Including lightweight cardigans and breezy sweaters for the beach.
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Updated June 10, 2024: This article on the best sweaters for women was updated with fresh product picks for summer and top editor’s choice recommendations, along with sweater outfit inspiration and trend insights for 2024.
Sweaters are a wardrobe secret weapon in every season — even summer. You may find yourself needing a cozy cover-up to brave a sunny beach day that’s turned gray, or a trusty topper in frigid AC at the office or on a plane, so a lightweight knit is always helpful to have on hand. Whether it be a thin and versatile cardigan, a breeze-blocking crewneck, or an open-weave top, our picks for the best sweaters for women earn high marks for breathability, high-quality durability, and timeless style that leans into the season’s top trends. Related Articles Fashion The TikTok-Famous Tory Burch Fleming Bag Is on Sale for $200 Off at Walmart Right Now Fashion Features The Top Trends for Rag & Bone, Veronica Beard and More Contemporary Brands for Resort 2025
What’s better than an emotional-support sweater? Luckily, you don’t have to leave it behind for summer, even as temps continue to rise. “I believe that knitwear is a very effective purchase,” says Chloé Harrouche, creative director and founder of Loulou Studio. “They are pieces that will follow you and sit very close to your skin.” You May Also Like
The key to transitioning knitwear for warmer weather lies in its fabrication and weave. Breathable materials like cotton and cashmere are lightweight, while wide gauges allow the breeze to hit your skin, still providing effective coverage and comfort. Knitwear can play as a lightweight layer or a top in and of itself, offering multiple ways of wear (which also comes in handy for summer travel). Styles that can be unbuttoned, tied over the shoulder or rolled up at the sleeve — all of which are included in our shopping list — get extra versatility points, as they can apply to many outfit formulas for all occasions.
Sweaters come in many different silhouettes, with each one brings a different vibe for summer styling. Contemporary trends are leaning into “quiet luxury” inspired silhouettes, like V-neck tennis sweaters or nautical stripes that bring a posh attitude to ensembles for work or play. Similarly, preppy and retro styles like sweater vests and polo cardigans are continuing to take shape in hot new releases from brands like Mango, J.Crew, and Open Edit as updated takes on timelessly flattering shapes.
“A modern take on knitwear calls for a blurring of the lines,” Harrouche says. “To look at the pieces with fresh eyes, to elevate and not put it in boxes. A fine cashmere sweater with jeans, a chunky jumper with silk trousers — these balanced contrasts, I believe, create the strongest silhouettes.”
Below, shop our edit of the best summer sweaters for women, along with expert tips and tricks to curate a timeless sweater collection, and sunny weather outfit inspiration featuring our favorite knits.
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Now that summer’s here, your heavy wool blends won’t be of much use, so it’s due time for a lightweight swap. The best women’s sweaters for summer come in a wide range of silhouettes, fabrications, and styles, so rather than selecting a singular universal recommendation, we’ve compiled our top three picks that’ll keep you covered without making you break a sweat. We evaluated our top picks based on essential criteria, like stylish versatility, comfortable materials, and long-term durability, so you can rely on a summer’s worth of wear and then some. Below, the top sweaters on our wish list this season.
Specially-designed for beach, this bestselling and top-rated crewneck from J.Crew will be your bestie all summer long. Featuring a textural and lightweight cotton knit, along with bold ribbed trims, this style is easy to throw on when you feel a chill in the air. We love this buttery yellow shade that’s on-trend this season, but you can choose from vibrant hues and staple neutrals that’ll no doubt carry you well through fall. What testers say: “I bought this in two colors and I’m going back for more! It’s the perfect length and fit (a little loose fit but not baggy) and looks good both dressed up and with shorts and flat sandals. It has a more open weave and is great for cool summer evenings and ‘not so warm’ days. I’m 5’4, usually an XS/S, but ordered the small for a slight over-sized fit.” Versatility: 5/5 rating | Comfort: 5/5 rating | Durability: 5/5 rating Price upon publish date of this article: $98
The beauty of a sweater vest is that you can wear it all season long as a top in the summer, then easily transition it for fall over a long-sleeved tee when the temps start to drop. This polished style from Abercrombie features a blend of nylon, cotton, and viscose that’s not only super soft but also breathable — meaning it won’t leave you breaking a sweat. Its slim-fitting silhouette appears slightly cropped, which pairs perfect with high-waisted jeans and midi skirts, while its V-neckline is just deep enough to show a little sun-kissed skin. What testers say: “I have worn this vest so many times I’ve lost count! I live in Florida and love to wear it by itself or with a tank under. But I’ve also worn it up north with a tee and it was cute too!! So many ways to style it. I just purchased another color!” Versatility: 4.9/5 rating | Comfort: 5/5 rating | Durability: 4.9/5 rating Price upon publish date of this article: $50
This chic sailor sweater from Banana Republic covers all the bases: A comfy and slouchy fit, breathable linen material, and a summery “quiet luxury” attitude. Inspired by vintage sailor uniforms, the new, oversized long-sleeve sweater features a wide-laying sailor collar with a straight ribbed hem that comfortably cinches the waist. Throw it over your swimsuit for a day on the coast, or style it with slacks to brave the chilly AC at the office. Versatility: 4.9/5 rating | Comfort: 5/5 rating | Durability: 5/5 rating Price upon publish date of this article: $160
This cardigan from Open Edit fronts a design that melds a classic polo collar with a sleek and flattering longline fit. Its thin fabrication won’t weight you down in the sun, and it makes for a versatile topper you can wear with trousers at work or open as a lightweight layer over a tank top or tee on the weekends. Pro tip: secure the middle two buttons to cinch your waist and create a flared-out hourglass shape over baggy jeans and skirts. What testers say: “I love the material — it has a slight sheen to it. I love that it will dress up any outfit. Nice fit and perfect length!” Price upon publish date of this article: $26.97
Tenniscore, anyone? The sporty-chic, mid-weight style is one of the biggest trends of the season, with vintage-inspired knits being an essential element of the aesthetic. This oversized Bandier sweater hits the nail on the head with retro-striping, a deep V-neckline, cable panelling, and embroidered touches that underscore its “old money” appeal. Price upon publish date of this article: $180
You can still wear knits head-to-toe in the heat with a lightweight sweater set like this one from Free People. It includes a longline, tunic-fit boatneck top with high side slits for exceptional breathability, along with pull-on ribbed shorts. Not only does this matching pair make you look especially put-together, it simplifies daily styling and allows you to mix and match with other pieces — so ideal for travel. What testers say: “Love this! I got it in black and I’m ordering it in the Wet Plaster color. I love that I can wear this and still breastfeed in it! Perfect for summer and in the winter I can layer over a long sleeve. Highly recommend! I ordered just for the top, the shorts are a little bonus but I’ll mainly wear with jean shorts or pants. I’m 5’10, long torso, 150 pounds and ordered a small. The length is good.” Price upon publish date of this article: $78
Women S Sweaters There’s nothing worse than sitting down for a sunset dinner only to be left shivering by the time dessert is served. This one-shoulder sweater is the solution. It’s reminiscent of a blouse or dressy top in silhouette, with a lightweight cashmere and linen fabrication that provides insulation and cozy-softness when a tank or tube top is a no-go. It drapes beautifully over the torso for a laid-back-yet-polished feel, and this Sugar Melon colorway is sure to sparkle under the moonlight all night long. Price upon publish date of this article: $160