Spring sweaters hit differently after months of chunky turtlenecks and heavy layers. By March, the knits that got you through winter can start to feel a little too warm, bulky, and dark for the season ahead. Enter spring’s lighter, brighter alternatives: the easy knits that make getting dressed feel fresh again.
The key is finding sweaters in light- to mid-weight fabrications with a fresher, easier feel suited to the longer, sunnier days ahead. Taking cues from the Spring/Summer 2026 runways like Chloé, Miu Miu, and Brandon Maxwell, this season’s knits span a range of silhouettes, details, and color palettes, from soft neutrals to playful brights. Classic V-necks offer timeless appeal, while airy, tissue-thin knits have a barely-there feel that’s ideal for layering. Elsewhere, Johnny collars add a touch of preppy charm, while delicate pointelle cardigans strike the balance between sweet and sophisticated.
Whichever spring knit catches your eye, you’re bound to find a new favorite sweater—or a few—to swap in alongside your new spring bags, dresses, and jeans.
The High V-Neck
Channeling ’90s minimalism, a classic mid-weight sweater with a V-neckline is ideal for transitional-weather dressing. It looks just as good layered over a fitted tank or tee as it does tossed over your shoulders when you need to peel back a layer.
The Heavyweight Cotton
A great 100 percent cotton crewneck is the kind of sweater you’ll reach for on repeat—easy with everything from white jeans to slip skirts. It also saves you trips to the dry cleaner. Plus, you’ll feel comfortable all day long if you’re prone to feeling itchy when wearing other knitted fibers.
The Tissue-Thin Knit
Airy, semi-sheer knits in everything from fitted to slouchier silhouettes—and in shades ranging from neutrals to brights—offer a fresh take on layering. The key is choosing the right underpinnings: Wear yours with an undetectable bra in your skin tone or intentionally layered over a tank during the day, then swap in a delicate bralette for evening.
The Roll Neck
Once a turtleneck starts to feel too warm, a roll-neck sweater is the natural next step. It feels a touch easier and more relaxed than a classic crewneck, while still offering a delightful bit of undone coziness. This season’s styles range from cardigans to mock-necks and scoop-neck silhouettes.
The Johnny Collar
Polished yet more casual than its polo counterpart, the Johnny collar sweater—characterized by its buttonless, draped neckline and split placket—has a distinctly retro, slightly sporty feel that dates back to the 1960s and ’70s. That same easy, preppy charm is exactly why the style feels so right again now. Pair yours with structured denim, whether it’s relaxed jeans or a crisp white pair.
The Deep V-Neck
A lower neckline on a relaxed-fit knit feels especially right for spring, but it also taps into fashion’s ongoing obsession with ’90s minimalism. Think of the easy, pared-back way deep V-necks were styled in the decade: layered over a simple tank, worn with loose jeans, and finished with understated jewelry. And if you love accessorizing, it’s also the perfect excuse to show off your favorite layered necklaces.
The Pretty Pointelle
Pointelle sweaters have been popular for a few seasons now, but they still feel fresh as this season leans into a cleaner, more understated expression of femininity. There’s a range of eyelet details and silhouettes to choose from, from subtle patterns to bolder geometric cutouts, in everything from cardigans to shrunken short-sleeve styles.
The Relaxed Polo
After seasons of rugby stripes and collegiate references, the polo knit is shifting in a quieter direction. In solid colors and relaxed shapes, it feels cleaner, more versatile, and easier to wear. Look for an oversized fit with a wider collar that hints at a subtle nautical influence, then layer it over a white T-shirt with just enough peek-through to nod to the ongoing layers-on-layers trend.
The Sweater Top
We’ll never turn down the essential T-shirt, but sometimes swapping it for a lightweight knit top is a good way to add texture and interest (especially in a springtime pastel). Whether you choose a relaxed or cropped style, the sweater top is as versatile as a trusty tee.
Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.













































