Sweaters take up a lot of luggage space and if you’re not traveling to a cold place, you’ll probably cross it off your list of things to pack. However, no matter where you’re traveling, it’s always a good idea to pack one warm item of clothing. You never know where you’ll need it! Having a lightweight travel sweater with you is a good option.
While many of the lightweight travel sweaters on our list provide just the right warmth, you’ll find some that even protect you from the sun and insects. Some of the best lightweight sweaters for women can also double up as travel sweaters because they’re not bulky and won’t require much space.
How To Choose A Lightweight Travel Sweater
It goes without saying that travel sweaters are godsends. Gone are the days when you had no option but to try and squeeze that bulky sweater into your baggage. Nowadays you don’t have to look very far for the best lightweight travel sweater as there are plenty to choose from. While personal choice and style will be the deciding factors for most people, there are a few other things that are worth keeping in mind.
Versatility
When choosing your travel attire it’s always a good idea to zero in on items that are versatile. There’s no point in getting a sweater that is difficult to wear. Just like the best travel dresses, a sweater that is easy to slip on or off is what you should opt for. Many travel sweaters also double up as office wear, giving you the convenience of heading straight for your meeting without needing to change.
Fabric
Sweaters are usually made from wool or a blend of different materials. It’s important that the sweater you choose is comfortable and non-itchy. No one wants to break out into a rash or be uncomfortable because the material doesn’t suit you.
Style
Depending on your needs, the kind of sweater you choose is generally a personal choice. Lightweight travel sweaters range from open cardigans to turtle necks and V-shaped collars. If you’re looking for a bit of warmth of the draft, you’ll probably prefer a turtle neck or cowl neck but if you want something more breathable, a V-shaped collar is a good bet. Apart from the type of neck or style, it’s advisable to choose a sweater with a more relaxed fit.
Amazon Essentials Women’s Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater
13
Amazon Essentials Women’s Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater is the ideal lightweight travel sweater to pack for your next trip. Made from a combination of cotton, modal, and polyester, the casual sweater provides just the right warmth. It has a relaxed fit which makes it convenient when traveling. The best part about this lightweight travel sweater is that it comes in a wide range of colors that range from solid colors to various patterns.
Pros
- Wide range of colors
- Relaxed fit
- Machine washable
- Provides just the right warmth
- Comfortable and gentle on the skin
Cons
- The lighter colors are a bit see through
Buy on:
Ybenlow Womens Kimono Waffle Knit Cardigan Sweaters
12
The loose, open front Ybenlow Womens Kimono Waffle Knit Cardigan is a stylish lightweight travel sweater. The fabric used gives it a cozy, soft feel without being bulky. Pair it with your favorite tees and jeans and you’re good to go. What makes this a great travel sweater is the loose, comfortable fit that also has pockets. This sweater is also available in a wide range of colors to suit the occasion.
Pros
- Casual loose style
- Super soft fabric
- Stylish design
- Wide range of colors to choose from
- Open front
Cons
- Shorter people may find the sweater a bit too long
Buy on:
State Cashmere Half Zip Mock Neck Pullover 100% Pure Cashmere Polo Neck Sweater
11
Men on the lookout for a lightweight travel sweater will love the feel of the State Cashmere Half Zip Mock Neck Pullover. Made from 100% pure sustainable Mongolian Cashmere, the sweater feels soft and comfortable. The fit is perfectly tailored to make you stand out. You can choose from a wide range of solid colors to pick out your favorite.
Pros
- Soft, good quality cashmere
- Good range of solid colors to choose from
- Lightweight and stylish
Cons
- It runs small so it may be advisable to go up a size
Buy on:
BugsAway Lumen Hoody (CU)
10
For someone traveling to a region known for bugs and other insects, the BugsAway Lumen Hoody is a handy sweater to take along with you. This lightweight travel sweater will not only keep you warm but will also protect you from annoying insects. The insect shield is bound to the fibers and will last for up to 70 washes. However, you don’t have to worry about any unpleasant odors as the shield is invisible and odorless. A great feature of this hoody is that it provides ample warmth without being too sweaty. The hoody is definitely one of the must-have camping accessories for your next trip.
Pros
- Available in a good range of colors
- Keeps bugs and insects at bay
- Dries quickly
- Protection lasts up to 70 washes
Cons
- Works well in a regular setting but may not be as effective in heavy duty exposure
Buy on:
JINIDU Men’s Quarter-Zip Sweater Slim Fit Lightweight Mock Neck Polo Turtleneck Pullover (CU)
9
Crafted from a blend of cotton, polyester, and acrylic the JINIDU Men’s Quarter-Zip Sweater Slim Fit is a versatile lightweight travel sweater. You can pair it with jeans for a more casual look or just slip a jacket over it if you’re going to be making a dash for the office from the airport. Since it’s lightweight it won’t take up much space in your luggage either.
Pros
- Ideal for the jet-setting man
- Nice and warm
- Soft material
- Versatile style
- 5 different colors
Cons
- The sweater ticks all the right boxes there’s nothing to fault in it
Buy on:
Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan Sweater
8
Another sweater from Amazon Essentials that ticks all the right boxes for a lightweight travel sweater is the Women’s Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan Sweater. This one also comes in a wide range of solid colors and patterns. The long sleeve sweater comes with buttons down the front and has a relaxed fit that makes it ideal for travel. It’s also extremely soft and can be worn alone or with a blouse underneath.
