Who says summer style can’t be serene, soft, and undeniably chic? Angelina Jolie affirmed this! We (absolutely) love how she paired a camel-toned cashmere sweater with a flowing white skirt and minimalist sandals. Her look captures what the summer is all about – effortless and elegant without compromising on style. Check it out:
If you love to try out sweaters in summer, lucky you! In this guide, we round up the top five lightweight sweaters to wear this summer.
But before we get started:
What Are the Benefits of Wearing Cashmere in Summer?
One of the perks of adding cashmere to your summer wardrobe is its ability to regulate body temperature naturally. Unlike synthetic materials that often trap heat, cashmere features naturally hollow fibers that help regulate temperature, keeping you comfortable in both cool and warm conditions. It insulates in cooler weather and releases warmth as temperatures rise, helping your body maintain a comfortable balance.
Other benefits are:
1. Versatile Climate Transition Layer
Summer often brings unexpected shifts in weather. Warm days can quickly give way to breezy nights, and if your office is air-conditioned, you know the chill can be real. This is where cashmere’s versatility truly shines.
A lightweight cashmere cardigan tossed over a cotton sundress or layered over a sleeveless blouse keeps you comfortable and elegant. It acts as a chic transitional piece, effortlessly adapting to changes in temperature without compromising style. Alternatively, you can opt for cashmere shawls to add elegance to your outfit, especially during beach walks or when spicing up your evening attire.
2. Modern Fabric Innovations
Today’s luxury brands have responded to the evolving needs of modern wardrobes by introducing summer-weight cashmere. These innovations involve spinning ultra-fine threads and crafting looser, more breathable weaves.
The result? A featherlight, whisper-soft fabric that feels cool against the skin while maintaining cashmere’s signature indulgence. Also, the cashmere sweaters drape elegantly without feeling heavy. This makes it easier to integrate into your wardrobe, regardless of the season.
3. Wrinkle Resistance
Few things are as frustrating during summer travels as clothing that wrinkles at the slightest touch. Fortunately, cashmere is naturally resistant to wrinkles, making it perfect for vacations and busy days.
You can simply fold your cashmere sweater, shawl, or cardigan into your travel bag, and it’ll be ready to wear without the need for steaming or ironing. It maintains its smooth appearance hour after hour, helping you stay polished and put-together for every occasion.
4. A Rare Investment for Life
Beyond its immediate benefits, cashmere is equally a wise long-term investment. With proper maintenance, a quality cashmere garment can last for decades. Additionally, summer cashmere pieces can pair well with almost anything – from casual jeans and skirts to gowns. So, consider it as an accessory to complement or add an extra layer to your everyday wear.
To learn more about ethical sourcing and sustainability, explore our guide on whether cashmere is cruelty-free.
How to Incorporate Cashmere into Your Summer Wardrobe
Styling cashmere in winter differs from styling it in summer. The key lies in balance and breathability; instead of layering chunky knits over multiple pieces, summer calls for lightweight cashmere worn closer to the skin or draped effortlessly over breezy outfits.
Let’s take a look at how you can style yours effortlessly.
Pair with Lightweight Bottoms
Pair a lightweight cashmere t-shirt with shorts, linen trousers, or a flowy skirt for an effortless summer outfit. You can’t tuck the top into high-waisted pants or denim to add a polished touch while maintaining a breathable and comfortable look. See how:
2. Layer over Summer Essentials
You can also use cashmere cardigans or wraps as a layer over classic summer staples. For instance, you can drape them over a summer dress, tank top, or camisole to manage cooler evenings without overheating.
Another option is to leave the cardigan unbuttoned for an effortless vibe or belt it at the waist to create a more defined silhouette.
3. Opt for Vibrant Colors and Loose Fits
Summer is the season to trade heavy neutrals for something more playful. Think sun-washed corals, ocean blues, butter yellows, and soft lilacs — all the colors that feel alive under the sun. Lightweight cashmere in bold or pastel hues can add an unexpected twist to your warm-weather wardrobe, brightening even the simplest outfit.
The goal isn’t to overwhelm your frame. It’s to create movement, softness, and that effortless, undone glamour that summer demands, like this:
4. Try Cashmere with Shorts and Sweaters
Who says cashmere is reserved for long sleeves and chilly days? One of the freshest ways to wear it this summer is by pairing a lightweight cashmere sweater with your favorite shorts. This mix creates a look that feels effortless, elegant, and modern.
This outfit works well for outdoor gatherings or breezy summer nights.
5. Combine Materials for Versatility
Mixing cashmere with other light fabrics, such as cotton or silk, creates breathable and visually appealing ensembles. For instance, a loose cashmere top paired with a silk skirt or crisp cotton pants:
These combinations add visual depth to your outfits and provide comfort during fluctuating summer temperatures.
6. Explore Summer-Weight Options
Not all cashmere is created equal, and summer demands a lighter touch. Summer-weight cashmere is specifically designed for warmer weather, woven with finer yarns that feel almost weightless against the skin. These pieces offer all the softness you expect, but with a breathable, quality perfect for hot days and breezy nights.
Look for pieces labeled as "summer-weight" or "lightweight" cashmere. These items feature finer threads and looser weaves, offering superior breathability that is ideal for warm climates. Incorporate these designs into your wardrobe for maximum comfort and style.
What Should You Look for When Buying Summer Cashmere?
Now that you’re ready to buy, here are five (5) things you should keep in mind:
1. Lightweight Fabrics
Summer cashmere should feel almost like air—soft, breathable, and impossibly light. Look for fine-gauge knits made with ultra-thin yarns that drape without clinging.
Fabrics labeled "featherweight," "lightweight," or "summer-weight" cashmere are explicitly designed to handle warmer weather.
2. Blended Options
Pure cashmere offers unmatched softness, but blends can be your best friend when it comes to summer dressing. Many of the best warm-weather pieces combine cashmere with breathable fibers, such as silk, cotton, or linen. These blends retain the softness and elegance of cashmere while enhancing durability, lightness, and airflow, which is essential when temperatures rise.
3. Breathability
Opt for pieces that highlight cashmere’s natural breathability. The fabric’s structure allows air to circulate, regulating body temperature and ensuring comfort even on hot days. Generally, avoid thicker, tightly knit items, and prioritize loosely woven garments designed for warmer climates.
4. Style and Fit
Summer cashmere should feel as effortless as the season itself — and the right style and fit make all the difference. Skip anything too clingy or heavy, and lean into relaxed silhouettes that allow your skin to breathe.
Think loose pullovers, oversized cardigans, slouchy V-necks, and cropped sweaters that skim the body without suffocating it.
5. Versatile Pieces
Reach for pieces that move with you throughout the day, like the Everyday Button Down, Lightweight Cardigans, or the Oversized Cashmere Pullover. These styles easily shift from sunlit brunches to cooler evenings, whether layering over a Short Sleeve Crew or pairing with relaxed denim or airy linens. Built to be worn often and lived in even more, these essentials feel effortless and evolve with the rhythm of your day.
To keep your favorite summer pieces looking and feeling luxurious year after year, explore our complete guide on the proper storage and care of cashmere.
6. Built to Last, Meant to Be Worn
Lastly and more importantly, invest in high-quality cashmere. Look for garments made from long-staple fibers, which feel softer, resist pilling, and hold their shape over time.
Pay attention to the knit. It should be even, tight, and consistent, with a smooth, almost buttery finish. A true quality piece will feel featherlight but never flimsy.
Conclusion
Cashmere might not be the first fabric that comes to mind for summer, but it’s quickly earning its place as a warm-weather essential. Thanks to innovations in lightweight weaving and breathable blends, today’s summer cashmere pieces offer a perfect balance of comfort, elegance, and versatility. You can layer them effortlessly over dresses or pair them with linen separates.
Leave a comment (all fields required)