Sean Connery as James Bond in “Goldfinger”

In Goldfinger, Sean Connery appears in a now iconic towelling playsuit look – short-sleeved, self-belted, and powder-blue – during the film’s first post-credits scene. Although often remembered as a wildly disastrous fashion choice, hindsight renders the choice ahead of its time and it is conceivable that the “Sexiest Man of the Century“ gets away with it. The relaxed silhouette of towelling garment exudes a softer, gentler side of James Bond, and thus perhaps humanises the otherwise hyper-masculine 007 – making it the perfect case, and testimony for the towelling beach style and aesthetic.

With summer in full steam, it is imperative for the modern man to close the season in appropriate style. Luxurious yet comfortable, the towelling garment look is a choice worth considering for off-duty in style and comfort. Here are some of the best picks for towelling beach garments this summer.

Dry Off Your Beach Body With These Towelling Clothes

Vilebrequin Terry Cloth Polo

The Terry Polo Shirt is a soft towelling polo that is easy to wear and comfortable. Signature of Vilebrequin, a mini embroidered turtle in a tone-on-tone shade is sewn on the front of the piece.

Specialising in designer swimwear and ready-to-wear pieces, the luxury French brand saw its inception in 1971, in the province of St Tropez, by photographer and sports automobile journalist Fred Prysquel. Inspired by the surfers of St Tropez beaches at the time, Prysquel sketched and cut out a swimsuit he envisioned from a paper table cloth at the St Tropezian Café Terrace, birthing a signature suit that was distinct from far shorter and fitted swimsuits of the period

Available on Vilebrequin from US$135.

Orlebar Brown Towelling Resort Polo

The Orlebar Brown Towelling Resort Polos offer the softest textures to slip on and dry off in style. With its classic tailored polo fit with a modern touch, the Towelling Resort Polos are available in 12 colours of 100% terry towelling cotton. You might recognise the brand as the exclusive supplier of swim shorts in the latest Bond franchise, Skyfall, and its recent release of the Sean Connery James Bond inspired swim shorts. Similar to the iconic collector’s 007 swim shorts, the towelling polos not only look great by the pool, but also perfect for vacation cruising or lounging, and should earn a spot in your holiday wardrobe this summer.

Available on Orlebar Brown at US$150.

Udeshi Towelling Praia Blazer Navy

British luxury menswear designer Oscar Udeshi’s eponymous brand “Udeshi” offers both bespoke and ready-to-wear pieces. A simplification of the brand’s original Barchetta blazer, the Towelling Praia Blazer is touted to be the lightest and quickest-drying towelling jacket in the market. Udeshi gave the blazer a small pocket meant to fit a Dupont lighter, and an outbreast pocket for the brand motifs. On the navy iteration, an angel motif adds a playful touch. Polish up your beach vacation look with this piece paired with beach shorts, or even as a statement jacket on top of casual t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers to round off summer in style.

For fans of the classic Sean Connery James Bond films, there is also a special version of the Towelling Praia Blazer with a motif inspired by the first edition cover of Ian Fleming’s novel Goldfinger.

Available on Udeshi London at US$496.29.

Connolly Blue Beach Cardigan in Cashmere

Designed by Marc Audibet for Connolly’s ready-to-wear SS18, the Beach Blue Cardigan sports a loose silhouette, with sky and slate-blue intarsia pattern across the chest, upper arms, cuffs, and hem. The shawl neckline comes with a matching tie belt. Instead of terrycloth, this Connolly piece is made entirely from cashmere. The relaxed fit coupled with heavyweight ribbed-knit cashmere makes the cardigan an extravagant yet versatile piece for towelling by the beach, to lounging out on deck, or simply as an elegant smart-casual outerwear for a cosy candlelit dinner.

Available on Matches Fashion at US$2,231.