Skip to main content

Home Style Style Fashion

The summer style essentials we’re shopping this June

From vintage-inspired tees to towels made with cruising in mind, we’ve rounded up the summer style essentials to keep us cool all season long

By Joshua Graham

collage of summer style essentials for attitude magazine
(Images: Provided)

Summer survival is all about not looking like you’re about to melt into the pavement. Whether it’s picnics in the park, last-minute rooftop plans, or mapping out your Pride party, choosing the right summer style essentials is equal parts taste and strategy.

For us at Attitude, that means leaning into natural fabrics that breathe when the city won’t, easy silhouettes that move with you from midday sun to late-night dancefloor, and slip-ons that don’t require a second thought when you’re already running late. Add in accessories that catch the light just right, and suddenly you’re not just surviving summer – you’re showing up to it.

COS Camp-Collar Linen Shirt

COS light blue linen shirt featured in attitude's summer style essentials gallery
COS Camp-Collar linen shirt, £65 (Image: Provided)

There’s no greater summertime companion than a linen shirt. It’s the laidback staple that anchors every great summer outfit. Cut in a relaxed fit to catch the breeze just right and naturally water-wicking to keep sweat in check, it’s the piece that makes “effortless” actually feel effortless.

Sonos Play Speakers

SONOS play portable speakers featured in a summer style essentials gallery
Sonos Play portable speakers, £299 (Image: Provided)

If there’s one thing that needs to be as versatile as your summer wardrobe, it’s your speaker. The portable Sonos Play brings a 24-hour battery life, a waterproof build that doesn’t flinch at poolside splashes, and a sleek design that works for any outfit. Consider it the plus-one that never overstays its welcome.

GayTowels Cruising Towel

GayTowels cruising towel featured in summer style essentials shopping gallery
GayTowels Cruising towel, £107 (Image: Provided)

Gone are the days of basic, boring towels. Made by (and for) the LGBTQ+ community, this Mexico City–based brand turns the humble towel into a canvas for bold self-expression. Whether you’re beachside or poolside, it’s less about drying off and more about making a statement before you’ve even stepped into the sun.

Orlebar Brown Bulldog Drawcord Shorts

Orlebar Brown Bulldog Drawcord shorts, £295 (Image: Provided)

Shorts are a non-negotiable when temperatures are on the rise, but the real challenge is finding a pair that can do it all. Orlebar Brown’s signature Bulldog fit delivers exactly that: tailored enough to feel pulled-together, relaxed enough to not look like you’re trying too hard. In Sun Stripe Vermillion, they move effortlessly from town to poolside, making “just one quick drink” turn into an afternoon that very much involves getting in the water.

JW Anderson Large Bulb Bag

JW Anderson Large Bulb bag, £455 (Image: Provided)

Leave the all-leather carryall in winter storage because summer is all about raffia. Straight from the Summer Series, JW Anderson’s Bulb bag is crocheted in a lightweight texture that feels made for sun-drenched days. Deceptively spacious, it’s just right for an emergency pair of flip-flops, a water bottle, and SPF.

MOSCOT The Mizer Sun in Bamboo

MOSCOT The Mizer Sun in Bamboo, £365 (Image: Provided)

While summer is all about going bold with sunglasses, surviving the heatwave really comes down to not overthinking it. A classic pair like MOSCOT’s Mizer Sun keeps things effortless, seamlessly transitioning from city strolls to sunset views.

Ouest The Vintage Series Springtime Tee

Ouest The Vintage Series T-shirt, £76 (Image: Provided)

As one of our favourite gay-run fashion brands, Paris-based Ouest makes vintage feel fresh again. Crafted from overdyed cotton for a naturally lived-in look, the Vintage Series features a boxy, ’70s-inspired silhouette with contrast stitching that nods to classic sportswear. A cheeky retro slogan finishes it off, doing the talking for you and telling everyone exactly what you’ve got planned when the sun is shining.

Ami Paris White Nylon Soft Sneakers

Ami Paris white nylon Soft Sneakers, £330 (Image: Provided)

There’s nothing better for sunshine than embracing the barely-there, carefree style of vintage gays. Straight from the pages of a Christopher Street zine, AMI Paris’s retro-inspired Soft Sneakers channel a quintessential streamlined track silhouette. Crafted in durable nylon, they’re built for running around town all summer long while keeping things effortlessly sharp.

&SONS Loma Rib Vest

&SONS Loma vest featured in a summer essentials style gallery
&SONS Loma rib vest, £45 (Image: Provided)

Vests are essential, but nobody wants to look like they’re on the way to the gym. &SONS keeps it refined with a dense cotton rib that hugs the body for a clean, structured finish. Layered under linen, it becomes the perfect base.

HeyDude Harbor Lo Classic

HeyDude navy Harbor Lo Classic boatshoes as part of a summer style essentials gallery
HeyDude Harbor Lo Classic boatshoes, £69.99 (Image: Provided)

Love them or hate them, there’s no better time to step into a pair of boat shoes than summer. Effortless to slip on, they’re built for easy days and even easier dressing. A cushioned ankle collar keeps comfort in check, whether you’re by the coast or pretending you’re on a yacht somewhere you very much are not.

Rufskin Barbell T-shirt

Rufskin muscle tee as part of Attitude's summer style essentials gallery
Rufskin Barbell T-shirt, £50 (Image: Provided)

Similarly, Rufskin leans into ’80s muscle tee energy for those who’ve spent winter not hibernating, but bulking with intent. Designed for showing off the results, it taps into vintage bodybuilder motifs with a playful nod to California’s legendary Muscle Beach. Think nostalgia, bravado, and just the right amount of “yes, I did plan this” confidence.