The classic knitted cardigan is a staple in everyone's closet. This is an ideal outerwear piece that can take you through the most unpredictable transitional seasons. Wear it during fall when the day starts off warm and ends cold. Wear it over a printed tee or a formal blouse, and pair it with denim for a casual yet stylish look.
Our buying guide is filled with tips and advice that will help you make an informed decision when choosing a cardigan. We also have a top 10 list with some great options. Coming in first on our top 10 list is Reformations hypoallergenic Alpaca wool cardigan. This cardigan is a soft alternative to sheep's wool. See what else made our top 10 list and check out our buying guide to help you choose the right wool cardigan for you.
Quick List - Top Women'S Wool Cardigans
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From a classic button-up to a floor-length cardigan, you can’t go wrong adding one of these wool cardigans to your wardrobe this fall. No matter what your preference, there is a cardigan out there for you. Here is what to look for before you make your purchase.
Wool is made from the hair of sheep and goats. Wool is a great insulator and keeps you warm. It's a resilient fiber and can last for years when cared for properly. Wool can be dyed in the full range of vivid colors and repels liquids, keeping you dry during rainy days.
The finest grade of wool comes from Merino sheep. It's extremely soft against your skin. Merino cardigans can be worn throughout the fall and into the colder months as they provide insulation against the cold or heat.
Merino wool garments are quite easy to take care of. They are naturally antibacterial, resist odors, and are stain-resistant, so you don't have to wash them as often.
Alpaca wool is a great alternative to sheep’s wool. This is due to the fact that alpaca wool is hypoallergenic and doesn't contain lanolin. Alpaca wool is soft and durable as well as being very warm.
If you are allergic to sheep's wool and opt for an alpaca wool cardigan, be sure that you check the material info since a lot of alpaca sweaters can be blended with sheep's wool.
Mohair is spun from the wool of an Angora goat. This goat produces hair that is long and silky that gives your cardigan a textured, luxurious, and soft feel. Mohair is also used to create faux fur since it can be dyed into vibrant colors without the color fading.
One of the most popular and luxurious wools is cashmere due to its incredibly soft feel and its limited supply. It comes from the cashmere goat, whose undercoat is used to created fine cashmere wool.
Since it's in such limited supply and such high demand, you'll likely pay a higher price tag for something that's 100% cashmere. It will definitely keep you warm, though.
Acrylic wool is great if you're looking for a more affordable option. Acrylic wool is made from artificial materials and imitates wool in some ways. Keep in mind that acrylic wool can be scratchy against the skin.
A cardigan opens at the front and can be closed with buttons or a waist belt. Cardigans come in many styles, lengths, colors, and details so there is sure to be one that works for your outfit.
Long sweaters are the perfect in-between-seasons item. Wear one with pants or jeans to tie your outfit together, or wear one with your favorite dress to protect you from the early morning cold.
If the temperature is on the border of hot and cold, opt for a calf-length light knit to keep you feeling snug without overheating.
Cropped cardigans can really show off your waistline and make it look smaller. They can be paired with jeans and sneakers or go for a skirt and heels for a more formal look. Skinny jeans, straight legs, pencil skirts, and the like will balance the overall shape well.
Cropped cardigans are also great for their versatility. You can wear it to work and proceed right to a night out with only a few changes, like switching your footwear.
A shawl-style cardigan gives you elegant draping without looking either too formal or frumpy. You can wear one with a T-shirt for a casual look. Knock it out of the park with skinny jeans or pants and long boots. They're even great for work, whether you're answering the phones or giving a presentation to the board!
This is what most people think of when they imagine a cardigan. But just because it's well-known doesn't mean you can make it your own style.
Obviously, you can wear it over a top and button or leave it open. But how about wearing it by itself? If it buttons high enough, you can wear it like a V-neck sweater for a more daring look that shows some skin. If that's too risque for your taste, they look great with turtlenecks, too!
A chunky knit cardigan will offer ultimate warmth, and sometimes practicality is all you want. But be careful that the oversized fit doesn't make you look too frumpy if you're going for a fashionable look. All the extra volume on top needs to be balanced.
Try to elongate the bottom half of your body. You could wear skinny jeans or a pencil skirt or go for a short skirt and tights that make your figure look taller.
Since going out wrapped up in a blanket isn't the best look you need the next best thing. Opt for a comfortable and snug wrap cardigan. These are a great choice for those days when you know you'll need layers that can go on and come off easily.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Reformation Via Puff Sleeve Cardigan | ![]() | Hypoallergenic Cropped Cardigan | |
2 | Banana Republic Cropped Cardigan Sweater | ![]() | Multi-Wear Fitted Cardigan | |
3 | Akris Draped Wool Cardigan | ![]() | Organic Wool Formal Shawl Cardigan | |
4 | Banana Republic Merino Cardigan Sweater | ![]() | Button-up Cardigan in Petite and Regular Sizes | |
5 | Reformation Fossi Cashmere Cardigan | ![]() | Traditional Cashmere Sweater Perfect for Work | |
6 | H&M Rhinestone-Button Cardigan | ![]() | Fun Daily Wear Cardigan With Rhinestones | |
7 | Banana Republic Heritage Cable-Knit Cardigan Sweater | ![]() | Modern Styled Grandpa Cardigan | |
8 | H&M Knit Wrap-Front Cardigan | ![]() | Wrap Sweater Ideal for an Edgier Look | |
9 | H&M Textured-knit Cardigan | ![]() | A Feminine Textured Cardigan | |
10 | H&M Long Cardigan | ![]() | Cozy, Long Cardigan Ideal for Lounging |
If you're planning on only buying one cardigan this winter, let it be this one. This hypoallergenic alpaca wool cardigan is a soft alternative to sheep's wool.
