When it comes to layering (and, really, when does it not come to layering), few items offer the unbeatable range of a cardigan. The best of ‘em are versatile in the extreme—one day they're casual and rumpled over a tee, the next they're sitting professionally under a blazer. From Kurt Cobain to David Hockney to Tyler, the Creator, cozy style gods of every stripe swear by them for that exact reason.
In 2025, the very best cardigans aren't the torso-strangling versions of yesteryear. Instead, they’re richly textured, vibrantly colored, and sometimes even a little punk. Treat them like an overshirt replacement, and they become a worthy buddy to every pair of pants in your fall rotation. To prove the point, we searched high and low for our very favorites on the market, unearthing the only 16 you should consider buying right now.
