YES, YOU CAN STILL WEAR KNITWEAR IN SUMMER

Spring has arrived and with summer on the horizon, our thoughts are naturally turning to… knitwear? Bear with us here. While longer evenings and rising temperatures run counter to heavyweight woollens, there is still a need for insulating layers. After all, the UK isn’t exactly known for its consistent weather, and any hot day can develop a chill once the sun goes down. Here’s our selection of weather-appropriate knits to get you through the season in style.

Nothing says ‘sunshine’ quite like yellow, so consider this season’s favourite colour a good omen of things to come. Yellow is perfect if you want to add to your wardrobe repertoire without depending on reliable neutrals. It doesn’t have to be a super-bright hue, either – in fact, the best yellow out there this season is a muted pastel shade. It’s surprisingly versatile to style, so think baggy blue jorts or beige and brown trousers.

Layers are important in summer weather, especially British summer. You’ll need a layer that’s easy to adjust and even easier to put on/take off – that’s the cardigan. Look for something relatively lightweight, and if it’s knitted from breathable fibres like cotton or linen, even better. Both Mango and Abercrombie & Fitch have styles that fit the brief and will drape well, too.

The knitted vest is something in-between the polo shirt and the cardigan – it has all the potential for pattern and texture of the former and the layering opportunities of the latter. Wear an oversized vest solo on warmer days and over a tee every other time. We especially like Weekday’s tweedy knit vest, which looks fuzzy but feels light enough for hot days IRL.

There are few warm-weather staples as beloved as the polo shirt, which blends the breeze and ease of a tee with the smartness of a shirt. Polo shirts won’t look out of place at dinner, the office, on holiday... the list can (and does) go on. A lightweight knitted polo has the same potential as a regular short-sleeved shirt for experimenting with pattern and texture like stripes or checks. You can also look for crochet-effect or pointelle-knit styles, which feel extra breathable on the body.