9 Best Women’s Cardigans We’re All Wearing this Autumn
The humble cardigan is back in a big way and we’ve rounded up our pick of the best, including a “perfect” designer dupe.
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When we think of cardigans, it’s hard for grandmothers not to come directly to mind. And while I love my nanna, if someone told me that I, as a 26-year-old, dressed like her, then I wouldn’t ordinarily take it as a compliment.
But as we all know, fashion trends always come back in style after a while and the trusty cardigan is having its moment in the sun.
From preppy, over-the-shoulder styling to a classic button-up polished look, or a laid-back over a T-shirt outfit, the cardigan is about to become your most versatile item yet.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best cardigans on the internet right now, including the Lioness Head in the Clouds Cardigan which is the perfect dupe for a luxe designer buy.
BEST CARDIGANS: EDITOR’S PICKS
Lioness Head In the Clouds Cardigan, $69 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Great dupe for a $725 designer cardigan
What to consider: Made from a viscose, polyester, nylon blend so not the highest quality
Material: 49 per cent viscose, 28 per cent polyester, 23 per cent nylon | Size range: XXS to XXL | Available colours: Grey, red, white, navy
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
If there’s one cardigan you must add to your cart, it’s Lioness’ Head in The Clouds cardigan. Not only is it insanely soft and stretchy, but it’s thick enough to keep you warm when it’s chilly outside. Plus, it’s unlike other cardigans in terms of silhouette – it’s flattering and not boxy(!!!).
It’s ribbed along the sleeve cuffs and bottom half to really snatch your waist, and it has snap buttons for easy opening and closing. It’s an overall great elevated basic to have in your wardrobe (trust me, I have it in navy, black and grey!) that will come in handy during autumn and winter for layering. It’s such an easy piece to style with jeans, trousers, shorts, skirts – you name it.
To be honest, what really sold me was the $69 price tag and how much of a near-perfect dupe it is for ‘The Weekend Knit Cardigan’ from Orseund Iris, which I had been frothing over since last year but could never justify the $725 AUD price tag.
So, if you’re in the same boat that I was in, you need to run and get this cardigan!
UNIQLO: C 100% Cashmere Crew Neck Short Cardigan, $149 at Uniqlo
Why we love it: High-quality cashmere at an affordable price
What to consider: Limited edition so it will sell quickly
Material: 100 per cent cashmere | Size range: XXS to XXL | Available colours: Black, pink, natural, light beige, dark beige
What You Need To Know
In my opinion, Uniqlo can truly do no wrong, and this new cardigan is no exception.
Part of the Uniqlo C collection, which is designed by the brand’s new Creative Director, Clare Waight Keller, this cardigan looks way more expensive than it really is. This makes sense when you realise that Waight Keller used to be the Artistic Designer at Givenchy and she literally designed Meghan Markle’s wedding dress.
It’s made from 100 per cent cashmere, which usually costs hundreds of dollars, but instead, you can snag this one for under $150. Cashmere is the perfect winter material because it’s thin so you can wear it under jackets, but thanks to its high quality, it will actually keep you super warm.
I’m obsessed with the baby pink colour and love how it adds a subtle pop of colour to your outfit. The crew neck and relaxed cut are also just the cherries on top.
Country Road Fluffy Button Detail Knit, $179 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Easy to dress up and down
What to consider: A few reviewers say the fabric can be itchy
Material: 4 per cent cashmere, 72 per cent merino wool, 24 per cent nylon | Size range: XXS to XL | Available colours: Camel, yellow, grey and purple
What You Need To Know
A short sleeve cardigan is so versatile and a perfect piece to add to your wardrobe this winter. Wear it as a chic top going out to dinner or with some jeans on the weekend; it’s super easy to dress up and down.
This particular cardigan is made from a cashmere, wool and nylon blend, making it perfect for layering. It also features a slim fit and rib detailing at the cuff and hem.
“Couldn’t recommend this cardigan more. So cute. So soft. Perfect for office and out of office,” wrote one five-star review on the Country Road website.
Witchery Cropped Knit Cardigan in Black, $149 at Myer
Why we love it: Classic style
What to consider: Made from a cotton blend so won’t keep you super warm on cold days
Material: 55 per cent cotton, 45 per cent tencel | Size range: XXS to XXL | Available colours: Black, chalk
What You Need To Know
This cardigan from Witchery perfectly blends the classic style with a modern twist. The rib trim at the end waist and arms ensures the cut is super flattering and also elevates it. Perfect for work and casual wear, this is a buy you won’t regret.
