Did you think knitwear was only for the colder months? These stylish tops will make you rethink its place in summer fashion.

      I’m not certain if it's characteristic of London, but regardless of the weather, there’s one type of clothing I reliably notice every day. I’m talking about the widespread presence of fine knit tops, a shirt style that is both breathable and practical, making it a quintessential piece for transitioning between seasons. The era where wool or cashmere were solely reserved for winter is long gone; now, they provide warmth when layered under trench coats or over thermal base layers. While natural fibers like merino and angora have always been marketed as essentials that offer chic comfort during cool days, fine knit tops have emerged to demonstrate that you can maintain those qualities even in the summer heat.

      What exactly are Fine Knit Tops? "Knitwear is quite adaptable and can be styled up or down based on the occasion," explains Jasmine Ammitzboell, the design and production lead of Asta Resort, a Gen Z-targeted ready-to-wear brand that has made fine knitting its signature. “The shimmering paillette yarn has naturally become a hallmark of the brand,” adds her sister Helena, the founder and creative director. It adds a touch of shine to life’s most memorable moments, acting as a physical representation of joy and excitement. In simple terms, the finest fine knit tops are defined as any style made from very thin knitted fabric. They can come in cozier forms, such as long-sleeved tops in snow white that can be layered under tank tops and paired with wool trousers. Or, as Christopher Esber often does, with precise tailoring that involves crafting pure cashmere into shirts with open-front twisted loops or stracciatella-colored silk knits into polo shirts. The latter design also featured on Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2025 runway in geometric check prints, providing a relaxing vibe reminiscent of Saltburn while offsetting the geometric skirts.

      But for warmer climates, they can be designed into alluring shapes using “shiny textures and glistening yarns,” as the Asta Resort team describes. “One of the great attributes of knitwear is that it is low-maintenance and non-creasing,” they add. “Our pieces blend casual ‘slow’ living with an extroverted shine, making anyone feel special.” “We are always intrigued by the lifestyle and mindset of the jet-set,” they continue. “Our [customer] leads a vibrant life; she takes candid pictures at her gatherings and is always on the move from one event to another.” The advantage of fine knit tops lies in their practicality. They are effortlessly stylish and can be matched with jeans or paired over a sheer skirt, requiring no fuss, steaming, or pinning to achieve a polished look. Most importantly, they still have a comforting quality that envelops your outfit in a sense of ease, much like a hug no matter where you are.

      How to Style a Fine Knit Top for Summer? Styling fine knit tops for summer focuses on movement. The fabric is inherently light, allowing these styles to move with your body and remain comfortable in high heat without causing excessive sweating. While this may seem contrary to how we typically wear knits during colder days, the delicate fibers in fine knit tops actually enable you to wear them even when temperatures rise.

      New Zealand designer Wynn Crawshaw understands this well. The relaxed and practical vibe of his hometown of Aotearoa is woven into every piece of his eponymous label, Wynn Hamlyn’s knitwear designs. Never sacrificing functionality for style, Crawshaw seamlessly merges utility with innovation. The result is knitted garments that are both sophisticated and intelligent, suitable for occasions ranging from park strolls to pub outings or daily commutes. “[The brand] stands out with unique jacquards depicting images, crochet techniques that shape silhouettes, and stitch structures that replace traditional seams. It’s never merely about decoration—it's about expanding the boundaries of knitwear,” Crawshaw explains.

      Using merino, a material that he notes regulates temperature and feels light, dry, and effortless against the skin, he emphasizes that styling fine knit tops is all about versatility. “Layer them under tailored outfits, over swimwear, or tied at the waist. They can be worn open, wrapped, or loose,” he adds. “It’s about allowing the knit to adapt to how you navigate your day.”

      What Fine Knit Tops are Trending in 2025? Among the myriad of knit shapes and styles—such as crochet—it begs the question of which designs are defining this year's trend? Semi-sheer blouses are one fine knit style leading the way. As Crawshaw remarks, the transparency of this piece “reveals the architecture of the design.” “There’s a subtle tension in exposing what lies beneath,” he continues. “It’s not about provocation; it’s about the craftsmanship. You’re witnessing the effort, the lines, and the structure.”

      Another noteworthy style includes garments with integrated styling elements like “halter necklines that cinch, card