Whether you're working in an air conditioned office and need something to keep you from freezing from 9 to 5, live somewhere with unpredictable weather, or are travelling to cooler climates – like those idyllic holiday beaches with chilly evenings – we all need a chic cardigan to throw on over our summer looks this season.
Cardigans have to be up there with the most ever-evolving clothing items around. The once-frumpy choice is now a stylish staple for bringing an outfit together – and the knitted cardi is here to stay, even during the summer months.
SQUIRREL_ANCHOR_LIST
The versatile knits are magic when it comes to layering. A cardigan with a floral summer dress or tailored shorts is a classic combination, or you can wear one with a summer top and jeans. Also trending this season - co-ords with a cardigan and matching knit shorts. So sweet and chic!
Cardigans: a knit & style for every season
Coco Chanel is known to have made cardigans mainstream back in the 1920s, and the classic knitwear has had its ebbs and flows in being a fashion must-have ever since. In 2024, we've seen a rise in Chanel-style structured cardigans that bring an elegant feel to any look, while lightweight cardigans with jeans and fitted tops are also at the forefront of the season's clothing trends.
Ideal for layering during the transitional seasons, too, a neutral cardigan is essential in any capsule wardrobe. Whether a fitted or relaxed style, a cardigan adds dimension to any outfit – pairing perfectly with tailored trousers for work, or thrown over floral dresses during the summer.
Natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal for the hottest months of the year, as are thinner blends with breathable modal and Tencel/lyocell. For chilly summer nights or when you're indoors with AC, wool and cashmere, either 100% or a blend, are great options.
Regardless of the time of year, cardigans made from natural fabrics may be on the more expensive side, so synthetic fibers, including viscose or rayon blends, are also an option and, when made well, can look just like genuine linen or other natural fabrics.
How I chose the best cardigans
- Style: Whether you're looking for a lightweight cardigan for summer or an on-trend buttoned style to throw over your outfits in much chillier weather, I've picked out a range of different styles - from cropped to classic - so there should be something for everyone.
- Price: I've carefully chosen stylish pieces at a range of price points, from affordable finds to luxurious investment pieces.
- Fabric: There are a variety of materials in this edit, from 100% linen or wool, to cotton blends and inexpensive synthetic knits.
- Availability: Fashion moves fast, which is why all of the products are either fully stocked or available in most sizes.
From daywear styles to wear with everything in your wardrobe to slinky cardigans to wear with dresses or even over a bikini, scroll on to shop the cardigans for women that you'll want to reach for all season.
Shop the best summer cardigans
1/9
H&M Cable Knit Cardigan
Material & Care
- Cotton 60%, Acrylic 40%
- Machine wash
- Available in: Dark red, Black, Grey
Editor's note:
"A short-sleeved cardigan is a great choice to thrown on over a sleeveless top or to wear on it's own with nothing underneath. H&M's style comes in grey, black and dark red - all hues that will flawlessly transition to autumn."
2/9
The Reformation Janine Knit Cardigan
Material & Care
- Made with ‘Eco Cinch’, a light weight, soft, stretch jersey fabric( 88% Tencel lyocell, 12% spandex)
- Wash cold / tumble dry low.
- Available in: Fior di Latte, Lipstick
Editor's note:
"Celebrity fave The Reformation's cardigans are just as chic as its famous dresses. My fave is the Y2K-inspired Janine knit, which comes in two hues, Lipstick, shown, and cream Fior di Latte. But if you want that lighter shade shop now, its selling out!"
3/9
ASOS DESIGN Frill Collar Cardigan in Ecru
Material & Care
100% Polyester
Machine wash
Available in: Ecru
Editor's note:
"ASOS' frill collar cardigan is sweet and so on trend. This is a new-in look that will serve for summer but will still be trending right into the autumn. Wear it now with a skirt or shorts and sandals, and when the weather starts to chill, team it with wide-leg jeans."
4/9
The Knotty Ones 'Preila' Merino Wool Cardigan
Material & Care
- 100% Merino wool, cruelty-free certified
- Store folded, Dry Clean Only
- Available in: Charcoal, Sea Salt
Editor's note:
"If you’re looking for a handmade, fair-trade and sustainable cardigan, and hope to support women-led businesses, you'll love this The Knotty Ones creation. The brand's knits are all made with 100% natural yarn - no chemicals or microplastics involved. Plus, the pieces are hand crafted at The Knotty Ones' woman-led and woman-run factory in Lithuania. Every piece even comes with a card telling you who knitted your cardigan with care.
"My pick is this gorgeous cardie, inspired by the tiny seaside village of Preila - I love the intricate details, plus it has pockets! Shoppers describe it as 'beautiful' and 'luxurious', and you can also shop it in kids' sizes for a true mommy and me moment."
5/9
Boden Maggie V-Neck Linen Cardigan
Material & Care
- 100% linen
- Machine washable
- Available in: Warm Ivory, Soft Peony Pink
Editor's note:
"This Boden Cardigan is created with 100% linen, which is not only a hot trend but is also a popular fabric summer after summer because it's so light and breathable. This button-front look – we love the contrast piping! – has a relaxed classic fit, to mid-hip, and comes in so many shades you can get one for every outfit. It's a must-have if you're building your capsule wardrobe for summer or to transition for the upcoming season."
6/9
Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Open-Front Cardigan
© AmazonMaterial & Care
- 55% Cotton, 25% Modal, 20% Polyester
- Machine Wash Cold, Dry Flat
- Available in: 18 hues and prints
Editor's note:
"Amazon fans will be excited to know about this Amazon Essentials longline cardigan. Made from a cotton blend, and available in so many hues, it's the ultimate take-everywhere cardie. Keep it handy in your suitcase or work tote, and you can even just throw it on over a t-shirt and denim and you're good to go."
7/9
Frankie's Bikinis Aimee Ribbed Cloud Knit Hoodie
Material & Care
- Ribbed Cloud Knit Yarn (50% Viscose + 27% Polyamide + 23% Polyester)
- Wash with care
- Available in: Rose Quartz
Editor's note:
"Frankie's Bikinis is one of the most-searched for swimwear brands - fans like Jennifer Lopez, Pamela Anderson, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have made it go viral - and its knits are perfect for summer. I love this ribbed hoodie which comes in a pretty rose quartz shade."
8/9
M&S Collection Cotton Rich Textured Pointelle Cardigan
Material & Care
- 94% cotton, 6% polyamide
- Machine washable
- Ecru, Soft White
Editor's note:
"Marks & Spencer has embraced the pointelle style loved by Princess Kate with this look. The crew neck cardigan has a classic fit (perfect if you're not into the cropped styles that are trending everywhere) and it comes in ecru and soft white - an ideal neutral cardie you'll be able to wear all year."
9/9
Karen Millen Wool Blend Gold Button Trim Cardigan
© Karen MillenMaterial & Care
- 50% Cotton 50% Wool
- Cool hand wash only
- Available in: Ivory
Editor's note:
"If you're looking for a heavier option for an air conditioned office, Karen Millen is filled with elegant wardrobe pieces, and this wool blend cardie is no exception. The chunky design is great for layering while still ensuring a flattering fit, and the golden polished buttons give a luxe finish. Great for both daytime and evening wear, complete the look with a denim midi skirt or tailored trousers and heels."
© GettyWith so many styles to choose from, there's a summer cardigan that's perfect for your wardrobe.
