Three Generations, Three Different Needs, One Dry Dolly

By Tara Parkinson, Co-Founder of Dry Dolly

When my sister Rachael and I started Dry Dolly, we had a fairly simple idea. We wanted to create something better than wrapping yourself in a towel after a shower.

Something that actually stayed up, looked stylish, felt comfortable and didn't leave you constantly clutching at the top to preserve your modesty!

We certainly didn't imagine that Dry Dolly would end up accompanying members of our family into hospital, through pregnancy and into their eighties.

But that's exactly what's happening, and I thought I'd share a little of our story.

Taking Dry Dolly into hospital (twice!)

I was born with hip dysplasia, which basically means my hip joints didn't develop quite as they should have. Over time, the cartilage wore away, and I eventually needed both hips replaced.

I had my second hip replacement in October 2026, so I'm delighted to say that chapter of my life is hopefully now behind me.

Of course, being the co-founder of a towel apparel brand, I couldn't possibly go into hospital without taking a Dry Dolly or two!

Joking aside, when you've just had surgery, even the simplest things can feel like quite an effort. Getting dressed, having a shower and moving around on crutches all take a little more thought than usual.

The last thing I wanted was a heavy dressing gown or one of those hospital gowns that seems determined to gape open at the back at the most inconvenient moment.

I found my Dry Dolly incredibly useful after showering. It was lightweight, comfortable and easy to manage when I wasn't feeling particularly mobile.

I also used our Multi-Style Poncho for a little extra coverage over my hospital gown when walking around on crutches. It made me feel much more comfortable, and sometimes that's all you want when you're feeling a bit vulnerable.

I can genuinely say that having something familiar, practical and comfortable made those first few days a little easier.

And while I wouldn't recommend having two hip replacements as a product-testing exercise, at least I can now say I've thoroughly tested Dry Dolly in hospital!

Next stop, the maternity ward!

At the other end of the family, my niece is expecting twins.

She's also decided to pack her Dry Dolly in her hospital bag, which I think is rather lovely.

Having a baby is quite an experience in itself, let alone two at once, and I can completely understand wanting to pack things that are comfortable, practical and easy to wear.

A towel dress isn't necessarily the first thing you'd think of when putting together a maternity hospital bag, but it makes sense to have something you can slip into after a shower without having to wrestle with a towel or a bulky dressing gown. This design is also really useful for breastfeeding.

And then there's my 83-year-old aunt

This is perhaps one of my favourite examples, because it shows just how different our customers can be.

My aunt, who is 83, has been wearing her Dry Dolly every day after her shower.

Not for a spa day, not for a holiday, and certainly not because she's planning to pose beside a swimming pool!

Simply because she finds it useful.

And really, isn't that what good design should be about?

Something doesn't have to be complicated to make everyday life a little easier.

As we get older, comfort, practicality and feeling properly covered can become even more important. A towel dress that stays in place and allows you to get on with your morning can be a welcome alternative to wrapping yourself in a bath towel.

I love that a product we originally imagined being worn beside a pool or in a spa has become part of my aunt's daily routine.

It's funny where a simple idea can take you

When Rachael and I first started developing Dry Dolly, we were thinking about all those familiar frustrations with traditional towels, slipping towel wraps and heavy dressing gowns.

We wanted to combine the absorbency of a towel with the comfort and style of clothing.

What we've discovered along the way is that the need for something practical, comfortable and stylish doesn't disappear with age, and it certainly isn't limited to the beach or spa.

It's there when you're recovering from surgery, preparing to welcome a baby, or simply enjoying your morning shower at 83.

Three generations of women, all using Dry Dolly for slightly different reasons.

As a small, family-founded business, I find that incredibly rewarding.

And who knows where our Dollies will end up next?

Hopefully somewhere a little more glamorous than my hospital room!

Tara x

Co-Founder, Dry Dolly

Discover our collection of stylish, lightweight towel dresses and multi-style towelling apparel at www.drydolly.com.