DOWNLOAD OUR FREE PRINTABLE PACKING LIST!

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

 

When winter comes around, it can seem like the solution to a cold-weather trip is to pack a bulky sweater, but that’s not true. You can still pack light for winter and stay warm with this guide to best womens sweaters for travel!

 


Best Women’s Sweaters


 

 

Table Of Contents

 

 

Many destinations, such as Europe, are amazing to visit during the spring and summer. But part of their charm is found during the winter, especially the ever-popular Christmas Markets. Or maybe you want to venture into your own backyard and enjoy winter destinations like Park City, Utah, or Tahoe in California.

What we often hear from readers is that they find cold-weather packing quite daunting, especially if they still want to travel light.

The key to packing efficiently overall is to build a capsule wardrobe, which I’ve outlined in my ebook Pack Light Stylishly. If you overpack, my Stop Overpacking ebook is a big help in minimizing bulky clothing and taking what you need based on the weather and activities you have planned.

 

Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:

 

To offer more help, we put together a video on how to prepare for winter travel, which you can watch below.

 

 

Learn how to travel light and efficiently for winter travel in this video!

 

The secret to a winter capsule is layering by wearing moisture-wicking thermals beneath clothing, but another central layer and essential ingredient to not overpacking is a good sweater!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Checking out Park City, Utah in my Columbia Carson Pass II Jacket, J Crew Cashmere Turtle Neck (similar), Zara Jeans, Ugg Boots (similar), and Winter Hat

 

Yes, it would seem like a no-brainer to dress for winter properly, but having the right sweater does matter in order to maximize space in your suitcase.

Hence, I’m happy to share this ultimate guide to the best sweaters women love for travel. But first, let’s address some FAQs about this topic.

 

Watch my 2 Part Video Series on how to create the ULTIMATE capsule wardrobe for cold weather and avoid packing heavy items:

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

The Quince Cashmere Crewneck Sweater is the website’s #1 selling sweater because of its breathability, packability, and cozy feel!

 

What is the Best Material for Sweaters?

 

When it comes to picking cozy seasonal essentials, choosing the right fabrics is vital. This is especially important when it comes to sweaters—they’re the perfect mid-layer that instantly warms up any outfit.

Hence, it’s best to ditch bulky, heavy sweaters and opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking options.

 

These are the 3 types of knit fabrics recommended for winter that are also packable:

Cashmere Sweaters: This fabric has emerged as a top winner for sweaters in recent years within our community. Cashmere is lightweight, insulating, and breathable. It’s also a great alternative to merino wool if that fabric is not your favorite. Many TFGs say they prefer cashmere and feel it’s softer!

Merino Wool Sweaters: Merino wool is the ultimate travel fabric that travelers adore the most, helping you stay warm in the cold. It draws moisture away from the body yet has thermo-regulating properties, and it’s very lightweight, making it highly packable.

Alpaca Sweaters: If you find merino wool too uncomfortable, alpaca is hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. While this fabric is weaved from “wool,” the fibers of alpaca are extremely soft in comparison to merino wool; they don’t feel rough or scratchy against your skin. This fabric is naturally sweat-wicking and isn’t prone to matting or pilling.

 

Tip: While it’s tempting to pack cotton or polyester sweaters, they are less lightweight and tend to be bulkier, and they lose on the warmth factor front. Cashmere, merino wool, and alpaca are considered the best, especially if you plan on heading to places that hit below zero frequently.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

The Charter Club Cashmere Cardigan from Macy’s is cute, but you want to ensure the right size so that if it shrinks, you can still close the buttons!

 

What Else Should I Consider With Sweaters?

 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying alpaca, cashmere, or wool clothing:

  • Get the Right Size: These items do tend to shrink, so consider sizing up for a more comfortable fit.
  • Wash Them Carefully: If you want to wash your sweaters, always double-check the washing instructions on the label to ensure you’re washing them correctly. If possible, use a low temperature and a wool or delicate cycle. If you’re worried the machine might ruin the fabric, hand wash your sweaters inside out to prevent bobbling.
  • Fabric Care: These fabric types are known for pilling, so buy a fabric defuzzer/shaver to groom your sweaters. This will let them last longer!
  • Store Them Properly: The best way to hang sweaters when you’re not wearing them is to store them in a tightly sealed container to keep bugs and moths away from the wool. You could also use storage bags to protect them.

 

Merino wool clothing is not just limited to sweaters; this amazing fabric also extends to typical wardrobe pieces such as thermals, t-shirts, leggings, and dresses! We also rounded up the best merino wool brands, according to readers!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

A good example of a tunic is this Woolly Pullover (on Amazon) which covers past the waist and combines merino wool with coziness, and we approve!

 

What About Other Best Quality Sweaters?

 

Besides the right knit fabric, there are many styles of sweaters besides the standard crewneck or v-neck pullover.

 

These styles are highly popular for winter travel, and all of them make wonderful layering pieces:

Turtleneck Sweaters: These are great for covering up the neck area in very cold destinations and are frequently worn for active vacations like winter hiking, skiing, or snowboarding. But they’re also a classic, elegant piece with a knit skirt or ponte pants.

Cardigans: Are the ultimate versatile winter piece! A lightweight knit cardigan can be stowed in your sightseeing bag and pulled out when it gets chilly. They layer well under down jackets, over a long-sleeved tee, or over a thermal top.

Tunic Sweaters: A longer sweater adds coverage past the waist and looks perfect layered over fleece-lined leggings or faux leather leggings and topped off with long boots to add more protection for the legs.

Sweatshirts: While not exactly a sweater, a sweatshirt is a casual companion to a typical knit sweater, as many are composed of merino wool. They make excellent layering items over a short-sleeved tee or a thermal top and styles today have sleeker cuts, so they even look fashionable!

Hoodies: A hoodie is also in the same league as a sweatshirt. Casual but cozy, the feature of a hood adds extra warmth when outside in cold weather and looks fantastic with joggers or cargo pants!

 

You also can explore more on what winter clothing to choose from by watching the video below.

 

 

This video can help you plan a packable winter wardrobe!

 

In addition to your sweater, it’s paramount that you add the proper warm items, like a winter jacket, a sturdy pair of warm gloves, a knit hat, a neck scarf, and solid, reliable boots.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

One of the BEST retailers for quality sweaters at reasonable prices is Quince, like this V-Neck Mongolian Cashmere Sweater; it’s under $60!

 

Best Place to Buy Sweaters?

 

As mentioned earlier, fit is important when it comes to sweaters, so be sure you purchase from a retailer that offers free shipping and returns/exchanges in case you need to change a size. Take a look at a list of clothing and shoe brands that offer these benefits.

 

Here are the best places to buy sweaters for travel:

 

Check out my four-part video series, where I demonstrate how to pack light for the cold weather because of my merino wool clothing!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes

 

How Do I Pack Sweaters?

 

Merino wool, cashmere, and alpaca sweaters are fairly lightweight, so they can fit into packing cubes, which allows optimum use of the space in your luggage while keeping everything organized and in place during your travels. Cubes make the task of unpacking and repacking simple and stress-free.

Many readers use our Compass Rose Packing Cubes for packing, and they’re now offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13″ x 5″ x 2.8″, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8″ x 13″ x 8.5″. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase and can help you organize and compress clothing items.

The medium size is great for bulkier items or clothes you may want to fold instead of roll, like sweaters. The best way to fold sweaters in a packing cube is to match the width of the cube and tuck the arms under to flatten as much as possible. However, you can also roll thinner sweaters in slim-size packing cubes without a problem.

Check out the video below as I show you the method of rolling vs. folding clothes.

 

See this video for examples of rolling vs. folding packing methods

 

Now that we’ve covered the most important questions about sweaters, I’m excited to feature the best sweaters for travel!

 

Check out this video on how to organize using packing cubes—it’s incredibly easy!

 

 

Best Cashmere Sweaters

 

While cashmere used to be considered quite expensive, there are so many quality budget options out there! And many users say this fabric feels nice against the skin on a cold day.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Quince Cashmere Crewneck Sweater | Sizes XS-XL

 

Quince Mongolian Cashmere

 

The #1 selling sweater on the website, the Quince cashmere crewneck is an absolute dream!  According to readers, it’s durable, awesome for travel, looks flattering, and feels super soft. As a bonus, the cashmere is sustainably and ethically sourced!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Charter Club Cashmere Sweater | Sizes XS-XXL Regular & 0X-3X Plus

 

Macy’s Charter Club 100% Cashmere

 

Readers can’t stop talking about this cashmere sweater from Charter Club, which was a huge hit during Black Friday sales. It has a slim silhouette that’s not too tight and is perfect for layering, and it’s at a great price point. Several reviews say they’ve bought more than one!

