13 Best Merino Wool Sweaters For Women

While we tend to focus more on outdoor clothing reviews, we still recognize Merino wool as a fashion statement. Its warmth, softness, odor resistance, and versatility make it an up-and-coming material for fashion designers. And this flexibility is exemplified in the world of women’s Merino wool sweaters.

Today, we decided to review some of the best sweaters made from our favorite material: Merino wool! We’ll talk about chunky knit quarter-zips, silky smooth crews, free-flowing cardigans, and much more.

So, grab a tea, put on some Lo-Fi, and cozy up for the 13 best Merino wool sweaters for women.

Disclosure: Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products to maintain our genuineness and authenticity. However, as an affiliate member, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Best Overall Women’s Merino Wool Sweater

Icebreaker Waypoint Crew

100% Merino wool | Midweight | Regular fit | 3 colors | Price: $$$$

Pros: Roomy yet cozy | Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio | Neckline lays flat

Cons: Length may be too long for some | Pilling to be expected

You may know Icebreaker from its wide selection of outdoor apparel. However, they make more than just gear for the backcountry. With their expert Merino wool knowledge, they’ve created a simple, elegant piece in this Waypoint Crew. This idea of ‘the right amount of nothing’ is why I have it as my top Merino wool sweater.

Like all Icebreaker’s gear, this Waypoint sweater uses high-quality Merino wool for a soft, luxurious feel. The midweight knitted fabric keeps you toasty with or without an underlayer. Plus, in the chilly winter months, you can throw a Merino wool puffer on top for extra warmth. 

My Waypoint sweater fits pretty standard; it’s not too snug or relaxed, but there is plenty of room to move. In addition, the design is simple and flattering. The ribbed cuffs and neckline add to the overall style while increasing warmth. The one I have is a solid navy, but as I’m writing this, only the striped pattern is available. If you’re looking for solid colors only, check back throughout the year, as Icebreaker often releases new variations seasonally. Or, you can browse any of their other women’s sweaters.

Finally, I’d like to say that this is not necessarily the best women’s Merino wool sweater. Since everyone has different vibes, climates, and lifestyles, it’s challenging to rank one sweater as the best. The Icebreaker Waypoint Crew is the one I like the most, and I think you’ll like it too!

Best Everyday Merino Wool Sweater

Wool& Landmark Cardigan

78% Merino / 22% Nylon | Lightweight | Relaxed fit | 3 colors | Price: $$$$

Pros: Deep patch pockets | Year-round use | Fits all body types

Cons: Sleeves may be a bit short for taller people | Not a lot of colors

I absolutely love a good cardigan. It’s just that piece of my wardrobe that I can always return to after a long day at work. And, whenever I have a packed schedule, I know my Wool& Landmark Cardigan is waiting for me at the end of the day.

I could go on all day about how the 17.5-micron fabric feels silky smooth or hugs my curves, but there is another reason I love the Landmark: the pockets! I can easily carry my phone and keys, but anything heavier weighs down the drape too much. Still, there is plenty of room, and the low-profile stitching blends the pocket into the overall style of the cardigan. So, they don’t look like an add-on but rather part of the entire garment design.

The fabric itself feels soft and cozy to the touch. It’s a lightweight Merino blend, so it does look thin (nearly translucent). However, since Merino wool is an excellent temperature regulator, you still get a warm, intimate experience no matter the time of year. Although, it’s better to opt for a more heavyweight Merino wool cardigan in freezing conditions.

To sum up, the Landmark cardigan is my go-to everyday sweater. I love it and can’t wait until Wool& releases more colors! Check out what they have in stock below.

Best Value Merino Wool Sweater

Ridge Merino Mixed Stitch Crew Neck

98% Merino, 2% Spandex | Lightweight | Relaxed fit | 4 colors | Price: $$

Pros: Stylish everyday sweater | Ribbed center design | Excellent price-to-quality ratio

Cons: Not for formal attire | May not fit all body types

As you read, you may notice that many of these sweaters are expensive. The high price tag is actually one of the disadvantages of Merino wool. However, some less costly options are still of the highest quality. One of those options is the Ridge Merino Mixed Stitch crew neck sweater. And as you’ll soon find out, it isn’t just valuable because of the price.

One of the cool things about this shirt is that it’s knitted to shape, which reduces scraps and waste material. And since the tiny bit of Spandex in the fabric adds stretch and recovery, the actual shape will last longer than pure wool sweaters. This increased “wear life,” combined with sustainable knitting practices, make this sweater one of the most valuable for the environment. 

In terms of style, it is more casual and comfy, making it excellent for everyday wear. The relaxed construction drapes nicely across the shoulders, and the dropped arm holes add to the roomy yet cozy fit. Plus, the vertical ribbing adds to this sweater’s unique style.

Overall, this Mixed Stitch sweater is high-quality, comfortable, and affordable. And if you need something to pair it with, you can check out the rest of Ridge Merino’s lifestyle collection!

Best Merino Wool 1/4 Zip Sweater

We Norwegians Trysil Quarter Zip

90% Merino, 10% cashmere | Heavyweight | Relaxed fit | 2 colors | Price: $$$$$

Pros: High-quality material | Classic style | Works with or without an underlayer

Cons: Limited color selection | Rather expensive

If you imagine a sweater embodying the word “snuggly,” you would probably imagine this Trysil Quarter Zip. The chunky, heavyweight yarn is knitted in a unique, classy, and functional pattern. The extra cable knit, in combination with Merino wool’s natural properties, create a cozy, comfortable microclimate. Plus, if it’s too toasty, you can adjust the zipper for extra airflow.

The reason this sweater will make you feel as snug as a bug in a rug is the luxurious fabric. 90% of the yarn is soft Merino wool, while the other 10% is cashmere, which is even smoother. So, not only will you be warm, but it will feel amazing on your skin.

Although, since the wool-cashmere yarn is so soft, it is rather delicate. Due to this, you can’t soak or put it in the washer; it’s handwash only. Moreover, you may have to reshape the sweater when wet to avoid shrinkage (We Norwegians mention that it may shrink up to 5%). We know we make it sound like a hassle to care for, but once you get the hang of the process, it becomes a part of your laundry routine.

Anyways, if you’re willing to spend extra maintenance time, the We Norwegians Trysil Quarter Zip is a top-notch choice. For now, it comes in two color options, blue and white, but keep an eye out for new releases throughout the year.

Best Casual Merino Wool Sweater

Woolx Bailey Sweatershirt

52% Merino, 43% Polyester, 5% spandex | Midweight | Loose fit | 4 colors | Price: $$$

Pros: Comfy & cozy feel | Loose design offers room to move | Long fabric life

Cons: May be too baggy some | Sizing inconsistencies

This may not look like your typical sweater, but that’s because it isn’t! The Woolx Bailey Sweatshirt is precisely that, a sweatshirt. However, its soft fabric and stylish design meet, if not exceed, many of the knitted sweaters on this list. So, we’d be doing you a disservice by not including it.

Anyways, the reason we love this sweatshirt so much is the fabric design. The interior is soft, Woolmark-certified Merino, which feels smooth against the skin. On the flip side, the exterior is recycled polyester, which is more durable than wool. It is less resistant to tears, snags, pills, and laundry mishaps. Moreover, both of these materials are sustainable! Now that’s what we call fabric engineering.

In terms of fit, this sweatshirt is super relaxed. There is plenty of room to move, both in the sleeves and torso. It drapes nicely without bunching, although it is slightly oversized. One buyer even said it “felt like a tent.” That’s obviously an exaggeration. However, the underlying point remains. Check out the sizing charts before buying if you have concerns about the fit.

Overall, this sweatshirt-sweater hybrid is an excellent house shirt that could also be worn to a casual gathering. As with many of Woolx’s products, the comfort level is the crème de la crème. It would be hard to get much cozier.

Best Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater

The Knotty Ones Pasaka Turtleneck

100% Merino wool | Heavyweight | Regular fit | 2 colors | Price: $$$$$

Pros: Beautiful Nordic design | Warm, cozy feel | Fits most body types

Cons: Delicate fabric | Expensive

Fashion meet function; that’s the power of Merino wool. And the Pasaka Merino wool turtleneck is the epitome of this motto. Designed in part by Lithuanian supermodel Giedrė Dukauskaitė, this turtleneck sweater is a high-quality piece that makes a great addition to any wardrobe.

The knit pattern looks like something out of a fairytale, and that’s on purpose. Pasaka literally means fairytale in Lithuanian. According to the description, it represents “luck, strength, the past and the future.” It has notes of traditional Nordic sweaters but with a bit of Baltic flavor.

Still, the waist-level hem length is the only design feature that could use tweaking. While the high-rise looks good from a style point of view, it doesn’t provide any rear coverage. And while this may seem like a triviality, if your butt gets cold (like mine), you may want to look for something longer.

Finally, it’s no secret that this sweater is expensive. And while it may not be within your budget, we wholeheartedly believe it’s priced correctly. So, if you’ve got some wiggle room in your bank account, give the Pasake Merino Wool Turtleneck a try.

Best Women’s Merino Wool Cardigan

Wilfred Belize Cardigan

100% Merino wool (some elastane in trim) | Lightweight | Relaxed fit | 8 colors | Price: $$$$

Pros: Lightweight yet warm | Functional side cut | Removable belt

Cons: Some sizing discrepancies | Handwash only

We’ve been looking for a long duster Merino wool for quite some time. Something elegant yet cozy that can be worn with or without a belt. We are happy to announce that we’ve found one that meets all our criteria: the 100% Merino wool Wilfred Belize Cardigan.

Unlike some of the heavier sweaters on this list, this cardigan is lightweight yet warm. The seams are flat and smooth, leaving you with total comfort (even if worn with a sleeveless crop top). In short, it’s beautifully constructed.

The cut is straight and narrow, but the dropped shoulders and side slits give it more of a relaxed feel. In colder weather, you can wear this cardigan as a top layering piece, as the sleeves are wide enough to fit a long sleeve underlayer. It even can be styled with a light dress or mini skirt for more moderate temperatures.

While this cardigan comes with two patch front pockets, they are more for your hands than your phone or keys. That’s because the fabric is prone to snags and tears. Since it is so delicate, we recommend handwashing only. Use detergents formulated for knitwear and dry flat to avoid any stretching or sagging. But even with the necessary extra care, this Belize cardigan is worth it. 

Best Classic Merino Wool Sweater

Pendleton Westerly Cardigan

100% Lambswool | Heavyweight | Relaxed fit | 3 colors | Price: $$$$$$

Pros: Unique pattern design | Double-sided zipper | Petite & plus sizes available

Cons: Dry clean only | Expensive

For all you buy-it-for-lifers, the Pendleton Westerly cardigan has a cozy, classic style that will last you for years. Don’t believe us? Pendleton released this exact sweater over 50 years ago (1972, to be precise), and it is still one of the most popular wool sweaters on the market.

So, why has this cardigan withstood the test of time? Besides the high-quality craftsmanship and functional features (which we’ll cover shortly), it’s still popular due to the cult classic, The Big Lebowski. Yup, Jeff Bridges rocked it on screen as “The Dude.” Although, the “dudette” version isn’t exactly the same as the men’s style as the length is slightly longer, and the cut is more favorable for feminine body shapes.

Despite these minor tweaks, this cardigan remains true to the original design. There are two functional front pockets and a classic two-way zipper. And, since it’s made of imported Lambswool, you know it will be super warm. The only downside is that you can’t put it in the washer (dry cleaning only).

