Your bags are packed. Your hotel is booked. All that’s required from you is a *really* chic airport outfit. But between all that unpredictable A/C on the plane and varying degrees of body heat you might emit running from gate to gate, you’ll need an extra layer to keep you warm that you can easily peel off. Enter: The perfect packable travel cardigan to stow in your carry-on—or better yet, wear on the plane for some extra warmth.

While some cardigans serve to elevate your outfit (read: tailored fits and textured fabrics), others are a little more utilitarian and serve only to keep you warm (which, in many cases, is perfectly fine). Of course, a cardi that combines the best of both worlds is ideal, especially when it might be the one thing keeping you look (and feel) put-together during frazzling travel delays. 

To help you find one that hits the mark, I scoured the internet and consulted an expert stylist to find the best travel cardigans out there. To start, we can’t stop fawning over this uber luxurious long cardigan from Cuyana ($298), which is made of single-origin cashmere, or this fan-favorite, ever-versatile J.Crew cashmere wrap that serves as a cardigan, shawl and scarf in one.

Looking to take your travel wardrobe to the next level? Don’t go a single trip without our favorite cardigans for all your plane, train and automobile needs.

Catherine Bibeau is a creative fashion designer and stylist with several years of experience in developing brand imagery and serving highly targeted audiences, all while staying ahead of emerging trends. Bibeau is skilled at developing lookbooks for photoshoots and marketing campaigns by coordinating brand imagery, look selection, hair styling and makeup. She’s worked alongside celebrity photographer Richard Bernadin, Victoria’s Secret model Flavia Lucini, and major brands including Dior, Lancôme, Guerlain, Veuve Clicquot, Moet & Chandon and Buffalo Jeans.

When choosing the best travel cardigans, we prioritized our expert’s advice, perused top-rated picks at our go-to retailers, and browsed through a ton of shopper ratings and reviews. We also considered whether each cardigan came at a fair price, choosing highly rated pieces from a range of price points to fit every budget. 

Additionally, we selected cardigans with helpful features like deep, functional pockets, comfortable and performance-driven fabrics and cuts that provide either ample coverage or promote breathability.

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While travel cardigans are inherently flattering, Bibeau recommends sticking to the following guidelines. “A flattering cardigan shouldn’t be too tight around the arms and pinch at your shoulders,” she says. “The feeling and quality of the fabric is also important. If you embrace and love the comfy feeling of it, you’ll look more stylish.” Bibeau also warns against opting for a travel cardigan that’s too sloppy or slouchy. No matter which option you choose, however, she says, “[a cardigan] is a timeless and classy piece.”

You can buy travel cardigans virtually anywhere you find your favorite garments. If you’re looking for some budget-friendly options, you can’t go wrong browsing Amazon, Target or Old Navy. For mid-range price points, Madewell and J.Crew are great brands to browse, while you’ll find luxury items worth the splurge at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Jenni Kayne.

When styling a travel cardigan, the world is your oyster. “The best way to style a travel cardigan can be [to wear it] as a shirt itself, over a crewneck tee or even with a tank with a nice pair of jeans,” says Bibeau. Depending on the weight and thickness of the cardigan, Bibeau says you can wear it under a blazer that looks super sharp and sporty for a business-class-chic look. “A blouse with a statement collar looks super cute under a solid-colored cardigan,” she adds. “You can also use it as a fashion accessory worn over your shoulders, which gives your outfit a classic, [elegant] look…[and works as] a statement piece to dress up more casual outfits.”

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