Welcome to OPUMO's weekly roundup of our favourite shoppable finds. From outerwear to decorative objects and everything in between.
For roughly eleven months of the year, British summer exists as little more than a rumour. Then suddenly, without warning, the thermostat goes haywire and we're left scrambling to remember how to function in temperatures north of 25 degrees.
The annual heatwave presents a unique set of challenges. Offices become greenhouses, public transport turns into a test of endurance and dressing well for the heat requires considerably more thought than simply throwing something on.
The good news is that a few carefully chosen summer essentials can make life considerably more comfortable. From lightweight wardrobe staples and sun-ready accessories to warm-weather upgrades for home and outdoors, these are the pieces helping us survive the heat in style.
Drake’s Seersucker Cap
When the temperature climbs, the humble baseball cap becomes less of a style choice and more of a survival tool. Drake's summer-ready version swaps heavy cotton for breathable seersucker fabric, making it considerably easier to wear during long days in the sun.
Wax London Knitted Shirt
Few garments look as good in hot weather as an open-weave knitted shirt. Wax London has made the style one of its signatures, and this crochet design strikes the right balance between statement piece and everyday staple. Throw it on with shorts, linen trousers or swimwear and let the fabric do the work.
Velasca Linen Shorts
There comes a point during every heatwave when denim becomes completely untenable. That's where a good pair of linen shorts comes in. Velasca's offering is lightweight, easy to wear and smart enough to carry you from lazy afternoons in the park to impromptu evening drinks.
Bedrock Sandals x Pa’lante Cairn Evo Sandals
Combining Bedrock's famously comfortable adventure sandals with Pa'lante's lightweight outdoor ethos, these minimalist sandals are ideal for everything from city heatwaves to long days exploring trails.
Yeti Rambler Water Bottle
Hydration is key when a heatwave is in full swing, and this hardy bottle from Yeti will keep your water cold for hours. Not only that, it can survive being dropped, kicked, and generally mistreated. Plus, in a shade this bold, you'll have a job losing it.
Shark Chill Pill Portable Fan
Some products solve problems you didn't realise existed until you try them. Shark's portable fan is one of them. Compact enough to slip into a bag yet powerful enough to make crowded trains, overheated offices and stuffy bedrooms considerably more bearable.
Le Rub SPF30 All-Day Sunscreen
Sunscreen has come a long way from the greasy white formulas many of us grew up with. Le Rub's SPF30 offers broad-spectrum protection in a lightweight formula that feels more like skincare than sun cream. The stylish packaging doesn't hurt either.
Sealson x Rayon Vert Cross Body Bag
Summer dressing tends to mean fewer pockets, which makes a good crossbody bag invaluable. This collaboration between Sealson and Rayon Vert combines technical fabrics with playful design details, creating a compact carry solution that's equally useful for festivals, city breaks and everyday errands. It's even got a pocket for your water bottle.
Nordic Knots Linen Blend Bedding Set
The heatwave doesn't stop when the sun goes down. Anyone who's spent a sleepless night tangled in heavy bedding will understand the appeal of linen. Nordic Knots' linen blend set is breathable, soft and designed to help keep things comfortable when temperatures refuse to cooperate.
FORA Dealer Sunglasses
Squinting your way through summer is never a good look. FORA’s Dealer sunglasses bring a vintage-inspired silhouette with a rich olive frame that feels timeless without trying too hard. Fitted with anti-scratch ZEISS® lenses, they’re built for everything from long lunches in the sun to holidays where your sunglasses inevitably take a bit of a beating.
Hunter Desk Fan
Air conditioning remains something of a luxury in Britain, which explains the enduring appeal of a good fan. Hunter's classic desk fan looks as though it belongs in an old architect's studio, but it's more than capable of moving serious amounts of air. Functional, handsome and particularly welcome this time of year.
