13 Cozy Cardigans for Chilly Planes, Breezy Beach Towns, and Morning Coffee Runs

Crafted from premium Mongolian cashmere—known for its ultra-soft feel and impressive durability—this Quince cardigan deserves a permanent spot in your suitcase. Its slightly oversized fit, ribbed trim, and chunky buttons strike the perfect balance between cozy and polished. It’s available in a slew of timeless colorways, including black, brown, heather gray, camel, and the pretty blue shown above. If you prefer a more classic fit, consider sizing down.

Some cardigans feel lived-in from the start, while others get better with every wear—and Jenni Kayne’s Cotton Cocoon cardigan falls firmly into the latter camp. Made from a soft organic cotton blend, it features the brand’s signature oversized silhouette. It starts with a bit more structure but softens over time for an effortlessly chic drape. Available in sizes 2XS to 3X, it’s the kind of cardigan you’ll keep reaching for long after your trip is over.

The newest addition to Spanx’s best-selling AirEssentials collection, this French rib cardigan combines the same breathable fabric that made the original line a travel favorite with a ribbed texture that feels noticeably more polished. The relaxed button-front silhouette can be worn open or closed, and pairs just as easily with the matching pants for a coordinated airport outfit as it does with jeans or leggings once you’ve arrived at your destination, be it Palm Beach or Paris (I’ve worn mine in both.) It’s a reliable choice for travelers who want all-day comfort without sacrificing style.

If you tend to run warm or prefer cotton over cashmere, this oversized Quince cardigan is an excellent pick. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s breathable enough for spring and summer trips but still offers just the right amount of warmth when the temperature drops. The relaxed fit layers easily over tanks, tees, and button-downs, while the roomy front pockets keep essentials like a phone, lip balm, earbuds, or room key within arm’s reach.

Don’t let the price tag fool you—Old Navy’s aptly named SoSoft cardigan has a buttery knit that feels far more expensive than it is. It comes recommended by commerce editor Meaghan Kenny, who has packed it on trips to Charleston and the Jersey Shore. “It’s so lightweight while adding a nice level of warmth for chilly late-summer evenings,” says Kenny. “And it’s my go-to cardigan to drape over a maxi dress or long skirt.” The cropped silhouette gives this classic layer a modern update, while the featherweight knit packs down easily and takes up little space in your weekender or carry-on. Finished with a crew neck, rib-knit trim, and a full button-front, it’s available in a wide range of colors and prints. At $40, it’s the kind of cardigan you’ll want to snag in more than one color.

Building a capsule wardrobe is much easier when pieces do the styling for you, and Abercrombie’s pointelle cardigan-and-tank set is a prime example. The two-piece set includes a lightweight three-quarter-sleeve cardigan and a scoop-neck tank that create a perfectly coordinated top for early morning departures or road trips without much thought. Even better, both pieces in the set can be reworn separately throughout your trip, making it even more worthy of a spot in your carry-on.

Not every trip calls for a chunky knit, which is where Uniqlo’s UV Protection Cardigan comes in. Made from a seemingly weightless cotton-rayon blend with built-in UV protection, it offers a little extra coverage on sunny days in beloved beach destinations like Cape Cod or Newport—that is, without any extra bulk. The minimalist silhouette pairs easily with everything from tanks and T-shirts to dresses and wide-leg pants, and it packs down small enough to stash in a tote or backpack.

For less than $20, this super-soft Amazon Essentials cardigan proves you don’t have to spend much to build a dependable travel wardrobe. Classic details like a V-neck, button-front closure, and ribbed trim offer it timeless appeal, while 27 colors and patterns, a cropped version, and inclusive sizing up to 6X make it easy to find one that suits your style. With more than 17,000 five-star ratings, it’s no surprise shoppers keep coming back to this travel-friendly staple.

Beloved for its impossibly soft blankets, Barefoot Dreams brings the same signature coziness to this knee-length cardigan. The light and airy CozyChic knit is plush without feeling heavy, while the longer silhouette, side slits, and roomy front pockets make it especially comfortable to wear for hours on end, especially in destinations with cooler temps, like the Berkshires in Massachusetts or Stowe, Vermont.

Everlane’s Air Alpaca short-sleeve cardigan looks and feels more like a knit top than a traditional cardigan, making it a standout for fall or winter trips to warm-weather destinations like Hawaii, the Caribbean, or Florida. The cropped, short-sleeve silhouette offers just enough coverage for balmy evenings, while the semi-sheer blend of airy alpaca and ultra-fine merino wool feels light enough to wear on its own or layered over a cami.

True to its name, Aritzia’s Commuter cardigan is made for days when your schedule doesn’t slow down (think: long flights that lead into business meetings that lead into dinners with no time to change). The wrap-style silhouette features a self-tie belt that cinches at the waist for a tailored fit, and the brand’s signature Wonder Yarn has the soft feel of wool without the extra weight. Equally comfortable and polished, this style is one of the most versatile on the list.

For travelers who prefer to pack light, versatility is everything—and that’s exactly what makes this aptly named Convertible cardigan from Nic + Zoe stand out. The lightweight linen-viscose knit can be styled four different ways: wear it open, tie it in front, or wrap it in a crisscross silhouette with the draped panel secured on either the inside or outside for two different looks. Finished with breezy three-quarter sleeves, it’s a great pick for spring getaways and cool summer evenings.

If you’re hoping to leave the bulky jacket at home on your next trip, Banana Republic’s Polo cardigan is a smart alternative. Knit from a soft cotton-silk blend, it’s warm enough for cool mornings and breezy evenings without feeling too heavy to keep on indoors. The fitted shape, preppy polo collar, and slightly cropped length give it a dressier feel than most cardigans.