After a long year indoors, and few setbacks along the way, the UK’s journey out of lockdown is in motion with the reopening of team sports facilities, non-essential stores, and outdoor hospitality. Roll that in with being able to meet up with more friends and family at once, and there’s finally some reason for optimism.
To mark the occasion, we’ve pulled together our list of essentials to maximise your time outside, whether you’re spending it at the pub, the park, or back on the football pitch. From the sneaker and apparel drops you might have missed, to sports equipment and portable electronics, we’ve got you covered no matter what your priorities are.
Keep reading for our top picks for spending more time outside.
Park Life
Supreme B&O Play Wireless Speaker
When it comes to adding some atmosphere to your social events, why settle for mediocre sound quality and the limited battery life afforded by your phone when you could bring a portable speaker instead? With Bang & Olufsen’s long-standing reputation for superior sound quality, it made perfect sense for the Swedish pioneers to team up with streetwear’s leading light, Supreme, to add a touch of cool to their technology. With Bluetooth connectivity and a 10-hour hour battery life, this speaker will keep you dancing well into the night.
BAPE ABC Camo Picnic Sheet
As well know, once you’ve ventured far enough to find an empty spot in the park, it’s a long way back to civilisation. That’s why planning a picnic will always be a good idea. While we can’t help out with the food choices, this picnic sheet by BAPE in the brand’s instantly recognisable camo is a great starting point from which to build your banquet on a blanket. Not only is it striking to look at, and big enough to fit a group of four (socially distanced, of course), but the sheet can be rolled up for easy transportation once the day is done.
Palace x adidas x Juventus Green Football
A day in the park wouldn’t be a day in the park without the familiar sound of “HEADS!” echoing off the trees as everyone nearby ducks for cover. Whilst this football from Palace and adidas probably won’t help to improve your first touch, its bold green colourway should at least make it easier for everyone around you to keep track of as it hurtles towards them. Now, who’s going in goal?
Supreme Lawn Chair
The latest easing of restrictions allows you to expand your social bubble to include meeting outside with up to six people. For many of us, this will mean catching up with friends and family at the park or in the garden, so good seating will be essential as you settle in for those deep and meaningfuls. Featuring branded UV-resistant woven webbing and a foldable aluminium frame, this Supreme Lawn Chair from last year’s spring-summer collection is a handy solution to all your seating needs.
Palace Zoot Saver
Mother nature is truly something to be marvelled at. Whether you’re out enjoying the great outdoors with Mark or Mary-Jane, Palace has come through with this handy accessory to set you up for a relaxing day, whoever you choose to roll out with.
Get Active
Chinatown Market Smiley Basketball
Exercise has been a lonely activity for the past year, so the return of team sports is welcomed, whether it’s football, rugby or basketball that you’re into. If the answer is the latter, then your slick handles and downtown threes are going to look even more impressive if they’re performed with one of Chinatown Market’s eye-catching basketballs. Utilising bright colour schemes and internet-inspired graphics, the LA brand’s cheerful designs are guaranteed to perk up any pick-up game.
Off-White x Nike Women’s Training Shorts
An exciting prospect for some, and a terrifying one for others, the re-opening of gyms is perfectly timed for those looking to get in shape for the summer. If the old university hoodies and hole-laden joggers just aren’t cutting it anymore, Off-White and Nike’s collection of exercise gear will keep you looking your personal best, meaning you can go hard in every session.
Nike Mercurial Superfly Kylian Mbappe x LeBron James
It feels like a lifetime ago we were all crammed into bars and pubs to watch the World Cup, but much more domestic and international football to the come this season, perhaps even in front of crowds, there’s plenty for football fans to still look forward to this year. But in the meantime, your local five-a-side pitches and amateur leagues are back up and ready for old friendships and rivalries to resume. Sprinkle some extra spice on your footwork with these Nike Superfly football boots, co-signed by two modern-day sporting icons, Kylian Mbappe and LeBron James.
Apple Watch Series 6 GPS
Everyone has had a different experience of lockdown over the past year. While some used the extra time at home to step up their fitness game, others have preferred using their downtime to look after their mental wellbeing. Whichever camp you fall into, the Apple Watch provides all the tools and motivation you need to track your progress, however small.
