Three Knitted Tank Top Patterns to Power through the Heat

It’s summer, and it’s hot as rocks, so my goal is to wear as little clothing as possible while still remaining “decent.” Although I could go topless (it’s legal in Colorado!), there are areas of my body that haven’t seen the sun since I was but a wee little thing, and these areas would be EXTREMELY painful if they got sunburned. So naturally, I’m going for a compromise: a knitted tank.

Featured above: Mackinac Tank by Danielle Chalson

Unsurprisingly, knit tank tops are a great summer project. They’re designed for warm weather, so they have all the advantages over a woolly sweater. For a knitted tank, you use lightweight, cool yarn; there’s no need to make a sweater even sweatier as you work on it. They’re small and knit up quickly. Since they don’t have sleeves, there’s about 1/3 less knitting to do. And they have an immediate pay off—once you’re finished knitting and have woven in the ends that will show, you can wear it! You don’t have to put it away for three months while the weather cools down.

Here are three knitted tanks that will keep you cool and covered:

Folded Lace Tank by Bristol Ivy

As mentioned, when the weather gets hot, I don’t like wearing clothes that touch my body. However, I’m also vain enough that I don’t want to wear shapeless sacks all the time. The Folded Lace Tank manages to perfectly balance that line between loose-fitting ease and a tent. The origami-like folds at the shoulder add just enough volume to both make it comfortable and breezy, and to create a flattering A-line hem. I also love the subtle lace panels; they make it extra feminine while keeping the overall organic feel. It’s a breezy combination of comfort and style.

Mackinac Tank by Danielle Chalson

The Mackinac Tank is one on my favorite styles, something I refer to as a “mullet top”: it’s all business in the front and a party in the back. The kicky ruffle along the upper back is a wonderfully fun detail that doesn’t take over the whole look. And waist shaping elevates this tank to a more sophisticated level. You can wear this classic, but fun, knit tank top in a sedate office setting, to a beach party, and everywhere in between. Made in the most summery of blends—rayon and linen—it’ll keep you cool from the boardroom to the Tiki Room.

Roped Shell by Angela Hahn

Tank tops usually fall on the more casual end of the spectrum, but the Roped Shell is pure sophistication. It’s made from smooth silk yarn that shimmers in the sun and feels delicious against your skin. The easy slip-stitch pattern adds and ebb-and-flow movement to the design, creating stripes that bend to meet bricks of color. And best of all, the elegant golden rope cables along the neckline adds a regal frame for your décolletage. This is the perfect top for adding some wearable luxury to your summer wardrobe.

Cast on a cool knit tank top today! Want more? Check out the 5 Favorite Knitted Tops for Summer Collection to get a bunch of summer-friendly patterns for one low price.

Knitted Tank Top Patterns to Keep Cool