The entire Charter Club line has numerous cashmere sweaters worth looking at:

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

J.Crew Cashmere Crewneck Sweater | Sizes XXXS-3X

 

J. Crew Classic Cashmere

 

The  J. Crew cashmere sweater is majorly popular with readers. It’s beautifully tailored for a polished look but so comfortable at the same time! It’s perfect for layering when it gets really cold or wearing solo, tucked into a pair of pants.

J. Crew offers a v-neck cashmere sweater version if you prefer that neckline!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Everlane Cashmere Classic Crew Sweater | Sizes XXS-XXL

 

Everlane Cashmere Crew

 

This Everlane cashmere sweater is designed with an updated fit in the neckline, more delicate trims, and smoother openings on the bottom for an easy, timeless look.  The fabric is 100% cashmere with a new sustainable blend of recycled and virgin cashmere that allows breathability and flexibility in addition to warmth.

You can also get it in a v-neck version or a boxy crewneck style that’s slightly cropped.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Lands’ End Cashmere Sweater | Sizes XS-3X

 

Lands’ End Two-Ply Cashmere

 

This Lands’ End selection is a great basic that wearers describe as beautiful, soft, and easy to wear. The cashmere has been woven with a 2-ply method, which makes it durable and said to become softer over time. It’s a total must-have!

Lands’ End also has a cute funnel neck cashmere sweater too!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

L.L. Bean Classic Cashmere Sweater | Sizes XS-3X

 

L.L. Bean Classic Cashmere

 

The L.L. Bean cashmere sweater is fitted enough to look polished and feminine but not overly tight, either. It falls right at the hip and is soft and smooth but cozy for layering!

 

 

Best Merino Wool Sweaters

 

Despite new fabrics emerging as winter options, merino wool still reigns supreme for its lightweight feel, thermo-regulating properties, and versatility. It also doesn’t retail odors which means less washing when traveling!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Quince Australian Merino Wool Sweater | Sizes XS-XL

 

Quince Australian Merino

 

Quince’s reader-approved sweater is made from 100% Australian merino wool. The soft, touchable boucle texture is soft. The crewneck style keeps it classic, while the luxurious, relaxed fit keeps it comfy.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Uniqlo Merino Crew Neck Sweater | Sizes XXS-XXL

 

Uniqlo 100% Wool

 

This Uniqlo merino wool sweater is described as “very warm and light.” Readers rave about this brand’s sweaters, saying they’re well priced at under $50 and a winter must-have for their quality.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Everlane Half-Zip Sweater | Sizes XXS-XL

 

Everlane Luxe Merino

 

The Everlane merino wool half-zip sweater is a perfect cozy basic and layering piece for chilly adventures. Wearers say its relaxed, boxy cut is flattering and easy to style. It also comes in a funnel neck pullover version!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

prAna Cades Cove Sweater | Sizes XS-XL

 

prAna Cades Cove

 

The Cades Cove sweater is a merino wool blend made for travel! Its raglan sleeves and gorgeous waffle knit make it so inviting to wear. As a big bonus, the materials are sustainably sourced!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Eileen Fisher Fine Merino Box-Top Sweater | Sizes XXS-3X

 

Eileen Fisher Fine Merino

 

Even though the price point on this Eileen Fisher merino wool piece is higher, users can guarantee that it is sustainably made,  super soft to wear, and highly versatile for layering!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Smartwool Edgewood Colorblock Crew Sweater | Sizes XS-XL

 

Smartwool Lightweight Knit

 

If you plan to hit the ski slopes or do some cross-country skiing, this Smartwool merino blend sweater fits the bill! It’s lightweight and simple to wear with all your active clothing!

 

 

Best Turtleneck Sweaters

 

If you plan to be outside frequently during a winter trip, wearing a turtleneck is a sound idea, to keep anything that could be exposed to the air covered. And if you buy one that’s cashmere or merino, even better because it’ll be packable!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Quince Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater | Sizes XS-XL

 

Quince Cashmere

 

The Quince cashmere turtleneck is the perfect basic. It’s understated yet elegant, with a slightly relaxed silhouette that you can layer under and over depending on the weather. The cashmere fabric is high quality, long-lasting, and sustainably and ethically sourced!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Charter Club Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater | Sizes XS-XXL

 

Macy’s Charter Club 100% Cashmere

 

