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Anyone who’s spent time in an aggressively air-conditioned room can tell you how essential a good summer cardigan is. Whether open-front or buttoned down, loose or fitted, the best cardigans for summer are made from lightweight, breathable materials that won’t feel suffocating in warm temperatures, while still giving you the insulation you need for those chilly breezes. provide an additional layer.
How to shop for the best cardigans for summer
Opt for Lightweight Materials
Stay away from thick, chunky knits made from fabrics like wool or acrylic that trap heat, Instead, look for fabrics that are lightweight and breathable; For example, a long-sleeved button-down cardigan in cotton or a cotton blend is a summer classic that won’t feel overly warm. And beyond cotton, there are plenty of other fabrics to choose from: rayon, model, chiffon, or viscose All are lightweight and less likely to trap heat, making them excellent choices for summer cardigans.
Choose an easy-breezy style
Summer is a great time to opt for a looser shape that will encourage airflow. An open-front cardigan is a great way to add a layer without sacrificing ventilation—and if you’ve been waiting for the right time to try out an on-trend duster cardigan, consider this your call to action (in just a Choose one of the) breezy fabrics to avoid overheating amidst all that fabric). But as a general rule, Less The fabric that’s on your body the better it is for warmer temperatures – you can’t go wrong with it. cute cropped cardigan Like a bolero, or a short sleeved cardi.
Colors and prints are another way to nod to warmer weather; Even a long-sleeved cardi can feel summer-ready in a floral print or light, bright color. Absolutely, Light colors have the added benefit of reflecting heatInstead of absorbing it like darker colors, that will help keep you cool.
Whether you’re seeking protection against nighttime winds and excessive air conditioners, or ultra-lightweight styles that can take you from the beach to cocktails, you’ll find what you’re looking for on this list of the best cardigans for summer. If you are, you will get it.
1
Editor’s Pick: This Loose-Fit Cardigan With Pretty Crocheted Blouson Sleeves
it beautiful cardigan Made with a loose fit and a deep V-neckline, ideal for allowing in some airflow, but the ribbed mid-weight construction will still provide comfort against the cold wind. But the shining star are those pretty, delicate pointel-stitched blouse sleeves, which will add a lovely, thoughtful touch to even the simplest pairing of cut-offs and a T-shirt.
Editor Appreciation: “This mid-weight cardi reminds me of some of my favorite vintage finds, and it’s perfect for a summer evening. The cotton material is great breathability and the crochet-style blouson sleeves let a bit of breeze flow. I Wear it with sandals and straight-leg denim, but would be perfect with a slouchy fit body-hugging dress.—Bustle Editor Anna Anderson
Shape: XX-Small – 5X , colour’s: 3 , Material: 55% cotton, 37% rayon, 8% nylon
2
This popular lightweight cardigan is available in multiple colors
It may have long sleeves and a high scoop neck, but the lightweight cotton blend of this Amazon Essentials cardigan ensures you won’t overheat. Backed by a 4.5-star overall rating after over 8,000 reviews, the fitted silhouette makes this a great choice to wear as a top; Or use it as a light layer on tanks and tees. With so many colors to choose from, you’re sure to find a favorite, and a bright hue like this sunny yellow will make it even more summer-appropriate.
Positive Reviews: “It layers well with short sleeves or sleeveless shirts to wear to the office come summer in Phoenix, where it can be hot outside but shivering inside. It will coordinate with the rest of my capsule wardrobe.”
Shape: X-Small – 6X , colour’s: 28 , Material: 55% cotton, 25% modal, 20% polyester
3
This short-sleeve ribbed cardigan in a versatile neutral
Everything you’ve been looking for in a summer sweater, this button-front ribbed cardigan by Drop features short sleeves and a square neckline in a lightweight cotton blend, so you can layer lightly without fear of overheating. Wear it unbuttoned over a tank and t-shirt, or wear it as a top with a pretty pair of heels; A hip-length hem will pair well with pants and skirts in almost any rise.
Positive Reviews: “This is such a cute summer cardigan!! It’s great on its own, but also perfect over sleeveless dresses when the shoulders need to be covered.
Shape: XX-Small – 3X , colour’s: 4 , Material: 50% cotton, 30% viscose, 17% nylon, 3% elastane
4
A lightweight long summer cardigan with pockets
Every wardrobe deserves a breezy, open-front cardigan, and this long-sleeve cardi is the perfect layering. Hitting around mid-thigh, the easy fit and lightweight fabric that one shopper described as “soft thinner knit” offer plenty of ventilation, and would look so chic with cropped pants and sandals. Roomy patch-front pocket at the hip allows you to stash a phone or keys.
Positive Reviews: “Perfect lightweight for your outfit. I wear sleeveless all summer long and prefer something lightweight to go to the air conditioning. This was perfect. I wore it so much, I wore it…so I took it home Ended up wearing it as a garment around.”
