5 fashion towelling ideas

Whether it’s our lockdown enthusiasm for soft fabrics or our penchant for a touch of retro-novelty, towelling outfits are back in a big way. Kitsch and fun, this thick fabric offers practicality in a serious way, washing well and needing little to no ironing before you can wear them again. But is there really a place for terry cloth in the high fashion market? Whether you’re a trendy toe-dipper or an all-out fashionista, we styled five outfits to see just how versatile this material can be.

Beach Towel

What towelling was invented for, this colourful two-piece from Terry positively screams expensive resort in the Catskills, but looks just as good at a UK beach trip or back garden BBQ. Wear buttoned up and tucked in, or go fashion forward with a graphic tee shirt underneath, the overshirt hanging open and loose. Matching sliders from Hunter are a must, while a graphic eyeliner, chunky scrunchie and embroidered beachbag help to break up the pastel palette with a ‘more is more’ dose of 90s-revival acid tones.

Outfit: Terry Top £190, Terry Shorts £188, Hunter Slider £35, Urban Outfitters Scrunchies £14, Joy Beach Bag £25, Fenty Eyeliner £22

Self-Care Sunday

Need to throw the towel in after a long hard week? It doesn’t get much better than a comfortable dressing gown, but we’re not talking your usual off-white number. Known for their colourful garments and bold geometric designs, Dusen Dusen have delivered what can only be known as the ultimate towelling robe, the sort that puts an instant spring in your step. Team with extravagantly fluffy slippers, a comfy turban for your wet hair, and of course, your comfiest underwear; UK independent designer Dora Larsen know how to deliver practicality without compromising on the sexiness of a sheer fabric.  

Outfit: Dusen Dusen Robe £155, Molly Goddard X Ugg Slippers £280, Noughty Towel Turban £9, Dora Larssen Bra £52, Dora Larssen Knickers £40

Date Night

Going out for tea (towel)? Nanuska prove that terry cloth can be surprisingly chic when it is fitted well to the body, skimming the waist with a flattering mid thigh length. The dress is the star of this show, so tonal accessories work best—choose complimentary shades of burgundy, brown and gold to pull out the natural warmth in your skin and hair. Should your summer tan be in need of an extra boost, Nuxe’s multi-purpose dry oil can be used on face, body and hair, adding a touch of subtle sophisticated shimmer.

Outfit: Nanuska Dress £345, Coach Bag £270, LaRedoute Heels £46.75, Nailberry Polish in shade ‘Grateful’ £15, Nuxe Body Oil £18.50

Summer errands

A look for those who want to embrace the towelling trend without necessarily having to wear it, a terry-cloth bag is a great investment that adds a special something to both the weekly shop and a Mediterranean holiday getaway. Cool things down by pairing it with low-static clothing; a linen shirt and breezy shorts in neutral colours, and a chunky pair of sandals that prove adequate support for your adventures. Finish it all off with colour-clash sunglasses and a spritz of a summery perfume—Miller Harris’ ‘Brighton Rock’ is bursting with zesty notes of blood orange, jasmine and evocative beachfront candy.

Outfit: Fiorucci Bag £40, Phase Eight Blouse £75, Albaray Shorts £29, Next Sandals £40, Ace & Tate Sunglasses £100, Miller Harris Perfume £85

Smart Casual

The combination of a high-waisted trouser and a cropped sweater is always a winner; high-comfort, low effort, and perfectly befitting of all ages and styles. Lucy Folk’s textured terry sweater adds a little more interest than your usual, with a pattern that feels understated enough to translate as mature. That rich apple-red colour deserves to be celebrated—match it with sandals by Camper and an elaborate beaded bag from Staud, tucking under your arm and contributing to the playful proportions of the outfit. 

Outfit: Lucy Folk Sweater £103, Sandro Paris Trousers £170, Camper Sandals £128, Staud Bag £125, Marte Frisnes Necklace £155

Read more: The women changing British theatre

Read more: The history of the bra

Keep up with the top stories from Reader's Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter