THE JOURNAL
The concept of summer knitwear might sound like an oxymoron: who needs a stuffy sweater when it’s sweltering outside? But put that thought away for a second and consider instead that a soft piece of lightweight knitwear can be a savvy addition to a warm-weather wardrobe, perfect for pulling on during balmy end-of-summer evenings or unseasonably chilly days (at MR PORTER’s London HQ, we’re plenty used to the latter). As well as being much smarter than a jersey or hoodie, a summer knit is also the kind of thing you can sling in a bag to switch up your outfit when the mercury dips. Below, a selection of three seasonally appropriate knits to steer you in the right direction, plus some ideas of what to wear them with.
01. The navy cashmere staple
A navy cashmere sweater is something every man should own. It is all the things that good clothes should be: versatile, comfortable and effortlessly stylish. Perhaps no one makes a better version than The Row, the uber-tasteful New York brand founded by the Olsen twins. The label’s Benji sweater has been part of the label’s collections since the beginning, and as well as being gorgeously soft, it is also gently ribbed at the cuffs, neckline and waist to help keep its shape. For a dressed-up look, layer it over a white or blue button-up shirt and let the collar peek out. Alternatively, take Mr Harrison Ford’s cue and don’t layer anything underneath. In what has become one of the most iconic summer-menswear images of the internet age, the actor is pictured wearing his navy knit with nothing but a pair of short-shorts and some beaten-up boating shoes at the 1982 Cannes Film Festival.
02. The minimalist option
Slightly more adventurous than black, grey or navy, but still wonderfully clean (as long as you manage to steer clear of any splashes of merlot), a white or cream knit is the most minimal – but least boring – variety of summer knitwear. This one from Jil Sander, in a shade of “eggshell”, has very subtle padding in the chest and shoulders to flatter the form (have you been working out?), as well as a line of ribbing that runs down the centre that gives it a gentle point of difference. For maximum contrast, opt for dark neutral colours elsewhere in your outfit – it’ll look particularly excellent with an elegant pair of black wide-leg trousers and polished leather boots.
03. The zip-up workhorse
Struggle to regulate your temperature? Always too cold but, somehow, always too hot as well? You might want to get your thyroid looked at. But, also, you may just need to be a tad smarter about your knitwear. A zip-up sweater works brilliantly in unpredictable weather – and not just in summer; think of it like your own personal-temperature regulator that you don’t have to take on or off, just zip up or down as necessary. This ribbed design from Jil Sander is soft enough to wear directly over bare skin, but pairs equally well with a white cotton T-shirt. It also authentically toes the mystical smart-casual line, and will look just as good with sweatpants around the house as it will taken out to dinner with some tailored trousers – a wardrobe workhorse for the ages.