10 Lightweight Sweaters for Those Breezy Summer Nights

There’s a certain crispness to the air that accompanies the final throes of August. Heading into September, days become shorter, nights become cooler, and I’m reminded of just how much corduroy people over the age of 65 actually own.

While it still feels very much like summer during the day, come sundown I’m oft left wanting for another layer.

But fear not! It isn’t time to man panic stations quite yet — there’s still a good chunk of summer left. We’re just approaching what I call sweater season, and it’s always smart to show up prepared. Below, find some of our favourite lightweight knits that will help you get back to enjoying sunny season.

Prada Off-White Cashmere Sweater

No colour exemplifies breezy summer evenings as elegantly as off-white; a colour theory that Prada has gracefully implemented with their knit cashmere sweater in ‘natural’ off-white. Pop this on over your new vacation-worthy swim trunks for an after-dinner stroll along the beach or to watch the fire die down (with a wee dram of single-malt Scotch in hand, of course).

$970, Buy now at SSENSE

Armani Mixed Silk Cotton Sweater with Polo Collar

Every man should already own a few well-fitting navy polos, but the lesser-worn long-sleeve navy polo is often overlooked. Tsk tsk. The versatility! Tucked into a pair of light grey wool trousers or worn under a casual blazer, there are very few sweaters as elegant as a sleek, long-sleeve wool polo. Emporio Armani’s take on the staple is made from a luxe mixed silk fabric and is a certifiable go-to to close out summer in.

$349, Buy now at Armani

Ermenegildo Zegna Slub Cashmere, Silk, And Linen-Blend Sweater

Made from a breathable cashmere, silk, and linen blend in a soft baby blue colour, this lightweight sweater by Zegna was practically designed to wrap summer up in. Wear it to dinner al fresco with a pair of white trousers and leather loafers and exude some of that late-summer effervescence.

$1,056, Buy now at MR PORTER

Gucci Appliquéd Striped Wool Sweater

Over a button up, crew neck tee, or just some good ol’ fashioned chest hair, the deep V-neck collar on this Gucci jumper packs serious style. Made from a soft wool featuring classic cricket stripes bordering the neck, Gucci has designed a playful yet tasteful lightweight summer sweater that will continue to look fantastic into mid-autumn.

$1,032, Buy now at MR PORTER

Frank And Oak Hemp-Cotton Sweater in Pink

Much like your summer should feel, the colour of this pastel pink sweater from Frank and Oak appears faded, full of character, and thoroughly enjoyed. Soak up what’s left of the summer sun by knocking back a couple patio drinks in this lightweight crewneck sweater and for God’s sake, try not to take things too seriously.

$70, Buy now at Frank And Oak

J. Crew Mélange Cashmere Sweater

J.Crew have hit the nail on the end-of-summer head with this lightweight, soft cashmere sweater. The speckled sky blue colour makes this a fun piece of knitwear to somewhat compensate for the (emotional) end to our favourite season. Toss it on for your after-dinner walk to the ice cream shop this weekend for some further grief counselling.

$153, Buy now at MR PORTER

Gucci Slim-Fit Webbing-Trimmed Wool Cardigan

Scoring high marks for its practicality and functionality, the cardigan is a perennial summer essential for good reason. Wear it open or buttoned, with a shirt or tee underneath, as a vest under a suit, or just tied around your neck — a good, thin cardigan is requisite to a complete wardrobe. And lucky you— Gucci just so happens to make a great one. Integrating their iconic red and green stripes into the shawl collar, this cardigan ticks all the boxes.

$1,282, Buy now at MR PORTER

Brooks Brothers Silk and Cotton Stripe Crewneck Sweater

Very few patterns carry the same amount of symbolism and context as the classic Breton stripe. Worn by the French Navy as far back as 1858, the Marinière sweater has since become synonymous with coastal and marine lifestyles. It’s fitting, therefore, that heritage brand Brooks Brothers has paid homage to the classic navy and blue stripes, made here in a lightweight silk and cotton blend.

$148, Buy now at Brooks Brothers

Brunello Cucinelli Contrast-Tipped Cashmere Sweater

Not quite a spring pink but not yet an autumn brick, the rich red colour of this Brunello Cucinelli soft cashmere knit was invented for seeing out summer in. Wear this with a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses and some khaki linen trousers and you might actually be a tiny bit glad the temp’s cooled off a few degrees. Take your fit to the next level by pair this lightweight jumper with a scoop (or two) of gelato alla fragola.

$1,554, Buy now at MR PORTER

Armani Slim-Fit Virgin Wool Rollneck Sweater

Channel your inner Martin Brody — police chief to the town of Amity Island and hunter of menacing great white sharks — and sport this dashing virgin wool rollneck by Giorgio Armani to close out summer with some authority. Shark-infested waters or not, a lightweight turtleneck is an essential addition to any man’s wardrobe. If you are still without one, consider your hunt finished business.

$1,096, Buy now at MR PORTER