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The Best Cardigans for Trendy Coziness

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Written by Kristie Olivieri
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Cardigans are soft and comfortable outerwear that you can pair with all types of outfits and look stylish at the same time. They’re the ideal combination of cozy and chic, making them a year-round closet essential. In this post, we’ve reviewed some of the best cardigans 2024 has to offer. From the versatile and flattering appeal of our favorite cardigan from CHICGAL, to the solid colors and cable knits of our other top options, these sweaters pair timeless looks with unbeatable quality and comfort. Read through our reviews as well as our buying guide to help you on your search for the perfect cardigan.

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Cardigans: A Buying Guide

Cardigans are available in so many different colors and styles. Because of this, it can be difficult to make the right choice. In this section, we'll discuss different tips that will guide you toward successfully buying a cardigan.

How To Choose a Cardigan

These are the most essential factors to consider when choosing a cardigan:

Color

To find something that complements your personality, you'll want to pick one with the right colors. Summer cardigans come in brighter colors and patterns, while winter options are typically more subtle and usually come in monochromatic designs with no patterns. What you pick entirely depends on your personal choice.

Size

Cardigans are supposed to be loose and flowy. You need to buy one that doesn't suffocate your chest or arms. Most manufacturers provide a size chart with the correct dimensions, but if you're unsure, choose something larger than your actual dimensions. A more oversized cardigan is trendy and helps you relax without feeling strangled.

The Materials

One of the most important things to consider is the material of your cardigan. If you're choosing one for winter, pick something made of warm material like wool. Today, you can also get high-quality, warm cardigans made with a blend of cotton and polyester.

Summer sweaters are usually made to cover your body at the beach or against harsh sunlight. These are generally lighter than the ones made for winter, and they aren’t as warm. Most summer options are made of cotton or linen.

If you're still unsure which fabric to choose, keep reading below to learn more about each of them.

Acrylic

One of the firmest and easiest to maintain fabrics, acrylic is known for its efficient properties. It has a slightly woolen texture. Acrylic is super comfortable and won’t irritate your skin. Plus, it doesn't wrinkle and is always ready to wear. Acrylic is usually mixed with spandex to add flexibility. It's not as resistant to cold as other options, such as wool.

Polyester

Polyester is known for its water-resistant and quick-drying properties. It's one of the most durable and long-lasting materials out there. Polyester cardigans are usually available in a blend of spandex and nylon to bring a touch of flexibility and softness.

Cotton

Cotton cardigans are ideal for hotter days. It's a lightweight and breathable material that lets you feel super clean and dry, even if you tend to sweat. You can find cotton in different colors, patterns, and styles for versatility. It doesn't retain any odors and keeps you fresh, even if you wear the cardigan all day long.

The Best Cardigans

1

CHICGAL Kimono Cardigan

Pros

  • Variety of colors and patterns
  • Machine-washable
  • Floral prints are great for summer

Cons

  • Runs small

This CHICGAL floral print kimono cardigan is assembled with a combination of polyester and other fibers, ensuring durability and strength. It features an open front and neck, allowing you to show off your shirt in complete style. The floral design makes it a suitable option for adding a sense of detail to simple outfits. It showcases a lightweight design, ensuring breathability, softness, and irritation-free use.

We think this cardigan would be perfect for casual events like birthdays, beach days, school wear, and any other day where you want to sit back and relax. It comes in a number of sizes, catering to various body types. Plus, you can buy it in many colors. This cardigan is mainly suitable for hotter days as it does not block the chills. We chose this as one of the best overall cardigans on our list because of its variety of color options and versatile design. 

2

Imily Bela Cable Knitted Oversized Cardigan

Pros

  • Batwing sleeves for comfort
  • Suitable for all occasions
  • Has diverse color options

Cons

  • Colors may appear different in person

Imily Bela's Cable Knitted Oversized Cardigan is a fantastic choice for winter that leaves you feeling warm and comfy. It's an easy-to-maintain sweater that you can clean in your washing machine. The casual design makes this ideal for traveling, lounging, parties, and even dinners. 

This cardigan is available in several different solid colors, allowing you to pick one based on personal preferences and a variety of outfits. It's ideal for use on colder days when the chilly breeze hits and you want something soothing on your body. And it's made with a stretchy material and comes in several sizes from small to X-large. 

