The Best Summer Sweaters Work Now and Straight Through Fall
As someone who lives in coastal New England, I have deemed a summer sweater a necessity that lasts well before the heat arrives and well after. Not only does a summer knit-and-shorts combo make you look like the hero in a Nancy Meyers movie, but it's, of course, incredibly functional. Summer nights can turn cool and also buggy, as the sun starts to go down, so it’s crucial to always have an extra layer at the ready, especially if you’re anywhere near water. What makes a great summer sweater that can transition into fall is, first, breathable, easy-to-wash fabrics that hold up against sun and saltwater over time. In building a capsule of these sweaters, I would suggest a variety of weights and styles ranging from casual to dressy, including some pops of color and prints for novelty. There’s no need to go crazy, but having a few sturdy options will serve you well on all different kinds of occasions for the summers to come and to bookend the seasons.
Crochet is a gorgeous addition to any summer sweater collection, but at times it can come across a little old-fashioned. This Frame breaks convention with a more fitted shape and an all-black finish; this isn’t your granny’s crochet cardi. Pair it with something sheer underneath, like a slip dress or a bra top, with jeans, for a sexy look that won’t leave you freezing when the sun sets.
Whaler Knits sweaters are made to order in their Fall River, MA, mill, which is a rarity in 2026. All of their knits are sturdy with an impeccable fit, and their iconic rollneck in a soft cotton stripe is the real New England deal. A rollneck goes with anything from a classic pair of jeans to a printed silk skirt for an utterly timeless look.
This pop-of-color cardigan in a delightful seashell pointelle might actually tick all the boxes: functional, playful, and seasonal. And the best part? The 100 percent cotton fabric is great for easy wash-and-wear, especially while traveling; no dry cleaning required!
Contrary to popular belief, red can absolutely double as a neutral. Test the theory with this thick-knit cotton number from Boden in a fiery orange that will go with way more than expected in any closet. Especially so when paired with gorgeous sun-kissed skin towards the end of the season.
A wide-knit, semi-sheer linen sweater is a sexier, beachy knit that looks fabulous over a bikini, lightweight cargo pants, and flip-flops. This vacation-bound staple from Banana Republic in a soft butter yellow is a no-brainer.
A super seasonal quirky knit option is not to be overlooked. While this Rowing Blazers tomato girl summer sweater may be less “practical” than, say, a super plain neutral, there’s nothing wrong with indulging in some whimsy at this playful time of year. Wear it with everything from cutoffs to a lace-trim slip dress underneath and start a conversation or two; you never know where a summer night can lead!
Cardigans are a crucial silhouette for transitional dressing, especially when the weather shifts easily. I also love being able to show off an interesting top underneath, like a silk cami or graphic tee, without sacrificing warmth or totally covering up the rest of the look. A simple navy cotton one will definitely get a ton of wear.
A playful jacquard knit depicting summer is so nostalgic that it can't possibly go out of style. Leave it to Bode to capture this devastatingly perfect vintage feeling in a beautiful wool-and-cotton-blend cardigan with splurge-worthy hand-beading. If taken good care of, this piece has heirloom potential written all over it.
Sustainability trailblazer Eileen Fisher is true to a breathable summer knit, not new. This tunic-proportion wrap sweater is a minimalist’s dream for its clean line and design restraint. In black, it will look great with a cream long slip skirt or sleek black ponte capris, soaking up the end of summer and right into warm fall days in the city.
Fully lean into summer preppy style with this timeless Ralph Lauren cotton cable knit hoodie. The versatility of the added hood and zipper transforms a go-to style into something sportier and even more functional than the original. Pop it over a maxi dress to be boat-ready, or over a matching tee-and-shorts set for early-morning bagel runs on the weekend.
This very sheer pointelle cardigan in tencel with a tiny bit of silk is a great option for a dressier evening cover-up. Because of its nature, this particular color will work best as a pop against a lighter neutral, a brighter hue with yellow tones (think oranges, pinks, or light greens), or an equally colorful print.
Overtly nautical in the best way possible, Tanner Fletcher’s take on J.Crew’s iconic rollneck features a navy-and-white sailor-style "kerchief" detail. This collaboration sweater is a collector’s item for sure, but classic enough to keep in a steady rotation for many summers ahead.
Varley’s retro-sporty, very breathable mesh cotton half-zip is an ideal sweater for transitional workout moments like cool tennis mornings or a sunset run on the beach. The green-and-white colorway is one to wear into fall, layered under a dark wool blazer and coordinating baggy trousers.
A nubbly-textured cotton polo sweater is the perfect mix of preppy and granola—a sweet spot for summer weekend fashion. And knitwear authority Naadam really knows how to nail down a perfect sweater at a great price. This one will look great with clean khakis as it would with a pair of well-worn cargos and pretty much everything else in between.
The “It” knitwear brand with a cult following, &Daughter, recently launched their “T-Knits” in cotton that are designed to be worn as easily as T-shirts but with the masterful level of their knits. This graphic retro stripe will no doubt be on a steady rotation with a denim mini now and wide-leg corduroys come fall.
This open-shoulder sweater provides warmth when needed but also the short-lived opportunity to show off sun-kissed shoulders in the height of summer. This carefree style from Mango has slightly bell-out sleeves with some crochet detail for a touch of boho that will look great with loose white jeans or a linen maxi skirt to really drive the point home.
The textural buttons on this heavy-knit cotton cardigan from Demylee double as jewelry when it’s just too hot to think about accessorizing. This detail makes it a perfect travel companion when packing a lot of jewelry feels daunting, and the dark grey colorway creates a gorgeous monochromatic look.
This timeless cricket sweater in a 70 percent cotton, 30 percent cashmere blend has a subtle softness and luxury feel that only Nili Lotan can bring to the table in such a wearable way. This is definitely an investment knit, but one that will carry you for years to come. Try pairing with jean shorts now or a long knit wool skirt in fall and winter.
A gingham picnic-y print is irresistible this time of year, and it’s safe to argue that plaid is pretty much a neutral. This sweet, retro-inspired cardigan from J.Crew in a light blue and white micro-check will look just as adorable tied around the neck with a tank and denim shorts as it does over a white cotton dress.
J. Press' contemporary take on preppy staples is hard to ignore for carefree summertime dressing. This cotton intarsia sweater with a beach rover on it is simply irresistible with soft, baggy jeans and flip-flops for a card game and beers on the porch at nightfall.
Even if a trip to Nantucket isn't on your summer bingo card, you can still look the part. Tuckernuck collaborated with the iconic Nantucket Red (a faded red hue associated with classic Nantucket clothier Murray's Toggery) for a perfectly slouchy, wide-knit cotton crew neck. Do like they do on Nantucket and wear it with everything until it's seasoned just so.
An authentic Cowichan sweater (knit by Indigenous artisans in Vancouver and British Columbia), of course, comes with the association with "The Dude," but it's a timeless style that doubles as a summer "jacket" for camping or coastal elements when it really dips. You'll have this one forever.
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