microfiber travel beach towel

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Gear » microfiber travel towel

The Best Microfiber Travel Towel for your Next Adventure

Whilst most backpackers might fall short of the average of one shower a day, it doesn’t mean we don’t want or need a good wash! Ok scratch that, us vagabonds are in serious need of a good shower but taking one on the road isn’t always as straight forward as it is back home. Once you’ve negotiated the hostel shower, the local river or a bucket surrounded by bamboo in a Burmese village (yes, that was me) you’ve got to get dry.

Unfortunately those comfortable but heavy Egyptian cotton towels aren’t exactly backpacker friendly. Whilst I fully acknowledge that discussing towels might not be the most thrilling topic when you’ve got an endless array of adventures to plan. But trust me, your shoulders understand the importance!

The solution: a microfiber travel towel. They’re made with quick-dry material, they pack super small, and they are relatively inexpensive… a travellers’ dreams. In a nutshell – microfiber towels were literally made for backpackers and travellers.

However, as with most things, not all towels are created equally. Some don’t wash well or pick up an unpleasant odour. So I’ve done the hard yards for you and wrote this epic guide so you can quickly and easily find which microfiber travel towel best suits your needs.

Let’s get this party started!

Quick Answer: What are the best towels to take traveling?

• Sea to Summit Drylite Towel – Best Backpacking Towel
• Matador Ultralight Travel Towel – Most Compact Travel Towel
• Youphoria Sport Microfiber Travel Towel – Best Towel for Traveling Yogis
• Nomadix Towel – Best Non-Microfiber Towel for Travel 
• ECCOSOPHY TRAVEL TOWEL – Honorary Mention
• Jump to –> Travel Towel Reviews

Real Quick – What is Microfiber Material?

Ok, so before we crack on with showing you what the best backpacking towel is, we need to explain what one is first.

Microfiber is a synthetic fiber, usually made out of polyesters, polyamides, or blends. The grabby texture of the microfiber makes the towel more absorbent which, in turn, makes it great for swimming, traveling, exercising, any activity that makes you wet.

Right then, let’s get this microfiber towel review going!

Microfiber Travel Towel Reviews

Best towel for backpacking – sea to summit drylite towel, most compact travel towel – matador ultralight.

• Best Travel Towel for Yogis – Youphoria Sport

Best Non-Microfiber Towel for Travel – Nomadix

• Honorable Mention – ECCOSOPHY Microfiber Towel
• Best Microfiber Beach Towel – OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

Why Invest in a Travel Towel?

How we tested the best microfiber travel towel, faq about the best microfiber travel towel, conclusion: the best microfiber towels for travel.

Check out our extensive review on our top four favorite quick-drying microfiber travel towels reviews below…

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

• Comes in multiple sizes
• Very lightweight
• A bit more expensive

Sea to Summit is known for making ultralight camping and backpacking gear, so it makes sense that they make a lightweight backpacking towel. The soft, quick-drying towel is compact and comes in three sizes. The small towel is 32” by 16”, the large is 48” by 24” and the extra large is 60” by 30”. All these towel sizes weigh under 7 ounces. This is a good choice for the traveler constantly on the trail when every oz makes a difference. We also rated it as the best microfiber travel towel due to the fact that it came in different sizes meaning you can pick the right one for your trip.

The drawback? The XL is expensive for a microfiber towel and is pricier than the other towels on this travel towel review.

Our team felt this was the best microfiber towel for travel particularly because it worked well in damp and humid environments which is ideal for places like Southeast Asia. On top of that the actual towel itself dries quickly after usage too. They also loved how well it packed down and fit easily inside their bags, in fact, it’s that small it could easily fit inside a jacket pocket!

• Super small and compact
• Lightweight nanofiber material
• Comes in powermesh storage bag

In case space in your backpack is really at a premium, then check out the mini Ultralight travel towel by Matador. Measuring 15″ x 15″ (or 39cm x 39cm) it quite literally fits inside your pocket. It is of course smaller than other towels if this list and it will take some time to fully dry your body using this. However, it absorbs 2.3 times its own weight so with a little patience you can work your way around your whole body.

Both the towel itself and its bag have buckle attachments so you can fasten to your bag or jacket and really maximise storage space. Made from an ultralight (25g) Nano Fibre material it is also fully machine washable and will hardly even fade.

Our team felt this was the best compact microfiber towel on the market because, well, it’s super compact, like, insanely compact! This towel could fit inside your pants pocket it’s that tiny! Our team were realists and felt being so small that it had a certain purpose and it wasn’t the easiest to dry their whole body with … but at a push it wasn’t impossible and for the ultralight packer they felt that bit of extra effort was worth the space saved.

