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The Best Women’s Cardigans

Last updated on August 14, 2024
Best Women's Cardigans

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top Women's Cardigans

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
  The Best Overall

Traleubie Lightweight Pocketed Women’s Cardigans

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Traleubie

Lightweight Pocketed Women’s Cardigans

Designed for more of a loose fit, this women's cardigan adds a touch of style to your favorite pair of jeans. The sweater features an open front and falls mid-thigh. It's lightweight and available in 19 fun colors, such as red, royal blue, light tan and grass green.

Overall Take

Comfortable for Daily WearThe two spacious side pockets on this women's cardigan are perfect for warming hands or holding your cell when not in use.

 Runner Up

FLORIA 3/4-Sleeve Button Up Cardigan

FLORIA

3/4-Sleeve Button Up Cardigan

This cotton knit cardigan has a button down front and 3/4-length sleeves. It's soft to the touch and lightweight, so you can wear it in the fall, summer and spring months. You can order the sweater in sizes ranging from small to 3X.

Overall Take

Traditional DesignThe collar, cuffs and hem on this cardigan have an attractive ribbed design.

 Best Slim Fit

a.Jesdani Slim Fit V-Neck Cardigan

a.Jesdani

Slim Fit V-Neck Women's Cardigan

This 80% viscose, 20% nylon women's cardigan is great for pairing with jeans, dress pants or your favorite dress. Sizes are available from SM to 2X, and small buttons let you decide which way to wear it. This sweater can be machine washed on cold, but you'll need to let it air dry for best results.

Overall Take

Available in 23 ColorsThe slim fit makes this cardigan a perfect pair with jeans or over thin dresses

  The Best Value

VOIANLIMO Ribbed Edges Everyday Women’s Cardigan

VOIANLIMO

Ribbed Edges Everyday Women’s Cardigan

This lightweight women's knit cardigan has a casual, relaxed design. It is made with 80% viscose and 20% nylon. It also features two front pockets, ribbed cuffs and a pretty ribbed shawl collar that runs all the way down its sides.

Overall Take

A Modern Look for HerThis women's cardigan with pockets is lightweight and finely knit. It can be dressed down or up with ease.

Buying Guide

Few clothing items are as versatile as a cardigan. You can toss it over any top and pants and create a look. You can also keep it on hand at your desk for those days when the office is a little colder than you’d like.

But there are many types of cardigans available. First, you’ll notice the large number of color and pattern choices. Then there’s the material. If warmth is your goal, a chunkier sweater that feels like a big blanket may be more to your liking. But you can find sweaters that incorporate materials that provide warmth while also keeping the build thin.

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There’s also a difference in length. If you’re looking for a sweater to pair with leggings, you may want to look for one that extends below the hips, but with jeans or pants, you can find sweaters that stop at the waist, or you can go for a longer one.

For dressier settings, there are sweaters that pair well with skirts and dress pants. You can often find these in a wide variety of colors to let you mix and match with your favorite lower-body garments. Some can be dressed up to wear to work and paired with jeans and boots to wear for a day shopping with friends.

What to Look For

  • Some cardigans have built-in pockets that serve as a handy place to store your keys, your phone or other items you have on hand.
  • There are plenty of cardigans with buttons, but many fashionistas choose to leave their cardigans open. That has brought a demand for open-front cardigans that don’t even bother with buttons. If you want the option to button up occasionally, look for a sweater that has buttons that will survive multiple washings.
  • The best thing about cardigans is that they can be paired with leggings, which have become a very popular winter garment.
  • Some people prefer a looser fit for their cardigans. If that’s your style, size up a little.
  • If you can, it’s best to keep your sweaters out of the dryer. Wash on delicate and spread them on a towel to dry. This will help a sweater retain its original shape.
  • Over time, pilling can become a problem with sweaters. If you start to see pilling, remove it right away to keep the problem from worsening.
  • To ensure you’re getting a high-quality sweater, look closely at the patterns on it. Sometimes uneven patterns can be a sign of poor workmanship.

More to Explore

The cardigan sweater was named for James Brudenell, who was the 7th Earl of Cardigan. Lord Cardigan, as he was called, is perhaps best known for leading the Charge of the Light Brigade, which was initially reported as a successful mission. Soon after, merchants began designing waistcoats similar to the ornate ones Lord Brudenell reportedly wore for the mission.

Unfortunately, the Charge of the Light Brigade wasn’t quite the success it was supposed to be. The troops were sent to the wrong location and, as a result, there were mass casualties with no clear gains. But the concept of the cardigan remained, and over time it evolved to become the wardrobe staple it is today.

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