15 brands that can spruce up your summer wardrobe

Three Stripe Life is just as effective as it is mainstream. The effectiveness is doubled during the summertime because of the brand's full range of colorful kicks, then taken to yet another level because of the strides it has taken in streetwear in recent years through collaborations with Beyonce (IVY PARK), Karlie Kloss, and so many more. Adidas' Pride Collection is the latest example.

"Athleta was founded in 1998 to meet the unique needs of athletic women," according to the official website. "Acquired by Gap, Inc. in 2008, we opened our first store in Mill Valley, California in 2011. 2016 saw the launch of the community-driven Power of She campaign and the debut of Athleta Girl. In 2018, we became a certified B Corp, reinforcing our commitment to business as a force for good."

More specifically, in relation to this list, Athleta has long been at the forefront at the intersection of athletic wear and athleisure wear—and that's certainly important during active summer months—but it is even more versatile because of offerings such as dresses and rompers. There is an entire section dedicated to summer essentials here.

Bonobos was founded by Andy Dunn in 2007 with the sole purpose of supplying men with perfectly fitted pants. The brand expanded, then Walmart bought it in 2017, only for Dunn to announce his departure from Walmart last year. All internal drama aside, Bonobos still has plenty of options to help you look better on the outside: accessories, golf, outerwear, swimwear, and more.

Draper James was founded by Reese Witherspoon upon the idea of honoring her Southern heritage and her grandparents, according to the official website, but the clothes are fit for modern women everywhere. In fact, Draper James recently launched this swimwear collaboration with Lands' End "designed with everybody in mind." View the brand's separate summer collection here.

Drew House was introduced by Justin Bieber alongside his longtime friend and collaborator Ryan Good in January 2019. Every drop, while costing a pretty penny, draws from child-like inspirations. Anyone who wears the smiley-face brand is instantly transported back to childhood revelry, which is perfect for summer.

Everlane is known for its commitment to environmental initiatives through clothing. "At Everlane, we want the right choice to be as easy as putting on a great T-shirt," the official website explains. "That’s why we partner with the best, ethical factories around the world. Source only the finest materials. And share those stories with you—down to the true cost of every product we make. It’s a new way of doing things. We call it Radical Transparency."

You don't need me to tell you about H&M. Depending on where you live, there are at least five in near proximity to you. The mega-retailer houses several brands to browse and maybe even suit some of your summer needs. Head to the new arrivals to start.

Lululemon is probably most commonly known as "that really popular yoga company," and that's not inaccurate, but lulu (yes, it must always be typed in lowercase) also offers athleisure wear for women and men that can be rocked away from any mat.

The Nike swoosh is more ubiquitous than Adidas's Three-Stripe Life mantra, but regardless of whether you fall on the side of Adidas or Nike, the same logic applies. The right sneakers amplify a fit by approximately one billion degrees. Additionally, if you're a golfer or tennis player, Nike has you covered with the essentials here and here.

Re-inc (stylized as re-inc) was founded by U.S. Women's National Team superstars Tobin Heath, Meghan Klingenberg, Christen Press, and Megan Rapinoe. Each new capsule serves a purpose while you serve the look. Most recently, the "Gamer" capsule was "inspired by the stories of women, BIPOC, and activists in gaming." 

"Inspired by the ‘90s and by Rowing Blazer founder Jack Carlson’s youth, the collection is our biggest to date," Rowing Blazers' official website boasts about their new Summer '21 collection. There are plenty of retro-yet-modern pieces for men and women to choose from here, including bucket hats, rugby shirts, polo knits, shorts, and tanks.

Roxy is nostalgic, sure, but the surf and snowboard lifestyle brand is still very much producing relevant clothing over 30 years after its founding. Their new "Sunny Side" collection even leans into it: "Let nostalgia reign in throwback styles that embrace the ultra-feminine." If you're (finally) headed to a beach this summer, hit Roxy first.

This U.K. brand was founded in 2013 by childhood friends Barry Gill, Sam Kay, and David Thomson. "SIKSILK is an athletic, styled combination of sportswear meets streetwear with huge inspiration from top athletes around the world along with the uprising streetwear culture, which heavily influences most of the youth today," the official website explains. Check out the latest here.

Staud's official website explains its origins in a way I previously thought only Carrie Bradshaw could: "When it comes to wardrobe staples, STAUD has it down to a science — if that science were based on emotion instead of formulas, technicolor dreamcoats instead of those meant for a lab, and the idea that “matter” is just stuff in the universe while a good handbag is anything but. It’s why, in 2015, Sarah Staudinger and George Augusto co-founded the LA-based brand upon the idea that fashion shouldn’t just empower women—it should be accessible, too."

For the swimsuits, people! Although, Victoria's Secret's loungewear is worth a look, too.