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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Youth devider 5 back-to-school essentials worth adding to your cart

5 back-to-school essentials worth adding to your cart

Here's your newest semester's campus cor

Published Aug 3, 2026 05:04 pm
Back to school essentials
Back to school essentials
August is officially back-to-school season, and campuses are buzzing once again. Whether you're a freshman figuring out college life, a returning student chasing org fairs, or someone balancing classes with internships, one thing is certain: the right essentials can make hectic school days a little easier.
From rainy-day footwear to bags that can survive packed schedules, here are five campus-ready finds that deserve a spot in your back-to-school haul.

The confidence-boosting innerwear
Let's be honest: no outfit feels complete if what you're wearing underneath isn't comfortable. Between rushing from lectures to club meetings and spontaneous coffee runs with friends, you'll want innerwear that moves with you throughout the day.
Sola Body offers plenty of options for both women and men. For girls, the new Sculpting Collection provides smooth support under uniforms and fitted outfits while being stylish enough to wear on its own after class. Guys, meanwhile, can check out the Hugged Collection for comfortable everyday support. The brand also offers seamless underwear for anyone looking for an almost invisible fit under any outfit. Because sometimes, confidence really does start with the basics.

Sneakers that don't fear surprise rain
If there's one thing every Filipino student knows, it's that the weather can change in minutes. That's why a dependable pair of shoes isn't just a fashion choice, it's a campus essential.
The Keds Champion Canvas Water Resistant gives the iconic white sneaker a practical upgrade with a water-resistant finish that helps protect against unexpected drizzles.
Need something built for long walks between buildings? The MBT Men's Kinabalu 19 combines cushioned comfort with reliable grip, making it ideal for daily commutes and packed class schedules.
For those who love timeless preppy style, the Sperry Women's AO2 Mudguard (Amaretto) pairs a classic silhouette with practical features like a protective mudguard and the brand's signature Wave-Siping outsole for better traction on slippery surfaces.
Levi's x Sky High Farm Goods
Levi's x Sky High Farm Goods
Fashion that does more than look good
Today's students care about more than aesthetics. They also want brands that stand for something. Levi's latest collaboration with Sky High Farm Goods is a perfect example. Inspired by community, hard work, and giving back, the collection blends everyday style with a meaningful cause.
Standout pieces include the Garden Tote, roomy enough for books, laptops, and daily essentials, and the Utility Shorts decorated with playful vegetable-inspired graphics that are perfect for casual Fridays or no-uniform days.
Even better, proceeds help support Sky High Farm's nonprofit initiatives, while the collection's use of organic and transitional cotton reflects both brands' commitment to more thoughtful production. It's fashion with purpose, and that's always in style.

One bag for everything
Every student has that one day where their backpack feels like it's carrying their entire life. Laptop? Check. PE uniform? Check. Water bottle, charger, umbrella, makeup pouch, notebook, and snacks? Also check.
That's where local brand Eelos comes in. Available as backpacks and duffel bags, they're made from waterproof vegan leather that can handle sudden rain showers while keeping your belongings protected.
The roomy interiors make packing easier, while multiple pockets help keep everything organized, so you're not digging through your bag five minutes before class starts. Minimalist, functional, and built for everyday use, they're the kind of bags you'll probably keep using long after graduation.

The pen that deserves a permanent spot in your bag
Sure, tablets and laptops have become classroom staples. But every student still needs a trusty pen. Whether you're filling out forms, signing documents, or scribbling notes after your gadgets run out of battery, having one on hand is still a must.
The Uni-ball retractable gel pen stands out for its exceptionally dark ink, earning a Guinness World Records recognition for producing one of the blackest inks in a pen. Its smooth writing experience makes note-taking effortless, while its retractable design means no missing caps and fewer accidental ink stains inside your bag.
Because sometimes, the smallest school essential ends up being the one you use the most.

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