One of the sad realities of most hot weather is that once the temperatures soar, sweaters are a mere memory of cooler times. If you stand in front of your closet in the dead of summer and are bombarded with button-ups, T-shirts, and polos, which means by mid-July you’re finally bored of everything you see, leaving you yearning for a time when you could wear knitwear without a second thought. Think about how comfortable they are, how they go with everything and how they avoid clothing hassles.
You inevitably start wishing that your summer sweater patterns were as diverse as the winter ones. But then you get a whole list of incredible summer knits, designed to make you feel like you’re No Wearing sweaters during the hottest months of the year. We really do mean a complete slate, too. There are cardigans, crewnecks, v-necks, mesh tanks and knits so loose you can see through them. Give your other shirts a much-needed rest and buy some wind-friendly knits that cost less than $150.
Knitting Under $150 Hit List
Carhartt WIP Stockton Open-Knit Recycled Cotton-Blend Sweater
Carhartt WIP
Stockton Open-Knit Recycled Cotton-Blend Sweater
Normally you would have to hire an HVAC specialist to get this much ventilation in your life.
banana Republic
Linen-Cotton Ribbed Cardigan
Once you have a cardigan like this one—which is lightweight, breathable, and appropriately rakish—you’ll (correctly) believe that cardigans are as much a summer garment as they are a winter one.
alex mill
aaron cable sweater
The cable-knit pattern doesn’t just look bad – although that’s of utmost concern – it also allows for extra airflow every inch or so to catch that sweet, sweet summer breeze.
Beams Plus
short sleeve knitting
Lest you think all the fun will be in holiday sweaters.
stussy
light striped sweater
The linen-cotton fabric makes this semi-transparent, extremely lightweight sweater extra breathable, super soft, and (arguably) more appropriate for August than a T-shirt.
beam
Wide Fit 7-Gauge Rugby Knit Polo Shirt
Rugby is a flexible, equal-opportunity medium when it comes to fabric choice, but it’s making a strong-ass case for the slouchy, 7-gauge knit type that’s best in class.
j crew
Tipped Heritage Cotton V-Neck Sweater
Not only will this make the t-shirt and jeans combo look better (at least with the effort), but if you’re trying to be a little weird — and you absolutely should — then wear this. Like Leave a T-shirt and undershirt at home.
Todd Snyder
Cotton-Cashmere V-Neck
Now it’s all together: the weirder the green, the better the green.
Madewell
Textured-Stitch Sweater Tee
An open-stitch knit tee is every bit as comfortable as a jersey-knit (re: normal) tee, but the cut, ribbed hem, and pattern aren’t as tailored as any regular tee.
banana Republic
Cotton-Linen Mesh Zip Polo
I know I said the Polo wouldn’t make an appearance here, but you’ll have to forgive me (we’ll get back on track, don’t worry) because this one feels full of wind-tunnel and it also has a zipper, which is does Change things.
warehouse
Very. 4105 Short Sleeve Sweatshirt
Questionable qualifications couldn’t keep this pitch-perfect mid-century repro off this list, especially because it will wear like a knit tee and look equally good with jeans, chinos, and gym shorts.
Todd Snyder
Beechwood Full-Zip Sweater
Wear it with a tee, tank or button-up and jeans, chinos or shorts and experience zero fall anywhere on that spectrum.
Calling it a linen-cotton knit blazer wouldn’t do it justice, and referring to it as a cardigan would be somewhat of an understatement, so we’ll just say that this is a killer knit that will dress up, down, and anywhere in between—and keep you cool in the process.
corridors
garment wash vest
store controller
Bouclé-Knit Short-Sleeve Cardigan
The cropped cut and full-button placket on this short-sleeved knit would normally be an A plot on a knit like this, but it’s made from a super soft, extra textured boucle fabric that can never be relegated to B plot status.
Todd Snyder
Lux Mesh Tank
Before you question the authenticity of this tank’s knit fabric, know that it’s constructed just like a sweater, it’s more breathable than any nylon mesh you’ll come across and it has a ribbed hem, to really drive home the “I’m not like other tanks” point.
banana Republic
Ribbed Cotton Crew-Neck Sweater
This shade of purple is just as easy to wear within your comfort zone as any earth tone, but almost twice as likely to get compliments.
