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Probably one of the most important staple pieces you can own is one of these long duster cardigans. Forever a timeless piece, these midi, and maxi length cardigan sweaters are ultra-versatile and will keep you warm, are flattering, and go with just about everything in your wardrobe.
Below are some premier long duster cardigans of 2024 we found that make styling fun and easy. Included are some basic lightweight sweaters that will keep you warm on cooler nights and days and make great everyday layering pieces.
We have also found a great eco-friendly option made from soft and sustainable bamboo fabric that will keep you warm and cool depending on the weather and some thicker options that work great in office settings where the air conditioner seems to never go off.
Our Picks of the Hottest Long Duster Cardigans
POGTMM Cardigan — Best Overall
This lightweight maxi cardigan is made from a polyester and spandex blend that makes for a super soft and comfortable fabric. It has an open front and unique high-low hem that makes it stand out from some of our similar options. This cardigan is also long-sleeved with a mid-calf length, is versatile, and can be worn everywhere from the beach as a swimsuit coverup to the office over a floral maxi dress and boots.
Pros
- This duster is available in a ton of great color options
Cons
- This cardigan is very lightweight and may snag easily
Cielo Cardigan — Runner Up
This 3/4 length cardigan is a lightweight, sweater-type material to keep you warm in overly air-conditioned places. It also has long sleeves and two front pockets for convenience and is a blend of soft, stretchy, and comfortable materials that will make you want to keep it on throughout the day. Its rib hem detail for structure and midi length makes this a must-have and your next go-to in any wardrobe.
Pros
- This cardigan comes in a bunch of sizes and color options
Cons
- This cardigan may run on the small side
ReneeC Cardigan — Honorable Mention
A great synthetic fabric alternative is this lightweight cardigan made from 96% bamboo and spandex. Bamboo fabric is one of the most eco-friendly, is known for its ultra-softness, and is often described as feeling like cashmere. This cardigan comes in a high front, longer back styling with an asymmetric hem, and draped open-style front. Unlike our other options, this cardigan has short sleeves and feels great on most skin types due to the material’s soft quality and feel.
Pros
- Bamboo fabric is completely biodegradable in soil and the decomposition process doesn’t cause any pollution to the environment
Cons
- Hand wash only
Isaac Liev Maxi Cardigan — Contender
One of the longest cardigans on our list is this maxi duster. It is made from soft fabric with stretch for comfort and an open front design that makes it easy to take on and off. What makes this cardigan stand out is its maxi, almost floor-length style that adds a unique touch to any outfit. This is the perfect cardigan to pair with your leggings due to its extra coverage and it also makes a great quick coverup for any office setting.
Pros
- The print and color options are plenty
Cons
- This duster may need to be hemmed if you are on the petite side
Misassy Cardigan — Also Consider
If you want to add a little color-blocking into your life, this long sleeve sweater is a great option. This cardigan has an above-the-knee length and is made of soft, stretchy, breathable fabric to provide exceptional comfort and durability. This sweater is meant to fit on the looser side, provides a slim, sleek silhouette, and perfectly dresses up a basic tee or tank with high-waisted jeans, or shorts and dresses.
Pros
- This sweater is thick enough to keep you warm but will not make you feel overheated
Cons
- This cardigan may need to be hemmed for those under 5’4″
Locryz Cardigan — Longer Option
Another great layering piece is this long sleeve duster-style cardigan. It has a soft and stretchy fabric that makes it comfortable to wear all day and moves with your body for comfort. Two side pockets provide convenience and it has slits on each side up to the knee to provide some extra movement. This lightweight cardigan also makes a great travel piece to keep you warm on the plane and is great for daily wear as a coverup when the weather cools down.
Pros
- This cardigan is available in plus-size options
Cons
- The lighter colors may be slightly see-through
Buying Guide: Long Duster Cardigans
With so many different options for duster cardigans, choosing the best one is quite cumbersome and challenging. If you randomly select a product, it may ruin your complete outfit and not meet your expectations. Bearing this in mind, we have explained some of the significant factors that will impact your choice of a duster. With this information, not only can you select the best product, but also your investment will prove to be worthy.
What Key Factors Should You Consider for Choosing the Top Long Duster Cardigans?
