Every summer the same classic fabrics come round (gingham, linen we’re looking at you…) and while we love, love, love a perma-trend, we also love it when the fashion world throws us a curve ball. For 2021, terry towelling has entered the arena. Yep, the same fabric as the actual towels you dry yourself on in the bathroom is a having A Moment.
Whether you’re scrolling or shopping you can’t escape the cute – and cosy – fabric. And that might have something to do with towelling’s popularity. In a summer (so far) that has seen our raincoats get more wear than our bikinis the pastel shades and tactile feel of towelling make it seasonally appropriate – but it’s also ideal for snuggling up in, if your pub garden catch-up gets rained off.
If you’re struggling to make the easy transition from tracksuit to ‘real’ clothes (we feel you) it’s an easier step to take if you choose a comfy fabric like towelling, too.
The high street is swimming with towelling two-pieces. Think the Florida Granny co-ord but plain, not patterned. Sweet pastel shades of lemon, lilac, mint, sky and candy pink are most prevalent but neutral tones of chocolate, oatmeal and cream look chic too. Both colour stories are easy to style up into an on-trend outfit.
If you don’t fancy doing a towelling co-ord, H&M’s terry crop top will look unexpectedly edgy under a blazer, while COS’s sweatshirt will make a smart pair of trousers more relaxed. Mango’s towelling shorts are ideal for the beach but wear them with a white shirt, heels and bold jewellery to make a fashion statement in town. Or try an easy one-piece dress, like the smocked sundress from Faithfull The Brand, ASOS’s dip-dye shirt dress or the retro printed wrap dress from Racil.
Towelling also makes the most brilliant shoes, particularly for pool and beach days. ARKET have a vibrant striped version while Zara’s criss-cross slides are ideal for WFH and heading out and about. Sling all your essentials into Pull & Bear’s tote bag, twist your hair up into a towelling scrunchie from My Accessories or pile it all under Mango’s towelling bucket hat.
British Summertime, we are ready for you. Bonus: if your wine goes astray, you’ll be ready to mop up any spills. Don’t you just love practical fashion?
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton