The Summer selection for the summer
The Summer selection brings together the essentials for sunny days: Birkenstock sandals and Crocs clogs, sunglasses, swimsuits, t-shirts, shorts, light shirts, dresses, caps, and beach bags, chosen for heat, water, and sun, with our tips on sun filters, soles, and materials.
For summer, a few technical tips help avoid unpleasant surprises, starting with eye protection.
Sun glasses: UV400 and filter categories
A pair of sunglasses has two indications that shouldn’t be confused. The mention UV400 means that the lenses block ultraviolet rays up to four hundred nanometers, covering all UVA and UVB that damage the cornea and lens. The category, from zero to four according to the EN ISO 12312-1 standard, indicates the portion of visible light blocked: category two for city use, three for beach and full sun, and four for high mountains, which is not allowed while driving. A dark lens without UV filter is worse than having no sunglasses at all, as the pupil dilates. Polarised lenses also eliminate reflections on water. The models are available in the sunglasses.
Birkenstock and Crocs: sole and material
The Birkenstock sandal sits on a footbed made of cork and latex, introduced by the Madrid in 1963, which supports the arch of the foot and moulds to it in a few weeks. For summer, the upper changes everything: Birko-Flor, the brand's synthetic material, can be cleaned in a flash with a sponge, while the suede versions develop a patina but don’t like water. The Arizona with two straps, launched in 1973, and the Gizeh with a toe post, in 1983, are among its iconic models.
The Crocs clogs, moulded from their lightweight and flexible Croslite resin, are resistant to both chlorine and salt and can be rinsed off with water after a day at the beach. Les Tropéziennes sandals add a more dressed-up touch. All pairs are available in the sandals and open-toe shoes.
Swimsuits: size by cup and care
A bikini top with underwires, like those from the British brand Freya, should be chosen like a bra: based on under-bust measurement and cup size, rather than sizes S, M, or L. This precision ensures support in the waves and during beach games, where a simple triangle covers without support. The bottoms are taken separately, depending on the cut, whether brief, Brazilian, or high-waisted, and the hip measurement.
Polyamide and elastane resist chlorine and salt as long as they are rinsed in fresh water after each swim, wrung out without twisting, and dried flat in the shade: the sun and sunscreen can fade colours faster than water. The models are available in the swimsuits.
Headwear and summer textiles
In the sun, a cap protects the forehead and eyes, while a bucket hat and wide-brimmed hat also cover the ears and neck; whether cotton or linen, they allow the head to breathe. These headwear items can be found on the headwear page.
Light cotton t-shirts and vests, linen shirts, shorts, and dresses and jumpsuits make up the wardrobe for warm days, and beach bags carry towels and sunscreen.
The rest of the lifestyle selection
The lifestyle selection is organised by audience with pages for men, women, and juniors, and by theme with motorsport. The sneakers, accessories, and brands complete the offering, gathered on the lifestyle page.
The new arrivals showcase the latest releases, sales feature discounted items, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The good deals, clearance, and sales gather past collections.
Frequently asked questions
How to choose the size of a Birkenstock sandal?
The foot should fit in the bed without touching the front edge or extending over the heel, with a few millimetres of space on each side. Birkenstock offers most of its models in regular and narrow widths, which need to be checked based on the shape of the foot.
Can you wear Birkenstock in water?
Birko-Flor can withstand splashes, but the cork bed doesn't like prolonged immersion, which can deform and weaken it. For pool and beach use, the moulded EVA versions, entirely synthetic, are designed for water.
How to clean Crocs?
A warm soapy water and a soft brush will do the trick, followed by rinsing with clear water. Avoid leaving them to dry in direct sunlight or near a heat source: the Croslite resin can shrink and change size.
How to care for sunglasses at the beach?
Rinse the lenses with clear water before wiping them, as sand rubbed dry can scratch them permanently. Dry them with a microfiber cloth and store them in their case, never laying them lenses down on the sand.
Can you walk for long in Crocs clogs?
The Crocs clog is suitable for short walks, at the beach and in the garden, but its soft sole supports the arch less than a cork bed would. For longer walks, you can flip the back strap down to secure the heel better.
