A model wearing a plus-size pink cropped cardigan.

All I Want to Do Is Wear a Cropped Cardigan as a Top

The cropped cardigan trend shows no signs of stopping any time soon—and it’s high-time we all got on board. Unlike the itty bitty cardis and loosely-knit shawls of the early aughts, today’s cropped cardigans are decidedly chicer (cool, even). Meant to be worn by themselves or with a matching cropped tank (!), the plus-size cropped cardigans you’re likely seeing all over Instagram are issuing in a new era of year-round sweaters.

The beauty of the cropped cardigan is that—in addition to being absolutely adorable—you can wear it in any season. During winter, fuzzy cropped cardigans make freezing temperatures that much more bearable. In spring, lightweight cardigans serve as the perfect transitional top (or paired with a knit tank on chillier days). During the summer, a cropped cardigan works wonders as a cozy layer inside air-conditioned offices—but one that won’t have you sweating up a storm when you’re outside. And in fall, these pieces offer the ideal amount of warmth on crisp days. Plus-size cropped cardigans are versatile game-changers, folks.

Not to mention, these sweaters are ridiculously easy to style. Throw on a statement cropped cardigan with your favorite pair of high-waisted jeans and chunky sneakers for an effortless weekend look. Or, craft the perfect loungewear ensemble with a cropped cardigan, matching knit tank, and coordinating sweatpants. You can even wear a cropped cardigan with bike shorts and slide sandals for a casual outfit that’s truly *chef’s kiss*.

Plus-size cropped cardigans serve as the perfect year-round sweater trend—so you might as well stock up on them while you can. From classic neutrals to bold, maximalist cropped cardigans, there’s a little something for everyone. Consider these pieces a major must-have.

Here at Unruly, we’re committed to featuring plus-size pieces we genuinely love and want to share with you. We’re connected to an affiliate revenue program, which means we might make a small commission when you buy products through our shopping guides. This in no way affects pieces we choose to feature, and it never will. (Confused? We’d love to answer any questions you have about this. Email us at beunrulyinfo@gmail.com!)

1. Skinnydip Relaxed Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $56 from ASOS


2. Saoirse Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $126.40 from Anthropologie


3. Gellar Top in Blush

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $78 from Reformation


4. Cropped Fuzzy Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $64.95 from ELOQUII


5. Plus-Size Daisy Print Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $22.99 from Forever 21


6. Wild Fable Button-Front Cropped Rib-Knit Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $15 from Target


7. Wednesday’s Girl Cropped Cardigan in Retro Stripe

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $26 from ASOS


8. Skylar Rose Cropped Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $56 from ASOS


9. Gellar Top in Black

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $78 from Reformation


10. Plus-Size Striped Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $17 from Forever 21


11. Plus-Size Beige Skinny-Fit Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $16 from PrettyLittleThing


12. Wild Fable Button-Front Cropped Rib-Knit Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $15 from Target


13. Flounce Ribbed Tie-Front Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $24 from ASOS


14. Crop Sweater Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — coming soon from ELOQUII


15. Plus-Size Baby Pink Skinny-Fit Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $22 from PrettyLittleThing


16. Plus-Size Light Grey Cable Cropped Cardigan

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $17 from PrettyLittleThing


17. Cotton:On Textured Cardigan in Blue

A model wearing a plus-size cropped cardigan.

shop the look — $48 from ASOS