ISO beach sweater

viva

Is this a Maine thing? Even when it's hot at the beach the wind off the cold water makes me shiver. I'm looking for what I call a beach sweater and of course I want it to be everything: comfy and cozy; casual enough for the actual beach, cute enough to pop on with jeans to get grab a drink; not too athletic, not too fancy. Anyone have any suggestions?

3 years ago

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Anonymous

Ooh - I want to go with you on this little vacation . I haven't seen a beach in 2 years now You know who often features tops/sweaters like this? Andrea L at I Want To Be Her. Versions of the Baja California sweater/poncho things but not as surfy.

3 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Not sure if these are what you have in mind when you think "beach sweater", but they could be fun

Boden

Jersey Lounge Hoodie

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Boden

Jersey Lounge Hoodie

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Boden

Morton Knitted Hoodie

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Boden

Morton Knitted Hoodie

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Boden

Eldon Cotton Jumper

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Boden

Banbury Cotton Jumper

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3 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I would look for something like a sweatshirt or nylon jacket that is better than a sweater at protecting from wind. I always wondered at the sweatshirt with shorts style until we lived not far from the beach in California. Inge’s selection, especially the hoodies look ideal.

3 years ago

notsaf

Veteran

These ones from Emerson Fry fit the bill! I know exactly what you mean. I always want it to be cotton this time of year. Alex Mill and J Crew also make nice versions.

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3 years ago

viva

Veteran

Thank you, Inge. I like the hoodies a lot. I also found this Everlane one, which is more what I was imagining (mesh-like knit, cotton) - and I may try it.

Lisap: thanks for directing me/us to that blog, which is new to me. I read the clog entry and went down quite a rabbit hole. I saw that the woman is the one who founded Lucky magazine, and I remember loving it when that came out - a magazine for shoppers! Ugh, I kind of hate that even as I write it. But anyway, I like her mix of high and low and like the kinds of things she highlights. So thank you. (Although I can't take you to St Martin, I will badger you post-COVID until you agree to a vacation in Maine.)

Everlane

The Mesh Soft Cotton Crew

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3 years ago

viva

Veteran

Notsaf, I just wish EFry weren't so expensive. Sometimes it's worth it with her stuff, but for a basic cotton sweater it can be hard to justify. Also, I didn't find anything at Alex Mill but did order this pinstripe relaxed suit which looks AMAZING.

Of course, then I went to EF and found this blush colored version of the cotton sweater....May need to try.

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3 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

You're very welcome! I like the Everlane one too (and saw a mesh-like one on the Boden site also, see below), but I do wonder whether the wind won't just blow right through the mesh fabric and not keep you as warm as you would like?

P.S. Loving that pinstripe suit by the way!

Boden

Leven Pointelle Jumper

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3 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ok, this isn’t a sweater, but I saw this in person and it’s a sort of weighty, almost double-ply gauzy fabric that is really nice. Seems like it would be so good for the beach, and nicely made. Not cheap, but it grabbed me. Might not be quite what you’re looking for but I could see you in this style.

https://www.xirena.com/collect.....3243867241

3 years ago

viva

Veteran

Darn, Inge! I LOVE that striped sweater from Boden but it's sold out in the US. (I know the holes seem counter intuitive when looking for warmth, but this kind of lightweight sweater adds just enough to provide the sensation of warmth, if that makes sense.)

3 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Ugh curse it!!-(((( What a bummer, Viv!!

Nordstrom sells some Boden items too, but I don't see the Leven sweater on their website, sigh.

And yes, that does make sense!

3 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

I know just what you’re talking about! Maybe it’s a New England thing. I bought this cotton Sezane sweater with beach days in mind: https://www.sezane.com/us/prod.....el#size-XS

I also use my cotton Everlane sweaters in this context, and my heavier weight Breton (Saint James Meridien), and a navy v-neck sweater from Pact Organic. I have a little bit of an obsession with chunky cotton knitwear...

I feel like the west coast version is a Pendleton shirt: https://www.google.com/amp/s/b.....inusa/amp/

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The Soft Cotton Square Crew

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Everlane

The Soft Cotton Square Cardigan

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3 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I have to laugh because whenever I went to the beach (in Northern California) it was cold and windy, and I wanted a jacket!

3 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

A sweater and a mesh sweatshirt. They are both a little oversized and come in a couple colors.
https://www.onzie.com/products.....#038;_ss=r

https://www.onzie.com/products.....#038;_ss=r

Personally, I’d go for the jacket. https://www.onzie.com/products.....#038;_ss=r

The urls all look the same, but I promise they’re not. Onzie is proud of staying true to its US roots, across the continent from you, in Southern California.

