As the weather shifts towards fall, there is no better time to reach for the best cardigans for women. The change in seasons calls for lots of layering, making soft sweaters your best match for unpredictable temperatures. (Case in point: On Miu Miu’s fall runway, the cardigan served as a styling Swiss Army knife, worn shrugged off the shoulders in place of something more substantial.)
Whether you love a cozy, luxe cashmere, a lightweight cotton cardigan, or a chunky knit in merino wool, we’ve narrowed down the options to bring you everything from classic crewnecks to trendy, fun pops. (Think: Fair Isle and nautical stripes.) Ahead, shop the best cardigans to outfit your favorite T-shirt and pair of jeans or throw under a barn jacket for added warmth. After all, there’s no better way to transition your capsule wardrobe than buttoning up in style.
The best cardigans for women, at a glance
The classic crewneck cardigan
You can’t go wrong with a classic crewneck cardigan. From everyday mainstays such as Leset’s black pointelle (an editor favorite!) or Donni’s simple ribbed version in trendy chocolate brown, to something with a bit more fashion edge—see Tory Burch’s topstitched take or Maje’s embellished gem—these cardis are true must-haves for any knitwear drawer.
The short-sleeved cardigan
Transitional dressing calls for short-sleeved options that can be layered over fall dresses or paired with wide-leg jeans. They’re ideal for those end-of-season outfits when it’s still hot during the day, yet cool at night. But, they’re not just great for fall, these are wardrobe staples that add a touch of charm and can be worn year-round. A few of our favorites include Everlane’s alpaca cardi, Madewell’s ribbed number, and Dôen’s dreamy puff-sleeved take.
The cashmere cardigan
In our book, a cashmere cardigan is always worth the investment. The supersoft fiber also happens to be one of the warmest and most durable, so investing in these high-quality knits is the smartest purchase for a long-term investment. J.Crew’s high-quality cardigan is a no-brainer, while oversized takes from Nordstrom and COS will feel like warm, woven hugs. Don’t forget the statement Fair Isle from Favorite Daughter to pair with pleated skirts and leather loafers all season long.
The nautical cardigan
The preppy trend is riding high for fall 2025, which means injecting a bit of knitwear with nautical notes into your everyday wear only makes sense. (Now you just need a sailboat to wear them on.) From boxy cable knits to streamlined silhouettes in Breton stripes, these maritime favorites feel oh-so-right as we enter the coziest months of the year.
The V-neck cardigan
A V-neck cardigan is another closet essential because of its fundamentally simple styling potential. Featuring long sleeves and a layering-friendly neckline, the relaxed fit is a beloved standby; it’s never trendy, it’s just always in style. Choose from cropped styles that pair effortlessly with high-waisted jeans or test drive our favorite long cardigans that have a slightly oversized shape for that lived-in feel. Bottom line: Getting dressed is about to be a breeze.
