While temperatures may be soaring outside, offices, airplanes and restaurants often feel uncomfortably cold thanks to aggressive air conditioning. When I [Espinal] lived in Miami, I always kept a cardigan in my car because every restaurant, mall and even the hospital seemed much cooler than I expected.
After years of experimenting with different styles, I’ve learned that finding the right cardigan isn’t always easy. Some are too long, others too cropped or too fitted for my taste. But once you find the right one, it’s a wardrobe staple you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re heading to the office, traveling or simply need an extra layer, a cardigan is one of the most versatile pieces you can own.
To help narrow down the best options, I spoke with stylists about what makes a great cardigan and how to wear one today. From its origins as a practical military garment to its adoption by working-class laborers, the cardigan has evolved into a timeless wardrobe essential that continues to balance function and style.
Best for a mild climate$undefined$89.50
What is considered a cardigan?
According to celebrity stylist Kim Appelt, a cardigan is “Any sweater that opens down the front, can have buttons, zippers or no attachments — basically just an open sweater!”
Celebrity stylist Sandra Okerulu shares this sentiment and adds, “To consider a piece a cardigan, it typically must feature a front opening, an open closure and be constructed from a knit fabric.”
Best cardigans, according to stylists
Okerulu recommends this Abercrombie style because “it is a beautiful merino wool-blend option that fits the trending vintage heritage aesthetic.” This design comes in multiple colors and can be worn layered or on its own. With a slouchy arm design and slightly cropped silhouette, this cardigan will keep you cozy throughout the day.
Appelt loves this cardigan because it’s lightweight, cotton and can be styled in many ways. “It can be done all the way up or can be left open on top of a tank or a T-shirt; it can be dressed up or dressed down. This is a fantastic brand and the price point is definitely worth what you’re buying,” she says. Plus, you get that extra coziness from the nylon blend when the temperature drops inside your workplace.
“This style of cardigan works for almost every body type because it doesn’t add a lot of weight,” she adds.
This airy design is ideal for beach outings or when you want to layer your top. Appelt recommends this one and says she’s “Obsessed with this one; I own it, and I get compliments on it every time I wear it. I pair it with jeans and a tank top or with jean shorts. It’s a very casual piece but think of it as a replacement to like a linen shirt worn open.”
While the merlot shade Appelt recommended is nearly sold out, this neutral version is still available. “This is a great cardigan for fall. I love the color. Merlot is trending for fall. It’s chunky, but not too chunky. It’s made from natural fibers, and it’s a little oversized,” she says. Crafted from a cozy wool-alpaca blend, the cardigan’s relaxed silhouette makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for an extra layer of warmth during the cooler months.
Best cardigans, according to editors
This lightweight, budget-friendly cardigan is a favorite of editorial director Adrianna Brach. Its open-front silhouette makes layering effortless, while the front pockets are both functional and easy to access. As Brach puts it, “it’s one of those throw-on pieces you’ll wear over and over again.” Plus, it comes in a buttery-soft fabric that feels comfortable enough for the office and every season.
Sidefeel Cardigan
Writer Colleen Sullivan always reaches for this oversized cardigan when it gets a bit chilly indoors. “After admiring the way this sweater from Sidefeel draped over the model and appreciating its affordable price, I ordered the one in a size small,” she says. The waffle-weave texture and chunky seams are details Sullivan appreciates about this design. “One of the great things about this sweater is how easily it can adapt to different settings. You can wear it in the office, out shopping, or to dinner, or designate it as your house sweater when you want to wrap yourself in something cozy while binge-watching Netflix,” she adds.
I recently received this cardigan as a sample from Jones New York and immediately loved how effortlessly it drapes over the body. It’s lightweight, layers easily and makes a polished addition to my office wardrobe. I especially like the soft light beige shade, which feels versatile enough to pair with almost anything. Its unstructured, button-free design gives it an easy, relaxed feel, and I can already see myself reaching for it on repeat with trousers and jeans.
If you’re looking for an everyday staple, this cardigan fits the bill. I tried it on recently and loved its cropped silhouette, which pairs especially well with high-waisted jeans and trousers. Made from a cozy brushed yarn, it looks just as good buttoned up on its own as it does layered over a T-shirt or blouse. Thanks to its fabric blend, it has a slightly weightier feel than the Jones New York option, making it a great choice for cooler offices or transitional weather.
I recently ordered this cardigan from Ann Taylor to pair with colorful trousers as we head into early fall. I also like keeping a cropped cardigan on hand to throw over sleeveless dresses or tops when I’m heading into a church or another place where I want a little extra coverage. The balloon sleeves add subtle shape without feeling bulky, and the relaxed silhouette makes it easy to wear on its own or layered over a tank or tee for extra warmth and structure.
