Every now and again, there’s a trend that is so hyper specific one wonders how in the world we all ended up completely obsessed with the same niche thing. Like just a few years back when you couldn’t scroll through a single retailer’s website without seeing t-shirts and handbags adorned with lemons. Or in 2020 when tie-dye became the only print anyone cared about. Well, for summer 2025, that micro-obsession is without a doubt sardine fashion and I, for one, am ready to dive in headfirst.
Sardine Girl Summer Is the New Tomato Girl Summer
the kitchiest of summer trends
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Published Jun 9, 2025
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Abby Hepworth for PureWow
Abby Hepworth for PureWow
It started with literal tinned fish. In 2022, TikTok discovered that tinned fish is actually pretty delicious, easy to add to a number of recipes and often not that expensive. Then, there came the wave of trendy brands (often quite expensive) like Fishwish, Salmon Sisters and Tiny Fish Co. From there, we moved on to putting sardines on all manner of home goods—tea towels, oven mitts, serving dishes, candles, pillows, the list goes on and on and on. And now, in a natural evolution of trendy aesthetics, we’ve become obsessed with putting sardines on clothing.
The Staud beaded Tommy bag has been a hot commodity for a few years now, but when it introduced its “Staudines” version, it sold out almost immediately, and then multiple times over as it got restocked. Bottega Veneta also released a collection of bags with a sleek sardine handle. Farm Rio’s red fish top maxi dress was an instant hit, leading to two new iterations (blue and green) for summer ’25. And Rachel Antonoff leaned into a variety of fish food products like caviar and shrimp cocktail in recent collections. Add to that the chain of fashion trends leading from Amalficore to the Fisherman Aesthetic and, most recently, the Portugal Girl Aesthetic, and it’s no surprise we’ve all got fish on the brain.
If you ask me, Sardine Girl Summer truly is the most fun twist on trendy fisherman vibes. It’s inherently a little ridiculous, making even the most posh, high-end variations feel cheeky and unserious. It’s a reminder that fashion is supposed to be fun. My favorite pieces in my closet, in addition to fitting well and making me feel good, also make me smile—and there is no doubt in my mind that a beaded sardine bag will make me crack a smile any time I see it hanging in my wardrobe.
Read on for 12 Sardine Girl Summer wardrobe staples that you can buy and wear ASAP.
1. Staud Tommy Beaded Shoulder Bag
Staud
One of the pieces responsible for launching Sardine Girl Summer is the pink version of this now iconic shoulder bag. But I prefer the blue variation which is every bit as cute (and right on trend, obviously). It feels more subtle and less summery so I’ll get more use out of it come fall and winter. The interior has ample room for your phone, wallet, keys and sunglasses and the strap is a very comfortable length, although it’s not adjustable.
FAST FACTS
- Size: 10’ W x 6” H x 2” D
- Materials: glass beads on faux leather
2. Urban Outfitters Sardinhas Fish Graphic Tee
Urban Outfitters
Forget butter yellow and lean into this rich, Amalfi-inspired hue instead. The trio of fish on the back, surrounded by yummy tomatoes, is wonderfully fun. And there’s a repeat of the word ‘sardinhas’ on the front as well. Just know, this is a men’s t-shirt, so consider your sizing accordingly.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: S to XXL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
3. Clare V. Sardine Chain Necklace
Clare V.
For the person who prefers a lighter touch when it comes to trends, this gold necklace is for you. It’s a daisy chain of miniature sardines—delicate and elegantly playful. It also comes in a deep blue enamel version if you like a pop of color. Whichever you choose, be sure to remove your necklace before showering or swimming to maintain the color and shine.
FAST FACTS
- Length: 16 inches with 3-inch extender
- Materials: 14k gold-plated brass
Another dainty fish design is this breezy maxi dress by Celandine. The trim on each of the tiers features blue embroidered fish skipping and jumping over a wavy line. The straps are adjustable, but there’s also a third adjustable strap across the open back to ensure no gaping or pulling at the bust. That open back does mean you’ll likely need to wear a backless bra or go braless, or you can opt for a blue bralette in a matching ocean blue.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
5. Never Fully Dressed Marina Sol Waistcoat and Trousers
Never Fully Dressed
I fell in love with this maximalist set the second I saw it. The large-scale print on the top puts a very fun twist on the buttoned-up waistcoat trend, but I love that it was scaled back down for the coordinating trousers creating a set that’s less matchy-matchy and more complementary. Did I mention the buttons on the top are bronze sardines, too?
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 2 to 24
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
6. The Sage Vintage Lucky Fish Fabric Necklace
The Sage Vintage
An engraved heart and lucky horseshoe accompany a gold-scaled sardine on this vintage-inspired necklace. The “chain” is actually a ribbon of deadstock cotton that can be knotted around your neck in multiple ways. You can also loop it around your wrist or ankle as a bracelet or anklet, or even tie it onto the handle of your favorite crossbody as an impromptu bag charm.
FAST FACTS
- Length: not listed
- Materials: deadstock cotton and gold plate
Lisa Says Gah
This graphic tee was actually designed in partnership with the tinned fish brand Fishwife and features two strategically placed sardine cans. It has a cropped cut and a slimmer silhouette, so if you prefer something looser, I recommend sizing up. Reviewers also say it washes well, meaning the print won’t fade or crack, though the brand does stress avoiding the dryer or excessive heat when washing to prevent shrinkage.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to 3XL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
8. Bobo Chooses Lucky Fish Knitted Trousers
Bobo Chooses
Another fantastic pants option, these knitted trousers will likely be the most chic sweatpants you’ve ever worn. They’re supremely comfortable and soft to boot, and the wide-leg silhouette elevates the material so you can wear them for more than just casual hangs. They also have a high waist. And if you can’t get enough of those navy-and-white fishes, there’s also the matching knit polo shirt.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 80 percent organic cotton, 20 percent polyamide
9. SoleilSoleil Embroidered Fish Tunic
SoleilSoeil
You’ll have to look closely to see that this white cotton tunic is decorated not with plain eyelet lace, but dainty embroidered fish. There are two adjustable ties on each side to give you more flexibility with the fit, though it does mean you’re likely to have a peek-a-boo moment that will show whatever undergarment you choose to wear. Pair it with some white shorts for a classically clean summer look or try layering it over a more colorful piece to amplify the sardine design.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS/S and M/L
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
10. Anthropologie Farmers Market Raffia Tote
Athropologie
Not quite ready to rock head-to-toe fishes? Try this chic market tote instead. It’s got more than enough room to use as a grocery tote, gym bag or for work, and the navy raffia sardines are not quite as kitschy as many on this list. Reviewers say the quality is impeccable and that the straps are a super comfortable length, too.
FAST FACTS
- Size: 14” H x 13” W x 4.5” D
- Materials: paper raffia
The Farra
I’m really loving the unexpected color mix of dusty rose, olive green, butter yellow and bright red on this cotton knit pullover. It’s made by a women-owned and -operated company in Uruguay that specializes in unique knits with a vintage vibe. It does appear to have a slightly cropped fit in the body, so if you want a little extra length, I suggest opting for the M/L size rather than the XS/S.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS/S and M/L
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
12. Staud Laura Linen Mini Dress
Staud
Staud doesn’t only make beaded sardine handbags. In fact, the brand has a whole range of fish-adorned pieces, including this easy mini dress. The combination of the linen fabric and loose silhouette make this an absolute must-have for those horribly hot and humid mid-summer days. It’s also fully lined, and the straps can be adjusted with slides in back.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent linen cotton
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