow Tie Cardigan
What We Love: The delicate bow detail closure.
What We Don’t Love: Sizes don’t extend past XL.
"Bow ties are so in right now, with ballet core winning the hearts of many,” says Coppin Campbell. “So, if you aren't willing to commit to ballet flats, ribbons in your hair, and mini skirts, this cardigan is perfect.” This bubbly, long-sleeved knit is all about the texture medley. Featuring a popcorn-like weave, the chunkiness of the wool knit and design juxtaposes the sweet, velvet ribbon closure perfectly. The relaxed fit is both roomy and comfortable, while the V-neckline allows you to play with layering, whether that be a silky camisole or a fitted turtleneck underneath (and there are pockets!). When it comes to choosing a bottom, Coppin Campbell recommends styling it with boyfriend jeans for a chic look.
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Wool, nylon
Best Maximalist: Never Fully Dressed Blue Athena Jacquard Cardigan
What We Love: It’s maternity and breastfeeding-friendly.
What We Don’t Love: The polyester and polyamide fibers in the fabric content might cause itchiness.
“For a maximalist moment, I love this blue, multi-colored one from Never Fully Dressed,” says Sturino. “The colors are perfect for wearing year-round and you can dress it up with a dress or skirt, or dress it down with jeans and a tank top.” The whimsical print, a quirky color mash-up, make it best for those who like to have a little fun with their wardrobe. Playful jacquard, hits of metallics, and bold, Barbie pink buttons prove it’s all in the details. The best part? The brand focuses on ethical production in audited factories and other environmentally friendly practices such as recycled packaging and limiting fabric wastage.
Size: S–XXXL | Colors: 3 | Material: Viscose, polyester, polyamide
Best Wrap: & Other Stories Wrap Cardigan
What We Love: Eight colorways to choose from.
What We Don’t Love: Some customers reviewed that they needed to size down.
“When you're busty like me, wrap styles really compliment your figure and this wrap cardigan is gorgeous,” Coppin Campbell says. This knitted cardigan folds over to create a draped effect and is self-tie, so the fit is able to be customized. The sleeves have a slightly voluminous feel that joins at the wrist with a ribbed cuff, giving a romantic feel to the overall aesthetic. “For an off-duty model look, why not style this cardigan athleisure jumpsuit and a cute pair of Ugg Tasman slippers,” she recommends. “But if that keeps too cozy, throw on your favorite pair of jeans, with a white or red pair of Ganni buckle ballerinas.”
Size: XS–L | Colors: 8 | Material: Polyester, acrylic, wool, spandex
Best Chunky: Madewell Brushed V-Neck Cardigan
What We Love: The ultrasoft, brushed yarn texture.
What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t come in plus sizes.
In fall and winter, who doesn’t want to be wrapped in something that’s as close to a fuzzy blanket as it gets? Madewell’s brushed cardigan checks all the boxes for coziness, comfort, and texture with this relaxed-fit, button-front V-neck style. Coppin Campbell recommends snagging this cardigan in the boldest colorway. “I’d wear this cardigan with an all-white ensemble to really let the chartreuse stand out by opting for a pair of wide-leg white trousers and a skin-tight white top, for the ultimate fall chic look,” she says.
Size: XXS–XXL | Colors: 3 | Material: Acrylic, polyamide, alpaca, wool, elastane
Best Oversized: White + Warren Ribbed Coatigan
What We Love: Made with a mix of sustainable fibers and yarns.
What We Don’t Love: No extended sizes available.
A heavier weight to pack into your knitwear repertoire. White + Warren’s ribbed cardi has an open-front design that is able to be closed with one single, snap button on the foldover collar. Try mixing this one up with different proportions, such as a fitted, seamless camisole, a long, denim midi skirt, and knee-high boots. It’s a street style-approved outfit idea that is as easy to pull off, as one, two, three… We love that the yarn content has merino wool, organic cotton, and recycled fibers for an eco-friendly pick that is stylish as well, proving it’s easy to choose earth-friendly options that don’t feel boring.
Size: XS–L | Colors: 2 | Material: Merino wool, organic cotton, recycled nylon
Best Coatigan: Grace Karin Collared Lapel Knitted Coatigan
What We Love: It's a versatile piece that can go from day to night.
What We Don’t Love: The thick fabric might now be well-suited for transitional weather.
“A coatigan has so much versatility to achieve a pulled-together look,” Curran says. “This is my favorite, easy, throw-on piece.” This knitted, collared coatigan blends the best of both worlds with the lightness of a sweater, but the length of a coat. It can be worn open or wrapped and belted with the self-tie sash belt — and don’t forget the pockets. The long, duster silhouette would work well over athleticwear and jeans alike, according to Curran. “Change the belt and class up a simple work ensemble or dress for a dressier look.”