Best Travel Towel for Yogis –  Youphoria Sport

• Holds moisture well
• Softer + more comfortable than others
• Bit heavier than others

This is a yoga-specific towel, but I think it makes great use as a backpacking towel as well because it’s highly absorbent and can hold up to 5X its weight in water. I also find yoga towels to have an extra soft feel and are less likely to attract lint.

They also tend to pack down even smaller than other backpacking towels. The downside is that its largest size weighs more than the other choices on this list. However, for all the yogis out there who plan to travel with a yoga mat anyway, this is a great choice.

Our team picked this as their best microfibre towel for yogis because of how comfortable it was not just to dry themselves with but to us on top of their yoga mats. The team also felt the towel was light, and compact but ultimately super durable, especially when used for both general drying purposes but for yoga and after the gym too.

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

• Made from recycled materials
• Very expensive for a towel

For the environmentally-conscious traveler, the Nomadix travel towel is about as ideal as it gets. This towel is made of 100% recycled materials – fibers from plastic bottles are processed into effective and comfortable nylon and polyester threads. These towels do not involve any sort of polymer-based microfiber yet they are still very good at what they do.

Nomadix towels are quick-drying, tough, and very packable. Coming in at a very reasonable 1 lb, these make for great towels to take traveling. Thanks to it’s anti-microbial and non-slip qualities, the Nomadix is very popular at yoga retreats and camping but you could conceivably use this towel anywhere: at the beach, gym, kitchen, and more.

The Nomadix is a bit more expensive than other towels and quite larger as well. That being said, the larger price tag is more than justifiable – this towel will last longer than most and you will definitely get more use out of it.

Our team were pretty interested in how this towel compared to microfibre as several members expressed that they would prefer something more environmentally friendly. Firstly they just loved the different colours and designs that the towels come in, something many of the other towels are lacking, which makes it look better when taken to the beach. In terms of usage, they felt it was just as absorbent as the microfibre towels and literally dried them in one swipe!

Honorable Mention –  ECCOSOPHY Microfiber Towel

• Very cool designs
• Double-sided
• Much larger than other beach towels

I’d give this beach towel props just for being so damn good lookin’! Look at those patterns! So bold and colorful! Who says a microfiber travel towel has to be flat-colored and boring, anways?

But it’s not just beautiful; the ECCOSOHPY beach towel is also useful, of course. Since it’s made of microfiber, you’ll get the absorptive qualities as well as the quick drying. It packs well enough although, given it’s size, it’s going to be much larger in your bag than most other towels.

I would also like to add that this towel would be fine for both sexes. ECCOOPHY markets it has a lady’s towel on their Amazon page but, honestly, I’d rock this anytime and anywhere in the world.

When it came to design our team just fell in love with the awesome patterns these towels came in, they felt they really created that backpacker vibe instead of looking a bit geeky like some of the other towels. our team just loved how lightweight and thin these towels were meaning they rolled down super small and took up almost no room or weight in their bags. They felt it absorbed water instantly and on top of that was ideal for people with longer hair.

Best Microfiber Beach Towel –  OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

• Better than a typical cotton beach towel
• Very packable
• Perfect size

I like this towel because it’s big (80×57 inches), but because of the lightweight microfiber material, it packs down much better than a normal beach towel. Not only that but it does come in some smaller sizes too if you don’t need something that massive!

This is a great towel for lounging beachside. While not as lightweight as the Active Roots or Sea to Summit, the OCOOPA has large dimensions and is still a great choice for a quick-drying towel for travel, and an easy pick for the best travel beach towel.

Our team loved the slightly thicker profile of this towel which is what made it stand out as their best beach towel. Rather than just being used for drying themselves down after a swim, which it did an awesome job of, it was comfortable to lie down and lay on all day too. The durable material was also great given the extra abrasions using the towel on the beach results in.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

It may seem like an insignificant item to pack, but a good towel will be one of the most useful items in your backpacker arsenal.

In our normal lives, we use towels on a daily basis, really; to wash the dishes, ourselves, the car, when cleaning the house. Yet, we take them from granted because they’re always there and in a multitude! Thanks to industrialization, we have a cloth or rag somewhere nearby, buried in an old drawer or conveniently hanging on a hook or rack.

Unfortunately, backpackers usually don’t have this option. Because they are constantly going from place to place and because they are living out of a backpack (finite space), they don’t have the convenience of carrying a lot of towels on them. Hell, most backpackers are grateful just to get a free towel at their hostel!

