A sunny day at the beach always requires more than a bathing suit and flip flops, and our supposed carefree day in the sand can be easily complicated by deficiencies of worn thin towels and unreliable cover-ups. Style aside, quality beach accessories are a necessity for protection from the elements and are crucial to our comfort while lounging surfside. With the plethora of towels whose fabric is anything but ordinary terrycloth and cover-ups that are almost too chic for the beach, we would say quality and luxury aren’t always mutually exclusive.
A good towel is arguably the most essential beach accessory. But, before you select a pattern that suits you, pay close attention to its fabrication. Cotton and terrycloth towels remain the most popular fabrics for their softness and absorbency, but microfiber is becoming more popular for efficiently wicking away moisture and packing lightly. Furthermore, consider the temperature of your destination beach when choosing a towel. Dark colors, such as navy blue, deep purple, and black, absorb heat and will provide warmth on beaches that are prone to cloudier days. Look here when heading to those breezy New England beaches! On the contrary, light colored towels reflect heat and are more suitable for the intense sun of tropical beaches. Finally, as is customary to selecting bed sheets, consider the towel’s thread count. The higher the thread count, the less terry cloth fuzz you’ll find sticking to your skin.
Always a favorite for affordable luxurious home ware, Pottery Barn upholds its reputation this summer in producing beach towels that are a far cry from those bought last minute at a beach stand. Their jacquard starfish and angelfish towels boast a clean, nautical design that make the perfect accompaniment to one of New England’s historic beaches. Made from 100% cotton and yarn dyed to prolong their color, these towels are incredibly soft and resilient enough to last through years of beach trips. For a bolder statement in the sand, check out Missoni’s beach towels. More than generously sized, this line of towels uses an explosion of color and pattern, translating Missoni’s trademark aesthetic into beach material. With zig-zags, checks, and, perhaps most striking, butterflies, Missoni’s bold artistry is ideal for vibrant, lust-for-life tropical beaches. Lastly, Works on Whatever, a project of the Art Production Fund, offers a series of artist-inspired beach towels. The works of famed contemporary artists such as Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, Alex Katz, and others find their way out of museums and galleries and onto oversized towels. Far out of the ordinary, yet still hip, these towels help you make a statement while relaxing in the sand.
Unfortunately, we seem to rely on these towels to multitask as both lounging area and coverup – try it and you’ll find yourself disappointed when they fall short as the latter. Rather than donning a towel bound to fall off at an inopportune moment, slip on one of this season’s tunics; they are long enough to go without shorts at the beach and fancy enough to be worn out at night. The bohemian inspired looks of years past are making a comeback, and designers such as Milly and Vix reinvent this former trend beautifully. Vix shows an immense range in style and sophistication with their new ‘Sofia,’ and ‘Hermanny’ lines. The ‘Sofia’ collection features tunics that draw their femininity from ruffles, floral print, and paisley. ‘Hermanny ‘ offers a bolder alternative with diaphanous, animal-inspired caftans that could just as easily be paired with a pair of dark jeans as be easily slipped on over a bathing suit. Milly introduces a series of dresses that seem almost too fashionable for the beach. With embroidered tunics and sheer dresses featuring floral appliques, Milly’s latest offerings certainly help you stay fashionable while at the beach.
Since most of us head to the beach for a much needed escape rather than an opportunity to flaunt personal style, it’s easy to forget about preparing ourselves properly. Suddenly, oversized t-shirts become substitutes for clothes. With the marriage of quality and fashion, it’s easier than ever to prepare for a beach day this summer, but it may be harder than ever to choose exactly what to wear.
PHOTO CREDIT: Works on Whatever & Pottery Barn