3

GRACE KARIN Lightweight Cardigan

Pros

  • Suitable for all types of events
  • Available in seven sizes
  • Variety of solid color options

Cons

  • Too light for colder weather

Elevate your everyday ensemble with the GRACE KARIN Lightweight Cardigan. Crafted from a luxurious blend of soft fabrics, these open cardigans offer a cozy yet stylish layering option. The fabric is as soft as cotton candy, ensuring maximum comfort throughout the day. With its fluid design and long sleeves, this cardigan creates a sleek and elongated silhouette, making you appear taller and slimmer.

We love that it has convenient pockets, combining practicality with elegance. Whether you're lounging at home or stepping out for errands, this cardigan adds a touch of effortless sophistication to any outfit. Simply pair it with a basic tee and jeans for a laid-back yet chic look. 

4

ZESICA Open Front Soft Knit Cardigan

Pros

  • Easy to care for
  • Pairs well variety of outfits
  • Loose-fitting

Cons

  • Pills over time

Elevate your wardrobe with the ZESICA Open Front Soft Knit Cardigan, a versatile and stylish addition to any outfit. This elegant cardigan features a solid color design, open front, and loose-fitting silhouette, creating an effortlessly chic look. The long sleeves and front ribbed trim at closure add a touch of sophistication, while the cocoon shape provides comfort and ease of movement.

Perfect for layering, this knit sweater cardigan pairs effortlessly with T-shirts, tank tops, blouses, jeans, leggings, dresses, skirts, and boots, making it ideal for all occasions from casual outings to work settings. For easy care, simply machine wash and use a laundry bag for added protection. Whether you're a dress lover or someone who adores jeans, this cardigan, we think this cardigan is a great wardrobe investment. 

5

Astylish Chunky Knit Cardigan

Pros

  • Durable design
  • Trendy, oversized look
  • Five size options

Cons

  • Colors may appear different in person

The Astylish chunky knit cardigan is made with a classic knit texture that looks stylish and professional when worn. It boasts an open front design, allowing you to slide it on easily. The long sleeves protect your arms against the chills to help you stay warm and cozy.

This cardigan pairs perfectly with formal and informal outfits, delivering a cute and attractive look. It's a versatile piece of clothing that looks attractive on all body types. We were happy to find that the acrylic construction is made for easy care and maintenance, and it comes in an assortment of colors and sizes so you can pick one that suits you best.

People Also Ask

  • Q: Should I dry clean my cardigan?

    A:Some cardigans may require dry cleaning. Luckily, most cardigans out there are machine washable. Be sure to read the care label carefully if you want to be sure you clean it correctly,

  • Q: How do I layer a cardigan with other clothing items?

    A:Layer a cardigan over a shirt, blouse, or dress and pair with bottoms like jeans, trousers, skirts, or shorts. Experiment with different lengths and textures for a versatile and stylish layered look.

  • Q: How do I prevent my cardigan from pilling?

    A:To prevent pilling, avoid wearing your cardigan with rough or abrasive fabrics. You can also gently remove pills with a fabric shaver or sweater comb as needed.

  • Q: How do I prevent my cardigan from stretching out of shape?

    A:To prevent stretching, avoid hanging your cardigan on a hanger, as this can cause the fabric to stretch. Instead, store it folded or lay flat to maintain its shape.

  • Q: Can I wear a cardigan as a top?

    A:Yes, button-up cardigans can be worn as tops when fully fastened, or you can layer a camisole or tank top underneath for extra coverage.

Why trust Us

At Us Weekly, we aim to inform readers to make smart purchasing decisions, saving you both time and money. Our editors are obsessed with finding products in a variety of categories from fashion and beauty, to home and fitness.

We try various products, so we can recommend our favorites, and we also summarize feedback and data from other customers. Data, like product reviews and ratings, helps us recommend the best product choices for individual price points and needs.

On top of that, we highlight unique product features for special use cases, ingredients preferences, and more. We strive to make sure you are discovering new products that can make your life easier, while keeping you up to date with the best product choices for types of items you already know and love.

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By Kristie Olivieri

Kristie is a documentary enthusiast, horror movie lover, and avid gamer. When not lost in a virtual world, they enjoy curling up with a good book and their feline friends.
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