Finally, we love the Westerly cardigan’s craftsmanship. We wouldn’t expect anything less from Pendleton, as they’ve been creating quality wool clothing for over half a century. Still, if you don’t want a bunch of guys quoting “The Dude” around you, you may want to get a color other than the tan one from the movie

Best Merino Wool Sweater Vest

Kalvos Merino Wool Vest

100% Merino wool | Midweight | Regular fit | 2 colors | Price: $$$$

Pros: Excellent layering | Sophisticated style | Unique design

Cons: Style may not be for everyone | Minimal color selection

Another Lithuanian-inspired piece of Merino Wool Gear, the Kavlos vest is a unique garment whose design allows for different styles and uses. The back hem hangs lower than the front, adding extra warmth to your backside. Moreover, you can cinch the side ties with metal buckles for a tighter, cozier fit. These simple design features, in combination with the soft Merino wool, make this sweater vest the queen of versatility.

This Kavlos vest designer, Viltė Savickaitė, mixes modern fashion with the old Baltic world. The original beige design portrays the scenic rolling hills of Lithuania, while the fabric comes from her years of studying in Australia (where 80% of the world’s Merino wool originates). The contemporary and classic styles make this knitted Merino wool vest a unique, timeless piece.

While we love the style – we must admit – it’s not for everyone. I get an awesome urban chic vibe from this vest, which is great if you live in a big city. However, it may not fit into your wardrobe if you’re more outdoorsy. Also, the material is delicate, so you must dry clean it. Although this vest’s style is so classic and versatile, it should last for years with proper care.

Best Merino Wool Poncho Sweater

Smartwool Edgewood Poncho

55% Polyester, 30% Merino, 15% Nylon | Lightweight | Regular fit | 7 colors | Price: $$$

Pros: Comfortable flowy design | Pairs well with leggings | Great for covering body imperfections

Cons: Longterm durability concerns | Some pilling to be expected

You may know Smartwool from their wide selection of Merino wool socks and hiking gear. Overall, they are one of our favorite outdoor brands, but that’s not all they do. Smartwool offers a few collections of lifestyle clothing with the same performance as their outdoor apparel. And this Edgewood Poncho exemplifies this expert mixture of comfort, performance, and style.

Unlike other poncho sweaters, this one has sleeves, which is a significant plus. The dropped shoulders and cowl neck still give it that classic poncho feel. Moreover, the draped fit and ample rear coverage make this sweater more versatile than options without sleeves. It works great with jeans or with any pair of leggings.

Yet, with all Smartwool gear, we love the material the most. It’s a durable blend of responsibly-sourced Merino wool, recycled polyester, and nylon. The addition of synthetic fibers helps to strengthen the fabric, meaning it should last for many years, and you shouldn’t be worried about it when you throw it in the washer. Sure, you may experience some pilling, but that doesn’t affect the integrity of the material.

Finally, since this sweater is meant to be a relaxed fit, you should consult the size charts before ordering. Some users have noticed that if they order true-to-size, the drape is tighter than they would hope. So, if you want this Merino wool poncho sweater to be more free-flowing, it’s best to order a size up.

Best Merino Wool Cable Knit Sweater

SAOL Cable Knit Sweater

100% Merino wool | Heavyweight | Slim fit | 4 colors | Price: $$$

Pros: Side pockets & button details | Warm, edgy cardigan | Elegant color palette

Cons: Initial itching possible | Sizing discrepancies

Comfort and coziness are all wrapped up in one piece; that’s how we think of this 100% Irish Merino wool cardigan from SAOL. This sweater’s classic honeycomb and diamond patterns add extra depth to your wardrobe but also function to keep you warm. The raised stitching allows body heat to flow freely throughout the garment while also insulating you against the cold winter air.

Moreover, this timeless, cable-knit style only ages like a fine wine. The twisted, oversized collar pairs well with a morning cup of coffee and the tailored fit. Even the pockets pair well with an on-the-go lifestyle. This mix of fashion and functionality makes this Merino wool cable knit sweater a vintage buy.

