Style Roundup: Summer Weight Sweaters
Sweaters to go from sweltering days to breezy nights

By Style Girlfriend | Aug 7 2018
It may not be fully sweater weather yet (shout out to the 150% humidity yesterday), but there’s still a case to be made for a lightweight sweater on a breezy night or even a day when you want to add a stylish element to your look without overheating. The versatility of a breathable sweater during summer definitely deserves some praise…and a spot in your closet.
Pull on one of these summer weight sweaters:
1. Banana Republic, $50
Wear it Well: Fabric choice will make or break your summer weight sweater. Go for cotton, linen, or super fine merino wool to keep you cool.
2. Brooks Brothers, $298
3. Topman, $40
Wear it Well: With sweater thinness comes responsibility…to layer the right way. Be cognizant of what you layer under your sweater because it will be much more visible.
4. NN07, $200
5. Rag & Bone, $225
6. J.Crew, $50
Wear it Well: You know SG HQ loves a good stripe for summer. Mix up the nautical style with a pocket and you’ll have yourself the perfect weekend look.
7. Club Monaco, $112
Wear it Well: A loose knit cotton sweater can flirt with the line of being see-through, so be sure to layer underneath.
8. Neil Barret, $495
9. Alex Mill, $195
10. NN07, $120
Wear it Well: Skip the OCBD and reach for a sharp t-shirt or a classic polo for a layered look that’s also functional.
11. Old Navy, $30
12. Saturdays, $165
13. L.L Bean, $50
14. Cos, $89
15. Express, $41
Tell me:
How do you seize sweaters during the summer? Are you all for layers or do you keep it simple?
Want tips on which trends to try and which to skip? Sign-up for the SG newsletter to get our favorite products, style advice, and a free color guide to brightening up your wardrobe.
I really like the Perry Ellis sweater above, great pattern with the shot of color. Summer is a time to keep things simple for me. The only time I need a little bit of a layer is if I’m on the lake or on the Cape at night; if that’s the case I keep a light canvas windbreaker handy, something that I can pull on if I need it; or sometimes a well faded/soft denim over-shirt. I’ve tried summer sweaters in the past and they too often sit unworn. I do like seeing the styles, I guess I run too hot in the summer to wear them.
Mmm, canvas windbreakers..so preppy, so cool. Total JFK vibes
For some reason, I never cared much for sweaters. Especially when I’d rather have my outerwear do the talking. That being said, I’m not opposed to having a cool cardigan that can double as a jacket. Gotta love that Zara number with its raglan sleeves.
And being blessed with SF Bay Area weather, I’m all about the layers. Even though summer is tricky, a lightweight jacket such as my cotton-linen bomber or a denim jacket and a simple tee or casual shirt will work fine for me in the summer.
Good call on the cool cardigans..maybe they deserve their own standalone post; what do you think?
At any rate, most probably.
And don’t even get me started on sweater jackets! I’m pretty sure you can find some nice sweater jackets out there whose silhouettes mimic bombers, bikers and what-have-you. Not unlike those knit blazers Uniqlo often sells. They’re the most underrated stuff in the realm of sweaters, IMO.
To be honest, I’m about ready for fall sweaters right about now! But who’s counting the days until fall?
DJ- http://www.tailormade-style.com
Ha, I think you’re the only one! Yes, it’s hot, but I love me some summer weather..
Ha, I think you’re the only one! Yes, it’s hot, but I love me some summer weather..
i purchased a few lightweight cashmere sweaters from Ralph at the beginning of this season that are perfect for a cooler night. i wear them by themselves up top with a pair of summer trousers and some monks or loafers. its a very simple and clean look that’s perfect for a date night.
Love it!
It is way too hot and humid here in Florida for summer sweaters as I’m sure you know Brittany. I like the idea of them but I just can’t wear them.
Ha! Talk about humidity…but, at night I always bring a sweater if I’m anywhere near the water’s breeze
I loved sweaters growing up in Chicago, but very rarely wear them since moving to Los Angeles. Even then, never really wore them in the summer. I’ll just roll down the sleeves of my button down or throw on a light coat.
Are collared sweaters a thing now? That’s the first time I’d ever seen them.
And the red/white striped one from Gant? Unless you’re Waldo, I can’t see anyone pulling that thing off. Same with that really weird patterened Perry Ellis one.
I loved sweaters growing up in Chicago, but very rarely wear them since moving to Los Angeles. Even then, never really wore them in the summer. I’ll just roll down the sleeves of my button down or throw on a light coat.
Are collared sweaters a thing now? That’s the first time I’d ever seen them.
And the red/white striped one from Gant? Unless you’re Waldo, I can’t see anyone pulling that thing off. Same with that really weird patterened Perry Ellis one.
I agree with TJ, while it would be nice to layer here in Miami, it’s just not feasible. I have some partially lined cotton blazers that I throw on at times but even that’s tough. Here’s to looking forward to the Fall.
You guys are crazy! Summer foreverrr
Megan, spend a summer here and you’ll realize the summer (here) blows. Hard. There is no relief, even at night. Btw, I like merino v-neck sweaters here for layering – pretty light so less chance of sweating. But, i have not tried it during the summer, it’s already easy enough to sweat when outside..
I agree with TJ, while it would be nice to layer here in Miami, it’s just not feasible. I have some partially lined cotton blazers that I throw on at times but even that’s tough. Here’s to looking forward to the Fall.
That Scotch and Soda looks pretty sharp for September, or maybe night on a seaside jaunt. I may have to pick that up for my vacation and keep for autumn as St. Louis is… muggy in summer.
Loooove that one. Perfect for seaside/anywhere.
It still amuses me that there are places in the world where “summer weight sweaters” are necessary. Living in Texas, I long for the possibility of sweater weather while trying to figure out ways to sweat less.