With sweater weather in full swing, it’s officially time to start revamping your cold-weather wardrobe for the new season. And when it comes to winter wear, you can never go wrong with a high-quality sweater. Ultimately, when it comes to selecting the perfect sweater, you’re in luck: Dozens of options are available across a wide range of colors, materials, and silhouettes to suit your personal style preferences. Speaking of the latter, you may opt for ones made with super-soft, lightweight, and durable materials, such as cashmere or wool. Some come with bonus features like four-way stretch, offering a greater range of motion for those on the move, while others are machine washable for easy cleaning.
Ahead, the best sweaters to keep you warm and cozy this season, no matter where your winter travels take you—along with expert tips on how to pack them to preserve precious suitcase space.
How to Pack Sweaters
Sweaters are great for cozying up on a chilly plane, train, or car ride. However, if you do opt to pack them, they can be incredibly bulky. To optimize suitcase space, packing expert Anne McAlpin of Pack it Up advises packing sweaters in a plastic compression bag or zippered compression packing cube. Alternatively, if you’re packing multiple sweaters, consider rolling them, which makes it easier to find in luggage as you can see them all in a line. “They’ll fit nicely in the odd space on the bottom layer of luggage between the handles, ”says McAlpin. “I use a rolled sweater to eliminate creases in my pants or dresses; put it where you’d normally make a fold—by the knees of cotton pants, for example—to create a ‘roll bar’ effect” (read: no creasing!).
Carolin Fuller, director of PR and partnerships at Campspot, recommends turning sweaters inside out when packing to prevent abrasion and pilling. Like McAlpin, she also likes to roll her sweaters up—though she specifically recommends using a microfiber towel to “help absorb any moisture if [the] sweater gets damp, speeding up drying times dramatically” says Fuller. “Don’t forget that a rolled-up sweater can serve double duty as a pillow or extra padding in your backpack or bag!”
Cashmere sweaters
Cashmere sweaters make excellent investment pieces. The price point is often high, but for good reason: The material is typically harvested by hand, and the supply is limited. But despite these limitations, there are many top-quality cashmere sweaters available that won’t break the bank, from brands like Quince and J.Crew. As a bonus, some options, such as the Alala pick listed below, are safe enough to put in the washing machine, which makes caring for them simpler in between travels.
Turtleneck sweaters
Turtleneck sweaters are a timeless winter wardrobe staple since they have an extra-high collar, providing warmth and insulation. These versatile sweaters pair just as well with leggings as they do with jeans and skirts and they can be worn solar or layered under a tee or over a blazer or jacket. For optimal stretchiness and durability, opt for one with a ribbed knit fabric, such as the Madewell and Everlane selects shown below.
Wool sweaters
While wool is known for its warmth, it also has thermo-regulating properties to prevent you from overheating; similarly, it’s naturally moisture-wicking to keep skin dry and comfortable. But best of all, the material is surprisingly easy to clean since it’s resistant to stains, dirt, and odors. Additionally, it’s crease-resistant, making it ideal for travel (read: it won’t get wrinkled in your suitcase). With all this in mind, it’s well worth investing in a few wool sweaters for wintertime. Ahead, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite picks, including a budget-friendly option from Uniqlo and a splurge-worthy favorite from Cuyana that’s made from sumptuous alpaca wool, which is surprisingly warm despite how lightweight it is.
Crewneck sweaters
Crewnecks are especially great for casual everyday wear, be it lounging around the house, running errands around town, or sightseeing in a new city. For an extra-fun and stylish flair, opt for one with bonus features like ruffles a la the Summersalt pick. The Spanx AirEssentials option—which is constructed with super-soft fabric and relaxed fit—is especially great for travel thanks to its lightweight material and four-way stretch designed to move with you. The Bamboo Pullover Crew offers four-way stretch and supreme softness, too, while the Amazon Essentials pick comes in a slew of colors and patterns to suit every style.
