Summer is here!
As the days grow warmer and brighter, the time has come to swap our sweatshirts for crop tops and scarves for sun hats. If short shorts and flip-flops aren’t quite your speed, don’t worry! The temperatures may be climbing, but we’ve got everything you need to make 2024 your coolest summer yet.
Let’s take a trip through time as we explore the (sometimes surprising) origins of our favorite dog day duds.
Crop Tops
Cropped tops have long been associated with rebellion and empowerment, growing in popularity as various cultural movements (primarily women’s rights) grew in support. Initially confined to swimming pools and beaches, the daring crop top eventually became a symbol of self-expression and independence. Throughout the 60s and 70s, the crop top was embraced as one of the ways to challenge the established norms of the day through clothing.
Now, it is a mainstream choice for staying cool and cropped tees and tops are a classic for summer. Amidst the dynamic and ever-evolving world of fashion, crop tops have proven to be a staple for those who want to stay refreshed during the often sweltering summer months.
Tank Tops
The first versions of tank tops can arguably be found in Ancient Greece, where athletes and warriors trained in singlets and tunics that closely resembled the modern tank. Though they were typically made from linen and wool, these garments were designed to allow the wearer freedom of movement and ventilation, much like they are today.
Tank tops were named after tank suits, the original bathing costume of the early 20th century. By the 1940s, tank tops had become a popular choice for men, worn beneath dress shirts and military uniforms, providing comfort for soldiers stationed in warm climates. Around the mid-century, athletic wear experienced a surge in popularity, and soon, the tank top became synonymous with leisure and athleticism.
Whether you’re hitting the beach, lounging at home, or sweating it out at the gym, tank tops provide the versatility to transition from casual to activewear with ease.
Tie Dye
Tie-dyeing is an ancient art form that has been practiced for thousands of years. Textiles dyed this way have been found in various cultures around the world, including those in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. However, tie-dye as we know it today became popular in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s as part of the counterculture movement. Hippies and activists welcomed it as a representation of peace, individualism, and self-expression. Tie-dyeing involves twisting, folding, or bunching fabric and then securing it with rubber bands or string before applying dye. The dye penetrates the fabric in unique patterns, creating vibrant and psychedelic designs. Tie-dye quickly became associated with the music festivals, protests, and communal gatherings of the era, and its popularity endured through subsequent decades, periodically experiencing revivals in fashion and culture. Today, tie-dye remains a beloved art for both DIY enthusiasts and haute couture alike. With your favorite tie-dyed tee, every summer is the summer of love.
Butter Yellow
Butter yellow is set to be the star of summer in 2024. Seen splashed across red carpets and runways, the deliciously named hue has made a major appearance this year. Butter yellow, a soft and creamy shade reminiscent of its namesake, has been a timeless and versatile color in fashion and interior design. Its warm and subtle tone evokes feelings of warmth, happiness, and optimism. Yellow reminds us of sunshine, making it an obvious choice for the hottest season of the year, and butter yellow is like its chic cousin, sunny while still being neutral enough to wear with many colors. With classic tees in this summery shade, eternal sunshine is within your reach. It’s not just a summer fling!
Bucket Hats
Bucket hats, now a ubiquitous accessory on sun-soaked afternoons, have a long and fascinating history that spans continents and cultures. The garment was introduced in the early 20th century, as practical and protective headwear for farmers and fishermen. By the mid-century, the bucket hat found a new following in the swinging scene of 60’s London. As the century drew to a close, the bucket hat was reborn as a favored feature in the golden age of hip-hop and streetwear. Visions of Run DMC and LL Cool J may come to mind because one thing about the ’90s is that there were a lot of bucket hats.
