12 Best Cardigan Sweaters Under $45

A great cardigan is one of the hardest-working pieces in your closet — it layers over a tank top in summer, cozies up with a turtleneck in winter, and looks equally at home at brunch or on a Zoom call. The best part? You don't need to spend a fortune to find one you'll reach for every single day.

We've tested, researched, and scoured fashion-editor picks from Glamour, Who What Wear, and InStyle to bring you the absolute best cardigans under $45 — every style from cropped and trendy to oversized and cozy. Whether you're a button-front purist or a chunky-knit lover, this guide has your next everyday layer.

Why the Cardigan Is Having a Major Moment in 2026

Cardigans aren't just a throwback to your grandmother's knitting basket anymore. On the Fall/Winter 2025-26 runways, luxury houses like Miu Miu and Tokyo-based cult favorite Auralee put the humble cardigan front and center — draped off the shoulders, styled over slip dresses, and finished in dreamy pastels like butter yellow and lilac.

"The cardigan has become a styling Swiss Army knife," notes Glamour fashion editor Kristina Rutkowski. "It works with high-waist jeans, pleated skirts, even layered under a barn jacket. There's no wrong way to wear one."

Street style in Milan and Paris confirmed it: matching cardigan sets, heavy-gauge knits, preppy Breton stripes, and shrunken cropped versions are all in heavy rotation among the fashion set. And here's what we love most — nearly every one of these trends is available at budget-friendly price points.

How We Picked These Cardigans

Every cardigan on this list meets three criteria:

• Under $45 — full price, no coupon tricks needed
• 4+ star average on the retailer's site (where ratings are available)
• Editor- or reader-approved — featured in at least one major fashion outlet or boasting 500+ customer reviews

We organized them by the style categories trending right now so you can jump straight to what you love.

Best Cropped Cardigans Under $45

Old Navy SoSoft Cropped Cardigan Sweater — ~$35

A Glamour editor pick, this brushed-knit cropped cardi hits right at the natural waist and comes in a rainbow of colors each season. The SoSoft fabric feels far more expensive than its price tag, and the relaxed fit makes it perfect for layering over fitted tops. Pair it with high-waist wide-leg jeans for an effortless weekend look.

Best for: Everyday layering over high-rise bottoms
Sizes: XS–4X
Key detail: Soft brushed-knit fabric with a slightly boxy crop

H&M Knit Cardigan — ~$25

This short-sleeve cropped option from H&M is perfect for transitional dressing — the kind of piece you throw over a sundress in September or pair with wide-leg trousers when the office AC is blasting. The ribbed texture adds visual interest, and at around $25, it's almost impulse-buy territory.

Best for: Office-to-evening transitional outfits
Sizes: XS–XXL
Key detail: Short sleeves make it a year-round layering hero

Uniqlo Merino Ribbed Short Cardigan — ~$40

Uniqlo's merino wool offerings punch way above their weight. This ribbed, slightly cropped cardigan has a nautical-preppy energy that pairs beautifully with pleated midi skirts and loafers. The merino keeps you warm without bulk and resists pilling far better than acrylic blends.

Best for: Preppy-leaning capsule wardrobes
Sizes: XXS–3XL
Key detail: 100% merino wool at a fraction of the usual price

Best Oversized & Boyfriend Cardigans Under $45

Gap Merino Boyfriend Cardigan — ~$40

The boyfriend cardigan is having a renaissance, and Gap's merino version delivers that perfectly slouchy, borrowed-from-him vibe. The V-neck drapes beautifully whether you button it up or leave it open. Throw it over a white tee and straight-leg jeans — done.

Best for: Relaxed "model off-duty" layering
Sizes: XS–XXL
Key detail: Merino wool blend; slightly oversized fit runs true to size

Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight V-Neck Cardigan — ~$23

With over 2,000 purchases in the past month alone and a 4.3-star rating across thousands of reviews, this is Amazon's top-rated women's cardigan for a reason. It's lightweight enough to layer under a blazer and stretchy enough to move with you all day. The color range is absurdly good — over 20 shades including seasonal neutrals and bold pops.

