A lightweight cardigan is the best layering piece for summer. It can be worn over a swimsuit or in colder areas. You can also wear it under a dress, blouse, or tee for added interest.
We’ve collected 15 of our favourite styles in a variety sizes and silhouettes, including cropped cardigans and draped dusters. They are all made from lightweight fabrics and crisp colors that will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the season.
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The Long Duster: From Beach to Brunch
ANTHROPOLOGIE
Space-Dyed Longline Cardigan
$170 BUY FROM THE ANTHROPOLOGIE
Dusters are cardigans that fall below the knees. They elongate your body and catch the breeze as you walk. This simple pick has a Missoni-like beach vibe that contrasts well with plain jeans or solid bathing suits. It comes in both petite and plus sizes, so you can find the right size for you.
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The White Cardigan is a Wardrobe Essential
J.CREW
Jackie Cardigan Sweater
$50$65SAVE $15 (23%) J.CREW – BUY
A white cardigan, like a perfect t-shirt is, is a summer must-have. J.Crew’s bestseller keeps its shape, and it has stretch to fit the body comfortably without any creases or rumples. Its white colour stays true to its original form and is not affected by time. However, if you spill anything on it, the cotton fabric can be washed easily.
Cashmere V-Necks: Dress Them Up or Down
School Boy Cashmere Cardi
$198 Buy from Free People
This cardigan is super soft and relaxed. It has received hundreds of positive reviews and nearly five stars. Fans praise the cashmere’s quality (which doesn’t shed or pill), modern colours (shades range in summary pastels and basic neutrals) as well as its affordable price for luxury items. For a more tailored look, order a smaller size.
The Ballet Cardigan: Modern and Minimalis
MANGO
Wrap Bow Cardigan
$30$50SAVE $20 (40%) BUY FROM MANGO
This is the ’90s favourite. This cool crossover design is very stylish and can be worn in a variety of ways. There are many styling options, and the long sleeves balance the low neckline with the cropped length.
Over-bikinis and breezy outfits with the Kimono
MOST POPULAR
ZARA
Kimono Printed
$90 ZARA – BUY
The casual yet glamorous kimono can be worn as both a cover-up or a finishing touch to evening outfits. It can be worn with anything from tight, body-skimming dresses to flowing shorts and bandeau tops. Zara offers a large selection of silky kimonos with beautiful floral motifs in beautiful colours.
The Short-Sleeve Basic: Cool and Polished
H&M
Pointelle Cardigan
$18 H&M – Buy from H&M
Although delicate pointelle cardigans can seem a little greenish, this modern choice is chic thanks to its V-shaped neckline and ribbed hem, as well as the shorter, more revealing bodice. The cardigan is lightweight and airy so you can breathe on hot and humid days.Â
The Statement Cardigan: Fashionable and Fun
LOVESHACKFANCY
Dabney Cardigan
$375 LOVESHACKFANCY – BUY
This cardigan’s beauty lies in its details. The graphic intarsia knit in pastel tones, the contrasting sleeves, the cuffs and covered buttons down the front are just a few of the many highlights. Although it’s expensive, it is extremely well-made and adds style to your outfit. It looks like a vintage stylist found it in a thrift store and shipped it to you.
Slim-Fit Crop: Show off Your Shape
ASOS
ASOS Curve Super Soft Rib Cardigan
$26 ASOS – BUY
This cardigan is perfect for plus-size women. It’s made from a tight knit with a ribbed texture. The sleeves can be pulled up or down depending on whether you’re outside in the sun or under the cold of A/C.
The Chevron Classic: For Work or Play
MANGO
Openwork Knit Cardigan
$50 BUY FROM MANGO
Your look will pop with chevron patterns. The cardigan’s motifs come in neutral colours so you can wear it year round. However, they look especially stylish when paired with white jeans or long black maxi dresses. Shell-like buttons give the cardigan a luxurious look at a very affordable price.
The Softest Wrap: Ideal for Layering
LULULEMON
Cash Knit Wrap Textured
$148 BUY FROM LULULEMON
This cardigan is perfect for travel, running errands, or going to yoga. It features a comfortable cashmere knit and is fully machine washable. The hem slopes gently in the back to cover your butt. It is available in six colours (white, black and dusty rose).
The Eco-Conscious Choice: For All-Day Comfort
BACKBEAT CO.
Hemp Shrunken Cardigan
$75$95SAVE $20 (21%) BACKBEAT CO.
Backbeat Co., a Los Angeles fashion brand, uses low-impact fabrics that are either recycled or sustainably grown. This cardigan ribbed is 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton. It has a soft, lived-in feel and can double as a shirt for days when you don’t need to layer any other clothing underneath.
The Puff Sleeve Pick: Slip On With Summer Dresses
LOFT
Draped Sleeve Cardigan
$20 BUY FROM A LOFT
This classic cardigan has a romantic twist with puff sleeves. It also has a round neckline, button front, and long sleeves. You can get it in bright or pale colours, including sage green which is the summer’s most favourite shade.
The Preppy Classic: Instantly Elevates Any Look
TORY BURN
Colour-Block Madeline Cardigan
$248 BUY FROM TORY BURCH
This cardigan is a bestselling design made from lightweight, finely-spun merino wool. For work, wear it with a button-down shirt and a blazer, while for weekends, you can pair it with little black dresses or rolled jeans with a tee.
The Elegant Bolero: Covers Your Shoulders Only
NORDSTROM
Helmut Lang Double Rib Tee & Bolero Set
$195 NORDSTROM – BUY
Sometimes, you don’t even need a cardigan. You just need something to cover your arms. A bolero is a great option. This bolero fits well on your upper body and looks great with strapless or sleeveless dresses. This bolero is also available in a matching tank top if you prefer to wear it casually.
The Sheer Pick: For Hot Days And Cool Nights
NORDSTROM
NIC+ZOE Boatcruise Sheer Cardigan
$158 NEIMAN MARCUS – BUY
This gauzy wrap is great for vacation getaways, beach trips and evening drinks. It can be dressed up or down easily. It is lightweight enough to show off your skin, but also provides some coverage. You can get it in both white and sky blue.
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