The Best Cardigans For Women
Cardigans have been a must-have piece of clothing since the 1800s. Though this knitted style was first invented by a British earl, it's become an iconic wardrobe staple worn by pop culture icons through history, from Mr. Rogers to Coco Chanel to Taylor Swift. No matter your fashion inspiration, a cardigan has a place in any woman's wardrobe. From simple, button-up styles to trendier alternatives, there are endless options out there to choose from to find a style that works for you.
What to Look For
When shopping for your new cardigan, we suggest focusing on a few key qualities: the weight of the knit, the neckline, and the closure. That should help you narrow down the options, just as it helped us find our favorite cardigans. For example, Merokeety’s cable-knit cardigan tops our list thanks to the chunky style and oversized buttons that blend the best of classic and modern details. The Amazon Basics cardigan, on the other hand, is our top pick for professionals because it can be worn in any office setting for a polished and put-together ensemble. Read on to discover these picks along with our other favorites.
Merokeety Long Sleeve Cable Knit Cardigan
This cardigan offers the perfect finishing touch for any casual outfit. The cable-knit style has a classic look, but oversized pockets and buttons give it a modern edge. It’s the perfect layering piece for chilly weather and can be worn over T-shirts, tanks, or even long-sleeved tees to add a stylish finish and a bit of extra warmth. With dozens of shades to choose from, everyone can find one to match their wardrobe.
Pros:
- You can dress the cardigan up or down depending on the occasion. It works as well with slacks and a tank as it does with jeans and sneakers, so you can wear it at the office, on weekends, and almost anywhere else.
- It’s machine-washable, so it’s easy to take care of. That way, you can wear it over and over again without a lot of maintenance.
Cons:
- Some of the colors may look a bit different in person than they do online.
Merokeety Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan
Out in the open
The sweater is made with popcorn yarn for a fun and unexpected texture that’s super soft and cozy. The relaxed fit gives it an effortless look, making it perfect for pairing with jeans, leggings, or joggers. The best part? It’s available in an enormous range of colors, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding your favorite. You can even buy it in a few different shades to instantly elevate your casual wardrobe.
Pros:
- The cardigan is thin but delivers a lot of warmth. Instead of giving you a bulky or boxy look, it’ll help you look put together.
- Because it’s an open-front style, it’s easy to throw on and go. It doesn’t have any buttons, snaps, or any other closure, so it’s super easy to add to any outfit.
Cons:
- It should only be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. We wish it was machine washer-friendly.
Merokeety Long Sleeve Open Front Hoodie Cardigan
Instead of settling for a classic style, try this cardigan that gives you a trendy look. The open-front style has a boyfriend fit, making it a cozy and comfortable option that’s equally perfect for lounging at home as it is for running around town. The textured waffle knit gives it an elevated feel, while the hoodie adds a fashionable detail. Wear it with your favorite camisole or T-shirt for the perfect pairing.
Pros:
- We love that it comes in a wide range of colors, from wearable neutrals to more vivid options.
- It’s super lightweight, so it’s easy to layer. It’s also long enough to wear with leggings, giving you nearly endless styling options.
Cons:
- The cardigan may be too long for those who are petite.
Amazon Essentials Lightweight V-Neck Cardigan
From the office to weekend brunch, this cardigan can do it all. Made from a comfortable and breathable blend of cotton, modal, and polyester, it’s the ideal topper over a tee or tank for a more polished and put-together look. The V-neckline helps to elongate your shape, and the buttons can be worn open or closed for maximum versatility. Choose from over 20 different colors to find the perfect match for your wardrobe.
Pros:
- Ribbed cuffs and a ribbed hem give this cardigan a more elevated look than other, similar styles. That way, it’s the ideal option for more professional occasions, like conferences and meetings.
- Because it’s made from a cotton blend, it’s super lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Cons:
- It tends to wrinkle easily, so it may require a bit of extra care to keep it looking its best.
Ecowish Striped Cardigan
Change your stripes
This bright and cheery cardigan offers the perfect pop of color. The ideal topper for jeans and a tee, it boasts a lightweight design that adds warmth and a dash of flair. With an open front and a bold striped pattern, you can pair it with leggings for a more casual look or with a T-shirt dress for a more upscale outfit. No matter how you choose to style it, the cardigan is an eye-catching piece that everyone will love.
Pros:
- It’s available in dozens of different colors and patterns. You can even purchase multiple different designs to give your wardrobe more range.
- We love that the cardigan is the ideal medium weight; it’s warm enough for chilly days, but still lightweight enough for mild temperatures.
Cons:
- It should not be cleaned in the washing machine. Instead, you’ll have to wash it by hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cardigans business casual?
Yes. Basic cardigans are very versatile pieces of business casual clothing. They can easily be worn over blouses, tank tops, and T-shirts. With so many styles to choose from, such as open-front, button-up, boyfriend-style, there is a cardigan to go with almost any outfit.
Do cardigans have buttons?
Traditionally, cardigans do have buttons. Modern styles and silhouettes, however, sometimes have an open-front design.
Are cardigans meant to be fully buttoned?
Cardigans can be worn in many ways. You can wear it fully buttoned, totally open, or partially buttoned depending on your preference.
About the Author
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Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.