Best for: Budget-friendly basics in every color
Sizes: XS–6X
Key detail: Machine washable; available in 20+ colors

525 Miller Oversized Cardigan — ~$44

Right at our $45 ceiling but worth every penny, this cozy oversized knit from 525 is the kind of cardigan that becomes your "house sweater" — the one you grab first every morning. The chunky gauge and dropped shoulders give it an effortlessly cool silhouette that fashion editors at Glamour called out as a top pick.

Best for: Cozy weekends and work-from-home days
Sizes: XS–XL
Key detail: Chunky gauge knit with dropped shoulder seams

Best Button-Front & Classic Cardigans Under $45

Levi's Supersoft Crewneck Cardigan — ~$40

If you want one cardigan that goes with literally everything, this is it. Levi's Supersoft fabric lives up to its name, the crewneck cut is universally flattering, and the button-front closure means you can style it as a top on its own (à la the runway-approved cardigan-as-shirt trend). Featured in Glamour's best-cardigans roundup, this is a certified crowd-pleaser.

Best for: Wearing buttoned up as a standalone top
Sizes: XS–3XL
Key detail: Brushed fabric that gets softer with every wash

J.Crew Factory Cotton Cardigan Sweater — ~$35

J.Crew's mainline cardigans inspired by the iconic "Jackie" style regularly sell for $80+, but J.Crew Factory offers strikingly similar silhouettes in premium cotton blends for a fraction of the price. The pearl-like buttons and refined fit make it look polished enough for the office.

Best for: Office-ready, polished layering
Sizes: XXS–3X
Key detail: Refined cotton blend with elegant button closure

Latahuo Striped Cardigan — ~$30

Featured in Glamour for its nautical flair, this striped button-front cardigan channels the Breton-inspired trend that's been all over street style. It's a head-turner with white jeans in summer and equally sharp under a navy topcoat in fall. The cotton-blend knit is lightweight and breathable — no overheating on mild days.

Best for: Coastal-preppy outfits and weekend getaways
Sizes: S–XXL
Key detail: Classic Breton stripes in a relaxed, boxy silhouette

Best Lightweight & Summer-Ready Cardigans Under $45

Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Open-Front Cardigan — ~$20

Sometimes you just need a throw-it-on layer for chilly restaurants or movie theaters. This open-front style has no buttons to fuss with, hits at mid-thigh for flattering coverage, and packs down tiny for travel. The jersey-knit fabric drapes without clinging.

Best for: Travel, summer evenings, and AC-blasted offices
Sizes: XS–6X
Key detail: Open-front design; lightweight jersey knit

Banana Republic Factory Boyfriend Cardigan — ~$35

Banana Republic's factory line consistently delivers elevated basics, and this boyfriend cardigan is no exception. The slightly oversized silhouette in a fine-gauge knit looks polished enough for client meetings yet casual enough for Saturday errands. We love the subtle ribbing at the hem and cuffs.

Best for: Smart-casual versatility across seasons
Sizes: XS–XXL
Key detail: Fine-gauge knit with ribbed trim details

Target A New Day Women's Button-Front Cardigan — ~$25

Target's in-house brand continues to surprise with its quality-to-price ratio. This classic button-front cardigan in a soft cotton-modal blend is available in seasonal colorways and has amassed a loyal following for its true-to-size fit and durability through the wash. A sleeper hit.

Best for: An affordable wardrobe building block
Sizes: XS–4X
Key detail: Cotton-modal blend; excellent size-inclusive range

Outfit Formulas: 5 Ways to Style a Cardigan

A cardigan's real power is its versatility. Here are five stylist-approved outfit formulas you can copy right now:

1. The Tucked-In Power Move

Formula: Cropped cardigan (buttoned) + high-waist trousers + pointed-toe flats
Button your cropped cardigan all the way up, tuck the front into tailored trousers, and let it function as your top. Add gold hoop earrings and you're polished enough for any meeting.

