Ten Summer Must-Haves for Butches

May is here and long, warm days are just around the corner!  Here are 10 items that should be in every butch's summer arsenal:

The Perfect Baseball Cap

Whether it's sunny out or you just don't feel like brushing your hair, caps are crucial.  Kangols are my favorite: great colors, cute kangaroo.  They use Flexfits, which are comfy, resilient, and won't lose their shape, especially the wool ones.

Amer. Apparel Hoodie

I own Asphalt and in Imperial Purple, and love 'em so much I'm considering a brighter color for summer (these come in 31 colors!).  USA-made and thin that it's perfect post-swimming or on cool summer nights.

Drymax Crew Socks

Drymax Run Mini Crew are awesome summer socks.  They work with tennis shoes, as well as with my other summer favorite, Ecco Androw boat shoes, plus they wick away moisture and are reinforced so they don't get holes.

A Nail Brush

It doesn't need to be fancy or attractive, but yeah, you need a nail brush.  Whether you're going to spend your weekends in a garden or under a car, grease and dirt have no place under your fingernails--or hers.  $4-6.

A Brightly-Colored Pack

I'm a recent convert to bold, bright backpacks, and recently traded in my trusty, 9-year-old navy blue North Face Recon for a bright green Timbuk2 Showdown.  It's compact, full of pockets, has great laptop padding, and is fun to carry around (albeit not appropriate for serious work-y settings.  I should do a full-fledged backpack review sometime, huh?

Flat-Front Plaid Shorts

I'm already seeing butches in shorts far too wide-legged, and extending 3-4 in. below the knee.  Yes, we often have to buy big sizes to fit our hips, but if you don't want to look sloppy, find a pair that fits.  I'll do a shorts post soon, but for now, check out Alfani's flat-fronts.

Yes to Body Wash

My sister-in-law turned me on to this stuff, and I have to admit, I was a little skeptical that I'd like it.  But...  I love it.  The "Yes to" brand is hypoallergenic and completely devoid of the fake crap you'll find in most body washes.  I like the cucumber smell because it's fresh and neutral.

Imperial Barber Pomade

Having good-smelling hair product that really works is crucial.  Imperial Classic Pomade is my favorite for my short, thick hair.  A $24 jar lasts  months.  Have fine hair like my DGF?  Try this instead.

Really Good Sunscreen

I hate wearing sunscreen--I like my face to breathe and I like to rock a tan (or my version of one, which is barely off-white).  But my dermatologist told me just last week that I should wear SPF 30 every day, and she said Neutrogena is tops, so I just ordered some of this for myself for only $9.97. My runners up were this and this.

A Plaid Tie in Light Colors

Ideally, Madras.  Ideally, seersucker.  But super ideally, seersucker Madras!  Pair a tie like this $15.99 number from the Tie Bar with a white shirt and khakis (if you're me) or tight brightly-colored jeans (if you're hipster stylin') for any semi-nice summertime shindig.

What are YOUR crucial items for summer, butches?  Any fashion trends you'd like me to write about next?