While we all have a general understanding of essential wardrobe staples for professional women, navigating the shopping experience can be quite challenging, especially if you’re purchasing a sweater jacket for the first time or replacing a well-loved piece. In this series called “The Hunt,” we delve into the stores to uncover a fundamental item that every woman should incorporate into her closet.

It’s high time we embarked on a quest for one of the most coveted outerwear pieces — the sweater jacket, also known as a jardigan or knit blazer. A significant challenge with this versatile third piece is that retailers often struggle to categorize it appropriately. Some place these stylish items alongside blazers, while others categorize them with sweaters. (Dear retailers, the ideal solution is to feature them in both sections, though this seems to be an unusual practice.)

Another issue lies in the naming conventions — should we refer to them as sweater jackets, knit jackets, sweater blazers, knit blazers, jacket cardigans, or jardigans? With so many options, let’s simplify and agree on the term sweater jacket for our discussion.

Understanding the Essentials of Sweater Jackets

For clarity, a sweater jacket should meet specific criteria to be considered a must-have in your wardrobe. It should be versatile enough to replace a blazer or a cardigan, providing both style and comfort. Importantly, it should lack any interior lining or stitching that could compromise its wearability. The fabric needs to be substantial enough to provide some structure without being overly thick or bulky, such as tweed or boiled wool. Ideally, the material should have a soft feel akin to a sweater, steering clear of blends like ponte, scuba, or twill that may feel rigid. Additionally, it may feature blazer-like details such as patch pockets or a shawl collar, but it should never be confused with a coatigan, duster, or kimono.

• be able to be swapped for either a blazer or a cardigan in your wardrobe
• not have interior lining or stitching that might inhibit the comfort of wearing it
• be made from a substantial enough fabric that it has a bit of a structure on its own, but not be so thick (tweed, boiled wool) that it’s a boxy mess, or be so insubstantial that it’s gauzy
• be made from a fabric that feels more like a sweater (even if tightly knit) and less like a ponte, scuba, or twill
• (possibly) have more blazer-like details (patch pockets, shawl collars, a relatively substantial knit)
• not be a coatigan, duster, or kimono

Distinguishing Sweater Jackets from Lady Jackets

There appears to be some confusion surrounding the term “sweater lady jacket” or “lady sweater jacket,” which seems to be a blend of two styles: the traditional lady jacket, typically characterized as a boxy, cropped piece reminiscent of classic Chanel styling, and the more structured sweater jackets we are exploring. Sometimes, these lady jackets also resemble cardigans but with added heft, bringing a unique twist to the typical design.

Elevate Your Work Attire with Sweater Jackets

Sweater jackets play a pivotal role in enhancing your work outfits, serving two primary functions: they can transform casual attire into a more polished look, and they can soften the rigidness of conservative outfits, making them feel more approachable. For instance, consider a casual ensemble featuring dark rinse denim, a simple T-shirt, and sneakers. While this outfit may lean towards the overly casual side of “business casual,” adding a sweater jacket introduces structure and warmth, elevating the overall appearance. To enhance the polish further, consider swapping out sneakers for loafers or boots, or replace the dark rinse denim with chic pull-on pants.

Conversely, if you’re transitioning from a conservative law firm to a more relaxed in-house business casual setting, your existing wardrobe may comprise structured items like sheath dresses, blouses, and tailored trousers. While these can be beautifully paired with a traditional blazer, opting for a sweater blazer instead will instantly render the entire outfit more casual and approachable.

A fantastic outfit combination that works well in both business casual and conservative environments is mixing various neutral tones. For example, pairing a navy sweater jacket with olive pants and a black T-shirt or blouse creates an effortlessly chic look. Alternatively, you can opt for navy pants or jeans, a crisp white T-shirt or blouse, and a cream or ivory sweater jacket for a fresh appearance.

related: do check out our regularly updated list of wardrobe essentials for work!

Top Picks: Discover the Best Sweater Jackets for Office Wear

Explore Our Favorite Lady Sweater Jackets

Among our latest recommendations for stylish lady jackets suitable for work, you’ll find stunning sweater jackets from brands like ba&sh and J.Crew. For those on a budget, options from Mango, Tuckernuck (XXS-XXL), and CeCe are worth exploring. If you prefer a more structured, lined jacket reminiscent of Chanel’s timeless designs, consider IRO and L’Agence; Mango, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell frequently offer similar styles at more affordable prices.

Spotlight on Trendy Plus-Size Sweater Jackets

In the realm of plus-size fashion, certain sweater jackets have proven to be timeless favorites and consistently rank as bestsellers.

related: The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women

In-Depth Review of Bestselling Sweater Jackets for Office Settings

J.Crew Factory Stylish Sweater Blazer

Readers have consistently praised J.Crew Factory’s fashionable sweater jackets for several seasons, and I personally admire the appeal of this structured schoolboy sweater blazer (as shown). Currently, it is available in multiple colors ranging from XXS to 3X, including options in both regular and petite sizes. This is fantastic! (Additionally, they offer a looser, oversized sweater jacket that has a modern vibe!)

(Pro tip: J.Crew Factory is known for providing some of the best prices and selections when it comes to lady sweater jackets!)

related: the best blazers for women this year

Timeless J.Crew Sweater Lady Jacket

J.Crew offers an extensive range of sweater jackets, many of which are available in sizes up to 3X. However, I