Size: S–XXL | Colors: 10 | Material: Polyester, viscose
What to Keep in Mind
Material
“The material of a cardigan is very important,” Sturino says. She suggests focusing on cardigans with natural fibers like wool, cotton, or cashmere. “A cardigan made with synthetic fibers does not wear or breathe as well as one with a higher quality fabric,” she says.
Fit
“The fit of a cardigan is also something I am always focused on when shopping,” Sturino says. “I love an oversized cardigan because it’s so versatile. It is comfortable enough to wear around the house and also able to be dressed up and worn out.” Curran also suggests thinking about the various fits and silhouettes. “When shopping for essential, timeless cardigan styles look for solid colors, fabric weight, and different sizing and lengths like a cropped cardi, shrug, boyfriend or long duster,” she says.
Details
“When shopping for a cardigan to be an outfit’s focal point, consider it an accessory,” Curran says. “Look for novelty pieces that contain trim details in the buttons or edging, patterns, texture, such as mohair, beading, and sequins or knit fabrications like a crochet, fisherman, eyelash, or cable.” All are unexpected and special characteristics to pay attention to while shopping for the best cardigans.
Versatility
“I think it's important to think about how versatile the cardigan is and whether it can work with many items in your wardrobe,” Coppin Campbell says. “Is it fitting for spring, autumn, and winter, or is it simply a winter piece?” she encourages each reader to ask themselves. “I like to own pieces that fit various seasons, so that's really high on my list, and also helps to dictate what fabrics are a yes or no for me,” she notes.
Your Questions, Answered
When are cardigans appropriate to wear? Are they business casual?
“Cardigans can definitely be business casual, it really just depends on the style of [the] cardigan,” Sturino says. “You can dress it up over a nice dress or skirt with a belt for a super sleek, business casual look or toss it over a T-shirt and jean shorts to be more dressed down.” Coppin Campbell agrees that they can be business casual, but she gravitates towards styles that are “worn as an elevation piece for an otherwise fairly casual look.” She likes the transforming power the garment can have.
Curran thinks of cardigans in a somewhat similar way. “Cardigans are considered an accessory, like icing on a cake,” she says. “Considering the various ways of layering and styling that can be achieved — you can pull off casual or dressy attire for any occasion.” She recommends considering adding a cardigan into your outfit “where showing skin might be a faux pas, weather discrepancies, and balancing outfit proportions.” She explains that “a great cardigan can be handy to tone down a base piece that might be bright, sparkly or a busy pattern.” Think of these as wardrobe balancers and choose accordingly.
How should you care for cardigans?
It might sound obvious, but checking the care label is the best way to care for your knitwear. “If it's dry clean-only, make sure only to dry clean it,” Coppin Campbell says. “I also think factoring in how something needs to be taken care of and whether that suits your lifestyle is very important when purchasing it. If you know it's too much of a hassle to own dry clean-only pieces, perhaps don't make the purchase.” Curran adds that the fabric content will determine how each piece should be laundered. “Most knits require dry cleaning to preserve and maintain cardigan embellishments, [as well as] prevent shrinking and pilling,” she says. “Other basic fabrications that are less maintenance, such as a simple cotton could potentially be machine or hand-washed and air dried, but you should always follow the care tag label as directed.”
How do you recommend styling cardigans?
Each of our experts has their signature styling spins. “One of my current favorite ways to style a cardigan is wearing it buttoned up as a top,” Sturino recommends as her personal go-to. “People with larger chests might think it would [weirdly] emphasize your chest, but it’s super chic and gives you a deep V look.” Although there are so many options, Coppin Campbell says, “I love styling my cardigans with either slip skirts, for a slightly more smart look, or opting for a wide-leg pair of trousers.”
Curran gets a bit more detailed, offering up a few different ways, such as styled open and unbuttoned, partially buttoned, one button, or fully closed. “Necklines also play a large part in the look you are achieving,” she says. “Consider what you're wearing under or with the cardigan, such as a necklace you want to showcase or base layer and match the neckline.” She finds that accessorizing cardigans is the ultimate and more exciting way to introduce a styled cardigan look. “Cross-wrapped with a belt to accentuate the waistline, pinning with a brooch, draped over the shoulders with a tie or a fully embellished cardigan will pull together a simple look,” she says.
Why Shop With Us
Full-time freelance writer and fashion editor Kristina Rutkowski has been covering all things style, trend, and shopping for over 10 years. Living in New York City, she is often able to see and try out brands firsthand, directly through the designer showrooms, which has provided ample research opportunities for this story.
For this story, she also spoke to the below experts to discuss what to look for when selecting a cardigan:
Katie Sturino is a body acceptance advocate and founder of the beauty brand Megababe.
Christine Curran is a New York City-based fashion stylist.
Lauren Nicole Coppin Campbell is a digital content creator, curve editor, and former plus-size model.
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