11 Best Women’s Cardigans for Travel

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two young children, and their dog, Indiana Bones (Indy).

The Handy Item I Always Pack: Kindle

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Some sort of wellness retreat somewhere exotic.

Travel Motto: Be flexible

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Window, if you prefer a middle seat, please message me so I can write an article about you.

See recent posts by Megan Johnson

Cardigans have long been a wardrobe staple. When you are traveling, especially when you are flying, you never know when you will need an extra layer of warmth. Airplane cabins can get chilly, and weather can always be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea always to pack a cardigan no matter where you are going or what time of the year it is! Here are the best cardigans out there today.

Ranking	Sweater	Pockets	Price
Best Cardigan with Pockets	TASAMO Women’s Cardigan	Yes	$
Best Open Front Cardigan	LuLu Lemon Cotton Cashmere Blend Sweater Wrap	No	$$$
Best Lightweight Cardigan	Upwest Unwind Cocoon Cardigan	Yes	$$
Best Shawl Cardigan	MELIFLUOS Women’s Shawl Cardigan	No	$
Best Classic Cardigan	Summersalt The Perfect Lightweight Cardigan	No	$$
Best Cropped Cardigan	Boden Fluffy Cropped Cardigan	No	$$$
Best Cashmere Cardigan	Plush Cashmere Rib Knit Cardigan	Yes	$$$$$
Best Sweatshirt Material Cardigan	AirEssentials Cocoon Cardigan	Yes	$$$$
Best Budget Cardigan	H&M Rib Knit Cardigan with Zipper	No	$
Best Crocheted Cardigan	Lucky Brand Crochet Cardigan	No	$$
Best Plus-Sized Cardigan	Halogen Open Front Cardigan	No	$$$

Best Cardigan with Pockets – TASAMO Women’s Cardigan

We know how important pockets are in any outfit, and this cardigan fulfills that requirement. Your basic oversized cardigan with two front pockets is made with a viscose/polyester/nylon blend and will go with any outfit. With over twenty color options, you may buy more than one!

Best Open Front Cardigan – LuLu Lemon Cotton-Cashmere Blend Sweater Wrap

Designed for “on the move,” this sweater will keep you warm all year round. With side pockets, and made with a “touch of cashmere,” it has the convenience and softness that make for a great go-to cardigan.

Best Lightweight Cardigan – Upwest Unwind Cocoon Cardigan

There is something about the word “cocoon” that makes you feel like you absolutely need it in your life. This Cocoon Cardigan is ultra soft, breathable, and machine washable. Roomy and comfortable, it’s perfect for any travel situation.

Best Shawl Cardigan – MELIFLUOS Women’s Shawl Cardigan

Two views of the MELIFLUOS Women’s Shawl Cardigan — Amazon

This is more of a shawl/cape than a cardigan, but it’s amazing for travel. Plan on wearing this for your next flight, and not only will you have a nice, open-front cardigan, but you’ll also have a cozy wrap for snuggling under in your seat. Most colors are reversible, so it’s great for taking with you on a trip for different outfits. Plus, it can be dressed up or dressed down!

Best Classic Cardigan – Summersalt The Perfect Lightweight Cardigan

Models wearing the Summersalt The Perfect Lightweight Cardigan — Summersalt

While oversized seems to be the trend, sometimes a shorter, fitted cardigan like this one is more suitable. With a color block design that gives it more personality than your traditional cardigan, it’s 95% cotton with 5% cashmere for super softness you won’t want to take off. A perfect addition to throw into your carry-on bag.

Best Cropped Cardigan – Boden Fluffy Cropped Cardigan

Model wearing the Boden Fluffy Cropped Cardigan in green — Boden

Most cardigans are perfect for any occasion, and this fluffy cardigan is no different. Made from a combination of acrylic, polyamide wool and alpaca materials, it’s machine washable, and this shorter cardigan is super soft and will add a little extra style to any outfit. Plus, it will keep you warm when you get chilly. Its shorter style makes it easy to throw into your purse while you are out and about for the day. Available in six colors.

Best Cashmere Cardigan – Plush Cashmere Rib-Knit Cardigan

The coziness of an oversized cardigan is unmatched; add cashmere to the mix, and you may never take this cardigan off. Easily pair it with leggings for a casual look or cute jeans and a heel for a dressier look. It will keep you warm on an airplane, yet keep you stylish during everyday wear.

Best Sweatshirt Material Cardigan – AirEssentials Cocoon Cardigan

Model wearing the AirEssentials Cocoon Cardigan — Nordstrom

You’ll get the look of a cardigan with the warmth and comfort of a sweatshirt with the AirEssentials Cocoon Cardigan. This open-front cardigan is lightweight and supersoft. You’ll find yourself grabbing it no matter what the occasion.

Best Budget Cardigan – H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan with Zipper

Model wearing the H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan with Zipper — H&M

This mock turtleneck cardigan features a two-way zipper, is 100% acrylic, and fits the bill for whatever occasion comes your way. It’s available in two colors and super affordable.

Best Crocheted Cardigan – Lucky Brand Crochet Cardigan

Lucky Brand

Stay cozy and stylish with this cardigan from Lucky Brand. Made from a cotton/acrylic blend, it’s flowy and lightweight, and will go with whatever outfit you wear. Available in two colors.

Best Plus-Sized Cardigan – Halogen Open Front Cardigan

Model wearing the Halogen Open Front Cardigan — Nordstrom

This open front cardigan is versatile and lightweight. Its longer style is elegant, yet comfortable – perfect for a long plane ride in leggings, or pairing with a dressier outfit for a night out. Available in three colors.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

You Might Also Like:

• 18 Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane
• The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Travelers
• The Best Travel Pants for Men and Women
• 6 Things Not to Wear in the Airport Security Line
• The Ultimate Las Vegas Packing List

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.