A great cotton sweater is the unsung hero of the summer wardrobe. Chilly nights at the beach, sitting by the bonfire, eating al fresco – all activities that are better when you have a sweater thrown over your shoulders. Or maybe you’re just somewhere with really strong AC. Either way, you’ll find your new favorite sweater below.
These are not precious sweaters, so there’s no need to spend a lot on them. I can always rely on Quince for budget-friendly options, like this navy and white striped cotton sweater or this boyfriend-inspired ivory knit – both for under $50. It’s been a little quiet for Everlane lately but they are still cranking out some gems! For under $100, you can get this almost-yellow boxy sweater or the slightly longer cotton crew in tons of colors.
When I think of beach sweaters, there’s a certain retro-inspired look I imagine from old J.Crew and Ralph Lauren catalogues. Classic, preppy, perfectly worn-in. Kule is the brand carrying on that sporty American legacy, with this navy-and-white striped sweater or this light blue number.
I love a little bit of texture, like with these ribbed J.Crew marina sweaters. The hem and the sleeves really make it stand out from other options. You can go for a neutral, like this warm cream, or splash out on more color like this coral. Gap’s crocheted sweater in a rich blue, Mersea’s lavender ribbed salty crewneck, or Quince’s cotton fisherman knit are all great options too.
If you do want to splurge, go for something really versatile and classic like this beautiful Donni cotton-cashmere blend crewneck. It’s slightly oversized which suits the relaxed mood perfectly. The 15% cashmere means you can wear it into fall. And Donni, a forever cool girl brand, is made in Los Angeles!
Shop the rest of our beach sweaters edit below:
All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how, and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.