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It's a festival favourite AND surprisingly versatile 😎 🙌

We know it’s hard to imagine, but knitted vests were once uncool. Now, in 2022, they’ve gone from a grandad staple to a high-fashion fave – a true transformation from geek to chic.

If you don’t believe us, just look to Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and Kendall Jenner for confirmation that this is the trend worth investing in. And it’s not just a flash in the pan, either: this wardrobe underdog is so versatile it’s quickly becoming an everyday essential we can’t live without.

We know what you’re thinking, isn’t it a bit late in the year to be shopping for knitwear? Actually, this item is super transitional. In fact, the whole point is that it's made for layering: an oversized style can spice up your staple white shirts and tees, while a cropped design will give mini skirts and jeans a directional edge. And make sure you bring one along to any pub trips and picnics, for throwing over pretty summer dresses – we all know the British weather can’t be trusted.

Argyle is the quintessential tank top choice, but if diamond intarsia is a little too preppy for your liking, cable-knit is another OG option. But if you want to bring these classics into 2022, simply add a modern twist by underpinning with a Pilgrim collar blouse. Speaking of the latest trends: the style set is loving neutral tanks atm, but here at Cosmo we’re partial to playful rainbow crochet and pointelle-knits (they’re perf for festival season).

​​Scroll through to our pick of the 17 best women’s knitted vests to shop now. From minimalist and sports-luxe looks to retro boho gems, there’s something for every occasion.

Those peachy orange, rust-brown and cobalt-blue stripes on Mango’s cropped vest look totally like vintage Missoni! The tactile finish, open collar and ultra-wide ribbed hem on this piece only add to the ‘70s vibe – play up to it with flared trousers.

If you’re not into oversized fits, this cable-knit vest will be more your style: it’s ultra cropped and tightly ribbed to highlight your waist. Throw an all-white lewk this summer by pairing yours with a pleated tennis skirt.

This ain’t your typical tennis vest. Andersson Bell’s cable-knit vest taps into sports-luxe trends with its tricolor trims but the psychedelic dégradé stripes are a playful addition. Wear this statement piece to your next festival with neon accessories.

Everyone knows the Breton stripe is a summer classic, but if you’re tired of basic tees this Arket vest is a fab alternative. This piece is knitted with super soft alpaca wool, so isn’t one for wearing when it’s red-hot – think more Cornish seaside. Basically, if you’ve got a staycay planned, be sure to pack this chic number.

How gorge is the colour of this COS vest? This retro mustard shade of yellow totally taps into the ‘70s side of the knitted tank trend. As well as being luxurious and delightfully fluffy, this mohair-wool fabric is sustainable (if you haven’t seen this fabric around for a while, it’ll be because brands have been working hard on ensuring their sources are ethical and kind to goats).

Whistles’ patchwork knit vest is giving us serious Woodstock vibes. We love the boxy fit, cap sleeves and unique colour combo – who knew maroon and green could look so good with cream and baby-blue? Wear yours with white jeans when you’re not at a festival.

Check out the smiley face on this ASOS knitted vest. Are you thinking what we’re thinking? It totally reminds us of a Ganni design – but it’s an incred high street alternative for those on a tighter budget.

If you’ve been fully on board with the knit tank trend for a while now, take it one step further with Pieces’ sleeveless cardi. The tablecloth gingham-knit and diamante buttons add to the OTT granny vibes nicely, dontcha think? Coastal Grandma is trending on TikTok, after all.

Boho is back, baby. But if the noughties, Sienna Miller-inspired strain of this trend isn’t for you (seriously: a coin belt renaissance is incoming), stick to the good old Gap Yah classics instead. Free People nails it every time – just look at the chunky mixed yarns and ladder-knit back on this playful sweater vest.

We don’t mean to go all Miranda Priestly on you, but cerulean is basically the colour of the season – get ready to see it everywhere. Be ahead of the trend with H&M’s open-knit vest, complete with the coolest whipstitched trims that feel just a lil’ nautical. There’s also a flared sleeve sweater version of this tank, if you’re a fan.

Cosmo is just obsessed with crochet atm. The intricate granny squares on this Monki tank top give it a handmade feel that we looove. Add to the bohemian ‘70s vibe by styling yours with a pair of flared jeans.

An argyle knitted vest is the OG style, but it doesn’t have to just be worn for pub golf. This Ganni number stays true to the preppy vibe, but its plunging V-neck and hints of neon orange bring a fresh feel.

Lemon-yellow, candy pink, fuchsia and coral – the stripes on ASOS’ knitted vest remind us of a summer sunset 😍 We’ll be wearing ours to the pub with a simple white dress and chunky sandals.

Obvs we don’t need to tell you how mega important it is to support small businesses. But if you did need any shopping motivation, just look at this amazing crochet vest from Etsy. Wear yours to a day festival with a bright bralette underneath.

Why would you want to wear a basic vest when this Mango number exists? Although technically a top rather than knitwear, the pointelle detailing totally taps into 2022’s knitted tank trend. There’s no need to add layers, it looks best worn solo – simply style with your fave jeans.

Dodo Bar Or’s tank top feels both retro and sporty: the ‘70s-inspired colour palette and retro geometrics are tempered with technical jersey and ribbed trims. You can go either way with this one when it comes to styling – try a tennis skirt one day and flared jeans the next.

Off on holiday this summer? Make sure you leave some room in the suitcase for this H&M tank. The lightweight pointelle knit makes it perfect for throwing over a bikini in hotter climes – pick up the matching shorts for a full poolside ‘fit.