Ideal travel cardigans must strike a delicate balance between portability, comfort, and style. Jenni Kayne’s cropped cashmere offers a sleek fit for layering, Ravella’s long design wraps like a cozy robe, and Quince’s Merino wool adds texture to basics.
From Abercrombie’s matching sets to Reformation’s stretch cotton, these Travel + Leisure-tested pieces prove with materials and design that a great cardigan streamlines luggage into “one piece, multiple looks”—keeping every journey both warm and stylish.
1. **Jenni Kayne Cropped Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan (Best Cropped)**: This cardigan offers a quiet luxury feel that lasts. It seems built to cherished season after season. Investing in this feels right because the cashmere is high quality. Available in classic and seasonal colors, this makes a fine outfit start.
What makes it work is the special cropped fit. It layers so easy with almost anything in your closet. You can dress it up for night over a dress maybe. Or keep it casual all day with your favorite denim jeans.
Associate editor Anna Popp found the soft fabric great for travel. She brought it on a big six-week trip home during winter. Anna discovered it was just the perfect cashmere sweater to own. She found it ideal to pair with jeans or leggings, noting its knit look. The oversized buttons completed its versatile appearance nicely. For travel style, try it with a camisole, capri pants maybe. Or add a simple gold chain necklace for a chic airplane look. It comes in sizes 2XS to 3XL and is 100 percent cashmere from Mongolia.
Product on Amazon: State Cashmere Lightweight Mid-Thigh Cashmere Cardigan 100% Pure Cashmere Sweater Cashmere Wraps for Women (Black, Small)
Brand: State Cashmere
Binding: Apparel Product Group: Apparel
Price: 170 USD
Shopping on Amazon >>
2. **Ravella Winslet Cashmere Cardigan Coat (Best Long)**: Picture wearing a cardigan comforting as your softest robe. Yet it looks put-together and stylish like an overcoat should. That is exactly what the **Ravella Winslet Cashmere Cardigan Coat** does. Its knee-length design provides lots of warmth and a cozy feeling.
Jackie Cucco said her favorite part was the length. It gives robe-like warmth but is elegant enough for outside. She appreciates the thick ribbing adding nice texture here. The slouchy pockets are also a welcome touch on this one. Pockets aren’t always found on every sweater you see. The seamless structure makes it look more polished and formal looking. Especially the black one, offering a traditional duster coat feel to person.
Made fully from 100 percent cashmere, it’s on the thicker side. This gives it more structure, like you expect from a wool coat. Cucco also praised its quality construction, not pilling like some cheaper options. It is luxurious, but consider a darker color for busy transit trips. Cashmere can sometimes be a little hard for you cleaning. It’s available in sizes XS to XL if needed.
3. **Quince Australian Merino Wool Collared Cable Cardigan (Best Wool)**: Quince is known for luxurious things priced very reasonably for shopping. Their knitwear collection keeps this standard high for customer. They offer merino wool and cashmere often under $100. This cable-knit cardigan became a favorite for T+L writer Asia London Palomba.
Asia London Palomba raved about its true cropped look. Being 5 feet tall, she noted it hits her just at hips. She finds this fit very flattering to wear on body. Asia confessed she is basically living in it now. The soft Australian Merino wool feels so great. You don’t even need to wear a base layer underneath according source.
Despite its short length, you can layer another sweater. It adds warmth on cold days without much bulk feel. This also means a wool coat fits over it easily. You will not feel restricted wearing items like that. Caring for this wool needs a little more effort. It is hand-wash or dry clean only for you. You find this cardigan in sizes XS to XL to try. It is made from 100 percent Australian Merino wool fiber.
Product on Amazon: Chanyarn Women’s 100% Merino Wool Cardigan 2025 Fall Winter Sexy V Neck Long Sleeve Lightweight Knit Cardigan Sweater (Tan,L)
Brand: Chanyarn
Binding: Apparel Product Group: Apparel
Price: 45.99 USD
Shopping on Amazon >>
4. **Abercrombie & Fitch Cardigan Set (Best Sweater Set)**: Want an easy way to get a coordinated outfit going? A matching set is your simple secret weapon here. This cardigan and tank duo from Abercrombie is two tops in one. It takes the guesswork right out of getting dressed quickly. Getting two versatile tops together makes it a really good value for money spent.
