Ditch your towel and wrap up in a cotton or linen robe after your next swim. Some of these styles are chic enough to wear away from the water, too.
Words by Alice Jeffery · Updated on 15 Jul 2026 · Published on 04 Jan 2024
If last year was the summer of the sarong , this season is all about the beach robe. And it makes sense. Why carry a towel when you could wear one? A far cry from the playful ponchos of kids’ swimming lessons, choose a pair of coordinating shorts and let these pieces become an outfit in their own right.
Ilio Nema Ariane robe
$395
Ilio Nema’s signature Ariane robe is updated in a yellow and blue handloom stripe with gold accents this summer. Slip the Hera shorts underneath or wear it over vintage-washed jeans when you’re not at the beach.
Terry is the name of the game for this local label. Double-sided styles are made from 100 per cent organic cotton and come awash in summery shades like aqua and mandarin. There are also pairs of matching shorts. And the Isola tote , which comes fitted with a towelling insert to keep your beach essentials safely stowed, is the perfect finishing touch.
If Soleil Soleil’s collection makes you want to move to a tropical island, you’re not alone. Let this style hang loose over swimwear or cinch it with the self-tie belt and finish your look with a pair of leather sandals for summer evenings.
Wide sleeves and an oversized fit give this style from Sir elevated appeal. The two-tone chocolate brown Mar print story also features across swimwear, as well as a towel, scrunchie and tote bag this season.
Made in Morocco with a signature woven finish, this terry style also comes in blue, green and pink. Add the matching Beam shorts underneath and bucket hat on top of your head for a full look.
Venroy’s blue linen style is an easy pick. It once again comes with coordinating shorts but looks equally chic as part of a mismatched set: try these wide-leg linen pants or the brand’s signature lounge skirt.
The geometric pattern on this robe is inspired by ’50s swimming pools – lean into the retro feel with a pair of cat-eye sunglasses. There’s a matching pouch for your book, SPF and more.
Emma Mulholland on Holiday Happy Hibiscus striped robe
$190
This lightweight cotton style comes in a subtle blue stripe – a departure from the brand’s noted printed styles – but features signature embroidered details at the pocket. Add a sloga cap to finish your beach outfit.
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About the author
Alice Jeffery is a freelance writer and Broadsheet’s former shopping editor.
