Living in Scotland, I wear knitted sweaters daily, especially throughout the cold season, and I also always pack them for trips. When it comes to superior warmth, breathability, temperature regulation, and moisture-wicking comfort, sweaters made from 100 percent wool are absolutely my top pick. Fit for cold weather destinations or simply when the temperatures drop in any locale, you can’t go wrong with a wool sweater.
Of course, wool sweaters come in many different styles and weights to suit an almost endless list of travel scenarios, from traditional fisherman’s sweaters knitted from heavyweight yarn for practical warmth to fine cashmere sweaters meant as a flattering, fashionable pick for more formal occasions. To help you find the best wool sweaters for you, I asked Travel + Leisure’s knitwear-loving editors to recommend personal favorites that they’ve tested out in the real world and know to deliver the very best in quality, fit, durability, and packability.
We think the Fjallraven Ovik Knit Sweater epitomizes the classic wool sweater style, with multiple nature-inspired Fair Isle prints to choose from, ranging from deep forest to dark navy or buckwheat brown. The soft wool is naturally moisture-wicking, breathable, and insulating, making it the perfect mid-layer for everyday use in an adventurous outdoor setting. It fits well under a winter coat, and on days when you leave your top layer at home, it stays warm even if it gets wet.
“I love the added durability offered by the reinforced elbow patches and believe the sweater is built to last,” Popp raved. Style-wise, you can expect a crew neck, a snug-fitting raglan cut with some natural stretch, and ribbing around the cuffs and hem. We think the fit runs true to size, although it can come up long on shorter torsos. The only drawback? It’s hand wash only and should be laid out flat to dry.
The Details: Sizes 2XS to 2XL | 100 percent wool
Made from 100 percent Donegal merino wool, the Finisterre Farne Women’s Crew Neck Knit Sweater comes in a choice of shades, all with subtle flecks of contrasting color. Associate editor Anna Popp calls hers “the most classic wool sweater I’ve ever owned, with its timeless crew neck and stylish ribbing on the cuffs and collar.” It is made using a traditional fisherman’s knit from certified nonmulesed wool (an ethical choice that avoids the controversial practice of mulesing, whereby folds of skin are removed from around the sheep’s tail to avoid flystrike).
We love that the sweater’s natural crimp creates pockets of air for maximum insulation and water resistance. The Merino is thermoregulating, which means that it keeps the wearer warm in cold weather while also offering breathability when temperatures rise or you find yourself breaking into a sweat. It’s comfy to wear for an extended period, and when you’re not wearing it, it folds fairly compactly for easy packing. And finally, good news for those who hate hand washing — the sweater can be machine washed on a delicate cycle, although it must be air dried.
The Details: Sizes 2 to 14 | 100 percent Merino wool
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It’s slim-fitting enough to wear tucked in or out, on its own or as a layer, and works for both casual and formal occasions.
Turtlenecks are the classic, neck-lengthening choice for anyone wanting an elegant look. The Uniqlo Merino Ribbed Sweater is one of our favorites, offering all the softness, warmth, and breathability of 100 percent ultrafine merino in one versatile, slim-fitting package. T+L editor Hillary Maglin loves its sleek, stylish aesthetic, saying, “I always feel very in vogue when I wear it.” It scores points for anyone wanting to keep their packing to a minimum, too, since it works well for most seasons and occasions.
It’s thin enough to be tucked into pants or a skirt, but can also be worn untucked for a different look. It pairs with jeans for a casual vibe, while also working with smart pants or a skirt for more formal events. In spring or fall, you can wear it on its own, and in winter, it’s an effective, insulating mid-layer. With this versatility in mind, color choices range from neutral black to navy, beige, or off-white. Finally, it can be thrown in the washing machine thanks to a special finish that prevents it from losing its shape over time.
The Details: Sizes XS to XL | 100 percent Merino wool
T+L writer Asia London Palomba generally doesn’t wear wool sweaters, and yet she’s been living in the Quince Australian Merino Wool Collared Cable Cardigan all winter. “Unlike many other wool garments, this one is so soft that I don’t mind wearing it directly against my skin,” she raved. The Australian Merino is also naturally thermoregulating, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it a versatile choice for a range of temperatures.
