If you’re anything like me, you mostly associate cozy sweaters with autumn leaves or a snowy winter morning with a cup of something warm in hand. But, hear me out, sweaters absolutely deserve a place in your wardrobe rotation well beyond fall and winter. 

I’m of the belief that spring and summer sweaters bring a versatility that goes far beyond chilly afternoons. They’re the kind of item you’ll reach for on breezy beach evenings, in air-conditioned offices, on flights or layered over a sundress on a cool night.

I’ve long been a champion of the lightweight sweater, and today I’m sharing exactly why, plus my favorite styling tips, fabric considerations, and, of course, a few brand suggestions that are tried-and-true favorites of mine.

The Best Sweaters for Spring and Summer

Why Lightweight Sweaters Are Essential for Spring and Summer

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make with their wardrobe is packing away all their knits once spring hits. But the right sweater can be the ultimate piece for unpredictable weather. Lightweight layers mean you’re ready for a morning chill, breezy afternoons or a sharp drop in temperature after sunset when you’re outdoor dining on a great vacation.

Beyond function, sweaters can add beautiful texture and polish to your warm-weather outfits. Toss a cotton sweater over your shoulders with a linen dress for an effortless summery vibe or style a short-sleeve knit with your favorite trousers for a put-together, office-ready ensemble.

And let’s not forget travel! If you’re planning a spring or summer trip to Europe, a sweater is practically mandatory. European springs and even summers can be quite temperamental and a lightweight sweater takes up minimal suitcase space while providing major outfit mileage. (You can see what I mean in my Europe Summer Packing List, as well as What to Pack for France in Summer and What to Pack for London in Summer.)

Fabrics to Look for in Spring and Summer Sweaters

A spring or summer sweater starts with the right fabric. Skip the heavy cashmere and thick wool, and instead reach for one of the following.

Cotton

Breathable, classic, and soft, cotton is my absolute go-to for warm-weather knits. 

Linen blends

Linen is naturally cooling and airy, perfect for summer layering. Look for linen-cotton blends to avoid too much wrinkling. 

Lightweight merino wool

While you might think of merino as a winter staple, a featherweight version is often widely available at retailers and is excellent for travel and temperature swings. Merino is temperature regulating and odor resistant — a dream fabric when you’re living out of a suitcase.

Cashmere blends

If you want a little luxury, a cashmere-cotton blend can be surprisingly wearable in spring, especially for evenings.

I always recommend checking the weight of the knit when shopping — you want something that feels breezy enough to drape or tie over your shoulders, but not so thick that it will feel stifling.

Styling Ideas for Spring & Summer Sweaters

If you’re wondering exactly how to style a sweater for warmer months, here are a few ideas that I return to year after year.

1. Draped over your shoulders

This is my personal favorite way to style a sweater in spring and summer, and one of the simplest ways to elevate an outfit instantly. Tie a sweater over your shoulders with a dress or button-down.

2. Tied Over your Shoulders

Or tie the sleeves into a neat little bow atop a favorite summer dress. 

3. With denim shorts

A slouchy, chunky cotton crewneck with cut-off denim shorts is a classic look with Americana vibes and feels perfectly beachy. Think summer nights around the fire pit or a morning pastry and coffee walk along the seaside. 

4. Over a slip dress

For dinners al fresco, layer a lightweight sweater over a slip dress. Knot the hem at your waist to give your silhouette some shape, or wear it loose for a more relaxed look.

5. With white jeans

I love a monochromatic look so adding a favorite sweater with white jeans is a great transitional look I rely on in spring and fall. I also love a lighter weight striped knit with white jeans and a pair of chic sandals or espadrilles come summer, it’s a chic nautical inspired look.

6. Paired with tailored trousers

For office days or city weekends, a short-sleeve sweater is a polished alternative to a t-shirt. Pair it with tailored trousers or wide-leg pants for a refined yet comfortable look.

Related: How to Style Trousers

7. With tonal neutrals

An easy to master summer look is pairing tonal neutrals together like a white t-shirt dress with camel colored sweater and cognac colored accessories.

8. A Lady Jacket Style

A lightweight lady jacket style is super cute for Spring. Particularly in stripes or another springy hue.

9. With Classic Blue Jeans

I will never tire of a striped knit or a good spring sweater with classic blue jeans. In spring I’ll often add a trench coat as the perfect classic topper and extra layer.

10. With Spring-Summer Accessories

In spring or late summer when it’s no-jacket weather but still a bit cool, pair a sweater with spring and summer accessories like woven mules or raffia sandals. 

11. With a Midi Skirt

Draped over your shoulders, or worn fully on, a sweater with a full skirt dress is so ladylike and a go-to look for me in the summer.

And don’t forget knit tanks! Perfect for summer layering. This one is a particular favorite – I own a size XL in it as it runs quite fitted. 

