Welcome to brat summer, where being a “brat” is indeed a high compliment. If you’re new to brat cultureopens in a new tab, Do not worry. Let’s start with the basics.
In June, singer Charli XCX released her sixth albumopens in a new tab, bro, to both critical and commercial success, launching seemingly endless memes and TikTok dances in the process. Shortly thereafter, the internet declared it a brat summer. The singer has cultivated not just a brat aesthetic but a total brat lifestyle. But what? is a brat? Let’s let Charli take that.
“You’re just like that girl who’s a bit messy and likes to party and sometimes says silly things. Who feels for himself but there might also be a breakdown,” she said in a TikTokopens in a new tab. “But it’s like parties through it, very honest, very blunt. A bit fickle. Like, doing dumb things. But it’s brat. You are a brat. That’s a brat.”
If your friends can’t stop saying “that’s how Julia really iswill open in a new tab,” or your TikTok FYP is flooded with people doing the “Apple” dance (even Stephen Colbert danced inopens in a new tab that one), or you keep seeing that very specific neon green everywhere, that’s brat. In other words, brat is a vibe.
Brat summer gets another wave of press after Charli writes to X,opens in a new tab “kamala IS brat” after President Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. The official response from the Harris team is an X header imageopens in a new tab with “Kamala HQ” written in the style of bro album cover, and TikTok exploded with brat-themed covers opens in a new tab of Harris’s now famous coconut tree speechopens in a new tab.
As political pundits on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News debate the concept of the brat and its place in American politics (Rachel Maddow is never confusedopens in a new tab), we’ve rounded up some of our favorite brat-inspired toys, clothes, and accessories so you and your pet can live brat summer to the fullest. (Remember, brat is a good thing in this context… at this point, just move on.)
Walk like a brat
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Summer is a time to embrace color, and that applies to both people and pets. If you’re sucked in by the appeal of “chic neutrals,” don’t be afraid to branch out with this neon harness. Your pup will appreciate it.
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The timing of the Wild One with the limited edition Limeade color is questionable — but very welcome. The nylon fabric is coated with all-weather flex-poly, which means any mess or stain can be wiped away with a few easy wipes.
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Few things feel as brat as pooping outside. The only thing more brat makes sure you get it.
Dress like a brat
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Say it loud and brag to your pet with this neon “brat” hoodie. Just be prepared to have everyone asking for the link as soon as you two come out.
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Do you think Charli XCX considered safety when she was planning the brat’s color palette? Regardless, this bright neon aesthetic comes in handy when you’re dressing your dog for evening walks.
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The best part about bandanas is that they are (usually) easy and easy to remove. This brat-themed scarf is the conversation piece your pets need for every backyard barbecue or dog park meet-up (obviously, take it off for any spirited play — brat summer is a have a safe summer.
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If your pet is trying to get into Berghainopens in a new tab, this PVC raincoat will definitely help them look the part. (And it’s a nice break from the highlighter color scheme.) If Berlin raves aren’t on your agenda this summer, this also makes a great raincoat.
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This one could have actually come from Charli XCX’s closet. The Honest Dog raincoat is for spontaneous summer downpours, with a transparent hood/hat to keep your pup dry.
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It may be a brat summer, but it’s never too early to start thinking about a brat fall. This highlighter fleece from Little Beast is currently half off and will sell out quickly, so grab it while it’s hot — literally.
Accessorize like a brat
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Add this glow-in-the-dark tag to your pets’ collar, and let them feel the joy of waving around glow sticks at a warehouse rave in the comfort of your own home.
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You can customize this gemmed-out frame with a photo of you, your pet, or both and attach it to their collar (or wear it yourself on a chain).
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You can customize these glittery pet tags to make your pet stand out from all the other cool kids. Simply select the custom color option, and the brand will be in touch within two weeks to discuss your specific design needs.
Sleep like a brat
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Even brats need their sleep, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be on-brand. This barrier bed is made with three layers of waterproof material, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor disco naps.
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It’s hard to resist the luxurious perfection of a Squishmallow. Treat your pet to some brat luxury with this super soft bed.
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This loose tree is basically a club for your cats. It boasts a hammock, multiple perches, two condos, and more, all for under $100. Is it strange that we are a little jealous?
Eat and drink like a brat
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Upgrade your pet’s feeding experience with this sleek neon food and water stand. Even better, $1 from each order goes to animal shelters in Istanbul.
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Anyone who can claim to be trendy will endorse staying hydrated — especially if you can do it with a lime-green fountain that keeps your cat interestedwill open in a new tab by absorbing their H2O. This cat fountain features three water settings to satisfy even the most particular kitties.
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The lime-green lid on this water bottle glows as a bowl, which means you can stop using your hands as a makeshift cup.
Play like a brat
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365 party pups have a lot of energy to use up, so keep them entertained with this interactive treat puzzle. By Ottosson opens in a new tabprobably wasn’t meant to have one of his creations fit into this summer’s biggest internet trend, but here it is.
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Tennis balls are inherently brat (think Netflix movie revenge, where scary high school girls go to tennis camp), so of course we had to include a set of Kong’s SqueakAir toys. Remember to supervise your dog when they are playing with tennis balls and make sure they are playing with them, not pushing them.opens in a new tab.
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Keep your cat entertained for hours with these handmade fleece mice. Each mouse is filled with catnip to keep the fun going all day.
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Hide a treat or toy in this foraging mat and your pet will be dancing (well, sniffing) all night long. The mat also has a non-slip bottom and can be thrown in the laundry for easy cleaning.
Travel like a brat
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Sometimes a brat just needs to get out of town. Travel light and bright with this hard-shell carrier.
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For something a little more flexible, opt for Roverlund’s everyday travel bag (it even comes with a bonus strap).