Pros
- Good choice of colors
- Extremely soft
- Stylish and lightweight
- Affordable price
Cons
- The sizing seems to be a little off as the sweater runs small
Buy on:
Kallspin Men’s Cashmere Wool Blended Cardigan Sweater Relax Fit
7
Kallspin’s Cashmere Wool Blended Cardigan is the perfect lightweight travel sweater for men who prefer to button up the front instead of slipping the sweater over their heads. The classic design and relaxed fit make this a good choice for someone in a hurry to get to a business meeting between commutes. Paired with a formal shirt and trousers this is a good sweater for the office. However, if you’re only going to be wearing the sweater for travel, it goes well with a tee and jeans too. It provides just the right layering in slightly cooler weather but if you’re looking for something to keep you warm it may not be enough. The cashmere blend is soft and lightweight with a little sheen.
Pros
- Soft and lightweight
- Classic design with a relaxed fit
- Pairs well with formals or casuals
- Provides the right amount of layering
Cons
- Some customers complain that there’s a problem with the fit
Buy on:
Simlu Open Front Cardigan
6
If you’re looking for a thin layering sweater for your next travels, the Simlu Open Front Cardigan is a good option. The loose open drape and long sleeves make it extra comfortable. It’s a great lightweight travel sweater as it won’t take up too much space in your baggage if you want to pack it away. The cardigan can be paired with jeans or leggings to give you a stylish, casual look.
Pros
- The style is casual and comfortable
- Can be paired with jeans and leggings to suit your style
- Easy to pack or wear
Cons
- It may be a tad too thin for someone looking for a little warmth
Buy on:
Jouica Women’s Casual Lightweight V Neck Batwing Sleeve Knit Top Loose Pullover Sweater
5
Soft, lightweight, and a good choice of colors and patterns make the Jouica Women’s Casual Lightweight V Neck Sweater one of the best lightweight travel sweaters out there. The batwing sleeve and relaxed fit add to the comfort of the casual pullover sweater. You can wear it as it is or pair it with a jacket or coat for extra warmth. The versatile design allows you to style it to suit your personal taste. It has a soft feel and the cuffed hemline and sleeves provide a different texture.
Pros
- Versatile design which makes it easy to style
- Slight bat sleeve creates more room
- Super soft
Cons
- The material can irritate certain skin types
Buy on:
ECOWISH Women’s Color Block Striped Draped Kimono Cardigan with Pockets Long Sleeve Open Front Casual Knit Sweaters Coat
4
When a product has over 6,000 reviews on Amazon you can be sure that there’s something special about it. Made from acrylic, the stylish Block Striped Draped Kimono Cardigan from ECOWISH lived up to our expectations of a good lightweight travel sweater. It features an open front V neck and soft breathable material. Wear it with a pair of jeans or any other attire and it won’t look out of place. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a pattern as there are over 20 styles to choose from.
Pros
- Soft and lightweight
- Stylish design
- Over 20 styles to choose from
- Goes well with almost any attire
- Vibrant colors
Cons
- The sweater comes with two kinds of sleeves, full sleeves and 3/4 sleeves. Buyers are sometimes unaware of this and end up with the wrong style
Buy on:
Columbia Women’s Essential Elements Cardigan
3
A lightweight travel sweater that may soon become your staple wear is the Columbia Women’s Essential Elements Cardigan. This lightweight garment is easy to slip over your tee and provides just the right warmth in a cooler climate. What makes this sweater stand out as travel attire is the protection that it provides from the sun. The built-in UPF 50 rated fabric is designed to shield you from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Another great feature is the perspiration wicking fabric that keeps you cool and comfortable throughout the day. So if you are traveling to a warmer place this will also provide you with added protection.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to slip on
- Provides good layering on cooler days
- Protects from harmful UV rays from the sun
- Perspiration wicking fabric
- Soft fabric
Cons
- This cardigan is so great that we’ll be nitpicking if we found anything wrong with it
Buy on:
Goodthreads Men’s Lightweight Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater
2
A comfortable and lightweight travel sweater for men is the Goodthread’s Men’s Lightweight Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater. This casual looking sweater is a travel staple as it goes with anything and can be worn year-round. Made from 100% Merino Wool, the sweater is soft and comfortable. You also have a good range of colors to choose from.
Pros
- Good choice of colors
- Soft and comfortable
- Can be worn year-round
- 100% Merino wool
- Lightweight but warm
Cons
- It’s more of a travel garment than a fashion statement
Buy on:
Alexander + David Oversized Extra Soft V-Neck Pullover
1
The Oversized Extra Soft V-Neck Pullover from A+D is an excellent sweater to add to your travel attire. The cotton/viscose blend makes it super soft to the touch, giving it a high-end feel. In addition to this, it will score high with someone looking for a lightweight travel sweater that hides any midsection flaws. The flowing fabric makes you look slim and also enhances comfort. While it’s advertised as being oversized, the sweater is not all that big. You can wear it all year round as the lightweight fabric can even be worn in warmer months. It’s ideal when you’re traveling in an airconditioned vehicle or plane.
Pros
- Long, stylish design
- Available in a wide range of solid colors
- Extremely soft to the touch
- Can be styled for any occasion
Cons
- If you’re looking for something super-oversized this may not suit you
Buy on:
