Summer Knitwear Doesn't Exist... Or Does It?
Caitlin McCrackenShare
When you think of knitwear, what comes to mind? Perhaps chunky jumpers, cosy scarves and woolly gloves. It is a common misconception that knitwear is only wearable during the colder months. In reality, the right fibre and construction can make knitwear surprisingly comfortable to wear throughout the summer.
So let’s explore why lightweight knits deserve a place in your warm-weather wardrobe.
It’s all about the fibre
The secret to comfortable summer knitwear lies in the fibre that you choose. Natural fibres such as merino, cashmere and silk are breathable and naturally help regulate your body temperature, making them surprisingly suitable for warmer weather.
In contrast, some synthetic fibres, such as acrylic or polyester, are less breathable and trap heat and moisture, leaving you feeling warm and clammy in hot weather. That’s why choosing the right fibre is just as important as the design itself.
For me, designing summer knitwear always begins with the fibre. For The Picnic Collection, I use a fine blend of merino wool, cashmere and silk. Merino provides breathability and temperature regulation, cashmere adds softness, while silk gives the fabric a beautiful drape and lightweight feel.
Lighter Yarn, Lighter Knit
Even with the perfect fibre, a chunky knit may still make you sweat in the hot weather. That is why choosing finer yarns and using more open stitch structures allows air to circulate through the garment, creating a lighter, cooler fabric.
For The Basket Vest, I incorporated a ladder stitch structure to create an airy fabric, while the tabard style makes it an effortless layering piece.
Perfect for Unpredictable Summers
Growing up in Northern Ireland, I have learnt that the weather can change very quickly in one day. When we were planning a photoshoot for The Picnic Collection, we almost rescheduled for an indoor shoot because the weather forecast was for rain. We all agreed to “wait and see” if the weather changed- lo and behold, it was a scorcher of a day.
That is exactly why I love the versatility of lightweight knitwear.
Practical design
When I design a collection, I always consider how each piece will fit into everyday life. I want to create garments that you’ll instinctively reach for, whether you’re heading off on holiday, going for a weekend walk or meeting friends for an afternoon picnic.
To me, good design isn’t just how a piece looks; it is about how it feels to wear and how naturally it fits into your wardrobe. That is why the tops in The Picnic Collection have relaxed silhouettes and short sleeves, making them lightweight, comfortable and easy to layer.
After all, the best clothes are the ones you don’t have to think twice about wearing.
So the next time you think of knitwear, don’t just picture frosty mornings and oversized jumpers. Picture golden evenings in the park, a picnic blanket spread across the grass, and a lightweight knit that is just enough to keep you comfortable in the heat.
Perhaps knitwear has belonged in summer all along.
Happy woolgathering,
Caitlin