Evian By Virgil Abloh x SOMA Glass Water Bottle
Whatever your exercise of choice, it’s important to stay hydrated. While the squeezy Lucozade bottle might cut it down at your local Sunday League pitches, you might feel the need to elevate your water carrier for more public surroundings such as hikes or gym sessions. And water bottles don’t come much more elevated than Virgil Abloh’s collaborative designs with Evian. Made of glass so you can reuse and skip that unnecessary plastic, and featuring Abloh’s signature design cues, this bottle is not only practical but stylish, too.
Out And About
Louis Vuitton 1.1 Millionaire Sunglasses
You simply can’t be stepping out in summer without some good eyewear. The perfect accessory for every situation, shades really can do it all, whether you want to catch the eye or avoid eye contact altogether. If you ask us, shades are a piece worth investing in. Not only for quality protection from the sun but as a sartorial statement. And you simply can’t make more a statement than by wearing the iconic Louis Vuitton Millionaires. The classic design has been reimagined by Virgil Abloh to deliver an ever-so-slightly muted aesthetic that will still get the nod from those who know.
Air Jordan 1 High University Blue
While we can all be forgiven for wearing nothing but slides for the last twelve months, there’s no excuse to be stepping out in anything but your best as the country starts to open up again. The Jordan 1 Retro High University Blue has been one of the most popular releases so far this year, and with plenty more opportunities to show them off on the horizon, now’s a great time to add them to your rotation.
Gucci Small Messenger GG Supreme
While restrictions might be easing, those essential hygiene items such as a facemask and hand sanitiser are still going to be just as important. Since summer attire tends not to come equipped with a plethora of pockets, we’d suggest a messenger bag to help you neatly pack away those items you’ll need when you start to step outside again. This Gucci GG Supreme Small Messenger bag can add to any outfit while allowing you to travel light as you bounce around town.
Fear Of God ESSENTIALS Fleece Shorts
The timing of lockdown easing coincides perfectly with the changing of the seasons. And as we start to enter the warmer days and longer nights, hoodies and trousers just aren’t going to cut it much longer. If you’ve been living in Fear Of God for the past few months, these shorts will help you to transition into life outdoors, without sacrificing on the comfort levels you’ve grown accustomed to.
Palace x Stella Artois Cartouche Tee
If you’re off to the football, you wear your football shirt. So if you’re heading back to the beer garden anytime soon, it’s only right to honour the occasion with the appropriate uniform. Show your appreciation for the mighty pint with this crisp, white, Palace tee in collaboration with Belgian beer brand, Stella Artois.
On The Beach
BAPE 1st Camo Beach Shorts
With holidays abroad look unlikely right now, you can expect day trips to the coast to be high up on your wish list when better weather comes around. In our minds, a day at the beach should be easy-going by nature, so there’s only really a few absolute essentials: plenty of sun cream, a towel, and swimwear. These BAPE shorts in the brand’s iconic 1st Camo will deliver the drip levels you’re looking for when you’re down to the bare essentials.
Yeezy Slide Bone
If you love to feel the sand between your toes, a good pair of slides are the perfect beach buddy. Perfect for slipping on and off as the day goes by, without the fear of damage by sand or seawater, the easy-going Yeezy slide means you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you try to unwind.
Nike x Stussy Bucket Hat
If a bucket and spade isn’t quite your vibe, then a bucket hat certainly should be. Stylish and practical for a day in the sun, this Stussy release with Nike is one of our favourites from last summer. Featuring both brand’s logos on opposite sides, you can easily switch up your look as the day goes on.
Kith x Coca-Cola Cubed Beach Towel
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a fizzy drink with a hearty helping of ice to help keep you refreshed. Kith channelled this sentiment perfectly through their collaboration with Cola-Cola, which included a plethora of beach accessories. Fully covered in Coke’s unmistakable typeface and with KITH sitting proudly in the middle, this beach towel comes loaded with nostalgia, without feeling dated.
Supreme Super Soaker Water Blaster
After a year of being very grown-up, you’d be forgiven for wanting to unleash your inner child a bit when hanging with your friends. And what better way to do so than with a good old-fashioned water fight? This Super Soaker, courtesy of Supreme, will ensure you’ll be packing drip before a drop is even spilt.