This chic Charter Club turtleneck is 100% cashmere. Users say it comes in beautiful colors and feels soft and warm without being too heavy. Readers definitely adore this sweater line!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Lands’ End Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater | Sizes XS-3X

 

Lands’ End Cashmere

 

Beautiful and classic, the Lands’ End turtleneck sweater is soft but very warm and thick enough without being bulky. It’s made from 2-ply cashmere, which will only get softer with time!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Anthropologie Alani Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater | Sizes XXS-3X

 

Anthropologie Alani by Pilcro – Cashmere

 

While not a traditional turtleneck, this luxurious Alani cashmere mock neck piece does offer some neck coverage and is on-trend with the more cropped hem and a boxy silhouette. Wearers say this sweater is soft and cozy. We love the color selection too!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Uniqlo Merino Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater | Sizes XXS-XXL

 

Uniqlo Merino Wool

 

If you want a good budget option, the Uniqlo merino wool turtleneck is no-nonsense, simple, and breathable due to the merino fabric. Just note the reviews are a bit uneven, which is why we mention it’s a price-friendly choice!

 

 

Best Cardigan Sweaters

 

In winter, you always want layering options, and a knit cardigan is the perfect choice for this! To be extra toasty, wear it over long-sleeved tees, a thermal top, or a light pullover sweater. You can also wear it solo if the weather is milder.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Quince Cashmere Cardigan Sweater | Sizes XS-XL

 

Quince Classic Cashmere

 

Quince’s classic cardigan is made from luxe Mongolian cashmere, so it’s breathable, lightweight, and looks polished. The slightly relaxed fit allows you to layer underneath it, yet it’s slim enough to wear alone too. And it’s a huge seller on the TFG website!

Besides this timeless selection, check out ALL the cardigans offered by Quince:

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Quince Cashmere Oversized Cardigan | Sizes XS-XL Regular & 1X-3X Plus

 

Quince Boyfriend Cashmere

 

With a longer, more trendy style, this Quince oversized cardigan is so cozy due to the cashmere fabric, you’ll just want to sink in it! Users say it’s amazing for travel with lots of room to layer or even wear as a jacket in spring transitional weather.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Charter Club Cashmere Cardigan | Sizes XS-XXL

 

Macy’s Charter Club Soft Cashmere

 

Just as classic as the Quince cardigan, the Charter Club cardigan sweater is also 100% cashmere, but it has a slimmer silhouette and colored buttons that blend in, so the piece almost looks seamless. Wearers say this cutie is lightweight and wearable anywhere!

There are even more Charter Club cardigan options, see which ones:

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

J.Crew Cashmere Cardigan Sweater | Sizes XXXS-3X

 

J.Crew Featherweight Cashmere

 

The J.Crew cashmere cardigan has polished buttons and a hem that hits the hips with a flattering fit and is topped off with cute patch pockets. This sleek item would look amazing on a European winter getaway with some statement jewelry!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Everlane Ultrasoft Merino Cardigan | Sizes XXS-XXL

 

Everlane Merino Wool

 

For a more casual look, the Everlane merino wool cardigan has a ribbed texture, muted buttons, and a slightly fitted look. Not to mention a lightweight feel that still keeps you utterly warm due to the fabric!

 

 

Best Alpaca Sweaters

 

Alpaca is another type of wool that is considered a great alternative to merino wool or cashmere and feels gentle against the skin. While not a huge selection of alpaca sweaters exist, they are worth a buy when you come across one!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Quince Baby Alpaca-Wool Sweater | Sizes XS-XL

 

Quince Alpaca-Wool

 

Described as “ridiculously soft,” the Quince alpaca sweater is a loose-fitting diamond stitch style with a crewneck. It literally looks soft, and the feel lives up to that. Perfect for a capsule wardrobe!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Madewell Yanawara Alpaca Sweater | Sizes S-XXL

 

Madewell Yanawara

 

The Madewell Yanawara Sawika sweater has a cozy ribbed look with a slight cropped, so it’s on-trend yet the ideal layer for winter travels.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Invisible World Alpaca Wool Sweater | Sizes S-XXL

 

Invisible World Alpaca Wool

 

This Invisible World alpaca sweater has a beautiful knit pattern, but reviewers say it’s lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy. It’s one of the best sweaters on Amazon that has a 4.6 rating!

 

 

Best Tunic Sweaters

 

Though tunics can go in and out of style, a true fan of them sees the wisdom behind them. They offer extra coverage past the waist and go really well with fleece-lined leggings or ski pants for active travelers. Not to mention, paired with a slim-leg pant, they look fab with long boots, too!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Wool& Everett Hoodie Tunic | Sizes XS-3X

 

Wool& Everett Merino Wool

 

A newly popular merino wool brand, the Everett tunic hoodie from Wool& is a cozy choice for anything! Wear it while traveling, winter camping, or after a cold hike. It’s semi-fitted and hits at the mid-thigh, and the patch pockets are especially popular for holding small essentials.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Lands’ End Cashmere Tunic Sweater | Sizes XS-XL

 

Lands’ End Cashmere

 

An essential tunic is this Lands’ End cashmere mock neck, with a relaxed fit and dainty cuffed sleeves, it’ll be a terrific winter staple for layering or wearing solo.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Eileen Fisher Cashmere Silk Long Top | Sizes XXS-3X

 

Eileen Fisher Cashmere

 

If you want a bit more luxury and are willing to pay for it, then this Eileen Fisher silk cashmere top is for you! It hangs past the waist, and the material will keep you warm and dry due to the addition of silk.

 

 

Best Sweatshirts

 

While sweatshirts are commonly made of cotton, the best types for winter are those composed of merino wool, which can be worn over a thermal layer.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Wool& Aspen Sweatshirt | XS-XXL

 

Wool& Aspen

 

The Wool& Aspen sweatshirt is 75% merino wool and is highly popular with readers for its coziness factor and layering ability. And the French terry fabric evaporates moisture from your skin, keeping you dry and comfy on all your travel days!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Unbound Merino Boxy Sweatshirt | Sizes XS-XL

 

Unbound Merino Merino Wool

 

The Unbound Merino sweatshirt is a fashionable shape with a slimmer silhouette and a shorter hem, but still has all the warmth for travel, working out, or hiking.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Ridge Merino Natural Tencel Sweatshirt | Sizes XS-XL

 

Ridge Merino Tencel

 

This adventure brand has emerged as a new favorite for readers. Their merino wool crew sweatshirt has a touch of Tencel to make it extra warm and soft for all your activities!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Smartwool Terry Cropped Crew Sweatshirt | Sizes XS-XL

 

Smartwool Terry

 

A long-time reader fave, this Smartwool merino wool sweatshirt is ideal for layering underneath and is considered mega soft, but it’ll keep your torso absolutely warm. So ideal for sporty adventures or just lazing around the lodge.

 

 

Best Warm Hoodies

 

While hoodies aren’t technically sweaters, they fall into the special category of being between a sweater and a sweatshirt, but with the added bonus of a hoodie for extra warmth.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Charter Club 100% Cashmere Zip Hoodie | Sizes XS-XXL

 

Macy’s Charter Club Cashmere

 

Who knew a hoodie could be so stylish? This Charter Club piece is made of 2-ply cashmere, has an attached hood, and cozy kangaroo pockets, making it the ultimate layer. You can definitely dress this up or down!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

J.Crew Cashmere Sweater-Hoodie | Sizes XXXS-3X

 

J.Crew Cashmere Full Zip

 

This brand is always top-notch for elegant clothing, and this cashmere hoodie is soft, warm, and just right for a city or active winter trip. It’s also sustainably made, too!

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Quince Cashmere Full-Zip Hoodie | Sizes XS-XL

 

Quince Cashmere Full Zip

 

With raglan sleeves and a retro sportswear look, the Quince hoodie is super warm and goes with their cashmere joggers, if you want to be toasty from head to toe. A simple, yet great cold-weather staple.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Wool& Aspen Full-Zip Hoodie | XS-3X

 

Wool& Aspen Merino Wool

 

This relaxed-fitting Wool& Aspen hoodie feels great in a winter cabin as it does at home with cozy slippers. It is made of pure merino fabric, so you know it’ll regulate body temperature, not retain odors, and be breathable.

 

 

best-sweaters-for-women

Toad&Co Merino Heartfelt Hoodie | Sizes XS-XL

 

Toad&Co Heartfelt Merino Wool

 

This Toad&Co long-length hoodie has a cozy hood and fun graphic pattern (this piece has a lot of cool patterns). It’s open, thus, there are no buttons to deal with, so it could also be a jacket if it’s milder out.

 

 


What are some of your favorite cozy and warm sweaters for winter trips? Share in the comments!


 

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

best-sweaters-for-women

 


We hope you liked this guide on the best sweaters for travel. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!