17 Vibrant Ways to Wear Summer’s Terry Clothing Trend by Melody Leibner

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

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.

The Flamingo Shirt

KULE $148 AT SHOPBOP

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

Complete the set: Matching shorts, $78 AT SHOPBOP