Our only real qualm is that the yarn feels coarser than other Merino wool sweaters. Some of this may be due to the knitting techniques, but since it’s relatively affordable, it explains why the fibers are thicker. Some users did report some initial itchiness. This does not mean the garment is poor quality or that you are allergic to wool (which you aren’t). If you are worried about this, wear something underneath. However, we haven’t had any issues, but that may be because we wear wool, like, all the time.

This SAOL Merino wool sweater is an excellent choice for autumn, winter, and early spring. Just think of the climate of West Ireland. Chilly, windy, and wet. The Irish Merino sheep grow wool to withstand these conditions, and those same protective properties are transferred to your sweater. Now that’s pretty cool.

Best Women’s Merino Wool Ski Sweater

Dale of Norway Geilo

100% Merino wool | Midweight | Slim fit | 4 colors | Price: $$$$$

Pros: Perfect for a winter activewear style | Great color variety | Exceptionally soft material

Cons: Sleeves may be long for some | Comparatively expensive

Named after a ski resort in Southern Norway, the Geilo sweater makes an excellent addition to any ski outfit. The slim fit, midweight fabric, and temperature-regulation properties of wool make this an ideal layering piece for out on the slopes. Moreover, the chic Nordic design allows you to wear it as a standalone piece when you’re done skiing for the day.

And this style is why we love the Dale of Norway Geilo sweater so much. It has that après-ski (French for after ski) vibe, which is perfect for sipping chocolate after a cold day carving powder. The classic Nordic pattern and vibrant color selections make this sweater stand apart from the rest.

Although, the “skin soft Merino wool” is only 20.5 microns. In our experience, that’s one the coarser end of the fiber diameter spectrum. Don’t get us wrong, it still feels soft to the touch, but it’s not the silkiest feel. And the reason Dale of Norway uses a thicker fiber is most likely for improved durability and warmth.

Overall, the Geilo sweater embraces the coziness and functionality Norway is famous for. It’s a solid, functional, and downright fashionable layering piece. And while it’s on the pricier side, the performance you get is worth it. Yet, if you plan on sticking to the bunny slopes, you may want to opt for something more inexpensive.

Best Women’s Merino Wool Travel Sweater

Fjallraven Ovik Knit Sweater

100% Merino wool | Heavyweight | Slim fit | 5 colors | Price: $$$$

Pros: Our favorite “ugly sweater” | Reinforced elbows | Unique design options

Cons: Cut not for all | Initial itchiness may occur

Travel clothes are often neutral, matchable colors, so you can pack less. However, you can still add some style to your wardrobe even if you’re out on the road. With the Fjallraven Ovik Knit sweater, you get the versatility and comfort of travel clothing without sacrificing your personal style.

The number one reason we love this sweater for travel is that it performs as a perfect midlayer. The classic pattern and Jacquard knit function as a fashionable overlayer for mild days. And, when the weather gets chillier, it’s not too bulky to wear under a heavy coat. Moreover, the ribbed cuffs and hem seal out any cold drafts, so you’ll stay toasty no matter what you wear it with.

The second reason we love this travel sweater so much is the attention to detail. You get excellent arm mobility, as Raglan seams sit in front of your shoulders rather than on top of them. Also, the elbows are reinforced, which may not seem like a big deal. However, I’ve had plenty of wool sweaters that have worn through the elbows over time. Knowing that this sweater has elbow reinforcements makes me think it will last a long time (with the proper care, of course!)

To sum up, if you like to live on the go and prefer traveling in cooler climates, this Fjallrven Ovik Knit sweater should work for your lifestyle. It’s a versatile, stylish layer that I love having as part of my suitcase. I hope the rest of my one-baggers agree!

Final Note About The Best Merino Wool Sweaters For Women

Well, that’s it; our 13 favorite women’s Merino sweaters. From Norway to Lithuania, Australia to America, we spanned the globe to find you the best Merino wool sweaters in the world.

We hope you enjoyed the variety of these sweaters. It’s truly a testament to the versatility of Merino wool. And if you want to continue exploring Merino, follow us on all the socials below for updated news, sales, and discounts. Or, you can sign-up for our email list for exclusive insight and deals on Merino Wool Gear.