2. The Weekend Uniform

Formula: Oversized boyfriend cardigan (open) + white tee + straight-leg jeans + sneakers
This is the model-off-duty look that never fails. The key is letting the cardigan do the heavy lifting — keep everything else simple and streamlined.

3. The Date Night Layer

Formula: Fitted cardigan + slip skirt + ankle boots
Throw a body-skimming cardigan over a satin slip skirt for an unexpectedly chic combination. The contrast between cozy knitwear and sleek satin creates instant visual interest.

4. The Coastal Prep

Formula: Striped cardigan + white jeans + espadrilles + woven tote
Channel your inner Riviera girl. A Breton-striped cardigan anchors the whole outfit — add gold anchor studs or a bandana scarf for extra flair.

5. The Layering Pro

Formula: Chunky cardigan + turtleneck + leather skirt + tall boots
For colder months, a thick-gauge cardigan layered over a fitted turtleneck creates a cozy but structured look. Pair with a leather mini or midi and knee-high boots for fashion-editor energy.

Cardigan Care Tips: Make Your $45 Feel Like $145

Affordable doesn't have to mean disposable. Follow these tips to extend the life of your cardigans:

• Wash cold, lay flat to dry. Heat is knitwear's enemy — skip the dryer and your cardigan will hold its shape for years.
• Use a sweater comb. A $6 fabric shaver removes pills in minutes and makes a well-worn knit look brand new.
• Fold, don't hang. Hanging stretches the shoulders of knit fabrics. Fold cardigans and store them in drawers or on shelves.
• Rotate your lineup. Wearing the same cardigan five days straight wears out fibers faster. Having 2–3 in rotation extends each one's lifespan significantly.

FAQ

What's the best cardigan fabric for year-round wear?

Merino wool and cotton blends are the most versatile. Merino regulates temperature naturally — warm when it's cool, breathable when it's warm — while cotton blends keep things lightweight for spring and summer. Avoid 100% acrylic if you tend to run hot; it doesn't breathe well.

Can I wear a cardigan to the office?

Absolutely. A button-front cardigan in a solid color (think navy, black, or camel) is one of the most universally accepted office layers. Button it up and wear it as your top with tailored pants for a polished look, or drape it over a blouse for a smart-casual finish.

What's the difference between a cropped and a regular-length cardigan?

A cropped cardigan typically hits at or just above the natural waist, making it ideal for high-waist pants, skirts, and dresses. A regular-length cardigan falls to the hip or below, offering more coverage and a more traditional silhouette. Both are equally stylish — it comes down to your preferred proportions.

How do I keep an affordable cardigan from looking cheap?

Three tricks: (1) Remove pills regularly with a sweater comb, (2) Invest 30 seconds steaming wrinkles out — a crisp knit always looks more expensive, and (3) Pay attention to buttons. Replacing plastic buttons with shell or metal ones is a $3 upgrade that instantly elevates any cardigan.

Are oversized cardigans still in style?

Very much so. The oversized and boyfriend cardigan silhouette showed up repeatedly on Fall 2025 runways and in street style from Milan to New York. The key to keeping it modern is pairing it with something fitted on the bottom — skinny jeans, pencil skirts, or slim trousers — to create a balanced silhouette.

Find Your Perfect Cardigan Match

The right cardigan is out there — and it doesn't have to cost a day's paycheck. Whether you're drawn to a cropped pastel for spring layering, an oversized knit for cozy Saturdays, or a polished button-front for the office, the options under $45 have never been better.

Want to see how each cardigan looks styled in real outfits — on real people, not mannequins? Try Looqs for free and discover thousands of blogger-curated outfit ideas matched to your personal style. Swipe, save, and shop the exact pieces — all in one place.

Prices accurate as of February 2026. Some prices may vary by color, size, or retailer promotions.