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Fashion is changing more by the day, so it’s no surprise that everyone is excited to dress up. Amongst the various trends to hit the fashion world, puff sleeves have won us over.
Today we are taking a closer look at one particular article of clothing: puff sleeve cardigans. These are versatile pieces that look amazing when worn solo and are equally stylish when layered on top of an outfit. Plus, you can pair these with pants, shorts, or skirts — the options are endless.
Here, we’ve reviewed the highest-rated puff sleeve cardigans of 2024, so if you are looking to add one to your wardrobe, you’re in the right place. We have also included a convenient buyer's guide so you can find and style your next puff sleeve cardigan the right way.
The Most Stylish Puff Sleeve Cardigans of 2024
Belle Poque — Best Overall
This short-sleeve button-down cardigan from Belle Poque is a suitable choice for both beginners and fashionistas. The solid design combined with short puff sleeves makes it dramatic yet not too difficult to style. You can wear it with pants, shorts, culottes, dresses, camisoles, and even skirts for a chic appearance. It boasts a blended construction consisting of 65% viscose and 35% acrylic, making it elastic yet extremely comfortable and skin-friendly. You can wear it solo during summers and use it as a layer over your outfit during winters. The wide variety of colors, year-round usability, and lightweight fabric all make it our top pick overall.
Pros
- Soft, extremely comfortable fabric
- Skin-friendly blend suits all skin types
- Suitable for year-round use
Cons
- Fabric between the buttons doesn’t lie flat
Grace Karin — Most Comfortable
You’ll have a hard time finding a top that's more comfortable than the Grace Karin Puff Puff Sleeve Cardigan. It features a 55% viscose, 40% polyamide, and 5% spandex construction that makes it extremely comfortable and airy. The lantern puffed short sleeves end in a wide, ribbed cuff, which makes it an elegant choice for casual wear, and boasts a slim-fit design with a pleated front and slim waist that flatters your figure. Plus, the solid color works well with a vast range of bottoms and shoes.
Pros
- Material is comfortable and airy
- Slim waist design compliments your figure
- Available in different colors and sizes
Cons
- Holes are see-through
YEMAK Cropped — Most Affordable
This next option is the most affordable puff sleeve cardigan on our list. YEMAK’s Cropped Puff Sleeve Cardigan Sweater features 100% cotton construction that makes it lightweight, flexible, and very soft. The crochet patterned sweater is extremely durable, helping it withstand daily wear and washing without showing any sign of distress while also being warm and stretchy. The button-down design gives you the freedom to style it any way you want; you can wear it solo or also layer it over a top for an impressive look.
Pros
- Durable, lightweight, and comfortable
- Suitable for both layering and solo wear
- Attractive double crochet design
Cons
- Sizes run a bit big
ZESICA Wrap — High Style
This wrap-style cardigan from ZESICA may be a more costly choice, but the look it creates is worth every single penny. This high style sweater is constructed using 50% viscose, 28% rayon, and 22% polyester, making it ultra-soft and comfortable. It features an adjustable wraparound waist with long puff sleeves and a plunging V-neck on the front and back. Although it is a pull-on sweater, it also contains a cute bowknot belt and ruffles hem detail. You can use the belt to adjust the fit according to your waist.
Pros
- Many colors and sizes to choose from
- Super soft and comfortable
- Suitable for various events and occasions
Cons
- A little short
Saodimallsu — Most Versatile
Our final pick is the puff sleeve cardigan from Saodimallsu. This short-sleeve top is made using high-quality cotton material that makes it light, comfortable, and breathable. You can wear it in both summer and winter, creating two entirely different looks with the same article of clothing. It is loose-fitting with a V-neck, pure color, and pointelle design. This top can be paired with any type of bottom including skirts, shorts, and pants to achieve a modest casual look and it’s suitable for various occasions, such as work, parties, dates, shopping, and more. You can choose from a range of colors and sizes to find the right one for yourself.
Pros
- Made using high-quality cotton
- Great for various occasions
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Colors are different from the photos
Choosing a Puff Sleeve Cardigan: A Buyer’s Guide
A puff sleeve cardigan is not only cozy but also fashionable. You can use one to create understated looks with minimal effort. Unsure how to do so? Check out our helpful buyer's guide below.
What To Consider When Choosing a Puff Sleeve Cardigan
A puff sleeve cardigan is not just about large sleeves; various other factors come into play and will impact your choice. Below, we have discussed these factors in detail so you can make the right decision every single time:
Material
Since it is essentially a piece of winter clothing, you can expect your next puff sleeve cardigan to be warm. But that does not mean you can only wear it in winter — this knitwear is also available in cotton, which is lighter and more breathable than wool.
When it comes to material, you should first factor in the season you will be wearing it in. Wool is surely better for winters, while summers, on the other hand, call for cotton cardigans that you can wear solo. If you ask us, cotton ones are a better choice because you can also layer them for both style and warmth when the temperatures drop.
Some people are allergic to certain fabrics. If you are one of them, check the materials carefully to avoid allergic reactions.
Neckline
Puff sleeve cardigans feature a variety of different necklines. Sweetheart, crew, surplice, V neck, boat, and mock neck, among others, are just some of the options at your disposal.
You should check out the different options and choose the one that works for you the best. Standard necklines like the crew neck, V-neck, and square neck work for most body types, but if you are planning to purchase something more dramatic, make sure it flatters your figure and that you can comfortably carry the look without looking awkward.
Layering or wearing solo
A good thing about luff sleeve cardigans is their versatility. You can wear one solo or opt to layer it over a top, t-shirt, and even a dress. Determine how you want to wear it beforehand because this dictates the size you should get.
If you are planning to wear your cardigan solo, choose an accurate size. But, if you are getting it to act as a layering piece, be sure to go one size up at the least.
How To Perfect the Puff Sleeved Look
- If it is your first time wearing puff sleeves, it's better to start small. Familiarize yourself with the trend with a few neutral pieces. Understated colors like black, beige, and white help you feel more confident in the new style. Once you are comfortable, you can experiment with vibrant colors and larger puffs.
- Puff sleeve tops are an excellent choice when you want to escape the habit of wearing similar outfits every day. A puff sleeve cardigan, when paired with denim and sneakers, creates an everyday look that is anything but ordinary. You can create this look using both straight and wide-leg jeans.
- Since they boast a bold design, puff sleeves can easily overpower your entire look. When opting to wear these sleeves, try tucking in the hem and add in a bold belt to compliment the sleeves and strike a perfect balance.
- While it looks great on its own, you can use a puff sleeve cardigan as a layering piece for a more dramatic effect. It adds a dose of style to your winter wardrobe.
- Puff sleeves are bold, and that's what appeals to us the most. Solids and neutrals aside, you can take your look to the next level by donning printed and patterned pieces. Play around with various options to create your personal style statement.
