Top 10 Best Women's Wool Cardigans in 2021 (Reformation, Banana Republic, and More)

The humble cardigan can take you from summer to winter and elevate your look no matter where you are going. It's definitely one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. 

As one of the most timeless layers, there are so many styles, colors, and patterns for you to choose from. Check out our top picks for this fall.

From a classic button-up to a floor-length cardigan, you can’t go wrong adding one of these wool cardigans to your wardrobe this fall. No matter what your preference, there is a cardigan out there for you. Here is what to look for before you make your purchase.

Wool is made from the hair of sheep and goats. Wool is a great insulator and keeps you warm. It's a resilient fiber and can last for years when cared for properly. Wool can be dyed in the full range of vivid colors and repels liquids, keeping you dry during rainy days. 

The finest grade of wool comes from Merino sheep. It's extremely soft against your skin. Merino cardigans can be worn throughout the fall and into the colder months as they provide insulation against the cold or heat.

Merino wool garments are quite easy to take care of. They are naturally antibacterial, resist odors, and are stain-resistant, so you don't have to wash them as often.

Alpaca wool is a great alternative to sheep’s wool. This is due to the fact that alpaca wool is hypoallergenic and doesn't contain lanolin. Alpaca wool is soft and durable as well as being very warm. 

If you are allergic to sheep's wool and opt for an alpaca wool cardigan, be sure that you check the material info since a lot of alpaca sweaters can be blended with sheep's wool.

Mohair is spun from the wool of an Angora goat. This goat produces hair that is long and silky that gives your cardigan a textured, luxurious, and soft feel. Mohair is also used to create faux fur since it can be dyed into vibrant colors without the color fading.

One of the most popular and luxurious wools is cashmere due to its incredibly soft feel and its limited supply. It comes from the cashmere goat, whose undercoat is used to created fine cashmere wool.

Since it's in such limited supply and such high demand, you'll likely pay a higher price tag for something that's 100% cashmere. It will definitely keep you warm, though.

Acrylic wool is great if you're looking for a more affordable option. Acrylic wool is made from artificial materials and imitates wool in some ways. Keep in mind that acrylic wool can be scratchy against the skin.

A cardigan opens at the front and can be closed with buttons or a waist belt. Cardigans come in many styles, lengths, colors, and details so there is sure to be one that works for your outfit.

Long sweaters are the perfect in-between-seasons item. Wear one with pants or jeans to tie your outfit together, or wear one with your favorite dress to protect you from the early morning cold. 

If the temperature is on the border of hot and cold, opt for a calf-length light knit to keep you feeling snug without overheating.

Cropped cardigans can really show off your waistline and make it look smaller. They can be paired with jeans and sneakers or go for a skirt and heels for a more formal look. Skinny jeans, straight legs, pencil skirts, and the like will balance the overall shape well.

A shawl-style cardigan gives you elegant draping without looking either too formal or frumpy. You can wear one with a T-shirt for a casual look. Knock it out of the park with skinny jeans or pants and long boots. They're even great for work, whether you're answering the phones or giving a presentation to the board!

This is what most people think of when they imagine a cardigan. But just because it's well-known doesn't mean you can make it your own style.

Obviously, you can wear it over a top and button or leave it open. But how about wearing it by itself? If it buttons high enough, you can wear it like a V-neck sweater for a more daring look that shows some skin. If that's too risque for your taste, they look great with turtlenecks, too!

A chunky knit cardigan will offer ultimate warmth, and sometimes practicality is all you want. But be careful that the oversized fit doesn't make you look too frumpy if you're going for a fashionable look. All the extra volume on top needs to be balanced.

Try to elongate the bottom half of your body. You could wear skinny jeans or a pencil skirt or go for a short skirt and tights that make your figure look taller.

Since going out wrapped up in a blanket isn't the best look you need the next best thing. Opt for a comfortable and snug wrap cardigan. These are a great choice for those days when you know you'll need layers that can go on and come off easily.

Get creative with your cardigan! Play around with different lengths, like a long cardigan with a cropped top and vice versa. Everyone has a different body shape, so fashion tips are never as good as just trying different things out.

Don't forget about accessories, either. A waist belt can go over a cardigan for a sleek look that highlights your hourglass shape. Scarves can go around your neck and hang down to the cardigan's buttons or be tied tight to leave your upper torso open.

And have you ever heard of a sweater clip or clasp? These cool vintage items work to keep a cardigan closed if they don't have buttons. They're also just an adorable accessory that will add uniqueness and flair.

Whether you have a cheap cardigan or an expensive one, taking care of it comes down to the same procedure. Unfortunately, there is no wool type that allows you to simply throw it in the washer and dryer and call it a day. When washing your cardigan you can either wash it by hand or use the delicate cycle on your washer. 

Be sure to check the label to find the correct temperature for washing. Powdered detergents should be dissolved in water before washing so soap pieces don't get stuck on the fabric.

Wringing out your cardigan or hanging it on a hanger when it's wet may stretch it out. Instead, lay your cardigan flat on a towel to dry to keep its shape. Most importantly, keep your cardigan away from the dryer! This will end up shrinking it, so stick with air drying.

Stay warm in the winter with the thickest knits and keep away evening chills with light tops. We have all your sweater needs covered!

A simple cardigan can be the most versatile piece of clothing this fall. Wear it during the fall to the winter transition period and transform any outfit instantly. 

This timeless layer offers you an unlimited amount of ways to wear it. From a classic style to a floor-length cardigan, you can’t go wrong with this chic wool layer this fall.

Author: Mart-Mari Jansen van Vuren

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