When we think of summer style, linen sets, raffia bags and strappy sandals often steal the spotlight. But there’s one item we instinctively reach for when the sun dips or the air conditioner kicks in: the summer sweatshirt.
Comfortable and nostalgic in equal measure, the crewneck sweatshirt is a perennial favourite. It’s the layer you throw on with shorts at the cottage, toss over a swimsuit after a swim or pull on for an early-morning workout à la Princess Diana—those iconic paparazzi shots of her in oversized Harvard and Northwestern crewnecks, bike shorts and black shades live rent-free on Pinterest boards everywhere.
Unlike a hoodie, which can feel bulky and overbuilt, the crewneck is simple and sentimental. “It’s the piece that reminds you of being at sleepover camp or stealing it from a first love on those cooler days of summer,” says writer and stylist Jillian Vieira. “There’s a sense of romance with a summer sweatshirt that you just don’t get in the winter.”
Since the pandemic, sweatshirts have had a serious glow-up, with brands embracing retro designs and collegiate motifs. For example, Roots revived its beloved 1982 Beaver Canoe collection in summer 2022 and has leaned into its vintage-inspired designs ever since. “Across the industry, nostalgia and the buy Canadian/support Canada movement has generated local interest from Canadian customers,” says Roots’ creative director in residence Joey Gollish, who remembers borrowing his dad’s old Roots quarter-zip as a kid. “At Roots, we’re not fast fashion—we craft products that stand the test of time, with modern designs that feel fresh season after season.”
The beauty of a pullover crewneck is that it’s endlessly versatile. “The preppy look, the effortless style—what’s not to love?” says Gollish. “I throw it on with shorts after a swim in the lake or layer it over a poplin shirt for dinner.”
To keep the styling feeling intentional, Vieira suggests leaning into the summer camp vibe. “Pair it with the definitive shorts of the season, the Bermudas, or mix in a new texture like linen. On the accessories front, a lived-in ball cap and a pair of hoops go a long way.”
Inspired to add a new classic to your collection? Luckily, there’s no shortage of options, with many of them made right here in Canada. Scroll on for our favourite summer sweatshirts of the moment.
The Canadiana sweatshirt
“The Greetings From collection delivers both nostalgia and quality, with each piece proudly made in Canada,” says Gollish. Crafted from organic cotton and finished with hand-sewn embroidery, it’s the sweatshirt to pack for your travels while repping your home province in style.
The book club sweatshirt
For the book lovers, Indigo’s beloved Book Club sweatshirt is the perfect reading companion. Throw this Club de Lecture crewneck over your swimsuit and linen shorts on those sun-soaked afternoons spent with a beach read—whether you’re poolside or lakeside.
The Pride sweatshirt
Perfect for Pride Month and beyond, this ultra-soft fleece sweatshirt celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in full colour. Adorned with symbols of love among diverse characters, it’s a joyful tapestry of the many stories that make up Toronto’s LGBTQ+ community.
The Nunavut-designed sweatshirt
Designed in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, Hinaani is the brainchild of a collective of artists led by designer Nooks Linden. With a background in digital art, Linden brings a modern touch to Inuit-inspired graphics—like this standout sweatshirt. You might’ve even spotted the brand on the buzzy series North of North.
The neighbourhood-proud sweatshirt
Inspired by the ever-trending collegiate aesthetic (think letterman jackets, rugby shirts and bold varsity typography), these “wearable postcards” pay tribute to the Canadian brand’s roots—from its first shop in Leslieville to its home base in Toronto to its original hometown, Montreal.
The cropped sweatshirt
If you’re after an effortless cropped layer, Aritzia’s fan-favourite French Terry fleece gets a summer-ready update (and is currently on sale!). Lightweight with a vintage-inspired raw-cut hem, it’s the kind of easy-breezy sweatshirt you’ll throw on for morning workouts or coffee runs.
The Japanese film buff sweatshirt
For its latest UT collaboration, Uniqlo teamed up with award-winning Studio Ghibli to create limited-edition T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring iconic illustrations from eight of its beloved films, including My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle.
The cheeky sweatshirt
Brunette the Label is famous for its cheeky sweater drops, and its latest is inspired by Shania Twain’s iconic “Let’s go, girls” vibe. Available in vintage black, the oversized fit and slouchy sleeves make it the ultimate sweatshirt for your summer road trips.
The sophisticated sweatshirt
If you’re on the hunt for an elevated sweatshirt, this polo silhouette from Reformation is a top contender. With its relaxed fit and creamy vanilla hue, it’s sophisticated enough for the country club yet cozy enough for movie nights or lounging on the couch. Pair it with matching shorts for an effortlessly chic summer look.