Minima Esenciales Harriette Alpaca Wool Blend Cardigan, $200 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: On-trend style
What to consider: Made from 40 per cent nylon
Material: 40 per cent nylon, 30 per cent alpaca, 30 per cent wool | Size range: 6 to 18 | Available colours: Grey, berry, red, orange, tawny
What You Need To Know
This cardigan has been a bestseller for a few winters now, and I still have it at the top of my wishlist. The fluffy style is super on-trend, while the chic grey colourway adds a touch of class and business chic. I also love the cropped cut that pairs super well with high-waisted pants.
It’s also available in other colourways, including red, if you want some more fun.
Australian Cotton Blend V-neck Cardigan, $40 at Target
Why we love it: Easy to throw on
What to consider: Target sells out quickly
Material: Cotton, acrylic | Size range: XXS to XL | Available colours: Red, navy/white stripe, oatmeal, chocolate
What You Need To Know
For a more casual cardi, this one from Target is the way to go. Featuring classic nautical stripes in a navy and white colourway, the cardigan is ideal for everyday. The V-neck style is also great for wearing on its own but can be paired with a tee underneath, too.
COS Chunky Cashmere-Blend Cardigan, $345 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Very similar to a luxe designer buy
What to consider: Fairly expensive
Material: 60 per cent merino wool, 40 per cent recycled cashmere | Size range: XS to L | Available colours: Mole dark, blue dark
What You Need To Know
Similar in style to the Target option, consider this Cos cardigan the more grown-up version. Made from a merino wool and cashmere blend, this chunky knit cardigan is not only chic but will keep you warm, too.
Pair it with black jeans and boots for that effortless off-duty weekend look or with just some casual, wide-leg pants for a more everyday style.
It’s also very similar to the best-selling Khaite Scarlet cashmere cardigan that retails for $3620 and famously sold out in an hour after being spotted on Katie Holmes, who paired it with the matching cashmere bralette.
Seed Heritage Merino Button Up Knit Cardigan, $149.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Chic olive green colourway
What to consider: Almost sold out
Material: 100 per cent merino wool | Size range: XXXS to XXL | Available colours: Rainforest green, oat marle, silver marle
What You Need To Know
I first spotted this cardigan on content creator @lilhargreaves, and I knew it would be an instant sellout. Crafted in an on-trend olive green, you can’t go wrong with this ribbed cardigan.
In her video, @lilhargreaves calls the cardigan such a “beautiful, versatile piece” and shows how you can style it casually and for work.
While there are limited sizes left, Seed is known to restock so make sure to add to your wishlist so you get a reminder when it’s back in stock.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A CARDIGAN
When choosing cardigans to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Material: What is the cardigan made of? Fabrics like wool and cashmere not only are better quality so last longer but they also will keep you warmer.
Size Range: Is the brand and the specific cardigan size inclusive?
Budget: We made sure to include a variety of prices to cater for all budgets.
Style: From short to long sleeves, cropped to oversized, we made sure to include a range of styles in our list.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best cardigan for your needs and budget, we asked UNIQLO friendly & stylist Emma Kalfus, for her expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a cardigan. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best cardigans from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT CARDIGANS ARE IN STYLE FOR WINTER 2025?
According to Emma, crew neck or neck cardigans are in style this winter
HOW SHOULD I STYLE A CARDIGAN?
“Either open or undone over a crew neck T-shirt and paired with jeans or a pencil skirt is my favourite way to style a cardigan,” says Emma.
WHAT DO I WEAR UNDERNEATH A CARDIGAN?
Emma says, “I personally love a crew neck T-shirt popping through from underneath a cardigan.”
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHEN SHOPPING FOR A NEW CARDIGAN?
Emma recommends avoiding too many synthetic fibres or anything that feels itchy on the skin.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A CARDIGAN?
Fabric should be the key consideration, according to Emma.
Secondly, she says to think about colour. “Navy, black and grey are always great for staples, and a hit of red is a fun way to add some colour,” she explains.
Finally, the fit.
Emma says, “You can go one of two ways: slouchy and a little oversized (I prefer this with a V-neck) or cropped and quite snug on the body.”
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