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17 Vibrant Ways to Wear Summer's Terry Clothing Trend

From tennis dresses to matching sets—and even Prada slides.

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a model wears a recreational habits terry halter dress in a roundup of terry cloth clothing 2022
Recreational Habits

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As the sun gets stronger and summer fashion sets in, it's time to equip yourself in head-to-toe terry cloth clothing. A youthful yet versatile fabric that's both beach and tennis court approved, terry is central to summer's most sought-after looks.

Terry has always been a staple for Recreational Habits cofounder Jackie Skye Muller. But for summer 2022, "brands have been reinventing it in fun new colors and prints," she tells BAZAAR.com. This season, we see terry in a whole new light: In addition to shorts and bathing suits, terry takes on rompers, sandals, bags, and dresses are everywhere from Prada to Aritzia to Terry, a label dedicated almost entirely to the sporty fabric. With so many colorful ways to wear it, "terry feels modern for this season," Divya Mathur, chief merchandising officer at Intermix, agrees.

Making the terry clothing trend your own is all about balance. "To avoid looking too sporty in this heavier fabric, opt for feminine silhouettes like a romper or miniskirt styled back to a coordinating swimsuit,” Mathur suggests. Or try Skye Muller's tried-and-true terry uniform: "I love dressing up a casual terry short with a crisp button-up shirt—it's an easy way to stay cool but still look grown up," she says. To make all your terry dreams come true, we've selected 17 dresses, matching sets, and more to keep you on trend all summer long.

Prada Terry Cloth Slides

Terry Cloth Slides
$875 at Prada
Credit: Prada

Whether you're grabbing coffee, going to the beach, or heading out for a casual bite to eat, these Prada slides are the ideal accessory for a comfortable yet put-together look.

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Intermix Teddy Organic Cotton Terry Romper

Teddy Organic Cotton Terry Romper
Now 77% Off

Here's a prime example of Mathur's favorite way to wear terry this summer. A polo romper with a plunging neckline demands to be paired with your favorite bikini and a strappy sandal.

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Tna Banks T-Shirt

Banks T-Shirt
Now 67% Off

Tna’s Banks T-shirt is the perfect terry staple to throw on over a bathing suit, pair with some jeans, or even match with sweatpants for an elevated yet comfortable outfit.

Complete the set: Matching shorts, $40 at Aritzia

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Recreational Habits Rally Terry Halter Dress

Rally Terry Halter Dress

This butter-colored halter dress is a wardrobe staple for this season. Throw it on with sneakers or strappy sandals to turn heads on and off the tennis court.

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Miu Miu Terry Slide

Terry Slide

This Miu Miu slide is the ultimate terry accessory: romantic, yet sporty and understated.

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Terry Terry Effect Mini Skirt

Terry Effect Mini Skirt
Now 37% Off

This terry miniskirt is a put-together look on its own. Easily dressed up or down, it is a staple for the trend.

Complete the set: Matching top, $280 at Farfetch

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Sincerely Jules for Bandier The Terry Stripe Kit

The Terry Stripe Kit
Now 17% Off
Credit: Bandier

Bandier's best-selling kits were re-done in tangerine terry for summer. Balance out the bold print with a plain legging under the quarter-zip or a white poplin button-down over the shorts—or show your stripes in all three pieces at once.

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Lack of Color Wave Cotton Terry Bucket Hat

Wave Cotton Terry Bucket Hat
Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue

The sage hue of this terry bucket hat is soft, yet still makes a statement when you want one.

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Suzie Kondi Elma Cotton-Blend Terry Jumpsuit

Elma Cotton-Blend Terry Jumpsuit

This Suzie Kondie jumpsuit is the ultimate terry look, featuring a beautiful blue ideal for a night by the water.

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Marc Jacobs Logo Terry Cloth Drawstring Bucket Bag

Logo Terry Cloth Drawstring Bucket Bag

A lovely terry summertime accessory, this Marc Jacobs bag is a must. All you need are sunscreen and a good book to throw inside.

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Monrow Terry Cloth Short-Sleeve Tee

Terry Cloth Short-Sleeve Tee

This easy terry short sleeve is a versatile essential—and it's 25 percent off right now.

Complete the set: Matching sweatpants, $103 at Bergdorf Goodman

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Madewell MWL Towel Terry Curved-Hem Shorts in Colorblock

MWL Towel Terry Curved-Hem Shorts in Colorblock

These olive shorts are a no-brainer for hot-girl walking this summer. Make it a full fit with the matching bralette.

Complete the set: Matching cardigan, $85 at Madewell

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Bottega Veneta Cotton Terry Beach Towel

Cotton Terry Beach Towel

Of course, we needed a towel in this terry cloth edit. Bottega Veneta's version ensures the chicest beach day ever. (And it looks even better peeking out of Bottega's cream terry tote bag.)

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Frankies Bikinis Quinn Terry Midi Dress

Quinn Terry Midi Dress

Frankies Bikinis knows how to do terry right: This midi dress is a Y2K moment for any occasion.

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KULE The Flamingo Shirt

The Flamingo Shirt

Color blocking is made easy with this terry cloth button-down.

Complete the set: Matching shorts, $78 at Shopbop

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Polo Ralph Lauren Terry Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt

Terry Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt

This Ralph Lauren terry quarter-zip is the perfect piece to take on long walks or to a game of tennis this summer.

Complete the set: Matching shorts, $99 at Mytheresa

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Loeffler Randall Fiona Green Gingham Smocked Camisole

Fiona Green Gingham Smocked Camisole
Credit: Loeffler Randall

Fresh from Loeffler Randall's first-ever clothing collection, this terry cloth set combines a summery gingham print with comfortable smocking to must-have effect.

Complete the set: Matching skirt, $195 at Loeffler Randall

Headshot of Melody Leibner
Melody Leibner

Melody Leibner is the Digital Editorial Intern for BAZAAR.com, where she covers e-commerce and shopping, fashion and celebrity news, and all things pop culture. 

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