Mitty James help you rediscover the joy of towelling

Towelling and kids - it's as great a combination as cheese and pickle. There's something about this hard-wearing material that speaks of long hot days on the beach, the smell of a child's skin when she's been in the sun, and a comforting warmth after a dip in the sea.

One of my best clothing buys last year was a hooded polka dot towelling top for Tabitha. It looks great, yes. But the best thing about it is that no matter how many felt pen, baked bean or mud stains it gets on it, it goes into the wash and it's right back to good as new. Listen to me, I sound like my mother - but when you become a parent there's no denying that an easy-to-wash garment is almost more exciting than a hot date, or indeed anything else.

British company Mitty James must agree, because they have a whole range of gorgeous towelling clothing for kids. All provide UV protection, so are great for trips away, but also give enough warmth for those often-chilly trips to the English seaside. Don't just save them for the beach, though: in the baby version of 'day to evening' wear, we've found that our towelling top has taken Tabitha to social events from birthday parties to a casual trip to the library.