What Are Terry Cloth Shorts?

In a nutshell, terry cloth shorts are comfortable, casual shorts made from soft, absorbent terry cloth. They’re unique thanks to their looped texture that keeps air flowing and dries quickly after a swim, dip or sun-soaked afternoon by the pool.

At Love Brand, all of our towelling shorts are crafted from 100% organic cotton in Portugal for a luxuriously soft feel that’s light enough for balmy beach days. They pair perfectly with our matching terry polo shirts for a complete, yet easygoing, holiday look.

What Are 5 Pros of Terry Cloth?

1) Highly Absorbent

A huge pro of towel shorts is that they’re highly absorbent. The looped texture creates more surface area to absorb moisture, making them perfect for pool days and seaside escapes.

2) Breathable

The looped pile fabric, combined with their relaxed fit, allows for air circulation. This makes them effortlessly breathable, keeping you cool and comfortable at all times.

3) Durable

Cotton and terry cloth are strong, durable fabrics, meaning they stand up to heavy use and washing. With proper care, they can last a lifetime, making them a great sustainable choice.

4) Versatile

Thanks to the above properties, terry shorts are great for beach holidays. Yet, they can also be dressed up with a polo or linen shirt for evening dinners, without having to journey back to the resort to change. Towelling fabric is also a great option for loungewear.

5) Soft and Comfortable

The combination of the 100% cotton and looped fabric makes terry cloth soft on the skin, and it feels luxuriously cosy.

Are Terry Shorts Good for Summer?

Yes, mens terry cloth shorts were practically made for sun-soaked days. The high breathability keeps you cool in warm temperatures, and the casual style oozes summer vibes.

Thanks to their absorbent towelling texture, they’re perfect for chucking on after a swim, strolling along the beach or relaxing poolside with something cold in hand. Their absorbent nature also means they’re a great sweat-absorbing option that prevents overheating on hot summer days.

Where to Wear Towelling Shorts

• The beach
• Poolside
• Resorts and coastal holidays
• Summer city breaks
• Playing sports such as tennis or paddle
• Relaxing at home

How to Style Terry Towelling Shorts

Elevated Resort Look

For a clean, luxurious look that doesn’t feel overly casual, pair white or beige towelling shorts with:

• A lightweight linen shirt, worn opened or buttoned
• Espadrilles
• Sunglasses

Matching Co-ord Set for the Pool

The easiest styling option is a matching towelling shirt and short set. For this, pair your shorts with:

• A matching terry towelling polo shirt
• Espadrilles or boat shoes

City Break Casual

Away from the beach, for a sharper look combine with:

• An organic cotton t-shirt
• A lightweight overshirt
• Loafers
  

Towelling already has texture and personality, so the styling works best when everything else is understated.

When Were Terry Cloth Shorts Popular?

Terry shorts became a popular beachwear option in the late 50s and 60s. We all remember the famous Bond ‘play suit’ from 1964’s Goldfinger!

Their popularity continued to rise through the 70s and 80s, becoming a go-to for everything from lounging to roller skating and beach trips. During this time, terry shorts were a lot shorter than most styles today, in line with the bright coloured ‘hotpants’ trend.

Then in the 2020s, towelling shorts made their much-welcome comeback, now becoming a hot weather staple.

Read more about the history of terry towelling.

Terry towelling shorts have become a must-pack for resort getaways. Our cotton terry towel collection features a range of summertime hues from classics like white and beige, to coastal-inspired colours like our ‘Yacht Blue’ and ‘Riviera Green’. Now, one of our favourite materials, browse our full collection of towel shorts for men.