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We’re always looking for ways to spice up our seasonal look from last year’s favorites. It doesn’t necessarily take reinventing the wheel, but it might add a little shopping to refresh your wardrobe. Instead of cardigans this winter, we’re leaning into knit zip-up sweaters.
Unlike cardigans, this type of sweater has a zipper that allows you to close it over a top or wear it as the top itself. Many of them have a cable-knit or ribbed texture to add more interest to your look. Plus, if you find the right way, a knit zip-up sweater gives a rich-mom vibe that feels more polished than an oversized option. We’ve found some sweet styles worth swapping your regular cardigans for!
16 Knit Zip-up Sweaters To Wear Instead of Cardigans
1. Our Favorite: With a simple design, this ribbed knit sweater is the cherry on top of whatever top or dress you’re wearing underneath.
2. Oversized Option: For a leggings-friendly design that’s more roomy, this oversized hooded option is for the casual woman on the go.
3. Perfect Pockets: We love the square pockets on the front of this knit zip-up cardigan, as it looks more elevated than the typical slanted style.
4. Handy Hood: The pocket-free design gives this zip-up hooded sweater a more expensive look, so you can smartly style it with a range of outfits.
5. Affordable Find: For $13, you can get in on this trend with a more casual zip-up option that has a relaxed fit that’s ideal for running errands.
6. Striking Stripes: This Madewell knit zip-up combines dark pomegranate and beige stripes for a bold yet neutral option.
7. Fabulous Fair Isle: Give your look instant cozy vibes with this hooded zip sweater that has a warm fair isle pattern.
8. Super Soft: Wear it with a pair of jeans or trousers, and this relaxed zip-up sweater will be a welcome soft layer to keep you warm.
9. Vertical Details: In addition to the ribbed texture, this hooded zip-up knit has vertical twist details for something a little special.
10. Two-Way Zip: This Princess Polly sweater has a two-way zipper, so you can wear it as a top or your new go-to cardigan.
11. No Hood Needed: For a no-fuss option, this cable-knit sweater keeps the design simple by still offering a classic texture.
12. Collared Cutie: We love the larger collar and the eyelet cutouts on this Lands’ End zip-up sweater that comes in pale gray and navy.
13. Plus-Size Pick: Available in sizes 1X to 5X, this under-$30 zip-up sweater has a simple ribbed texture made from soft fabric you’ll be happy to wear.
14. Cable-Knit Cardigan: It almost looks like a sweatshirt, but the all-over cable-knit design makes this oversized knit sweater a more elevated option.
15. Chic Snowflakes: It’s a collared knit sweater that literally screams winter with its snowflake design, and the cool color palette leans into that vibe.
16. Jazzy Jacquard: For a bolder option, this Steve Madden sweater combines black, white and red hues to create a funky design that spices up a basic pair of jeans.