This was easily my favorite cardigan I tried all week. The preppy argyle pattern gives a nod to the classic trend that’s making a comeback, while the relaxed silhouette keeps it feeling modern. I prefer wearing it open for an effortless look, but it also looks great buttoned up with a scarf layered on top. Because of its looser fit, I’d recommend sizing down if you prefer a more tailored silhouette.
The cardigans trending in 2026
According to Appelt, the best cardigan styles trending in 2026 include relaxed designs with a less preppy silhouette. Here are some styles she suggests:
- Oversized cardigan: “Opt for a slightly slouchy design with dropped shoulders. They go perfectly over a tank, T-shirt or slip dress”.
- Lady jacket cardigan: “These are structured, cropped cardigans with dressy details like contrast trim or gold buttons.”
- Cropped cardigan: “Hits at the waist and looks great with high-rise jeans, pants or skirts. It adds a styling layer for interest and warmth without adding bulk,” she adds.
- Longline cardigan: “Knee-length, midi or right to the floor like a duster. This is great for layering over leggings, jeans or slim trousers when you want extra warmth. It also has a very boho relaxed feel, so if this is your style then this is for you!” she quips.
“Floor-length maxi cardigans that hit at the ankle are currently very popular, particularly those featuring structured shoulders and zip-front closures or buttons,” adds Okerulu.
- Lightweight fine-knit cardigan: Appelt says this is one of the most versatile styles because you can wear it “open as a layer or buttoned up as a top with jeans.”
- Chunky cable-knit cardigan: “A favorite for fall and winter. Depending on your body shape, this is a perfect style for an oversized and relaxed vibe.”
“I love a chunky knit oversized cashmere cardigan. A piece like this can be worn as a lightweight coat or styled with dress pants and ballet flats or jeans, and lightweight suede neutral sneakers,” Appelt suggests.
“I’m also seeing more printed and embellished cardigans, as well as styles with interesting knit patterns and textures. These details make a cardigan feel more like a statement piece rather than simply a layering essential,” shares lead stylist at the Watson Group, Madeline Manning.
Frequently asked questions
"I am a big believer in natural fibers, so personally I recommend buying the best quality that you can, made from any natural fiber. That could be cashmere, wool or cotton," says Appelt.
For the summer months, she recommends a lightweight cardigan and a heavier knit piece for the winter. "Both are very versatile pieces and a wardrobe staple in my opinion. A lightweight one can be buttoned up all the way and worn as a shirt or worn open over a silk slip dress for evening or a linen sundress for daytime," she recommends.
For Manning, she recommends considering the cardigan's silhouette based on body type and how it will be worn.
"Right now, I’m especially drawn to cropped, long-sleeve cardigans because they pair beautifully with high-waisted skirts and trousers. The shorter length helps define the waist while still creating a polished, versatile look," she adds.
Appelt says you can dress up a cardigan by buttoning it all the way up if it's lightweight, and wear it as a shirt. "It can be layered over a silk slip dress with heels, loafers or ballet flats. You can layer a cardigan over a white dress shirt with a pair of trousers and heels or loafers for work," suggests Appelt as another way to dress it up.
"The versatility of cardigans is endless. I love a cardigan when it is paired with good structured denim and a boot. For both casual and dressy occasions, cardigans offer the versatility of substituting a sweater jacket for something that feels cozy and warm without the need for a zipper or the heavy feeling of typical winter attire," adds Okerulu.
"I recommend merino wool for a lightweight option, as well as traditional wool. Lambswool is resilient, durable and naturally, very breathable. My personal favorite is alpaca mohair; it adds a plush, slightly fuzzy texture and is excellent for the cold weather months," shares Okerulu.
According to Okerulu, the best cardigans for colder months are heavy wool cashmere dusters. "These provide significant protection, especially when the wool is 300g or higher, which offers superior insulation. Options with fleece and faux fur inner linings are also excellent for blocking out cold air. For warmer weather or transitional periods, lightweight cardigans like those from Goldie Tees are ideal for layering over tanks and tees."
How we chose
To identify the best cardigans of 2026, we consulted fashion experts for their styling advice, recommendations and insight into the season’s top trends. Our editor also evaluated standout options based on price, material, quality and firsthand testing. In addition, we conducted extensive market research, reviewed top-rated styles and incorporated expert-recommended favorites to curate our final list.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Sandra Okerulu is a NYC- based teacher and style expert who has styled some of the biggest names in the fashion industry.
- Kim Appelt is a personal and celebrity stylist who wrote the Amazon bestselling book “Style for Everybody,” which focuses on creating a classic and timeless wardrobe for individuals based on their body, style and life.
- Madeline Manning is a lead stylist at Watson Style Group.