We love the super cozy, relaxed fit and the true cropped length (it hits at the hips on a 5-foot frame). The classic cable knit conjures up images of hot cocoa sipped fireside in a mountain chalet, while the collar and oversized tortoiseshell buttons score subtle style points. Colors are neutral and range from heather gray to malted toffee. Fortunately, wool outer layers do not require frequent washing, but when this one does need to be freshened up, you’ll need to hand wash it inside out in cold water.
The Details: Sizes XS to XL | 100 percent Merino wool
The Buck Mason Cable Crew is made from a luxurious, five-gauge Peruvian alpaca and merino wool blend for a rich texture just made for winter snuggling. Editor Taylor Fox is a fisherman’s sweater aficionado and loves this one’s vintage-inspired cable detailing. “It’s so cozy and stylish, it makes me feel like Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally,” Fox said. Expect a relaxed crew neck, a dropped shoulder, and a cropped length that hits just below the waistband.
We particularly like that the sweater is boxy without being too oversized. The result is an always-flattering fit that matches well with pretty much any travel pants. This versatility is helped by the sweater’s natural color, a creamy, off-white shade that complements neutral, pastel, and jewel tones equally. The color is inevitably difficult to keep clean, however, and we wouldn’t dare wash this sweater at home. It is, as the label says, definitely dry clean only.
The Details: Sizes XS to 2XL | Alpaca and Merino wool blend
The Dale of Norway Ingrid Sweater was designed in collaboration with Norwegian influencer Ingrid Raadim Hennig in a combination of shades and patterns inspired by the pastel shades of the country’s northern island landscapes. The sweater blends pink, purple, yellow, and white, offering a retro 80s and 90s vibe, and it’ll look equally good in an urban or country setting.
An avid skier, Popp says the sweater is her go-to for sessions on the slopes and aprés ski. She says that the “premium stitching and materials are well worth the money” and loves that the pure wool fabric is both soft and lightweight. The sweater is meant as a mid-layer and features a versatile, relaxed fit with a crew neck and ribbed finish. Conveniently for a piece meant for activewear, it maintains its shape perfectly even after repeated machine washing.
The Details: Sizes XS to XL | 100 percent wool
When I moved to Scotland from South Africa, I had to up my sweater game if I was going to survive the winter. Enter the Heavyweight Traditional Aran Wool Sweater from Aran Sweater Market, which uses triple-strand wool for extra thickness and warmth. It is the coziest pick in my wardrobe, offering instant warmth the moment I put it on. And although its loft means it takes up a bit too much suitcase space, this is easily remedied with a compression packing cube.
I love the heritage behind this sweater’s construction. It’s made on the Aran Islands of Ireland (and even comes with a certificate of authenticity) using two traditional stitches meant to represent luck and protection. It’s super cozy when paired with leggings and winter boots and comes in a range of colors from neutral (think black or natural white) to jewel tones (damson, Caspian blue). I ordered the men’s version because I like a super oversized fit, but it does come in a ladies’ version, too.
The Details: Sizes XS to 3XL | 100 percent wool
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Flattering, versatile, available in a host of colors, and affordable for cashmere, this sweater ticks all the boxes.
Derived from the coat of a special breed of goat, this cashmere sweater offers unbeatable softness and three times the warmth of regular wool. For this reason, it’s usually a luxury buy, but The Original Cashmere Sweater from Naadam is surprisingly affordable despite being made from 100 percent, high-quality cashmere. With its crew neck and slim fit, it’s meant as a staple piece to be worn with countless different outfits as a mid-layer or top layer, for casual or formal wear.
“It’s a classic style that pairs with everything and will still be in fashion 10 years from now,” Maglin shared. It features ribbed details on the cuff, neck, and hem, and comes in a whole rainbow of colors from go-with-anything core shades like black and navy to limited edition hues released each season. Current examples include electric pink and tangerine, while custom monogramming is available for a small extra fee.
The Details: Sizes 2XS to 2XL | 100 percent Mongolian cashmere
Other Wool Sweaters We Liked
AspenX Ruth Sweater: Although we tested the white version of this sweater, which is made from acrylic yarn, it also comes in a blue, 100 percent wool version. We liked its lightweight coziness and the trendy aesthetics of the mock turtleneck, the knit pattern, and the subtle silver logo. The white version is thin enough that you’d need to wear a vest underneath to prevent transparency, however.
