10 Zip-up Sweaters Under $100 for Spring Travel

When it comes to building the perfect travel day outfit, you can really never go wrong with opting for a simple sweatshirt as your top layer of choice. But over the last few months, zip-up sweatshirts have reasserted their dominance as the prime selection for casual wear, and after adding a lightweight option from Athleta to my wardrobe, the style quickly became my favorite pick from hot girl walks to cross-country flights. 

Now I’m on the hunt for another breathable zip-up to add to my collection, and after scanning the likes of Lululemon, Amazon, Everlane, and more, I feel confident I’ve found the 10 best picks for spring — all for under $100. If you’re also looking to upgrade your travel wardrobe or are simply longing for the unparalleled delight of slipping into a new sweatshirt, keep reading to find my top candidates to pack for all your spring adventures. Prices start at just $33, and with a broad selection of fabrics, colors, and fits, you should have no trouble finding the zip-up that’s best suited for your style.

Athleta Forever Fleece Crop Full Zip

I’ve been wearing this cropped full-zip sweatshirt in the springy Punch shade since it launched earlier this season, so I was thrilled to find that the same style is on sale in the equally vibrant Juniper color. The interior is lined with a dreamy fleece that’s so soft I hardly ever want to take it off, and the zipper easily glides up and down, making this sweatshirt a breeze to slide into on the go. However, the real highlight is the convenient thumbholes that keep the sleeves firmly in place (and were especially useful when I wore this hoodie under my jacket when the weather was colder). From the gym to the airport, this sweatshirt is a mainstay in my rotation.

Aritzia Cozy Sweatfleece Perfect Zip Hoodie

Another prized possession in my closet, this hoodie is, as the name suggests, perfect. It’s lined with ultra-soft fleece and, while it keeps me warm, it’s still lightweight enough to wear well into spring without causing me to overheat during my travels. This sweatshirt strikes the ideal balance between oversized and fitted, resulting in an effortlessly cool drape, and it looks just as great when paired with matching sweatpants as it does with my favorite baggy jeans. At $85, it’s certainly more of an investment, but seeing as it’s made mostly of cotton, it’ll maintain its integrity wash after wash.

Athleta Forever Fleece Half-Zip Hoodie

Easy to slip on and the optimal weight for spring, this cozy half-zip hoodie is the ultimate travel essential — and luckily, it’s on sale for $49 in select colors. The half-zip design can be slipped over your head without mussing up your hair and makeup, while a roomy kangaroo pouch is the ideal place to store your phone and even an in-flight snack. It’s made from an ultra-soft cotton blend that’s gentle against the skin and breathable as the weather heats up, and it even comes fitted with a hood so you can bundle up during chilly travel days.

Automet Women’s Half-zip Sweatshirt

This best-selling Amazon sweatshirt is a warm, versatile pick that’s as useful for running errands as it is for a casual evening lounging around your hotel room. The half-zip design can be worn open or with a little more coverage, and the large front pocket has enough space to hold your phone, wallet, and other everyday items. Its boxier fit won’t leave you feeling restricted by rigid fabric, and it’s also made with built-in thumbholes to keep your sleeves from bunching up.

Madewell Ribbed Zip-front Cardigan

The beauty of the zip-up trend is that your options aren’t limited to just sweatshirts. In fact, this knit cardigan is a more elevated take on the look that’s just as travel-friendly and comfortable — and it’s even double discounted to $70 right now with the code EXTRASALE at checkout. A fitted, ribbed hem and a cropped cut alongside a foldover collar all add to the thoughtful detailing of this sweater. Plus, since it’s fitted with a zipper, it’s especially easy to slip on and off as the temperature fluctuates throughout the day. It’s an excellent layer to transition into the warmer months with, and it’s made from 100 percent cotton, which ensures it will remain in great condition even if you reach for it every day. 

Prettygarden Women’s Zip-up Hoodie

Available in 20 pretty shades, this simple zip-up hoodie will pair well with everything in your suitcase, making it a go-to for travel days, sightseeing excursions, and beyond. It’s made from a soft and lightweight cotton and polyester blend that’s ideal for chilly mornings and warmer afternoons, and the longline, oversized fit is relaxed and comfortable enough to wear unzipped or bundled up. At just $37, you can’t go wrong with this breezy layer that’s earned an impressive 4.4-star average at Amazon.

Everlane The Laid-back Half-zip Sweatshirt

Just because you’re wearing a sweatshirt doesn’t mean you need to lean entirely into the loungewear look. In fact, this relaxed-fit Everlane half-zip is stylish enough to be paired with trousers, flowy linen pants, or a matching pair of sweatpants, all while keeping you comfy during your next travel day. Available in three neutral shades, this fleece-lined sweatshirt is a great basic to keep on hand that you can style numerous ways, and it’s casually cool with dropped shoulders, a slightly baggy fit, and a thick hem. The funnel neck is a unique detail that covers your skin from overly chilly flights, and it’s even earned a near-perfect 4.6-star rating on-site from happy shoppers.

Lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-zip Hoodie

Lululemon excels at crafting fashionable yet functional activewear, and its uber-popular Scuba Hoodies are a testament to that. Luckily, this oversized iteration is currently marked down to $89 in several eye-catching, vibrant shades, and it’s primed to become your new favorite travel layer. The cropped, boxy fit allows you to lean into the oversized style without looking too casual, while the deep zip offers the choice of how much of your base layer you have peeking through. The sweatshirt has a large pocket at its front, built-in thumbholes, and a fleece lining that offers just enough warmth for the unpredictable spring weather.

Gap VintageSoft Zip Hoodie

If you’re looking for a hoodie that achieves the perfect boyfriend fit, why not snag a menswear option? This vintage-style hoodie from Gap is a no-frills pick that has everything you’d want in your go-to sweatshirt, from an adjustable, drawstring hood to two cozy pockets. It’s now on sale for 40 percent off in select shades, but perhaps the most timeless selection is this light heathered gray that will match with just about any pair of sweatpants or leggings you have in your suitcase. Brushed fleece fabric delivers on quality and comfort, and the baggy, oversized fit will be a dream for long days on the go when you’re looking for some of the familiarity of home.

J.Crew New Heritage Fleece Zip-up Hoodie

J.Crew’s spring shopping event provides the best opportunity to score the New Heritage Fleece Zip-up Hoodie for an impressive 42 percent off, and seeing as it’s earned an impressive 4.9-star average rating on-site, you’re not going to want to let this deal pass you by. The slightly oversized, baggy hoodie is simple and timeless, coming in two light shades that are spring-ready and always on-trend. It’s made from a largely cotton blend that’s soft and lightweight, making it great for year-round wear, so whether you throw it on over a bathing suit during your next beach trip or add it to your personal item for in-flight wear, you’re sure to get plenty of mileage out of this wardrobe staple.

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