Okay, I have to admit something upfront. I don’t like sardines. At all. My grandmother used to make me sardine sandwiches for breakfast at least twice a week when I was in high school. It was her thing. She loved them. I did not. The smell alone haunted my mornings. So, believe me when I say, if I’m leaning into the sardine trend, it must be something serious. And weirdly, it is. Sardines are having a massive fashion moment right now and somehow, I’m fully on board. I guess I can overlook my lingering fish trauma for the sake of fashion.
This summer, sardines are everywhere. On tees, bags, sandals, swimsuits, even jewelry. It's quirky, nostalgic, Mediterranean-coded cool, and just the right amount of chaotic. Here’s the lowdown on the trend and the eight items that are swimming their way into closets and mood boards this summer.
1. The Tee That Started It All
This tee is what launched my slow conversion. It’s easy and breezy with just the right amount of graphic edge. The sardine print feels like something a stylish expat in Lisbon would thrift, but Anthropologie brought it straight to us. It’s weird in the best way, soft enough to live in, and a great way to start your sardine era.
2. The Bag That’s Basically Art
This is not just a bag. This is a full-on beaded masterpiece. Staud took a classic shoulder bag silhouette and covered it in a sardine party scene. It’s luxe, bold, and a little absurd. Which, in 2025, is exactly what we want. It screams fashion editor on vacation and turns any outfit into a statement.
3. The Sardine Hat You Didn’t Know You Needed
Target did it again with this denim cap. It has vintage energy, a soft broken-in feel, and tiny sardine embroidery that’s just cheeky enough to spark compliments. Wear it to the beach, the flea market, or just to cover up bad hair days. It’s functional and funny, and that’s the whole point.
4. Sardines for Your Feet
Sandals with beaded sardines? I didn’t expect to love them, but here we are. The beading adds a vintage handcrafted vibe that makes them feel like a market find. They’re comfy and bright, and they completely transform a simple sundress or shorts outfit.
5. The Swimsuit That Sold Out and Came Back
This swimsuit is the perfect balance of ironic and elegant. The sardine print is bold but not cartoonish. The cut is flattering and minimal, so the print gets to shine without overwhelming your look. Wear it on the beach or under a sheer button-down for a poolside brunch.
6. The Tote That Says It All
This bag wins the award for best tagline. “Hot Girls Eat Sardines” is bold, hilarious, and instantly iconic. It’s a great size, easy to fold into your suitcase, and definitely not boring. Plus, it supports small creators on Etsy which always feels good.
7. A Towel That Brings the Drama
The sardine towel from Target is an underrated hero of this trend. It’s bright, unapologetically kitschy, and makes your beach setup instantly cooler. It’s also under $15, so there’s zero guilt in grabbing one just for the aesthetic. You’ll want to lay it out just for the photo op.
8. Jewelry with Bite
If you want to dip into the sardine thing without going full fish, this necklace from Clare V. is the way to do it. It’s elegant and subtle with just enough edge. A wink to the trend, not a scream. It layers well with everything and somehow manages to be chic and weird at the same time.
Why Sardines?
Sardines are nostalgic, strange, a little coastal, and totally unexpected. They remind us of vintage tins, seaside grocery stores, and maybe, if you're like me, a slightly traumatic childhood breakfast. But in fashion form, they're fun. They don’t take themselves seriously. They’re part of a bigger move toward irony and individuality in fashion right now.
Whether you’re leaning in all the way or just grabbing one sardine-shaped accessory, this trend is about having fun with your style. You don’t have to love the taste to love the look.
And that, I can get behind.
xoxo TianShanae
No comments
Post a Comment