Yep, These Are the Most Comfortable Summer Trends of 2020

Right now, I’m ready to add some new pieces to my closet for summer, and some cool trends recently caught my eye. What I love most about them is that they’re actually centered on basic closet staples but with interesting details that make them feel modern. They're the perfect blend of comfortable and cool. I’m seeing basics like tank tops finished with ribbing and collared button-downs finished in breathable linen. Perhaps one of my favorites? T-shirts that have been updated with muscle-tee silhouettes and padded shoulders that transform the essential piece into something special.

Ahead, I’m highlighting seven of the most comfortable summer trends sitting in my shopping cart now that also happen to be super chic. While these are already starting to bubble up now, they will continue to be popular in the coming months. Go on to see how fashion girls are already wearing them now, and then shop my edit.

Swimsuits as Tops

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(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

Swimsuits as tops? I'm very on board and honestly can't wait to try this out for myself. I love the idea of pairing one with a suit like in the photo here, but I would also wear one with a linen skirt or pants like the Matteau wrap top is styled below.

Shop the trend:

Padded Muscle Tees

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(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

I've already adopted the padded muscle tee into my wardrobe and think it's such a great update on a classic T-shirt. Paired with shorts or jeans, it adds an element of cool to a simple outfit.

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Chunky Slides

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

Yep, "ugly" shoes are back—this time returning as chunky slides with thick soles and buckled straps. I'll admit that I haven't been a huge fan in the past but have a pair sitting in my cart right now. I promise these comfortable sandals will be everywhere.

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Tube Tops

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Tube tops are the ultimate throwback piece that is officially here to stay. I think they're the perfect foundational layering piece to wear underneath a linen blazer or simply pair with jeans and mules.

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Ribbed Tanks

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(Image credit: @laurencrowe88)

Sure, tank tops are a staple you probably own already, but right now, we're seeing them finished with ribbing, which adds some texture and dimension. Go for a fun color or classic white.

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Linen Button-Downs

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(Image credit: @songofstyle)

Linen is the breathable fabric that is practically made for summer. Right now, I'm seeing it everywhere but especially in collared button-down tops. Style yours with just a few buttons secured at the waist.

Cozy Bralettes

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(Image credit: @lisa.aiken)

Bra tops have already popped as a huge trend in the last year but are holding strong for summer. Layer one with a slip skirt and cropped cardigan like the outfit here.

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Next, discover the holy-grail basics I wear on repeat.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.