The cropped silhouette, soft gossamer color, V-neck, and brown tortoiseshell buttons make this a go-to fall staple.
Whether you're heading to a dinner date or meeting your friends for brunch, this knit is the perfect piece to throw over all your outfits this season. Layer this sweater with a turtleneck or tee as the weather cools down this fall.
This ribbed cardigan brings a sexy element to your wardrobe when worn alone due to the fitted design, button front, and low neckline.
For a warmer, more modest look layer it over a tank or tee. The light pastel color looks great paired with white jeans and strappy heels for an early fall night out. Reviewers say it is cropped just right for most, but taller women may find it too short. They also say it's very soft.
This Akris designer cardigan is an investment piece that will last you for decades. The organic wool gives this cardigan the softness and sophisticated look that every woman deserves.
Dress this shawl-collared cardigan up with a little black dress and heels or look like a boss at work. Depending on your style and mood you can tie this cardigan with a belt to give it a whole new look.
The draped design that covers your bottom is flattering to most figures and the versatility allows you to get the most out of your cardigan.
This simple button-up cardigan can be styled with pretty much anything. The soft fabric adds the right amount of warmth to your wardrobe.
Add an extra layer over your polo neck shirt or wear it as is with an A-line skirt on warmer autumn days. The wide variety of colors and sizes ensures that no matter what your style or shape you will find the right cardigan for you.
This Fossi cashmere cardigan is the basic cardigan everyone needs in their closet. This cardigan can be worn as loungewear, or dress it up for a night out. While the fitted design shows off your figure the puffy shoulders give this otherwise simple cardigan a touch of drama.
Reformation is known for its eco-friendly designs, and this cardigan is no exception. Made with a blend of recycled and pure cashmere, you will not find a softer cardigan.
Leave it to H&M to bring us this boxy silhouette in a lavender shade without breaking the bank. This cardigan is lightweight and cropped, and thanks to the rhinestone button detail, it looks expensive and classy.
Keep the sweater in your closet all year by layering it with a turtleneck as the weather gets colder, or wear as is with a denim mini and sneakers.
Reviewers say the material is soft and they love the look of the buttons, but they caution that they are big and heavy. This means they are a bit hard to fit through the holes and hang down when the cardigan is unfastened. But they say the look is so cute it's worth it.
Whether you wear this cardigan over a pretty work blouse or over your cozy loungewear, this classic knit cardigan is definitely versatile. The simple, chunky design never goes out of style and ads a touch of prep that can fit into everyone's personal style.
If you're looking for something to be able to put on and look stylish while keeping you warm, this is for you. The collar design at the top can be flipped up to add extra warmth to your neck on windy days.
Switch up your silhouette with this slouchy wrap cardigan ideal for that throw-on-and-go vibe. If you're looking for an edgier look bound to make a statement this cardigan is for you. Cardigans don't have to be dull and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Keep in mind that acrylic wool can be scratchy against your skin, so layer up with a base shirt under your cardigan. Some buyers say the fabric is a bit scratchy and the fit and style are hit or miss depending on what you're looking for.
They say the neck is too open to be appropriate for work, and it's cropped shorter than they expected. But the reviewers who played around with how to tie it up were very happy with the results. Give it a shot if you're creative with fashion.
This slightly cropped cardi with a beautiful texture makes it the perfect cardigan for work or leisure. This neutral-toned cardigan will soon become your favorite autumn piece. It's stylish, cozy, and pairs with most items in your closet.
The chunky and textured knit has a loose fit that can be thrown over anything and everything. Pair it with high-waisted pants, ankle boots, and a turtle neck for a fun winter look.
If you are looking for a cardigan that will keep you warm all winter long, this is going to be your best choice. Designed to cover your bottom while also being roomy means that you are going to be comfortable when working from home or in the office.
The two large pockets on the front of the cardigan help keep your hands snug while still looking stylish and fashionable. Buyers say it's comfy and quality material.
Most reviewers say the length is perfect for them. One who is five-foot-two inches says it came down to mid-calf on them, so that gives you an idea of what to expect if you're more petite.
Get creative with your cardigan! Play around with different lengths, like a long cardigan with a cropped top and vice versa. Everyone has a different body shape, so fashion tips are never as good as just trying different things out.
Don't forget about accessories, either. A waist belt can go over a cardigan for a sleek look that highlights your hourglass shape. Scarves can go around your neck and hang down to the cardigan's buttons or be tied tight to leave your upper torso open.
And have you ever heard of a sweater clip or clasp? These cool vintage items work to keep a cardigan closed if they don't have buttons. They're also just an adorable accessory that will add uniqueness and flair.
Whether you have a cheap cardigan or an expensive one, taking care of it comes down to the same procedure. Unfortunately, there is no wool type that allows you to simply throw it in the washer and dryer and call it a day. When washing your cardigan you can either wash it by hand or use the delicate cycle on your washer.
Be sure to check the label to find the correct temperature for washing. Powdered detergents should be dissolved in water before washing so soap pieces don't get stuck on the fabric.
Wringing out your cardigan or hanging it on a hanger when it's wet may stretch it out. Instead, lay your cardigan flat on a towel to dry to keep its shape. Most importantly, keep your cardigan away from the dryer! This will end up shrinking it, so stick with air drying.
Stay warm in the winter with the thickest knits and keep away evening chills with light tops. We have all your sweater needs covered!
No. 1: Reformation|Via Puff Sleeve Cardigan
No. 2: Banana Republic|Cropped Cardigan Sweater
No. 3: Akris|Draped Wool Cardigan
No. 4: Banana Republic|Merino Cardigan Sweater
No. 5: Reformation|Fossi Cashmere Cardigan
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