Fjallraven Ovik Rib Sweater: Of the two Fjallraven Ovik sweaters we tested, we preferred the nonribbed version for its more classic design and fit. However, this one is a great choice if you’re looking for functional yet nice-looking, oversized warmth. It does run a little large and long, so consider sizing down for a slightly more fitted look.
Our Testing Process
All of the wool sweaters included on this list are owned and loved by T+L editors who have been wearing them for anything from a few months to several years. They’ve been put to the test out in the real world, whether we’re relaxing or running errands in them at home, packing them for ski vacations, or relying on them to keep us warm on expeditions to far-flung places like Russia and Arctic Norway. To evaluate the sweaters, we paid close attention to things like fit, quality, comfort, breathability, and packability.
Tips for Buying Wool Sweaters
Consider the style
Wool sweaters come in an almost endless array of styles, weights, and knits, so considering which will best suit your purpose (and aesthetic) is key. First, think about what you want the sweater for. Will you use it mostly as a toasty mid-layer for warmth in extreme cold? Then, a heavyweight knit and a fit that allows space for layering underneath while still being able to wear a coat on top is important. But if you’re looking for a wool sweater that you can wear for formal occasions or as a winter style statement, perhaps something in a sleek, flattering cut made from a premium material like cashmere is more appropriate. Consider the neckline, too. Crewnecks, turtlenecks, V-necks, and even cardigans all offer quite different looks, with the best choice for you depending on your personal preference, style, and body type.
Look for 100 percent natural fibers
Not all knitwear is made from wool, as I realized when checking the labels of my many, many knitted sweaters for this article. Acrylic and polyester yarns are commonly used because they’re cheaper, more durable, and easier to care for than pure wool; however, they cannot compete with 100 percent wool for warmth, breathability, odor resistance, and the natural ability to both regulate temperature and wick moisture. The finer fibers of Merino wool (derived from a special breed of sheep) elevate it above regular wool for hypoallergenic softness, long-lasting durability, and an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, while cashmere is the most luxurious option for unparalleled warmth and softness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What makes a wool sweater good for traveling?
If you’re traveling somewhere chilly, a wool sweater is an ideal choice firstly because of the superior warmth it offers compared with synthetic fibers. More than that, wool’s breathable, thermoregulating, and moisture-wicking properties make it a versatile option that can cope with a range of temperatures, allowing you to pack fewer sweaters for different occasions and therefore save suitcase space. I particularly like that wool is naturally odor-resistant, which means you can wear wool outer garments multiple times without having to wash them. Anything that saves me from having to do laundry on vacation is a win in my book.
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How do I clean a wool sweater?
Washing instructions for wool sweaters vary greatly depending on the type of wool used. Washing them the wrong way can often cause significant damage like shrinkage, stretching, or pilling, so I would always recommend checking the care label before attempting to do so. As a general rule, Merino wool sweaters tend to be the easiest to maintain. They can often be machine washed on a delicate cycle, and some can even be tumble dried on low. Regular wool sweaters may be able to be machine washed on a wool cycle but should usually be laid out flat to dry naturally (although some are strictly hand-washed only). Finer garments, especially those made from cashmere, are often only suitable for dry cleaning.
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How should I pack a wool sweater?
I pack my lightweight wool sweaters in the same way I would pack any other sweater — by laying them face down on the bed, then folding the sides inwards in thirds and folding the sleeves on top until I have a uniform rectangle to work with. Then I either fold the sweater into thirds vertically or roll it, depending on how much space I have in my suitcase. There is an exception — I always use a compression packing cube for heavyweight sweaters like my one from Aran Sweater Market because it takes up too much space otherwise. I also like that the packing cube protects the expensive knit from accidental pulls or snags. If space is a concern, I may opt to wear my heaviest sweaters on the plane instead of packing them.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
As someone who lives in Scotland but hates to be cold, Jessica Macdonald is a confessed knitwear lover. She has owned many wool sweaters, including the Aran Sweater Market one listed in this article, and wears them daily at home during fall, winter, and spring. She’s also packed them for travels to cold-weather destinations, including Russia, the Yukon, Norway, Finland, and Estonia. Other sweaters on this list were chosen according to the personal recommendations of T+L editors.
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