Summertime is all about intentionality. With fewer layers and jam-packed social calendars, the pieces we reach for carry more weight. As such, our editors are opting for cotton at every turn—from the garments that make up an outfit to the items that earn a spot in our carry-ons, and the pieces we showcase in our homes. By investing in 100% cotton options, we can rest assured that the pieces we’re shopping for are breathable, easy to wear, and durable enough to last season after season.
With summer fast approaching, we’re stocking up on lightweight basics, breezy dresses, and on-trend denim that can easily fit in our weekenders and will get softer with every wash. Plus, with vacations on the horizon, we’re adding cotton sunhats, beach towels, and totes to our shopping carts—they’ll quickly become our most beloved beach companions. At home, we’re loving cotton table linens to curate chic (and microplastic-free) tablescapes for hosting backyard barbeques and dinner parties.
As you get ready for the season, take a peek below at the cotton pieces we’re investing in for summer.
Summer Staples
Loewe SS26 // Launchmetrics 
Leset Yoko Summer Short
When it comes to summer shorts, there’s no pair our editors love more than the Yoko Short from Leset. Made entirely with cotton, they’re a breathable, breezy option you can style over anything during the Summer. Style them with a one-piece bikini for a day at the beach or with kitten heels and a button-down shirt for date night.
Posse Rosie Tie Top
Stripes are trending for the summer season, so we can't wait to get our hands on Posse's Rosie Tie Top. This isn't your basic tank top: it features tie details on the shoulder, the option to wear it slung off one shoulder, a cinched hem, and an ultra cropped silhouette. All in all, it's perfect for a hot summer day.
Almina Concept Oversized Cotton Shirt
If there’s one thing our editors have in their closets for summer, it’s an oversized cotton button-down shirt. Bonus points if it’s striped! Almina Concept’s version is made with 100% cotton and comes in tons of colors so you don’t have to choose.
Nili Lotan Yorke Shirt
We can always do with more than one oversized button-down shirt in our rotations—especially when they're breathable and 100% cotton. This striped Nili Lotan shirt offers a welcome pop of color and can be styled to fit a long list of aesthetics.
With Nothing Underneath Stifnos Trousers
Made in collaboration with tastemaker Lucy Williams, the Sifnos Trousers from With Nothing Underneath are a summer staple we’ll reach for over and over again this season. In their bold cobalt shade and lightweight cotton fabrication, they’re an option that we love for evenings on the beach or casual dinners outdoors.
Lake Pima Ruffle Shorts Set
Few things make us feel more put together than matching pajama sets—because we deserve to look chic in our sleep, too. For those staycation weekends or your typical weekday night, these will have you sleeping soundly and cooly, without any overheating.
On The Beach
Zimmermann Resort S26 // Launchmetrics
Tekla Beach Towel
A beach towel you love will elevate your entire experience by the ocean. This option from Tekla is an editor favorite made entirely from cotton—it’s extra comfortable for sunbathing all day and has playful pink stripes that bring joy to your beach day.
Staud Coast Bucket Hat
A sunhat is top of our checklist when heading to the beach, and this option from Staud is perfectly sized to protect you from the sun while looking stylish. It’s made with cotton so you won’t overheat underneath it, and the knotted tie straps will keep it in place in case there is an ocean breeze.
Kallmeyer Cotton Tote
For all your beach items—towel, hat, sunscreen, and a good book—you’ll need a stylish tote to bring them along. For us, the top choice is Kallmeyer’s cotton tote, which has a spacious interior that can stow everything you need and a slouchy silhouette that’s perfectly on-trend for the season.
Rails Pari Top
For a post-beach dinner or drink, a 100% embroidered cotton top with fringe tie details is always a good idea. Blue suns are embroidered amongst waves, making this the beach in the form of a top.
Effortless Dresses
Simkhai SS26 // Launchmetrics
Dôen Patience Dress
When we’re unsure what to wear on the hottest days, we reach for cotton mini dresses from Dôen. The Patience Dress, in particular, sits atop our wishlist for its breezy fabric, sweet lace trimming, and eyelet details.
Merlette Isolde Dress
Featuring a flattering drop waist silhouette, a cotton jersey bodice, and cotton voile skirt featuring delicate embroideries, this dress is calling for a day out in your favorite park. And then, it's calling for an outdoor dinner immediately after as it feels appropriate for all ocassions and can be dressed up or down.
Matteau Shirred Bodice Dress
No vacation wardrobe is complete without a spaghetti strap maxi dress, and this one from Matteau will become your most beloved for European getaways. It’s made in India with 100% organic cotton, so it’s a strong choice for destinations where the temperature fluctuates throughout the day.
Faithfull the Brand Costa Mini Dress
Babydoll dresses are trending for Summer 2026, beloved for their ease and feminine feel. Our fashion editors are loving the style, too, with this Faithfull the Brand mini number as a top contender for upcoming getaways.
Rails Fawn Dress
For summer, you can never have too many white dresses in your wardrobe—they're just so easy to throw on and pair. This Rails dress is no exception. With a sweetheart neckline, embroidered details throughout, and made out 100% cotton, this dress will carry you through even the hottest and most humid days in style.
Abercrombie Dylan Midi Dress
We may never get over polka dots and we're ensuring that they're part of our summer rotations, too. For those days that you're feeling a little bit moody, there's no harm in opting for a deep burgundy—even in the summer. This dress is 100% cotton, so you'll be feeling breezy regardless of the hue.
At Home
instagram.com/sophie.williamson.design
Sophie Williamson Design Round Placemats
What better way to bring life to your tablescape than with floral embroidered placemats? We’re loving this cotton placemat set from Sophie Williamson to bring the season’s spirit to any spread, whether it be dining in your backyard or an intimate date night at home.
Gohar World Lace Pearl Coasters
To romanticize cocktail hour at home, we have our eyes on the lace pearl coasters from Gohar World. The best part is that they’re made with cotton, so even if drinks are overflowing, you can easily clean them for the next time you host happy hour.
Johanna Ortiz Ikat Amazónico Napkins
If you’re looking for a way to bring color to your table setting without changing up your plates or cups, these printed napkins from Johanna Ortiz will add oomph without a big investment. Placed neatly atop white ceramics, the cotton napkins add a tropical feel to your setup.
Denim
Balenciaga SS26 // Launchmetrics
Still Here NYC Cut Off Shorts
For our editors, a pair of great cut-off shorts is a key component in a strong summer capsule. This entirely cotton pair from Still Here NYC has a relaxed fit that makes them comfortable for everyday wear.
DL1961 Abby Relaxed Jean Short
Long shorts are trending at the moment, and we can’t wait to wear them as the temperatures rise. This pair of white, long shorts makes for a great foundational piece and can be styled with anything from an oversized cotton button-down shirt to a barely-there tank top.
Paige Dean Jacket
For breezy summer nights, our editors always keep a denim jacket on deck. This option by Paige is incredibly comfortable—it’s made entirely of cotton and has a slightly cropped silhouette for a flattering look. Pair with baby tees, tank tops, and anything in between.
TWP Tiny Dancer Jeans
We love swapping dark denim for white jeans during the summer months, and this pair from TWP is at the top of our shopping carts for its relaxed fit and ecru hue. They’re 100% cotton, too, making them as cozy as a pair of sweatpants while staying polished.