3 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Yes! I know what you’ve got in mind! I’ve had the pic below pinned since I first started messing around on Pinterest!

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3 years ago

viva

Veteran

Carla: that shot is amazing. I love everything: the hair, the shades, the oversized sweater. Perfection.

3 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This makes complete sense! You need beach sweaters and sweatshirts in Cape Town too. The wind!!!

I like the options Inge and La Ped suggested. I like the hoodies and nautical stripes best.

3 years ago

cat2

Veteran

There are California versions at Free People and Amour Vert. We don’t do nautical.

3 years ago

Anonymous

I quite like the one Janet found .

3 years ago

Eliza

Veteran

Probably about 5-7 years ago, I purchased a JCrew beach sweater- it was open weave cotton and just right for what you described. Checked for one now and a similar one they had this year is sold out. Here is the link just for reference: https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens.....sweater/AR

I had wanted a beach sweater that wasn't too precious as I am always covered with sunscreen and sometimes found myself throwing it on over a damp suit.

Uniqlo now has this lightweight, but denser weave linen sweater on sale that I bought earlier this year:https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/w.....1SMA005000
While it is not labeled a beach sweater, it may fit the bill. I love mine: comfortable, fluid, but not relaxed fit and nicely made. Washes well.

Best with your search.

3 years ago

viva

Veteran

Eliza, I long regret not buying a JCrew beach sweater last year (or any year!). I really like the Uniqlo top. How is the sizing?

3 years ago

kkards

Veteran

Yes, beach sweater....while i also love the Emerson fry sweaters i tend wear things i think of as less precious at the beach (or maybe its better to say, to wear things that I’m ok getting sand on)
I think some of these maybe limited in sizing but maybe worth looking at

UNIQLO

Women Linen Color Block Boat Neck Sweater (ines De La Fressange)

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UNIQLO

Women Linen Boat Neck Sweater (ines De La Fressange)

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UNIQLO

Women 3d Knit Striped 3/4-sleeve Sweater (ines De La Fressange)

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Nordstrom

ALEX MILL Abby Color Trim Cotton & Linen Cardigan

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3 years ago

Eliza

Veteran

The Uniqlo sweater above is true to size and feels good on. It seemed more refined somehow than most sweaters at this price point.

3 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Yes I know what you mean! Although I think it is getting hotter here so I don’t call for the sweaters as much.

3 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

i stocked up at jcrew at the end of last season and dragged them all up north. this year's selection here

https://www.jcrew.com/c/womens_category/sweaters

jcrew has a cotton/cashmere sweater/sweatshirt. in an extra-large, it would mimic carla's photo

2 years ago

Anonymous

I'm picturing a ivory/beige linen or pima cardi, or crocheted sweater.
https://www.peruvianconnection.....ardigan.do

2 years ago

Glory

Veteran

So many great ideas in the thread already. I love the idea of a beach sweater and especially like the stripes.

2 years ago

Mainelady

Veteran

Beach sweaters in Maine? Yes! If you are going to spend any time along the waters edge or on boats, you will be very happy to have a sweater or a sweatshirt. I have several from the following retailers. These are brands that wash and dry well have hold up well.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/sho.....s-sweaters

https://www.landsend.com/shop/.....ms-_-swtrs

https://www.barbour.com/us/womens/knitwear?p=2

My favorite beach toppers are hoodies from Ampersand. I like the double hoodies. They have thumb coozies, and front pockets (kangaroo or side pockets). They are available from several online boutiques.
https://poppyandpolkadot.comme.....ns/hoodies

i hope you find the perfect cover ups and have a great time!

2 years ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Just chiming in to say I know exactly what you mean - it's a Hong Kong thing too (lol @Joy the 'sweatshirt & shorts' look is pretty much a uniform here, even off the beach) .

I unfortunately don't have anything to add other than a slightly open weave boatneck jumper (not too loose knit though) is probably what you're looking for. I second J Crew as being a good destination for that sort of thing (also Ralph Lauren and H&M I think, although I haven't stepped foot inside either for a while lol...) I actually found one in woven silk from a secondhand shop that I use for a similar purpose, although a cotton linen blend would do just as well. Just make sure it's not too long though, since that would probably ruin the vibe you're looking for.

2 years ago

viva

Veteran

Mainelady: I live here, too! 25 years in the state, the last 4 in Portland. So this is a need for everyday, not a vacation. Thanks for your suggestions!

2 years ago

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