20 Lightweight Sweaters to Wear All Summer
Perfect for chilly nights by the sea, freezing-cold offices, and beyond.
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A summer sweater may sound like an oxymoron at first, but once the sun sets for the day and the breeze outside picks up, you are probably going to have more need for it than you realize. The best sweaters for warm weather are made of breathable materials—such as cotton, linen, and silk—and are meant to be thin and lightweight (so you're not shvitzing in the sun), yet comfortable enough for chilly evenings.
Because I am someone who's perennially cold, I always have a sweater on hand in my bag, in the car, or at my desk (because the blasting AC in office is next level) no matter the season. So, yes, I have opinions and I've decided to share them all with you, along with my colleagues' favorites. From cashmere crewnecks to matching crochet sets and knitted polos, here are the best summer sweaters to buy now and wear all season long.
If you're a T&C reader, you already know we all-caps love everything Jenni Kayne. If not? Welcome. A good place to start is the Cotton Fisherman Sweater. With its relaxed silhouette and cooling fabrication, the pullover is the perfect combination of comfort and style. It works great with casual outfits, or you can throw it over your shoulders with a dress for dinner outings. There's also a cashmere version, which T&C's Roxanne Adamiyatt loves for the colder months.
Material: 100% cotton
Size Range: XS-3X
Summer and sweater may not be two words that typically go together, but summer and stripes certainly do. This cropped option from La Ligne is chunky but great for balmy days, and it also comes in a panoply of colors.
Material: 100% cotton
Size Range: XXS-3X
A lot of times, open knit reads as beachy. But this elevated option looks great layered over a camisole. Pair with linen pants, a brown leather belt, and loafers, and there! You have yourself a look for the office.
Material: Cotton/nylon/polyamide
Size Range: XS-XL
J.Crew's selection of summer sweaters are not to be missed. At the top of my wishlist is this pointelle pullover, which is the epitome of easy breezy. Great for everyday wear, but even better for bonfires on the beach, strolls along the boardwalk, and backyard barbecues.
Material: 100% cotton
Size Range: XXXS-3X
Yes, you can wear cashmere in July and August. The key is choosing one that's lightweight, soft, and thin (but not flimsy). NakedCashmere has a lot of great styles, including this classic crewneck that you can't go wrong with. Roxanne is also a fan, and the grass color is 10/10 if I do say so myself.
Material: 100% cashmere
Size Range: XS-L
From the brand behind T&C's favorite travel wrap, this simple v-neck style with contrast piping along the sides is crafted from a cotton-linen blend that'll feel pleasant on chilly summer nights, in the office, or at cold restaurants.
Material: 44% cotton, 36% linen, 20% recycled polyester
Size Range: XS-L
I love everything about this sweater: the rolled edges, the ribbing around the arms, and most of all, the butter yellow shade. Not to mention, it's made only of cotton. Alex Mill certainly understood the assignment.
Material: 100% cotton
Size Range: XS-XL
The best cashmere cardigan—bar none. I bought this in a pinch a few years ago, and it has since been in constant rotation year-round because the cashmere is yummy and lightweight. When the AC is on full blast indoors, it works like a charm. And when it's freezing cold outside, the cardigan layers wonderfully. Read more about why I love it, here.
Material: 100% cashmere
Size Range: XXXS-3X
Another open-knit sweater I am coveting, this sweater from The Elder Statesman is made completely of mulberry silk, making it suitable for warm days ahead. And the wasabi color? I'd go as far as to categorize it as a neutral. You'd be surprised how well that shade goes with most things.
Material: 100% mulberry silk
Size Range: XS-L
I love this crochet swear not only because of the vibrant color, but because it can go from beach to boardroom (with a tank underneath, of course) without a second thought. And the fact it's only $60? Too good to pass up.
Material: 59% polyester, 41% cotton
Size Range: XS-XL
A polo sweater is the perfect sweet spot style: you get the knitted fabrication and texture of a sweater, but in short sleeve form. I have my eyes on this zig-zag patterned one from Reiss. I'd style it with Bermuda shorts and a pair of jeans when the temps drop again.
Material: 62% viscose, 38% polyamide
Size Range: XS-L
Fun doesn't even begin to cut it with this colorful cropped half-zip sweater. It has the perfect amount of chunk to it, but isn't heavy, and just imagine how great it'll look with high-waisted shorts. I rest my case.
Material: 60% cotton, 40% acrylic
Size Range: XS-XL
For the ladies who can't seem to part with black from June to August, may I present you with this ribbed knit tank from Cos. Simple, elegant, and versatile—what more do you need? You can wear it solo, but if I were you, I'd pair it with its coordinating Bermuda shorts.
Material: 100% cotton
Size Range: XS-L
This summer sweater is made of 100 percent linen, so right off the bat you know it's going to be an airy one. But it's really the style that takes the cake for me. The vintage sailor silhouette combined with this periwinkle blue shade is A+.
Material: 100% flax (linen)
Size Range: XS/S-XL/XXL
Another great lightweight cardigan option courtesy of Boden. Made completely of linen, the contrasting style is comfortable enough to wear on even the most humid days.
Material: 100% linen
Size Range: XS-XL
I love everything Buck Mason makes (don't sleep on the tees!), but this waffle-knit crewneck was designed for summer days by the sea. It's light, breathable, relaxed, and the neutral color makes it seasonless.
Material: Cotton
Size Range: XS-XXL
With bell sleeves, an elegant collarbone-baring neckline, and a lovely floral motif, this crocheted sweater is a keeper. It can be styled with jeans, shorts, or even layered over your favorite summer dress.
Material: 70% wool 30% cashmere blend
Size Range: XS/S-M/L
The Koa has all the hallmarks of a classic summer sweater: a cropped cut that pairs fabulously with high-waisted denim shorts, a breathable cotton construction, and subtle blue and white striped print that feels refreshing.
Material: 100% cotton
Size Range: XS-XL
This three-quarter length crocheted sweater gives you color, texture, and dimension. That's one heck of a stylish trifecta.
Material: 100% cotton
Size Range: XS-XL
Mersea's Catalina is a summer go-to year after year because it's not too thick, not too thin, but just right. Not to mention, the loose fit looks flattering on all body types.
One shopper says: "The Catalina V-neck sweater is a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn as a cozy layer of protection during cold weather or as a plain sweater during warmer days. It pairs well with shorts, pants, skirts, or dresses, making it a great addition to any wardrobe. The sweater is incredibly soft, easy to wash, and continues to look fabulous even after many washes."
Material: 70% acrylic, 30% viscose
Size Range: OS/P
Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.
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