Long gone are the days when knits were strictly reserved for fall and winter. Summer knits are becoming more and more popular among makers. Lightweight, breathable, and beautiful, these knits are often more wearable all year long for knitters in moderate climates.
In this article, we'll show you how to effortlessly incorporate warm weather knits into your handmade wardrobe. Whether you dream of a casual day at the beach or a romantic date night, we've got you covered for styling summer knits.
For Wedding Season
Among Petals is here for your most elegant needs.
This elegant silk, linen, alpaca dropped shoulder tee can rise to any formal occasion, or add a touch of glamour to daily life.
Why knit warm weather garments
Warm weather knits offer the perfect combination of comfort and style. Unlike heavy sweaters, summer knits are made from lightweight materials such as cotton, linen, bamboo, tencel, or silk, ensuring breathability even on the hottest days. The open-weave designs allow air to circulate and some of these fibers have anti-microbial properties just like wool, making them just as easy to maintain.
Not only are warm weather knits practical, they add something very special to your wardrobe. Whether you opt for a delicate lace top or a loose-knit, breathable cardigan, you'll feel like you've just upgraded your aesthetic. Your warm weather makes can effortlessly transition from day to night, often making them more versatile additions to your wardrobe than heavier knits.
Warm weather knits are also a sustainable fashion choice. Knit pieces are often timeless and can be styled in different ways throughout the seasons. Makes like the Classic LBD, Alice Tee, or the Tori Tank become wardrobe staples that replace fast fashion basics in your wardrobe.
Tori Tank
Tori was designed to be both a sexy summer tank for date night, and the perfect layering piece to wear all year round.
The gently scalloped hem adds the perfect touch of glamour when peeking out beneath the ribbed hem of your favorite sweater.
Types of warm weather knits
When it comes to summer knits, there is a wide range of styles to choose from. Here are some popular options to consider for your summer wardrobe:
- Cropped Tees, Tanks, and Sweaters: Choose a lightweight material like cotton or linen for maximum breathability. Pair with high-waisted shorts or skirts for a classic summer look.
Patterns to try: The Ruffle Addendum, Mae Summer Crop
- Classic Shapes: Tanks and tees that replace your summer staples can be some of the most satisfying knits!
Patterns to try: Alice Tee, Classic LBD, Tori Tank
- Lightweight Sweaters: Perfect for those cooler summer evenings, an open-weave sweater adds texture and style to your outfit. Pair with jeans or your favorite summer dress.
Patterns to try: Marie in Paris, Classic Colorblock
- Knit Dresses: The ultimate jewel in your hand knit wardrobe is a knit summer dress. Warm weather fibers make a dress that is more wearable and elegant than many wool options.
Pattern to try: Terese Dress, or check out Elizabeth's article on making an Alice Tee Dress
- Elegant Layers: Whether you have a formal occasion to dress for, or you'd like to bring glamour and elegance to your everyday, knits with lace panels and details are a satisfying challenge to knit, and surprisingly easy to style.
Patterns to try: Gone to Seed, Anna Tee, Among Petals
Gone to Seed offers a chance for you to dress up your everyday wardrobe with elegance, glamour, and a dreamy blended fiber.
Styling tips for warm weather knits
At the end of the day, styling is personal and there are no rules. These guidelines are meant as a starting point:
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Balance proportions: If you're wearing a loose-knit top, pair it with fitted bottoms to create a balanced silhouette. Conversely, if you're wearing a flowy skirt or wide-leg pants, you may prefer a more fitted knit top to create visual interest.
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Layer with lighter pieces: Layering offers you a place for creative play in your wardrobe, but make sure to choose lightweight pieces in warm weather to avoid overheating! For example, layer a loose-knit cardigan worn open over a lightweight tank top or a lace sweater over a breezy summer dress.
- Choose colors you wear: Sometimes we're tempted to choose "seasonal" colors like pastels in spring and pale neutrals for summer, however, staying true to your favorite colors to wear will ultimately lead you to wear your knits more! Not sure what colors you love to wear? Start to take note when folding your laundry which pieces tend to get the most rotation.
Our Rare Birds collection offers warm weather knits ranging from everyday to extra elegant - all with our signature attention to detail and fit. Find out more about Rare Birds here.
Your most wearable knits yet
Warm weather knits are a game-changer when it comes to building a handmade wardrobe. With their lightweight and breathable nature, they offer endless possibilities for creating beautiful and comfortable styles all year round.
Remember to choose lightweight yarns that you'll love wearing. Swatching and wearing your swatch pinned to the inside of a shirt will tell you if you like that fabric for next-to-skin wear. This is also a good way to tell if a particular wool blend feels "too woolly" for warmer days.
Warm weather garments have become some of our favorite to design and knit. But, we want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite type of garment to knit? Leave a comment and share, please!