Associate editor Anna Popp loved this for travel too. She likes having the tank under so much. Wear the cardigan buttoned for a dressier look if you like. Or leave it open over the tank to dress it down some. This flexibility helps packing light on journeys. Or you just maximize outfit options you have available. Pick cream, brown, or gray stripe version colors. You get a low-maintenance look that is super easy to style now.
This set pairs with casual staples like jeans or ballet flats. Or dress it up with a mini skirt and leather boots. While it styles great, it uses mostly man-made stuff. It is a mix of polyester, nylon, acrylic, wool, and elastane. That means it not quite as breathable as natural fibers feel. It is available in sizes 2XS to XL for every person size.
5. **Reformation Cardigan (Best Fitted)**: Reformation makes flattering clothes that fit daily life well always. This chic cotton cardigan is a very prime example. It is specially designed to be fitted on your body. But here is the great part, it is incredibly stretchy too. This makes it a piece you could wear even for workouts.
Its comfortable, fitted nature feels not restrictive at all. Even during physical activity movement. The writer personally layers theirs over a sports bra sometimes. They note they move arms freely doing workout classes. While great for athleisure, its use does not stop there then. This cardigan adapts to complete almost any daily uniform easily. Layer under a suit or wear with cropped jeans for school pick-up duty.
As a cropped style, pair with high-waisted bottoms is best. This is if you prefer no skin shows at your waist. It is a simple trick to make it work for you always. Available in classic black the writer owns personally. Also comes in other useful neutral shades to pick. It is made from organic cotton and nylon materials. It comes in sizes XS to XL offering surprising flexibility now.
Product on Amazon: Saodimallsu Womens Lightweight Fitted Sweaters Crew Neck Long Sleeve Button Down Ribbed Knit Cardigan White
Brand: Saodimallsu
Binding: Apparel Product Group: Apparel
Price: 33.95 USD
Features:
1. MATERIALS: This lightweight sweaters is made from super soft and stretchy material that is also skin-friendly and breathable, our knit cardigan is very comfy to wear
2. FEATURES: Long sleeve fitted sweaters for women, regular length, solid color, crewneck, button down, stretch fitted sweater, knit sweater, slim sleeves, open closure highlights the elegant lines of the neckline with this y2k sweater
3. MATCH: For a casual daytime outfit, pair this womens button down sweaters with high waisted jeans or denim shorts. If you’re aiming for a more polished look, style it with a skirt or tailored pants. The ribbed sweater also makes it a great choice for layering under jackets or coat
4. OCCASION: Whether you’re going out for a casual day with friends or attending a special event, hang out, school, office work , date, friends gathering, party, the womens clothing trendy 2024 is a versatile choice
5. TIPS: Hand washing is recommended. When machine washing, it is recommended to put it in a laundry bag. Do not tumble dry, but can be ironed on low heat and hung to dry
Shopping on Amazon >>
6. **J.Crew Cardigan (Best Ribbed)**: Feeling some ’90s vibe nostalgia right about now? The **J.Crew Cardigan (Best Ribbed)** takes you back immediately there. It looks like it lived in the Friends cast wardrobe easily. This piece nails the classic cardigan look perfectly. It is slim-fit and features a nice boat neck opening. Small, circular buttons add to its timeless attraction and style. It really is a fine staple for seasons changing.
A detail setting it apart is button color matching. The color on buttons matches fabric color on most options. This makes a unified, polished look for person wearing it. Pick teal blue, vibrant red, ivory, or jet black colors. The gray one is the only exception, it has white buttons. This attention to little details makes a simple ribbed cardigan better.
Plus, it is machine washable making it low-care needed. This is an option you easily care for right at home place. The article notes it runs a little big and long fit. If you want a more fitted look, size down maybe is good. Made from cotton, modal rayon, and elastane materials. This cardigan available in sizes 2XS up to 3XL for purchase.
Here are some cardigans perfect for travel wardrobes to use. They also make everyday dressing easy now. Editors tested and liked these specific picks. They show how much variety exists for this clothing piece. From luxurious cashmere you will adore living within. To versatile sets giving you many looks from them. Even stretchy ones ready for unexpected activity you do. There is a perfect cardigan for everyone waiting there. It becomes your new favorite layer for adventures near or far off.
Related posts:
The 12 Best Cardigans, Tested and Reviewed
The Biggest Men’s Fashion Trends 2025, According to GQ Editors
The best cardigans for men 2025: Arket to Drake’s