Color Considerations for Warm Weather

While my knitwear collection personally skews towards neutrals in ivory, camel, black, white and navy, you can of course add softer tones come spring and summer. Consider:

• Soft pastels like blush pink, butter yellow, sky blue or sage green

• Crisp nautical navy and white stripes

• Pops of cheery color — think coral, sunny yellow or even a fresh mint color

These shades will pair beautifully with summer fabrics like linen, chambray, or white denim and keep your look light and seasonal.

The Best Sweaters for Spring and Summer: Brands Worth Shopping

If you’ve been around wit & whimsy for any length of time, you know I champion timeless, high-quality pieces from brands I trust. For sweaters that will transition perfectly into spring and summer, here are a few brands I recommend:

• Sézane: Beautiful French styling, lovely striped knits and high-quality cotton sweaters. In the summertime they offer a lot of cool sleeveless styles and crochet-inspired knits. Just avoid their alpaca knits come warmer weather. They are much too hot! Related: The Best Sézane Essentials.

• J.Crew: Their cotton fisherman sweaters are iconic for a reason and come in plenty of warm-weather hues. Don’t miss their Summer Rollneck sweater, new for this year, and the cashmere tee.

• Jenni Kayne: A splurge, but their linen-cashmere and lightweight cotton sweaters are the definition of California cool. In spring and summer I like the Chloe sweater and the Finley cardigan. The Flynn is good, too, as is the Everyday Sweater. Related: My Jenni Kayne Review, and use my code MEGHANDONO10 for 10% off.

• Alex Mill: Great for classic, slightly tomboyish silhouettes in fun seasonal colors. This short sleeve cotton and linen cardigan looks so versatile for warmer weather!

• La Ligne: My favorite knitwear brand. The Ben sweater is my most worn in spring and summer because of the dreamy, lightweight fabric that feels super luxe and because it takes up next to no space in my suitcase for all my travel. But, truthfully, so many of their sweaters are great year round. I particularly love the Lean Lines and the Marina for warmer months, as well as the Lean Lines cardigan. Their sweater are an investment, but you’ll reach for them again and again (once you know, you know). See my favorites styled with size guidance in my La Ligne Sweaters Review and use my code MEGHAND10 for 10% off first orders.

Sweater Care Tips for Spring & Summer

Since spring and summer sweaters see a different kind of wear (sweat, sunscreen, seaside breezes) they need a bit of extra love. Here’s how to make yours last:

• Wash gently: Stick to hand washing or delicate cycles with a gentle detergent in cold water and always lay your sweaters flat to dry. Or you can always dry clean pieces if you prefer.

• Use a sweater comb: Pilling is part of life. If you notice pilling, a gentle sweater comb will tidy things up quickly or a fabric shaver.

• Avoid over-washing: Often you can get away with airing out your sweater after a wear or two, especially if layered over another top.

• Store properly: Fold rather than hang to avoid stretching if you can (some of us with small closets can’t do this sadly!), and then you could also consider a breathable cotton storage bag for offseason.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spring and Summer Sweaters

What types of sweaters are best for summer?

The best sweaters for summer are made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that provide coverage without feeling super heavy and uncomfortable. Cotton sweaters are my personal favorite for everyday wear, while linen-blend knits are ideal for particularly hot destinations!

Look for relaxed silhouettes, open weaves that allow a breeze in and thinner knits that can easily be layered over dresses, tanks or swimwear.

What fabrics should you avoid in summer sweaters?

I’d advise skipping on sweaters made from heavier materials like chunky wool, alpaca and thick cashmere. While these fabrics are cozy in fall and winter, they can quickly feel too warm for spring and summer wear! 

Are cotton sweaters good for warm weather?

Yes, cotton sweaters are one of the best options for warm weather! Cotton is naturally breathable, lightweight and easy to care for, making it ideal for spring and summer layering.

A classic cotton crewneck or cardigan can be worn over a sundress on a cool evening, layered for travel days or draped over your shoulders as a stylish accessory (one of my favorite ways to style a sweater!)

What sweater should I pack for Europe in summer?

Shop Sweaters for Spring and Summer

 

Let this be your sign that sweaters absolutely should play a role in your spring and summer wardrobe. Of course not on the excruciatingly hot days.

But, from draped-over-your-shoulders chic to slip-dress layering, sweaters can be a stylish hero piece for spring and summer when in the right fabric. 

And if you’re looking for more inspiration on building a wearable, versatile wardrobe, you might enjoy my posts on capsule wardrobe essentials.

Here’s to sweaters all year long. Who is with me!?

You May Also Like:

• How to Style Satin Pants.
• Things I’ll Be Wearing This Summer.
• Shop My Knitwear Collection.

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