Size
Duster cardigans are available in different sizes so that you can get the right product that fits your body perfectly. Usually, this type of clothing needs to have a loose fit so that you can stay comfortable throughout the day. However, it shouldn't be too loose as that will make you look baggy and fat. Make sure to choose a product that hugs your body like a soothing blanket and makes your silhouette look slender. Also, do ensure that the armhole is long enough to raise your arms or move them in different directions without any restriction.
Length
The minimum length of a duster cardigan is till your knees, hence the name "long". However, you can find some products reaching your mid-calf while others will have a maxi design, covering your entire legs. If you have a tall stature, it's best to go with a shorter cardigan to maintain your silhouette and help you attract attention to your long, slender legs. On the contrary, if you have a short stature, it's better to choose an ankle-length cardigan. Sometimes, the length also depends on the type of outfit you want to pair with. For example, dresses, office skirts, and capri jeans will look good with the calf-length duster cardigans. Maxi products are best suited for jeans, leggings, long dresses, and so on.
Hemline
Most duster cardigans come with a straight, round hemline compatible with almost any type of outfit. Besides, it looks more professional, and you can pair it with your regular office clothes. However, if you want to add a little charm to your overall appearance, go for a cardigan with a high-low hemline, where the front portion will have a shorter length than the back portion.
Sleeves
Usually, duster cardigans have long sleeves that can end at your wrist or cover your entire hand, reaching the fingertips. If you choose the latter design, the material will bunch up around your wrist, creating a unique and stylish look. In addition, a few cardigans have short sleeves that will reach the mid-length of your biceps. For a casual and formal look, try out the long sleeve cardigans, while for only casual outings, the shirt-sleeved product will be best suited.
Comfort
No matter what design or style your long duster cardigan has, it needs to be comfortable and soothing. For example, if the material texture is rough and thick, you may suffer skin allergies and abrasions. Moreover, the thickness of the material will cause excessive sweating, even when the air is colder. That's why choose a product that will be skin-friendly and soft to touch. Finally, make sure that the chosen cardigan won't cause any form of discomfort, no matter what the material is.
Pockets
There are a few long duster cardigans to find front pockets on both sides. These pockets are small but pretty handy as you can keep your keys, some cash, phone, and a small wallet. If you feel cold, put your hands inside your pockets and let the warmth make you comfortable.
Side slit
Longer duster cardigans with side slits will help you move around with ease. They won't cause any restriction in your movements, thereby helping you use the product for various purposes. Besides, the side slits also act as a fashionable feature, creating a distinct and unique look. Such a cardigan can be paired with long jeans, leggings, and formal skin-tight pants.
Color and prints
One of the main factors you have to consider while choosing a long duster cardigan is its color and the prints (if any). Usually, most products come with pastel shades like gray, beige, black, brown, off-white, cream, and more. However, if you do not want to have the monochrome cardigan, go for a product with a base color and small prints covering the entire clothing.
Front design
All duster cardigans have a long, open front so that you can take them off or put them on quickly without struggling much. However, the front design is a simple A-line in most products. There is only a handful where you can find a flared front that will enhance any outfit and add a unique fashion statement.
What Are the Most Common Materials Used for Manufacturing the Long Duster Cardigans?
Long duster cardigans are made from a wide range of materials like:
- Cotton— Soft, light, and breathable
- Polyester— Light and smooth
- Spandex— Stretchy and expandable
- Bamboo fabric— Eco-friendly and anti-allergic
Sometimes, the cardigans are made from thin, breathable sweater-like material also. This is not precisely wool but can keep you warm and cozy during the colder seasons.
How Much Will a Long Duster Cardigan Cost on Average?
Long duster cardigans are pretty affordable, with a price range varying between $22 and $37. If you have chosen a multicolored product instead of monochrome ones, it will cost higher. Similarly, ankle-length duster cardigans are costlier than the regular ones that reach your mid-calf.
How to Style Your Outfit With a Long Duster Cardigan?
A long duster cardigan is one of the most versatile wears mainly used for layering. Here are some fashion tips you can try out to create a unique style.
- Pairing an ankle-length cardigan with long, high-waist jeans and a tucked t-shirt
- Ankle-length, loosely-fitted cardigan with denim shorts and a tucked in top
- Calf-length duster cardigan with flared trousers and a formal satin shirt
- Calf-length, loose cardigan with skin-fit pants and a deep v-neck shirt
- A short duster cardigan over a sleeveless or strapless body-fit dress
