Towelling: Laidback, Smart and Ready for the Sun
Towelling doesn’t shout for attention. It doesn’t need to. There’s something about its soft texture and easy fit that just works when you’re on holiday. Slip on a towelling polo after a swim, or pull on a towelling short for a lazy lunch, and you’re instantly in the right frame of mind.
At Orlebar Brown, we’ve been using towelling for years, but it’s not a gimmick or a nostalgic throwback. It’s a fabric that fits into what we do - smart, relaxed clothes that feel good to wear. And when you’re by the water or moving between beach and bar, towelling might be the most useful thing you can pack.
Let’s look at why it matters, how it came to be part of the summer wardrobe, and what we’ve done with it across some of our favourite pieces.
Where Towelling Came From
Before towelling became a summer staple, it had a very different life. It started out in the 1800s as a cotton fabric with tiny loops, designed to absorb water. Turkish towels were the earliest versions, and the British made them into robes and bath linens.
But over time, towelling moved away from bathrooms and started showing up in fashion. The 1960s played a big part in that. Suddenly, terry cloth wasn’t just for drying off. People wore towelling polos, zip-up jackets, and even playsuits. You’d see them on tennis courts, in hotel lobbies, and around the pool - anywhere that combined leisure with style.
Then came Goldfinger (1964), and everything changed. Sean Connery walked onto the screen in a pale blue towelling romper, and it became iconic overnight. That one outfit captured the mood of the moment: confident, slightly cheeky, and perfect for hot weather.
It’s that mix of elegance and ease that still defines towelling today.
Why It Works for Summer
What makes towelling such a smart choice for warm-weather clothing? It’s not just about comfort, though that’s a big part of it.
The real appeal lies in what the fabric does. Towelling absorbs moisture quickly, which makes it ideal for wearing over swimwear or after a dip. It’s soft against the skin, breathable enough for heat, and just thick enough to keep you covered when you want to step away from the pool.
There’s also the way it looks. Towelling isn’t flashy, but it adds a subtle texture to whatever you’re wearing. A plain white polo in towelling feels more interesting than the same shirt in jersey. A pair of towelling shorts has more character than linen ones. It’s all down to the feel of the fabric, and how it reflects light.
And finally, towelling has this built-in nostalgia. It reminds people of summer holidays, old-school resort style, and that slow, relaxed way of dressing that only really happens when you’re away. But at OB, we’ve moved the idea forward. Our pieces are still fun to wear, but they’re sharper, better tailored, and made to last.
The Goldfinger Onesie: Playful, Smart, and Surprisingly Practical
This one is hard to ignore. The Goldfinger Onesie is our take on that famous Sean Connery look, and yes, it gets people talking. But once you try it on, you understand why we brought it back.
It’s cut from our signature cotton towelling, which feels plush but still breathable. The revere collar gives it a tailored finish, while the zip front and short sleeves make it easy to wear. In bright white, it looks crisp and clean. There’s a tonal waistband to shape the fit, and pockets where you need them. Simple, sharp, and surprisingly comfortable.
It’s not an everyday piece, but that’s the point. You wear it when you want to have fun with your style, or when you’re feeling a little bold. Throw it on after the pool, or wear it solo with slides and sunglasses. Either way, you won’t blend in (and why should you?).
Sebastian Towelling Polo: The Everyday Favourite
If the Onesie is the scene-stealer, the Sebastian Towelling Polo is the go-to. This is the piece you reach for again and again when you're on holiday.
It’s got that revere collar we love, which always feels a little more dressed up than a regular polo. The tailored fit means it sits clean across the shoulders, with just enough shape through the body. And then there’s the fabric - soft towelling that keeps you cool, dries quickly, and feels great after a swim.
We’ve done it in colours like Nova Blue, Damson, Calypso Orange, and Yellow Blaze. All of them work with swim shorts, linen trousers, or drawcord styles. It’s hard to go wrong with this one. Whether you're heading out for lunch or just grabbing a drink at the bar, the Sebastian makes you look like you've thought about what you're wearing - even if you haven’t.
More Towelling Styles to Know
We’ve been adding towelling to more styles over the years, and they’re all built around the same idea - ease, comfort, and wearability.
The Felix Towelling Polo is a softer take, with a short resort placket and more relaxed fit. It’s perfect for hotter days when you don’t want anything clinging to you. Pair it with drawstring shorts or throw it over swimwear, and you’re set.
The Dominic Fine Ribbon Polo gives you a slightly sportier feel, with tipping on the collar and a crisp piqué look. It’s not towelling in the traditional sense, but it has the same softness and a subtle texture that feels right in warmer weather.
And then there are the towelling shorts - drawcord waist, tailored fit, just the right length. These are made for lazy mornings and long afternoons. Wear them with the matching Sebastian Polo for a coordinated set, or break it up with a linen shirt if you want to mix textures.
How to Style Towelling Without Overthinking It
What we love about towelling is that it doesn’t take much to make it look good. Because it has its own texture, you don’t need to go heavy on prints or layers.
For pool days, keep it easy. A towelling polo over Bulldog swim shorts, some slides, and sunglasses. Done.
For something smarter, try the Sebastian Polo tucked into tailored shorts or trousers. Add loafers or espadrilles and you’re dinner-ready without changing too much.
The onesie is more of a wildcard, but it works best when you commit. Open collar, clean trainers or sandals, maybe a chain or vintage sunglasses if that’s your vibe. It’s holidaywear, after all - if you’re going to wear it, lean in.
Quality and Craftsmanship Matter
All our towelling is made from 100% cotton and produced in Portugal. We’ve worked with mills that know how to get the texture just right - not too bulky, not too thin.
The loops in the fabric are tight and consistent, which means it holds its shape, washes well, and feels soft every time you wear it. These are clothes made to last beyond a single summer.
We also pay close attention to fit. Even with a relaxed fabric like towelling, we want it to sit right through the shoulders and chest, taper where it needs to, and feel put-together even when you’re barefoot by the pool.
Why Towelling Stays in the Wardrobe
There’s a reason towelling keeps coming back each summer - it just makes sense. It feels good, looks good, and works across different moments in your day. Whether you're drying off from the ocean or dressing up for sunset drinks, towelling steps in without fuss.
And while the fabric has a history, it doesn’t feel dated. The way we do it at Orlebar Brown, it’s sharp, minimal, and ready for wherever your holiday takes you.
So next time you're packing for a trip, don’t overthink it. Throw in a towelling polo or a pair of shorts. Maybe even the Goldfinger Onesie if you're feeling brave. You’ll be glad you did.
