The Secret Sweater cardigan may be the perfect travel accessory for women looking for a way to layer their clothing without the bulk. It is a lightweight but durable sweater that works well as a hidden middle layer of warmth or as a fashionable outer layer.
While not created exclusively with travel in mind, the Secret Sweater cardigan can help keep you warm on your travels, whether it involves exploring ancient ruins, perusing air-conditioned museums, or sipping coffee at outdoor cafés.
I was excited to try out the Secret Sweater cardigan over the past several weeks and I share my experiences below. I have found the Secret Sweater cardigan to have a number of uses and it has become a valuable addition to my wardrobe.
NOTE: Since this article was written Secret Sweater has closed and it appears the last Secret Sweater products were sold in 2018.
Basic Information on the Secret Sweater Cardigan
Website / Facebook / Twitter
The Secret Sweater cardigan was created and designed by Katherine Noyes Arnemann who lives in San Franciscio, CA. Given the notorious microclimates of San Francisco, I am not surprised this sweater was designed there!
It is currently available in four colors (black, ivory, grey, and raspberry) and sizes XS- XL. It is made in the United States of 50% cotton and 50% modal blended interlock knit (quite soft to the touch) and is machine-washable. The sweater comes in a matching reusable travel pouch (see picture above) and it is very easy to roll up the sweater and put it back in the pouch.
It regularly sells for $39.95, but check for special sales or promotions. It is currently only sold on Amazon here and you can also check out verified customer reviews there.
The most unique factor about the cardigan is that is does not completely cover the chest and does not fasten or close in any way. It is meant to just lay against the chest so that it can stay hidden under jackets or blazers. It also has 3/4 length sleeves which allows it to stay hidden better and to be worn under 3/4 sleeve jackets and blazers. This also allows it to be more lightweight than a regular cardigan or sweater.
My Review of the Secret Sweater Cardigan
Secret Sweater Cardigan as a Travel Accessory for Women
So the reason I was so excited about the Secret Sweater cardigan was that I thought it would make a great travel accessory. As almost all travelers know, layering is very important to being comfortable while traveling—whether it is while you are out exploring a city, hiking, or taking a flight.
A problem I have with layering and trying to be prepared for weather changes is that I end up dragging around a jacket or sweatshirt, which are often bulky and don’t fit in my travel purse or backpack. So during the day I often end up wearing a jacket in the morning and then carrying it around the rest of the day.
The Secret Sweater cardigan is great because it is so lightweight and squeezes into even my smallest purse. It also does not appear to wrinkle much and comes with its own reusable travel pouch (which it fits very nicely back into), and this cover helps keep it from getting stained by any of the random stuff (e.g., chocolates in the middle of the summer) I sometimes throw into my purse while traveling.
I have taken the Secret Sweater cardigan on small trips and it works great as an added layer of warmth. It also looks stylish while on its own or under a jacket. It will definitely be in my suitcase for our upcoming Asia trip.
Working and Blogging in the Secret Sweater Cardigan
At first, I just envisioned having the Secret Sweater cardigan as a great new travel accessory. However, I’ve discovered it is also great for work. The temperature at my work office is ridiculously uncomfortable sometimes and I have a habit of putting on fleeces at work which keep me warm, but don’t look very fashionable or professional.
I started using the Secret Sweater cardigan at work which adds warmth while still looking professional as an outer layer or hidden nicely under slim fitting jackets. I was surprised at how my coworkers could not see the Secret Sweater cardigan even under unbuttoned tailored jackets.
I also love throwing my Secret Sweater cardigan on while working on my travel blog. Since my favorite spot to write is actually outside on the patio, the temperature of my workplace is constantly changing. The cardigan serves as this great unbulky layer over my tank top or fitted tee. Then I keep a jacket around to throw on top as needed.
The Secret Sweater May Help Prolong the Life of your Other Clothes
So one of the reasons I hate wearing some of my work jackets and blazers is that they are dry clean only and I hate getting them cleaned (don’t ask me why I keep buying more of them!).
However, the Secret Sweater cardigan helps me wear my jackets more times before having to clean them. I typically want to wear a sleeveless shirt or camisole underneath the jacket, but then have to wash the jackets after a wear or two because of perspiration and deodorant stains.
However, now I can wear the Secret Sweater cardigan as a hidden middle layer which protects them against perspiration, allowing me to just throw the machine-washable sweater in the washer and get a few more wears out of my professional jackets.
It is also great for those times when you are traveling and don’t have access to a washing machine, and need to do laundry while traveling. I have hand washed the Secret Sweater cardigan in the sink and line dried it once, and it held up well. Wearing and washing the cardigan may help you get more wear out of both your work and travel clothes.
Any Complaints about the Cardigan?
The only thing I can think of is that mine fits me a bit loosely in the arms (I have very thin arms so this is a common issue for me); however, this has not prevented it from fitting well under form-fitting jackets. Otherwise, no complaints at all!
Overall Impression
Overall, I really think the Secret Sweater cardigan is a great travel accessory for women. I find it to be well-made of good quality material and to be very versatile. I wanted to try the Secret Sweater cardigan as a travel accessory, thinking I would only wear it while traveling; however, I have found a number of other uses for it as well and now wear it regularly. In fact, I just wore it this morning under a jacket to meet a friend for brunch and it helped keep me warm while sitting at an outdoor table.
What do you think about the Secret Sweater cardigan? Is it a travel accessory on your wish list?
**Disclaimer: I was given one free cardigan to wear and review; however, this article contains only my own honest thoughts and opinions. I did not receive any financial compensation for the writing of this post.**
Beth Post author
I bought one at a store in SFO (love that gift/jewelry shop!). I am usually a size 4 but they only had an XS and a Med. I bought the medium in black and it has worked really well. Small might have worked too but the medium is not too big. I LOVE this little sweater. I am frequently cold when other people are not and this extra layer under my suit jackets works awesome.
travelcats Post author
Thank you so much Beth for sharing your experiences with the Secret Sweater. I am so happy that you love your Secret Sweater and glad you found it at SFO airport (such a great place for this travel sweater!).
Anna Post author
Love the idea of the secret sweater from your post, however not sure which size I should get. Which size are you wearing as I think I would need a similar one or smaller?
Thank you
Best Anna
travelcats Post author
Hi Anna,
I am wearing the black Secret Sweater in XS, which is the smallest size. I am normally a size 0 so this would likely fit someone who is American size 0-2. I wear mine all the time.
Jessica
Dana @ Wanted Adventure Post author
Love this!! Definitely agree about layering. Thanks for the info!
travelcats Post author
Hope that you enjoy a Secret Sweater for layering!
Valerie Post author
Great idea! Especially when dealing with the microclimates of California — this can be worn every day of the year. Job well done, especially being made in the USA.
travelcats Post author
Yes, we California dwelling women needs sweaters like this!
Doreen Pendgracs Post author
Looks like a great travel accessory! I’m amazed at how lightweight and compact travel accessories are becoming. Will have to get myself a Secret Sweater! Thx for finding me on Twitter. I hope you’ll drop into my travel blog and take a look at the posts on the Bay Area (and others!) Happy Holidays and safe travels.
travelcats Post author
Thanks Doreen, I am checking out your blog now. Yes, the Bay Area is a great place to live, especially when searching for food:)
Lix Post author
That’s an interesting way to conceptualize/market what’s basically a shrug. (Seriously, I have a white shrug that DOES button over/under my chest, but I basically use it as an extra invisible layer. I’m even wearing it right now!)
travelcats Post author
Yes, you’re right, it is definitely similar to a shrug or cardigan! However, the Secret Sweater is lighter and it doesn’t come to the chest so you can hide it easier under an unbuttoned jacket. The fabric case is also very nice to keep it protected while in your purse or luggage for traveling purposes. Glad you found something similar to use as a “secret” layer:)
Kate Post author
I love the idea of this but I don’t think it could keep my warm for a European winter ;). Maybe Autumn?
travelcats Post author
Yes, I think you are probably right, especially as an outer layer you’d be freezing in Germany! Yes, I think it would work well as an outer or inner layer in the Autumn or Spring. Might also work quite well in Asia:)
Melissa @ Completely Eclipsed Post author
What an adorable sweater and great concept. I’m always freezing. Stopping by from sits.
travelcats Post author
Thanks Melissa for stopping by!
Mary Post author
This looks like something I should buy for my granddaughter she travels alot!
travelcats Post author
I am sure your granddaughter would love it!
Laura Post author
I totally second the secret sweater thing – I have a very similar one and it works a charm, especially when you are in a place that is in-between seasons and you want to layer without feeling weighed down. Great post and love the pics 🙂
Just popping over from Travel Tuesday linky
Laura x
http://www.sidestreetstyle.com
travelcats Post author
Thanks Laura. Yes, that is another great time when it comes in handy, during season changes.
Meredith Post author
I’m definitely looking into getting one of these before my next trip (so, very soon)! I was lamenting the lack of layer versatility on this Scotland trip and have actually been looking around for options – serendipity! I also really appreciate anything that has its own case making stow-and-go easier. Great review 🙂
travelcats Post author
Yes, I could see it being very useful in a place like Scotland! It’ll fit in even fairly small purses – it is about the size of a billfold or clutch but “squashable”.
Anna @ eatseedoblog Post author
Wow this is absolutely brilliant. I love compact things that turn from one thing into another! I want one of these!
travelcats Post author
Something to put on your holiday wish list perhaps?
Meghan Post author
This sounds AMAZING! I have to get one. I’m always looking for new, lightweight, versatile accessories for traveling and this seems perfect. My one question about it is whether it dries quickly. Sometimes I have to hand-wash items on the road and hope they dry overnight. It’s not essential, but a nice perk. Anyway, I’ll be picking one of these up before my next trip. Thank you for sharing!
travelcats Post author
Hi Meghan! You know, I did handwash the Secret Sweater and it did dry overnight (checked it about 10 hours later). However, after washing I used a towel to get rid of all the excess water and it was hung very close to a heater overnight. So I think if you do this you should be OK as long as you are not in a humid place. It definitely doesn’t dry as well as the synthetic quick-dry materials since it is half cotton (which makes it a lot softer), but it did well in my one test.
Louisa Post author
Great idea as I get cold on planes, but don’t want bulky layers!
travelcats Post author
Yes, I agree, think the Secret Sweater will be particularly handy on airplanes.
Amy Post author
I could see using this sweater at work and while traveling. I love buying local too! Thank you for the tip.
travelcats Post author
You’re welcome and my thoughts exactly (local, made in USA, and great for traveling!).
Cheryl Cholley Post author
Hi Jessica,
That secret sweater looks like a wonderful item to carry with you while traveling. All of your comments seem reasonable and helpful. I can certainly imagine having one in my backpack wherever I go. And I agree about San Francisco. If the sun is shining, take an umbrella. As Mark Twain so aptly put it, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” No wonder the inventor came up with such a handy piece of clothing.
travelcats Post author
Yes, the crazy temperature fluxes of the Bay area (my current home as well so it is no wonder why I need one!).