Summer is all about fabrics that are just a touch absurd. From seersucker to patchwork madras, warm weather gear is often as lighthearted as it is lightweight, but nothing mirrors the jovial summer spirit quite like terry cloth. After all, what else is simultaneously as summery and as nonsensical as wearing a towel disguised as normal clothing?
As evidenced by the above shot of Sean Connery in a terry cloth onesie (undoubtedly one of James Bonds most regrettable outfits), during the sixties this fabric was primarily used for outlandish leisure wear. Fortunately for us all though, brands such as Orlebar Brown and Engineered Garments have recently begun to rethink this ultra-soft fabric, bringing it from the pool deck to everyday life.
With their tailored terry cloth polos these labels have dipped their toes into the pool of toweling textiles with far better results than Bond’s zip-up playsuit. Their relaxed pullovers are still undeniably luxurious with the added benefit of not like looking an over-sized OshKosh B’Gosh onesie. Sorry Connery, even icons make mistakes sometimes.
Orlebar Brown images via Mr Porter, Engineered Garments image via Oi Polloi
No. Just no.
Terry cloth polos were very popular in the ’80s.
missed a good one:
http://www.enjoyyourgoodlife.com/collections/summer-terry/products/towel-terry-danny-hoody#goodlife-navy
Please let’s not revive this
Attractive cuts to these shirts. Only thing: terry cloth loops will snag and run, and then all you have are patches of no-loop terry. What happened to cotton velour? Too much effort, eh?
A shirt like that would only make me develop the bad habit of drying my hands on my shirt. Cool shirts, but I’ll pass!
@Rod I remember these terry cloth shirts from the 80’s too. I had a terry cloth bucket hat that I wore during the summer. Since they are re-making the shirts, the hats can’t be too far behind.
I wouldn’t mind a terry cloth cardigan, but these are kind of awful.
Does this material show off the man boobs?