The best cardigans in 2026: Cozy, chic and comfortable

Every fall, I need a workhorse cardigan that I can live in at home, work, and anywhere between. This simple oversized piece from Richer Poorer looks really put together while feeling just so cozy. It's not overly warm, nor is it flimsy or too thin — it truly feels like the goldilocks cardigan when I put it on.

The very best part, however, are two giant front pockets, which I find myself using all the time. Not enough cardigans have these! I can fit a whole can of Diet Coke in each one, but usually I'm just throwing in my phone and keys. I've been reaching for this sweater constantly, as it's lightweight enough to be active in.

Short-sleeve cardigans are an under-appreciated sweater category, and this super-soft one is pretty, versatile, and a little flirty. Worn open or closed, the style is boxy and slightly cropped. It's polished enough to wear to the office, with a loose enough fit to feel comfy. Middle-school-me (who was scared of the brand's graphic paper bags) would've never have seen this coming, but I'm really glad Abercrombie is back on my radar.

Read about the brand's size-inclusive denim in our Abercrombie jeans review.

Pointelle cotton feels dreamy to lounge around in. Like most SKIMS pieces, this cute Pointelle crewneck cardigan is pajama-adjacent, which is my preferred genre of clothes these days. Also like most SKIMS pieces, it's a little bit sexy with a more curve-hugging fit.

Speaking of radars, Old Navy has recently become my go-to for low-priced, well-made, not-drab basics that rival the quality and cuteness of trendy overpriced internet brands. This surprisingly thick and heavy cable-knit cardigan is adorably slouchy and a touch preppy with the contrasting tipped trim. Be warned that this one is quite oversized, so consider sizing down if you prefer a closer fit.

Lightweight, soft, and easy to style, this chic GAP Factory cardigan option is a really impressive value for the quality (it regularly runs for under $25). It's the dream sweater for people who live in constant fear of overheating, as the fabric is thin and breathable without feeling flimsy or cheap. In this cropped-everything era, a straight-cut crewneck is simply a classic.

"I tried on this cardigan after passing through a Mango in SoHo and while they were out of my size, I was so drawn to its row of tiny buttons. A cardigan is usually a modest style choice, but with a swooping boatneck like this one, you can show off your décolletage in contrast. Mango created this affordable knit with a soft, fine cotton-poly blend knit to have a fitted look, which looks cute and comfy paired with wide-leg jeans and loafers." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews

Buttons aren't the only way to close a cardigan — consider the tie. This soft, pretty Aéropostale cardigan is reversible, so you can wear it with the ties in the front or rear for two completely different looks. It's relaxed and feminine (and just a little bit flirty if you decide to forgo a tank underneath).

Whatever you imagine when you hear the word "oversize," double it, and then you have this super snuggly, blanket-core cardigan. I wore this slouchy cardi while working from home, watching the U.S. Open, and perusing Trader Joe's, and I felt like I was perpetually covered in a weighted blanket. Yet miraculously, it never looked sloppy or frumpy.

The cotton blend material feels heavy, slightly stretchy (thanks to 1% elastane), and just so cozy. The cool cable knit pattern is super distinctive with a vintage, bohemian feel — think blanket, but make it fashion. I really like the look of the round neckline and dropped shoulders.

Since it's extra oversized, the Free People cardigan is quite long, almost dress-like, so the silhouette is baggy — there were some mini skirts I tried wearing with it where I ended up looking naked underneath when I closed the cardigan, which lands at my upper thigh. But it's the kind of garment I never wanted to take off, as doing so felt like leaving the womb. I wish it weren't hand-wash only, but the effort feels worth it.

For a cardigan with a slimmer fit, the Everlane cozy knit rib is form-fitting in the very best way, with a flattering, slightly cropped length. It's made from an organic cotton blend that feels breathable and airy but still substantial. This is a chic, classic, work-friendly cardigan that is deceptively cozy (and also tuckable!).

I have a special place in my heart for the relaxed silhouette of a boxy cardigan, and this striped, barely-cropped cardigan from Topshop is adorable with a mini skirt and boots. With raglan sleeves in a deep V-neck, the sweater is slouchy without looking frumpy. It's the ideal mid-weight knit for confusing autumn weather.

This super-soft cardigan from Uniqlo is thick and substantial without the itchiness that can often come with yarn. It's oversized yet short in length, which makes it really versatile for styling and layering with skirts or pants. At $49, the cardigan is a steal for the quality. (Note that it requires a bit more TLC than our other less-than-$50 picks, as it's hand-wash only.)

If you're gravitating towards the preppy collegiate trend this fall, consider a cardigan with stripes and collars. This slightly stretchy, mid-weight English Factory knit sweater is like a cardigan-shirt hybrid: wear it on its own with jeans and loafers and live your Rory Gilmore truth.

"We can't say enough good things about Alex Mill and the quality of their knits," says style editor Samantha Crozier in our guide to the best sweaters for women. "Because it is made of cotton, it's a fantastic all-season pick. I can definitely see myself wearing it over dresses on chilly summer evenings or pairing it with a wool coat and scarf during the winter."

In our review of Quince's plus-size collection, deputy editor Lauren Savoie says this oversized Quince cardigan "has a loose, 'boyfriend' style without being shapeless or overly baggy." It's made of super-soft cashmere and comes in an extended size range. "I can see myself wearing this buttoned-up on its own or open with a cute tank or crop top underneath," says Lauren.

This chic cable-knit sweater is flatteringly cropped and gently oversized (perfect for pairing with high-waisted jeans). There are so many elevated touches, like gold buttons and puffy bishop sleeves. The Tuckernuck cardigan is hand-wash only, but the extra TLC is completely worth it for this sophisticated closet staple.

With a scallop collar, long puff sleeves, and a romantic center-back tie, this roomy cardigan by For Love and Lemons is stylish and a bit whimsical. The silhouette is relaxed but still feminine, with a gentle cinching from the back tie. It's not always so easy to find cardigans that feel this elevated, pretty, and a little bit sexy, and this one fits the bill.

For the chunky, cozy aesthetic, this oversized knit cardigan feels like wrapping yourself in the comfiest robe, but still looks put together and polished. It's made of 100% Peruvian cotton for peak breathability but will still keep you properly warm. This is the flowy cardigan for styling yourself like the cool high school art teacher.

Read about another one of our favorite pieces from Pītusa in our guide to the best sweatsuits for women.

For cozy wool vibes without any rough scratchiness, Universal Standard dreamed up a yarn that feels as luxe and soft as cashmere. This tailored cardigan is also pill-resistant and machine-washable, which goes a long way in our book. The cardigan comes in a wide range of sizes (the brand's sample size is an 18) and makes a lovely piece for layering.

Learn about more of our favorite inclusive brands in our guide to the best plus-size clothing.