11 Best Cardigans to Pack This Fall

It’s no secret that cardigans are known for their coziness and versatility, but this one from Quince takes the cake. Its relaxed fit, chunky ribbed knit cotton material, and spacious front pockets give it a fun and practical touch. Throw on this cardigan to run errands, venture out to a museum, grab coffee (or a cocktail), and, well, pretty much anything in between. Color options range from must-have basics like charcoal, ivory, and black to bolder hues like blue, dark pink, and rust.

The aptly named Cotton Cocoon Cardigan from Jenni Kayne is a great choice when it comes to picking the perfect plane outfit, especially for long-haul flights when you’re craving comfort. While the cotton knit initially feels snug, it’s designed to offer a more relaxed fit over time. Complete the look with a pair of joggers, and you’ll be ready for takeoff in (almost) no time. Select from three timeless shades—ivory, black, and navy—in sizes XXS–3X.

This unisex cardigan from Uniqlo comes in five neutral colors and has a relaxed oversized fit. Plus, its 100 percent wool construction offers optimal warmth, fluffiness, and softness, keeping you cozy all season long. Lastly, we’d be remiss not to mention the two side pockets, which are spacious enough to store essentials like keys, cash, lip balm, and more.

Cozy Earth’s oversized classic cardigan is just as comfortable—albeit much more fashion-forward—as your favorite sweatshirt (you know, the one that you refuse to throw out despite years of wear and tear). Its super-soft construction, courtesy of a combination of bamboo, modal, and nylon, makes it well worth a spot in your carry-on. Select from five neutral hues, including Juniper (dark green) and Eclipse (navy).

This Naadam cardigan stands out for its 100 percent Mongolian cashmere construction, which offers warmth and breathability thanks to its natural temperature-regulating properties. As such, it’s sure to keep you cozy all year long—that is, without weighing you down. The V-neckline, shawl collar, and all-over ribbing add a fashion-forward flair. Keep it casual by layering over your favorite T-shirt; alternatively, for a slightly more elevated look, opt for a button-down.

Clocking in at less than $25, this Amazon Essentials cardigan sweater is a tried-and-true wardrobe staple for any traveler. (Don’t believe us? Check out one of the 11,000-plus five-star reviews.) Featuring a blend of cotton, modal, and polyester, the lightweight cardigan—which, yes, is machine-washable—is outfitted with subtle yet stylish details like a button-front closure, a V-neckline, and ribbed detailing on the hem and sleeves. Bonus: Buyers can choose from 27 colors and patterns across a wide range of sizes.

Banana Republic’s Alex oversized cashmere cardigan, made with 100 percent cashmere, will keep you warm all season long. It has a slightly oversized fit and features two front pockets, a V-neckline, button-front closure, and a sleek, straight hem.

Available in seven shades, this Garnet Hill number combines comfort and style thanks to its ultra-soft cashmere construction, cropped length, and boxy fit. The ruched collar adds a subtle, albeit extra-chic, touch that makes it great as a layering piece for a play or opera. It’s worth mentioning that the cardigan is made with Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SAF)–certified cashmere; the nonprofit organization behind the certification is dedicated to minimizing cashmere’s environmental impact while ensuring high animal welfare standards.

This open-front cardigan from Anthropologie features a sumptuous waffle knit fabric ideal for layering and transitioning between seasons. Its cropped silhouette is right on trend, while the baggy sleeves offer optimal coziness. Complete the casual outfit with a cropped tee or tank and a pair of leggings, or for a slightly dressier look, jeans.

This Bonobos cardigan is especially ideal for warmer temps thanks to its lightweight, ultra-breathable construction, which features a blend of linen and cotton. The ribbed material and chunky buttons add a stylish touch, while the patch pockets are surprisingly roomy for hands-free storage of accessories like smartphones, earbuds, and the like.

There’s a lot to love about Splendid’s thermal cardigan: the breezy open-front silhouette, roomy front-patch pockets, attached hood in the event of rain or snow, and the under-$100 price tag. The versatile cardigan, which can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion (think: dark jeans and heels at night, cozy joggers and slip-on shoes during the day), features a durable, stretchy thermal material made with a super-soft blend of cotton, spandex, and modal. Oh, and did we mention it’s machine-washable?