Signs of German reserve on holiday? (6)

I believe the answer is:

towels

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'signs of german reserve on holiday?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

This is the entire clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for towels that I've seen before include "Driers" , "Drying cloths for owlets" , "Absorbent cloths for owlets" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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