PSA: You CAN Wear These Cute Summer Sweaters Without Sweating

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It's getting hot in here but this summer, we're not takin' off all our clothes. I mean—not always (teehee). Yes, 'tis the season for tanks, halter-neck tops, bralettes, bandeaus, bikinis, and so. Much! More! But it's also time for the *drumroll, please* summer sweater! Stay with me here, will ya?

If you just envisioned yourself in a thick, wool, turtleneck sweater and shorts, you've got the vibe all wrong! Summer sweaters are so perf for throwing on after a swim, taking in the sunset, and even fighting the office chill. In this roundup, we've got vests, open-knit options, pullover styles, cardigans, tanks, and even bustier tops. The key part to mention is that these sweaters are made of the airiest and coziest cotton, mixed materials, and knits—so essentially, they are lightweight (and v stylish) tops that won't stress you out and cause you to sweat buckets. Find the best of the best, ahead!

Our top picks for the best summer sweaters of 2023:

After adding a summer sweater to your "must buy" list, you should definitely revamp your wardrobe with a couple of linen tops, summer shorts, and sundresses while you're at it! This'll be your chillest summer yet.

Nasty Gal Premium Gauzy Wool Flute Sleeve Sweater

Okay, I typically wouldn't recommend wearing wool in the spring—let alone summer. But this bell sleeve sweater is sheer enough and just so cute.

Zara Combination Knit Sweater

Show off your bralette in this mixed open knit sweater.

Aritzia Sunset Top

You'll have people thinking you knit this pretty crochet top yourself!

Mango Semi-Transparent Knitted Sweater

I looove me a cute co-ord like this fine knit sweater and skirt in pastel yellow.

Able Clothing Collins Sweater Polo

Rave Review: "This mesh sweater polo was exactly what I was expecting. Breezy & stylish. The short sleeve polo works well in the warmer temps. Love the amber color because it transitions perfectly into the fall. I will be on the lookout for other mesh items."

LA Hearts Beach Vibes Tie Front Cardigan

Hit the beach in this cropped, aqua tie-front top that'll def turn heads!

Love Bonito Aleali Knit Button Up Sweater

Throw on this button-up and bright shorts for cool-girl office vibes.

Sézane Cybèle Sweater

This delicate one is made of organic cotton so it's super soft and airy.

Zara Colorblock Knit Sweater

I'm so here for this funky color-blocked design and oversized denim.

AE Cropped Floral Sweater Tank Top

How cute is this floral tank? A reviewer loves how "the material subtly hugs" her body.

Rebdolls Life Lessons Knitted Cardigan

If you're easily hot, then you prob shouldn't go for this one! This cutie should be worn in temps 72 degrees and below, okay?!

Petal + Pup

Keep the summer vibes going with this strapless, neon orange number!

Mango Openwork Knit Polo Neck Sweater

This polo moment will give ya the profesh feels you need in the office this summer.

Love Bonito Trisha Boxy Crop Sweater

You'll be reaching for this neutral, boxy cropped sweater over and over again.

Apparis Arthur Vest

I'd style this berry vest without a shirt underneath and with some trousers. It's available in a fun lime hue, too!

Lovers and Friends Clara Cropped Fishnet Pullover

The best catch all summer = this gorge fishnet pullover that I honestly can't wait to wear myself.

Banana Republic Open Stitch Sweater

Memorial Day Weekend is calling and I see you in this crewneck and chic white shorts!

Mersea Amalfi Sweater Vest

Take in all the sunsets in this no-fuss bright sweater vest.

Everlane The Texture Cotton Cardigan

Rave Review: "The thick cotton material has kept me warm on cool spring days but not too warm like a wool sweater. It's got an '80s vibe but even cooler. It's cropped but not too short. The length hits just at the top of hip, just perfect for petite frame. I LOVE this cardigan so much that I bought in other colors."

Solid and Striped The Mia Cropped Cardigan

This cropped cardi is sooo soft. Wear with your fave swimsuit or the matching top and shorts.

Gap Cropped Textured Sweater Tank

In love with this fiery-colored tank. Look at that texture!

Madewell

Rave Review: This is the perf summer sweater! It has a very sweet retro vibe yet it’s neutral and goes with everything. The knit feels very strong and sturdy, not “delicate” and hopefully not prone to snagging. It looks good over dresses and with jeans! The color is a “cooler” neutral with ashy undertones. I love how it’s unique and not like every other cardigan you see being worn!"

In The Style Plus Exclusive Knit Wrap Detail Sweater

I'm a sucker for anything sage-colored so this wrapped style is doin' things to me.

Mirth Caftans Borocay Tank

You can easily throw this airy, handmade tank over your swimsuit when you're ready to hit the boardwalk.

Favorite Daughter The Athena Bustier

Heading out to lunch with friends? This floral-embroidered bustier and light washed jeans would be perf!

Showpo Colee Collared Cropped Cardigan

Don't mind fussing around with buttons when the sweater is this cropped, collared cutie. I mean, look at that green! Plus, I hear it's super soft.

Falconeri Club Crew Neck Sweater in Silk and Cotton

Maybe you can't tell, but this crew neck sweater (available in so many colors) is made of silk and cotton. It'll feel like luxury on ya.

HONOR THE GIFT Monogram Knit Polo

Quiet luxury where? Everyone needs a monogrammed moment in their lives, especially when it's made of plush cotton.

Fe Noel Moss Nutmeg Embroidered Knit Sweater

Imagine looking this good on your dream resort. Style with breezy pants or a bright bikini bottom!

Farm Rio Mixed Crochet Stripes Shirt

Leave it to Farm Rio to always bless us with all the vibrant and exciting pieces you can wear all season long! Pair this conversation-starting top with the equally fab shorts!

Proenza Schouler White Label Knit Halter Sweater

Hold up—this chartreuse one with a halter-neck design is a mood!

Sèzane Amael Sweater

If you're into pretty lil details, then you'll totally be into these balloon sleeves, fine stitching, and the scallop finish.

Why trust Cosmo:

Cosmo’s team of digital fashion experts—which includes Fashion Features Director Rachel Torgerson and Fashion Editor Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien—have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes pieces for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

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