The 25 Best Cardigans to Cozy Up In This Fall

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In my book, cardigan season is the best time of the year. Few garments have such an inherent coziness as the good old-fashioned cardigan, and this fall we’re only wearing the best of the best—and, of course, sharing our favorite picks with you.

You can dress up a cardigan for the office or dress one down for happy hour. They’re versatile, cool, and endlessly stylish, whether you go for the minimalist option from Amazon Essentials or a luxurious, timelessly elegant piece from Tom Ford or Brunello Cucinelli. These cardigans are so damn good, wearing one will make you look like you studied up on the topic—and not just because all cardigans tend to feel a little bit academic.

Start shopping now, and come fall, you’ll have a selection of cardis that are ready to go with your tees, button-downs, and everything in between.

Alpaca-Blend V-Neck Cardigan Sweater

I like a cardigan with some texture—it adds dimension to your fit, and usually that fuzz is oh-so-cozy. This is more than true of J.Crew’s classic-fit, alpaca-blend cardigan, which comes in a deep rust color that’s perfect for fall. The deep pockets come in handy for your small essentials, and the hairy texture is all about giving you some extra softness.

Cashmere Cardigan

When it comes to dressing for fall and winter, there’s no fabric I reach for more than cashmere. This 100 percent cashmere cardigan is simple yet luxurious—the understated style is easy to pair with anything from jeans to khakis to joggers, and the soft, warm fabric is still thin enough to layer with.

Merino Wool V-Neck Cardigan

The beauty of a V-neck cardigan is how damn flattering it makes any shirt you wear underneath. Have a graphic tee? Everyone will still get to see the pattern. Going for a button-down? The V-neck shape nicely frames the collar. Flint and Tinder’s extra-fine merino wool option is soft, warm, and cozy, with a classic look that goes with absolutely anything.

Merino V-Neck Cardigan

It’s no secret that Uniqlo offers some of the best high-quality basics out there, and it does so at unbeatable prices. Clocking in at only 50 bucks, for example, is this merino wool cardigan that I wear so often, it’s definitely paid for itself by now. The slightly oversized design makes it easy to layer up, and the smooth, soft merino wool keeps the warmth in without overheating you.

Cardigan Sweater

If you’re balling on a budget, turn to Coofandy. For under $40, the brand has a classic, no-frills, no-fuss cardigan that’s wildly easy to style, whether you’re heading to the bar or the office. It has a stretchy, lightweight fabric with ribbed cuffs, two pockets, and a high-quality feel that even surprised us.

Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan Sweater

Looking to score pure cashmere for under $100? Quince has you covered. This timeless staple is thin, breathable, and—perhaps most importantly—ridiculously soft. Crafted from ethically sourced, grade-A Mongolian cashmere, this is going to be hanging at the front of your closet for easy access all winter long.

Baseline Cardigan

It’s casual, it’s sporty, it’s simple, it’s elevated. Really, Fila’s basic, classic cardigan is a closet chameleon—it goes with everything, whether you’re pairing this with a tee and jeans or a button-down and pleated pants. It has a soft, stretchy fabric, ribbed details, and a slightly oversized fit that makes it feel so nice to get cozy in on a chilly day.

Mode Merino Wool Shawl Collar Cardigan

This is the kind of cardigan you wrap yourself up in while drinking a morning coffee. It’s the kind of cardigan you wear with a massive scarf when you want to feel as cool as Lenny Kravitz, and the kind of cardigan that’s simple and luxurious at once. Crafted with merino wool, the AllSaints shawl-collar, no-button design is a pure vibe.

Italian Linen Cotton Cardigan

Personally, I don’t believe in restricting cardigans to the colder months. I’m a fan of keeping one on the go, for cold airplanes, offices, and restaurants—and that’s why Bonobos’ linen-cotton-blend cardigan is a staple. No matter what season it is, you can wear this style with ease; it’s breathable and soft, but, thanks to the linen composition, you’ll never be too warm.

White Glove Knitted Cardigan

You gotta love mohair—especially when it’s used in a cool, boxy cardigan like this one. Percival’s modern, sleek design looks just as good with jeans and Chelsea boots as it does with work pants and loafers, so don’t be shy when it comes to mixing and matching this piece with everything your wardrobe has to offer.

Shawl-Collar Knitted Cardigan

Sometimes the season just calls for a shawl-collar cardigan. When you feel that call, Brunello Cucinelli’s thick, warm, luxurious style is the obvious answer. It has deep pockets, a relaxed, weighted fit, and all the timeless elegance that the brand is known for.

Shawl-Collar Ribbed Brushed Cashmere and Silk-Blend Cardigan

Tom Ford comes in strong with a minimalist—yet very chic—shawl-collar cardigan that, yes, is as cozy and warm as it looks. With a rib knit constructed from silk and cashmere, plus patch pockets and horn buttons, it really doesn’t get more luxe than this.

Milano 4-Bar Cotton Cardigan

If you want a cardigan that feels definitively preppy instead of slouchy, Thom Browne is the way to go. This cotton V-neck style is still cozy, don’t get me wrong, but it has a fitted, high-end look that your slouchy cardigans just can’t match. For dressing up and lookin’ smart, you know what to do.

Cropped Pattern Cardigan

I swear by Abercrombie’s chic, high-quality looks, and this season’s new cropped cardigan takes the cake. It feels as durable and solid as a way more expensive cardigan, and it’s designed with the perfect fit in mind—it’s cropped, but not too cropped. The nice hip-hitting length is only made better by the unique pattern.

Cable-Knit Wool-Cashmere Cardigan

Some cardigans just scream “I went to boarding school in New England,” and PRL’s is one of them. That’s not a bad thing, though—it means you look effortlessly put-together and damn classy. (Cable knit tends to have that effect.) So even if you aren’t a full-time academic, you can look like one in this soft, timeless style.

Vintage Patterned Cardigan

Urban Outfitters has a hefty stock of vintage cardigans, and one of ’em could be yours. These authentic, retro cardigans have been given new life, and each one-of-a-kind pick carries its own story and vibe. So if you like a grandpa-style cardigan, you might be getting one your grandpa actually wore.

Merino Wool-Blend Cardigan

For effortless style you don’t have to think twice about, Lululemon has a staple piece that deserves a place in your autumnal rotation. Our editors love how soft this brushed-wool cardigan is and how easy it is to style. Plus, the fabric has been treated with an anti-odor, anti-bacteria technology, so feel free to wear it a good few times before washing.

Classic Cardigan

Simple and stylish—what’s not to love? Everlane’s minimalist cardigan is all about providing you with an easy, breezy layering piece. Dress this down with a graphic tee and sneakers, or dress it up with a button-down and pleated pants.

Acid-Wash Cardigan

In fall and winter, people tend to dress... drearily. Don’t be a sheep—be a standout. Cos’s acid-washed, bright-green cardigan is like a breath of fresh air. It has a chunky, ribbed design and a relaxed fit, making it easy to throw over your everyday outfits.

Cashmere Classic Cardigan

Somehow, Naadam continues to surprise me. I know the brand has some of the absolute softest, most cloudlike cashmere on the market, yet every time I feel a new piece, I’m wowed all over again. This classic cardigan is no exception, with its stretchy, cozy fabric and V-neck design.

Fine Gauge Cotton Cardigan

Layering is made easier than ever with this solid V-neck cardigan from Lands’ End. The fabric is lightweight and soft, thin enough to slip under, say, a blazer or sport coat without making you feel too stuffy. And with pockets on the front, there’s nothing here not to love.

Knitted Cotton Cardigan with Buttons

Mango’s sophisticated, minimalist vibe is heavy in this knit cardigan, complete with ribbed trim. It has a button-up V-neck closure that looks chic over a plain white tee or a striped Oxford, so don’t be afraid to experiment with how you style this piece.

Merino Oversized Cardigan

Suitsupply’s merino wool cardigan is a master class in how to stay chic while being relaxed and oversized. Turns out, you can have the best of both worlds—this V-neck style is cozy and cool, with ribbed details that add some flair.

Scholar Cardigan Sweater

Alo’s versatile cardigan is for work, play, and everything in between and will become your daily go-to. It has a soft, stretchy fabric, perfect for layering under or over your other pieces.

Castello Italian Knit Cardigan

I like to end things on a high note, which is why our final pick is Dandy Del Mar’s woven-detail cardigan. It’s cool as hell, cozy, and unique, too, with a timeless style that just does not quit.

How We Picked

I love a cardigan—always have, always will. In fact, you wouldn’t believe how many cardigans I’ve tried. Every time I try a new cardigan, it has to pass some rigorous tests: Is it stylish? Comfortable? How cozy is it? Am I going to overheat? Can I throw it in the washing machine or does it need to be dry-cleaned? Can I layer it?

All of the cardigans on this list were chosen because our picky editors (me) love them. They meet our standards, and the standards of thousands of reviewers across the Internet, who all have different preferences and sizes and love these options anyway.

What to Look For in a Cardigan

Fabric: If you like to feel unparalleled warmth in winter and fall, cashmere and wool are the fabrics you should shop for. Linen is great for year-round wear because it’s lightweight and breathable enough to throw on during a chilly summer night or layer under a jacket in fall and winter. Cotton is the easiest to wash and typically doesn’t require much extra care.

Fit: The fit of your cardigan is everything. Styles that are oversized, boxy, or even slightly cropped, like Abercrombie’s, offer a modern edge that could never be confused with being dad-like. Some oversized cardigans are also easier to layer with, as opposed to tight or formfitting cardigans, which are probably only going to be able to fit over a T-shirt.

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