15 Best Plus-size Sweaters for Winter Travel

Traveling in all seasons has taught me that the right sweater is a travel essential. It can make or break a trip. I’ve also learned that not all knits are created equal. The best sweaters don’t just keep you warm, they layer seamlessly, hold their shape through long days of sightseeing, and still look polished enough for dinner at a local restaurant.

As a travel writer who lives out of a carry-on more often than not, I’ve tested dozens of plus-size sweaters in real-world conditions. I’ve worn them everywhere from pink sand beaches to drafty train platforms to cozy mountain lodges. Each of these 15 sweaters is under $65 and consistently earns a spot in my suitcase. They’re cozy, versatile, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. These are the sweaters I reach for again and again.

Best Overall Plus-size Sweaters for Travel

This sweater is basic in the best way possible. In fact, it’s one of my favorite pieces that also happens to be super affordable (under $10!). It pairs easily with pretty much everything, and it has a flattering drape. What also makes this scoop-neck sweater stand out is how easy it is to layer and match with nearly everything, especially in the more neutral colorways.

This oversized crewneck sweater is a staple in my travel wardrobe. That’s because its plush, fuzzy texture feels good and keeps me warm without getting overly hot. I like to throw it over leggings when I’m flying or going out for a day of sightseeing. Then, to dress it up, I throw it over a dress, skirt, or dress pants. Although it’s oversized, it doesn’t drown me, although I come in at just under 5-feet-tall. It’s also soft, packable, and unfussy.

If you’re looking for a travel uniform without the fuss, this simple, affordable crewneck sweater is a great choice. It’s so inexpensive that you could stock up on the sweater in multiple colorways. I personally chose two: bright mint green and teal blue. One reviewer remarked how this “flattering” sweater “fits true to size” and that it’s “not too tight and not oversized.”

If there’s one piece that feels like a warm hug in cardigan form, this luxe-cozy style from Torrid is it. The fun sweater is ideal for layering with both pastel and black clothes. I like that it has vintage vibes yet also looks vibrant and modern. The fun, pink checkerboard pattern stands out, so the sweater is also fun to wear for selfies while traveling. This crewneck button-up looks good over a dress or paired with a casual tee and jeans.

This loose, knit sweater feels like a reimagined version of the classic winter sweater. Its V-neck and puffed sleeves give it a softer look, plus it’s very versatile and can be dressed up or down. The V-neck can perfectly frame a necklace or scarf, and the puffed sleeves offer an extra bit of pizazz. The long, puffed sleeves are also great for layering over short-sleeve shirts without it looking lumpy or too snug.

There’s something special about this half-zip sweater. It feels like my favorite blanket, but looks infinitely more put-together than a hoodie would. I like its relaxed silhouette and ribbed texture, too. For styling this sweater, experiment with fun looks. I like to pull the zipper halfway down, revealing a patterned tee or nice blouse. I also like zipping it all the way up with leggings to stay cozy for a chilly flight. 

Here’s a modern take on the classic polo sweater look. However, what sets this sweater apart from the usual throw-on layers isn’t just that polo neckline with a tie detail. This sweater’s superpower is how it automatically gives you a fully put-together look. If I’m running late for a flight, this is a go-to sweater because it’s effortlessly chic and very comfortable. The knit itself is soft, breathable, and never bulky, so it keeps me comfortably warm without feeling weighed down.

This bold, cotton sweater pairs well with pretty much anything. Whether you’re wearing jeans, skirts, dress pants, or leggings, this sweater elevates your look. This funnel-neck sweater has contemporary blouson sleeves and a ribbed neck. It makes a good anchor piece to a travel wardrobe. It doesn’t stand out as particularly memorable, but it’s so flattering that it helps you stand out. The sweater is beautiful, soft, fun to wear, and affordable. 

If you’re looking for a sweater that’s photogenic and fun for travel selfies, this classic-with-a-twist sweater is picture-perfect. It drapes well without being too cozy or too loose. What makes this sweater really stand out is the contrast of colors. The overall cream color contrasts well against the red and black trim. It has side slits at the hem that add to its stylishness and accentuate how easy it is to move in the sweater, making it an easy choice for travel. 

This sweater feels like a lightweight sweatshirt, and I mean that in a great way. The design makes it easy to dress up or down, so you can wear it with jeans and a ponytail, or paired with a skirt for a more upscale look for nice dinners. This V-neck sweater mimics the soft drape of luxury knits, but it’s made of a vegan cashmere alternative. I appreciate that it’s machine-washable, so it’s easy to care for during my travels. It’s available in a variety of colorways like caramel, wine, and light khaki. 

This is the kind of sweater I grab before a day of sightseeing and for a long travel day. It’s easy to throw on and go, but it automatically gives you a put-together look. The cashmere-style sweater is versatile and great for layering, too. I love that it gives the look and feel of luxury knitwear without the luxury price tag. I also like its medium stretch because it feels cozy but not constricting. Also, the classic V-neckline and long sleeves give it a flattering silhouette that works with skirts, jeans, or wide-leg pants.

This daisy-detailed sweater inspires feelings of happiness when I look at it. It’s so cheerful with its feminine vibes and floral design. I’ve worn it on seaside boardwalks in September, during museum marathons in January, and as a top layer on cool spring days. This open-front cardigan fits easily over dresses and all kinds of tops, including turtlenecks. It has a cottony softness that makes it nice to wear even on long international flights. Plus, it’s a bit whimsical with its daisy accents that are woven into the knit.

I remember pulling a soft blanket over myself to nap in a luxury hotel, and thinking, “Why don’t clothes feel like this?”—but I have since discovered that sometimes they do. This chenille sweater is as comfortable as a soft, luxurious blanket, and I love its eye-catching color options. I got the piece in orange, but I also love the peony petal pink, evening blue, and deep teal colorways. I adore its plush, velvety texture, and it looks fantastic with jeans or more formal pants. It falls at about mid-hip length, so it layers well under coats in the colder months, and it also looks great on its own.

With its chic V-neck design and textured chiffon ruffle sleeves, this elegant sweater is great if you want to give your travel wardrobe an extra bit of glitz and glamour or need to go to a party on the go. When I wear this sweater, I feel like I’m telling a story with my outfit. The fluttery sleeves are attention-grabbing, but they don’t overpower the sweater. It somehow feels trendy but also timeless, and it just makes me feel a bit like a rock star about to take the stage. 

What first drew me to this pullover sweater was its pretty colorways, but what made it become a staple of my travel wardrobe is how comfy, warm, and cozy it has kept me during dawn airport runs and chilly ferry rides. It’s soft and lightweight, and reviewers say it has a good fit and style. I appreciate its inclusive sizing that goes up to a 5X. It packs down small, which is a major win for carry-on suitcases, but it’s also roomy with its oversized fit and crewneck shape.

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