Shape: X-Small – XX-Large , colour’s: 7 , Material: 64% Rayon, 32% Cotton, 4% Spandex
5
This open-front chiffon cardigan that doubles as a beach cover-up
A floral print is always a chic way to welcome summer, and this cardigan comes in so many beautiful florals. It features short sleeves and an open front, in sheer chiffon fabric that’ll feel floaty no matter how warm the weather. Thanks to that ultra-lightweight feel, it’s perfect for rolling up in your beach bag and using as a swimsuit cover-up for the beach or pool; Come sunset, swap your flip-flops for high-heeled sandals and wear it to cocktails. If you’re wearing pants or a high-waisted skirt, try tying in the front to add definition and structure.
Positive Reviews: “This chiffon cardigan is beautiful! I bought it to wear over tanks when I’m running errands. It looks so cute with shorts! The fit is perfect!”
Shape: Small – 5X-Large , colour’s: 46 , Material: 95% polyester, 5% other fibers
6
This airy open-front cardigan with short sleeves
Add a little extra coverage to your casual summer getup with this cardigan, The breezy fit, open front, and short sleeves are perfect for rising temperatures and stretchy fabric It’s lightweight enough that you won’t have to worry about it overheating. It even has roomy patch front pockets so you can stash keys or a phone. You’ll be reaching for this hip-length cardigan all summer long.
Positive Reviews: “This cardigan is a staple in my summer wardrobe. It’s great to throw over a sleeveless top. The light weight and softness is perfect and it’s extremely versatile. You can throw it on over a swimsuit at the beach or a skirt at dinner.” Can wear with. Please make more colors!”
Shape: 1X – 5X , colour’s: 13 , Material: modal, rayon
7
a short-sleeve cardigan with a peplum hem
A cardigan typically made of acrylic and wool can be too stuffy for summer, but the V-neckline, short sleeves, and fluttery peplum hem of this cardigan by The Drop provide enough movement and ventilation to work in warm temperatures. Are. The button-front and slim silhouette allow you to wear this as a top or light layer; Would look so cute paired with a skirt top and heels.
Positive Reviews: “The sweater is great quality and fits perfectly. The ruffle hem falls just below the natural waistline. Perfect for covering the arms over the sundress.”
Shape: X-Small – 5X , colour’s: 4 , Material: 44% polyester, 31% acrylic, 20% nylon, 5% merino wool
8
This Lightweight Jersey Duster
Even though it features long sleeves and a long length, this trendy duster is ideal for summers; The thin rayon blend is perfect for those hot summer days when all you need is a light layer, and the open front keeps you breezy. It “feels like a T-shirt,” as one reviewer wrote, and it’s as easy to wear as one.
Positive Reviews: “I bought my normal size, and it fits perfectly. It’s soft and light weight. Perfect to wear over summer sleeveless tops/dresses. I was pleasantly surprised and plan to buy it in additional colors.”
Shape: Small – 3X , colour’s: 27 , Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex
9
A retro-inspired, short-sleeved pointe cardigan
The delicately knotted knit and bloused short sleeves of this cardigan feel retro-inspired in the cutest way; Amp up the sweetness by pairing it with a floaty silk skirt or slip dress, or simply wear it with a pair of jeans. However you style it, the hip-length viscose knit, short sleeves, and V-neckline are lightweight enough to carry you through the hot summer months in style.
Positive Reviews: “Every wardrobe needs a cardigan or two and this one is all you need! I love that it’s cropped because it looks great with dresses. It’s the short sleeve I’ve been looking for forever! It Lightweight and breathable. It washes well and is rich in color. The fit is accurate, the size is accurate and the fabric is comfortable.
Shape: Small – XX-Large , colour’s: 6 , Material: 75% viscose, 25% polyester
10
This floaty, open-weave cardigan
How adorable would this floaty cardigan look with linen pants and a bikini top? The loose fit and open front are made to show off the crop top, and make it a cinch to take on or off as the temperature demands. The viscose and polyester knit is open in the front but closed in the back for a slightly subtle texture. Pair the thigh-length with shorts of a similar length, or try cinching it at the waist on days when you want extra layers without the length.
Positive Reviews: “The fit was great […] Very light and airy, perfect for me for summer evenings but I always love some kind of cover over a tank. Will buy again in another colour.
Shape: Small – XX-Large , colour’s: 27 , Material: 85% viscose, 15% polyester
11
This Open-Front Bolero Cardigan
Made from a lightweight rayon and spandex blend, this Open-Front Bolero Features three-quarter sleeves and a cropped length for ventilation, and comes in a great selection of sunny colors like aqua and light pink. This versatile piece is sleek and sophisticated enough to be worn with dressier ensembles (it would look perfect over a slip dress), or it can be casual with a tank and high-waisted denim.
Positive Reviews: “I wanted something lightweight to put on my clothes. This fits the bill perfectly. It’s not too heavy or warm, but will protect you from the cool spring or summer breeze. Plus it looks adorable.”
Shape: Small – 3X-Large , colour’s: 18 , Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex