Knitted Summer Tops: When you think of summer clothing, knitwear is probably not something that comes immediately to mind. And with good reason, too! Knits are often reserved for colder seasons, weather, and places… and not often considered during the hot, sweat-inducing summer season. But in today’s post, I would like to introduce you to the knit top, a trend we are sure to see sported this summer of 2021, and one that is sure to turn all your former notions of knitwear on its head!
A knit top can be a fantastic piece to add to your summer wardrobe collection. It’s different, it’s fun (at least the ones you’ll see in this article!), and it is a new (or if not new, at least trendy) style to rock this season. In this post, I will show you how you can style this nifty item in a way that doesn’t have you melting from heat… because that is probably your chief concern, right?
Well, not to worry, friend! There is definitely a way to wear knitwear in the summer without going into heatstroke so let’s dive in and check it out.
How to Wear Knit Tops in Summer?
I have curated 13 ways to wear knit tops this summer so you don’t have to do the guesswork. From cute weekend outfits to everyday summer favorites, there is a little something here for everyone. Also, keep in mind that many of these looks can be worn on those inevitable rainy days that every summer blesses us with, as well as indoors (because, let’s face it, unless you are going to be spending your summer lying in a hammock on a beach in Hawaii, you probably will be spending lots of time indoors whether at home or at work, etc.) so the idea of knitwear in summer is perhaps not as daunting as it might first appear.
Tips on How to Wear Knitted Tops in Summer
But before we get to those stylish outfits, here are some quick and easy tips to keep in mind about how to wear knit tops in summer.
- Stick to lightweight knits. This is a little obvious but look for fine-gauge knits (nothing heavy or thick) and lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, and even silk. Those are the ones you will want to wear during the hot season so be sure to check tags and item descriptions when purchasing knitwear for summer.
- Knits don’t always equal sweaters. Knit tops come in all shapes and sizes from cute halter tops to crop tops to bandeaus and that is the type of top best suited for everyday summer wear. However, for a cool evening or for tramping around indoors at home or work, a light sweater or cardigan is definitely a fantastic option.
- Take care of your knits! This is a universal tip but like any quality item, you will want to make sure you are properly laundering your knitwear so that the thread doesn’t start to unravel or stretch out of shape. Check the tags for instructions on how to best wash your knitwear. You may have to handwash it (or at least wash on a delicate cycle) and you probably will want to lay it flat to dry versus tossing it into the dryer. These are things worth looking into so you can always get the most out of your clothing!
Now let’s check out all the ways you can wear knitted tops in the summer!
↓ 13 – Backless Top & Crisscross Waist Shorts
A trend we have been seeing a lot of lately is the crisscross waist trend where your denim shorts or jeans are fastened with a button that “crisscrosses” over a belt loop. Here you can find a ready made pair (that won’t ruin your regular jeans or shorts) paired with a backless knit top (so cute!) that will keep you feeling fresh and cool no matter how hot the day! Here’s a list of the type of Bras To Wear With A Backless Dress For A Perfect Look.
↓ 12 – With Linen Pants
For a fantastic minimalistic look, pair a knit tank with some loose linen pants. Not only will an outfit like this keep your temperatures balanced, but it’s the perfect ensemble for a vacation or an evening beach look. The light colors are perfect for summer and the simple neutral slip-ons are fantastic as well. This is a winner of a look in my book.
↓ 11 – Knit Top for Teenagers
Headed to the beach this summer? Get yourself a knit halter top to pair with some linen pants and you have got yourself a seriously cute summer outfit you can rock over and over again. You can have lots of fun with accessories too, from funky sunglasses to oversized hoop earrings. You can finish off the look with cute little heels or flip-flops.
Another really fun option for teenagers is wearing a matching set. These are great for summer because they take no time to style and you get multiple outfit choices just from one set. You can wear the top and matching bottoms as one outfit, or swap out the bottoms for jeans or denim shorts, and so on and so forth.
↓ 10 – Footwear to Wear With a Knit Top
Depending on the style top you are wearing, you can experiment with just about any kind of footwear. While you probably want to steer clear of thick boots, sometimes a lightweight pair of booties are just the thing. Most of the time, however, some slip-on sandals, flip-flops, or heels will fit the bill of summer wear and complete your look in just the right way.
↓ 9 – How to Style a Knitted Summer Top
This adorable knit top is the perfect example of how you can wear a knitted top in the summer! From it’s bodice style design to it’s cap sleeves and sweetheart neckline, this lightweight little top won’t have you feeling overheated and you can wear it with confidence, knowing you look like a million bucks. Simply tuck it into some high-waist shorts and finish off the look with some nude heels. You can also wear a top like this as a beach cover-up or swap the shorts for a skirt.
↓ 8 – Knitted Summer Tops for Ladies Over 50
For a cool summer evening or for an indoor event with friends, a thin knit sweater is always a lovely option. Styling a knit top for women over 50 all comes down to color, accessories, and fit. A good hairstyle and a flattering pair of pants are also musts. For this outfit, you can layer a thin black sweater over a chambray shirt and pair it up with some white ankle pants. Complete the look with your favorite pair of stud earrings and a simple pair of flip-flops or sandals.
↓ 7 – Accessories to Wear With Knit Summer Tops
When it comes to accessorizing knit tops, the sky is the limit. Personally, I love this soft-colored top paired with a straw hat, a silver heart necklace, and the cutest crossbody purse. Other examples of accessories you can try would be a scarf for your hair (great for taming frizzies), a bandana headband, a straw tote bag, a single statement bracelet, or oversized earrings!
Love the hat? You can get it here for $55.
↓ 6 – What to Wear With a Knitted Summer Top
Everyday summer wear doesn’t get much better than this. Pair a sleeveless knit top (love the button detailing) with some midrise utility shorts. Add some Birkenstocks and your choice of bag (pictured is a crossbody purse and also a tote) and with some cute accessories, you have yourself a fantastic summer outfit.
↓ 5 – Where to Buy Knitted Summer Tops?
If you are on the hunt for knit summer tops, here are a few places where you can find them:
- & Other Stories
- H&M
- Zaful
- Nasty Gal
- COS
- boohoo
- ASOS
- SHEIN
Here is one example of a knit top you can find at “& Other Stories”. This little crop makes it a perfect option for summer wear and will look great paired with shorts or jeans.
And here is an option from H&M that is just darling. You can easily wear this top with the matching bottoms as a set or you can wear it on it’s own, pairing it with some jean shorts, a denim skirt, or even joggers for a casual night-in look.
↓ 4 – With Jean Shorts
I don’t know about you, but this outfit just screams summer to me! The soft pretty colors, the scoop-neck style tank, and the cutoff shorts are perfect for the season. Wear this outfit to run errands, go to your local pool, or walk the beach with your friends and family – all while looking and feeling great!
↓ 3 – Knit Tops For Plus Size Women
For a night out with friends or an indoor party, this rib knit puff sleeve top is such an underrated piece! You can pair up this top with just about anything. Feeling casual? Match it up with some sweatpants or joggers. Want to dress it up? Pair it with jeans or some high-waist shorts. You can add some silver accessories as well to really take it to the next level.
For those days where you are out and about, doing your thing, hot weather included, this cropped halter top is just the thing. Pair it up with your favorite high-rise shorts and add a plaid shirt tied around the waist for extra coverage. You never know when you will need a cover-up and it’s always great to have a light jacket or long-sleeved top on hand in case you feel chilly. Add sandals to complete the look.
↓ 2 – Cropped Summer Sweater Cardigan
Wearing sweaters in the summer might seem like an oxymoron at first, but when you consider an ensemble like this, it seems a little more doable, doesn’t it? While you may not feel like sporting it during the hottest part of the day on your beach vacation, it will definitely seem more inviting once the sun sets and those cool evening breezes kick in. If you do rock it during daylight hours, a cropped sweater paired with lightweight white pants is the perfect way to do it. Here are some more ideas on styling Cropped Sweater Outfits.
↓ 1 – Knitted Summer Top With Jeans
Finally, we have this complete STUNNER of an ensemble that is so unique, and perfect as a transitional outfit whether from spring into summer or summer into fall. This top has a distinct sweater feel to it and yet it leaves your arms totally bare and parts of your back as well. The jeans balance out the skin-baring aspects of the top and everything is perfectly tied together with some classic two-toned espadrilles and a cute little crossbody purse. What’s not to love?!
Shop the look below:
Classic Women’s Espadrilles $101
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about wearing knitwear in the summer. Check them out!
Q. How do you wear knitwear in the summer?
A. Stay away from bulky sweaters or thick cardigans and make sure your knitwear is lightweight. The type of yarn used in your knitwear is important too. You will want to stick to linen, cotton, even bamboo-based knitwear to keep yourself feeling fresh and cool.
Q. How do you style a knit top?
A. Styling a knit top is easy! It depends on the style of top of course (tank versus crop or tee-shirt style, etc.) but most of the time, you can treat it like any other top and style it with jeans, shorts, a skirt, or pants like wide-legged Palazzo pants. If you are styling it for summer wear, add espadrilles, thong sandals, or slip-on sandals to finish off your outfit.
Q. How do you wear a sweater in the summer?
A. To wear a sweater in the summer, you will, of course, want to steer clear of thick, bulky sweaters. Try loose, lightweight sweaters in a thin material (a lightweight knit is perfect). You should also consider sticking to light colors like white, cream, blush, or light brown. Dark colors will only attract more heat and you will feel extra hot. You can also opt for three-quarter length sleeves, and be sure to pair your sweater with shorts versus long pants.
I hope you found this post helpful and inspiring! Wearing knitwear in the summer is a fun, easy way to add new styles to your wardrobe. Are you planning on giving it a try this year? Let me know in the comments below!
I don’t see A 82 years old wearing summer pants
Why not?