Having your own towel for traveling the world can be immensely useful. Going to the beach? The towel will keep the sand off your ass and out of your portable speaker. Want to have a spontaneous yoga session? Throwdown your towel and chaturanga away. Need to dry out those hiking boots after a long walk? Use that towel to soak up any leftover moisture in those boots (maybe do that after washing yourself though)

Trust me: you will get a lot of use out of your towel while traveling, more than you might know right now. That means you need to have a good towel – the tougher it is and the better it is at absorbing, the more useful it will be. Luckily, it’s not so difficult to pick out a good one; you just need to refer below for some tips.

What to Look for in a Microfiber Travel Towel

• Lightweight – As with anything in your travel backpack, it’s important to invest in a lightweight travel towel. Less weight = awesome.
• Compact – A microfiber travel towel should take up as little room as possible. They should fold up smaller than a tank-top.
• Well constructed – There is such a thing as a good microfiber and bad microfiber.
• Quick Drying – The best towels for backpacking and traveling must have quick dry material.
• Absorbency – Even if a microfiber travel towel is lightweight and dries quickly, it’s useless if it doesn’t actually absorb liquids.
• Special features –  A loop makes it easy to attach the quick drying towel to your backpack as you hike, or hang it on a clothes hanger at your hostel.
• Additional accessories – A storage pouch for your microfiber towel helps you keep your backpack organized.

Towel Sizes

Quick drying towels range between XS-XL, and the dimensions vary as well! Different brands will have different dimensions of their sizes, so be sure to check the dimensions!

• Small or Medium:  Often used as a washcloth, hand towel, or to bring along for workouts. These make a great addition to your toiletry bag.
• Large:  Hair towel or small bath towel.
• XL:  Best recommendation for a full bath towel.

It’s worth investing in both an XL towel,  and  a small washcloth sized towel for your toiletry bag (washing your face, taking off makeup, etc.).

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel

• Price > $$$
• Weight > 1.3 – 4 oz.
• Size > XS to XL

OCOOPA Microfiber Beach Towel

• Prize > $$$
• Weight > ?310 g

• Weight > 2.4 – 12 oz
• Size > 20-40″; 28-56″; 32-72″

Other Travel “Towel” Options

Along with a microfiber towel, it’s totally worth packing a fashion-friendly sarong or large scarf to double as a large beach towel.

My boyfriend uses his scarf for a beach towel, to protect his neck from the sun, warm up in the cold, shield from dust, etc. I always travel to beach destinations with a sarong to double as a towel and beach cover-up.

Middle Eastern style scarves, traditionally referred to as keffiyehs or shemaghs,  are also super adaptable pieces of kit that can be used as a towel. Granted, their primary purpose is more for keeping sand out of one’s eyes and the cold out at night, but many people also use them as beach towels as well.

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel and outdoor gear. However, we feel our years of experience across our team mean we’ve got a good eye for decent gear.

When it came to picking out the best towel for backpacking there were a few different considerations we had. Including how lightweight it was, how easily and well it could compact down, how well it dried us and also, well, the smell test! If you get my drift! We were also concerned with how well it was made and how long-lasting it would be.

Finally, we also take into account how much each microfibre travel towel costs – for example, expensive items that perform averagely will lose points, but budget items may be given more leeway.

Still have some questions about the best travel microfiber towel? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Are microfiber towels good for hiking?

Hell yeah! Microfiber is perfect for hiking and backpacking. It dries fast so you can use it again faste AND you can pack it without worrying that’it will make everything else damp. Having something that is quick drying means it’s much less likely to get smelly or moldy.

What are the best microfiber towels?

We have treid a lot of microfibre towers over the years and can confidently recomened the Matador Nana Dry . Its tiny, ultralight and quick drying.

Are travel towels worth it?

Oh yes. They are a godsend for travelers and hikers as they are quick drying, compact and light. I never travel without one.

Is microfiber environmentally friendly?

Microfiber is not biodegradable like cotton or paper towels but can still be disposed of in an environmentallt concious way.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Microfiber towels are a more logical alternative to your good old fashion bath-towel for a billion reasons, but all you need to know are these five: they’re compact , lightweight , durable , absorbent , quick-drying towels for travel.

Let us know what you think about our epic review of the best quick dry towels for travel in the comments below! Do you have a favourite microfiber travel towel?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ana Pereira

Share or save this post

I’m looking for a medium bath towel, wash cloth combo.

I just ordered 2 combo packs for our RV. Bath towels for me and the mister, a small one for the dog and one for the kitchen. A great deal at $18!

Awesome! Enjoy Adriana 🙂

This is awesome! Thanks for the heads up on the Active Roots. I have never heard of this brand and it looks perfect. My friend Brian & I are going to backpack the John Muir part of the PCT during the summer of 2018 for 10 days and I was looking for a new backpacker towel that works but is light and doesnt break the bank!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Activity + Adventure
• Beach + Water Activities

The Best Beach Towels We Tested, From the Ultra-soft to Personalized Picks

An absorbent, sand-repelling towel is the key to a comfortable day in the sun.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

You Might Also Want

• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza

A beach towel is a quintessential summer accessory that can come in handy for a wide variety of activities, whether you’re spending a day at the beach, hanging by the backyard pool, or hiking to a remote lake where you plan to cool off with a dip. Nothing is worse than a towel that doesn’t absorb water well or is super bulky and takes up most of your bag. We tested 21 beach towels in search of the best balance of quality, absorbency, durability, texture, and overall value. 

Our favorite beach towels excel in portability and quick-drying abilities while also offering high-quality, luxurious feels, making them great for travel and almost any adventure. Some snagged top spots for their fantastic performances in categories like sand-repelling and size during the testing process.

Best Overall

Coyuchi mediterranean organic towel.

• Quality 4.9 /5
• Absorbency 5 /5
• Texture 5 /5
• Durability 4.4 /5

Softer and fluffier than the average Turkish towel, this premium pick impressed us with its light weight, packability, and impressive absorbency.

Although this Coyuchi towel is plusher than many of a similar style, non-Turkish towels are still the heftiest option.

The Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel snagged the award for best overall beach towel for many reasons, including its large but packable design, premium material, and ability to absorb water well but still dry quickly. It’s the perfect companion for almost any type of adventure and ideal for travelers who don’t want a towel to take up too much space in their bag. The soft, luxurious organic cotton immediately blew us away with the amazing feeling on our skin, and it washes well even after being put through the wringer. Even after using it on a river bank with dirt and rocks where it got stained, the towel came out of the wash looking like new. We’ve tried many different brands of Turkish towels and have generally been disappointed in their absorbency, but this one far exceeded our expectations, soaking up water quickly and drying when hung in a very short amount of time. 

Although the price point is on the higher end, this towel is a worthwhile investment that we believe will retain its functionality and soft texture for years to come. We also love how easily it packs up for outdoor trips and that we were able to fit three people on it to comfortably lounge at the beach . 

The Details: 39 x 71 inches | 100 percent organic Turkish cotton | Gentle or delicate cycle with cold water, air-dry or dry on low-heat setting

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Microfiber

Decomen microfiber beach towel.

• Quality 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

It dries very quickly.

The texture is soft but doesn’t feel like a traditional beach towel.

We love the colorful designs that the Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel comes in, but our admiration isn’t just about looks. This affordable option excels in absorbency, and its quick-dry abilities are impressive as well. It’s oversized yet packable due to the compact material, which held up pristinely for us after numerous washes. Easy to transport in the included stuff sack, this towel is a great option for almost every type of activity, whether you’re poolside or doing yoga at the beach. The bright patterns make it easy to spot if you leave your towel to take a dip in the ocean too. The material is soft and dries faster than our cotton beach towels. We also loved that sand from the beach was easy to shake off, so it didn’t end up in our cars or home.

The Details: 36 x 72 inches | Polyester microfiber | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Stephanie Petit

Best Sarong Hybrid

Eccosophy microfiber beach towel.

• Quality 4 /5

It’s reversible with many print options, and it’s equipped with a hanging hook and a storage bag.

The length isn’t as well-suited for taller people.

We love that the Eccosophy Microfiber Beach Towel can be used as both a towel and worn as a sarong and comes in an array of vibrant prints. Produced out of recycled materials, this towel is a great eco-friendly choice. It folds up to a compact size that fits nicely within the included bag, and a hook for hanging tops off the convenience. The length did fall a bit short for lying down, but the material is very durable and won us over when it didn’t collect sand. The microfiber material is known to excel at absorbing water but also dry quickly, and this towel lived up to the hype.

The Details: 71 x 35 | Microfiber | Machine wash separately before first use, do not use fabric softener, bleach, or iron.

Travel + Leisure / Megan Hartig

Best Oversized

Ocoopa diveblues microfiber beach towel.

• Quality 4.5 /5

It’s big enough to use as a beach blanket, and the sand-repelling quality makes it even more of a crowd-pleaser.

The material is very thin, so it doesn’t provide padding on rocky beaches.

The extra-large Ocoopa Sand-free Beach Towel won the award for best-oversized towel not just for its roomy design, but also because it’s incredibly quick-drying despite being thin and lightweight. We found it perfectly compact for transporting and easy to put away after use. One of our favorite features is that the towel doesn’t retain sand, so you don’t have to worry about endless shaking at the end of your beach days . The material is ultra-absorbent, dries fast, and doesn’t change in quality, texture, or color after washes. This towel is an excellent option for one to two people to lounge on comfortably, though it’s a bit large to use for just drying off.

The Details: ‎57 x 80 inches | Microfiber | Machine washable, air dry or tumble dry on low

Travel + Leisure / Andrea Tenborg

Brooklinen Beach Towel

• Quality 4.8 /5
• Texture 4.8 /5
• Durability 4.8 /5

It’s ultra-soft and durable.

For the first wash, you’ll want to be sure to wash it with like colors, as the dye can potentially bleed into other items.

We love the ‘70s vibe and inspired-by-water design that the Brooklinen Beach Towel sports. More importantly, this towel is extra-plush, with a velour front that has an ultra-soft and luxurious feel that’s perfect for lounging on by the pool , the beach, the park, or anywhere you want to fully relax. Made in the U.S., these beautiful towels are stylish and functional, with fantastic water absorbency and quick-drying abilities. This is a spacious towel with enough room for even tall beach-goers to lay down on comfortably. It performs well when drying off, absorbing water and then drying quickly when hung up. We also appreciate that it only gets softer after each wash.

The Details: 34 x 70 inches | Cotton | Machine wash warm. Only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry low.

Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza

Best Personalized

Lands' end school uniform beach towel.

It's snag-resistant, and you can customize it with a monogram, an embroidered design, or both.

The blue color began to pill after a few washes.

The Lands’ End School Uniform Beach Towel is our favorite personalized towel for its extensive customization options as well as its large size that allows most people to lounge without having to put their feet or heads in the sand. It’s nice and thick, making it plush to lay on, and it absorbs water very well for when you want to dry off after a swim. Despite being generously sized and extra-soft, it doesn’t feel heavy to lie on and dries quickly in the sun. Although we enjoyed that it retained its soft texture even after several washes, we noticed that the blue color we tested did have some pilling. Still, this towel offers a great value and comfort while also featuring a wide-range of custom embroidery options, including everything from nautical designs to patriotic patches and monograms as well.

The Details: 39 x 78 | Cotton | Wash instructions: Machine wash cold

Travel + Leisure / Katrina Cossey

Best Turkish

Sand cloud beach towel.

A portion of profits from each sale on this super-soft towel are donated to marine conservation.

The texture isn’t quite as luxurious as our best overall pick.

We love how packable the beautifully designed Sand Cloud Icon Coral Restoration Foundation Beach Towel is without sacrificing its ability to absorb water. The stylish towel is super soft with fun tassels and dries quickly after use. It held up extremely well after washing, even after we spilled a drink on it. The tassels stayed intact, and the stains came out in the wash with no fading of the colors. It doesn’t hold sand in it either, so there’s no risk of dragging the beach home. Perfect for travel or adventures where you don’t want to bring a bulky towel, this is a stellar option that still gets the job done.

The Details: 36 x 67 inches | Organic Turkish cotton | Machine wash on delicate or gentle using cold water with like colors. Hang to dry or low tumble.

Travel + Leisure / Sarah Naftzger

Best Sand-free

Venture microfiber beach towel.

Since towels tend to get dirty at the beach, we love how easy this one is to keep clean.

The thin material isn’t as comfortable for lounging as some beach towels.

We love that the Venture Microfiber Beach Towel doesn’t hold sand or dirt, making it easier to clean and less of a mess post-adventure. Despite being very packable, this microfiber towel is large and fits nicely into the included travel bag. It performs well with water absorbency and drying very quickly. It met our durability standards by having no loose threads, no bleeding when washed, and stitching along the edges that remained intact after our trips to the beach. Even after several washes, the colors stayed vibrant like new. The built-in snap loop at the top is a nice bonus as well, allowing it to easily be hung on a hook for drying. Plus, there are so many stellar design options you may have trouble choosing just one.

The Details: 78 x 35 inches | Microfiber | Machine washable

Other Beach Towels We Liked

Three other beach towels we tested didn’t quite make the cut for our list of top picks but offered some stellar features that might make them a great fit for some beachgoers.

L.L.Bean Seaside Beach Towel : This towel was longer and roomier than most, and we liked how soft and absorbent it is. Unfortunately, it wasn’t that quick to dry and showed signs of threadbare after just a few washes.

Travel + Leisure / Abby Mercer

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Glaze

We tried out 21 different beach towels over the span of two weeks, taking them on various adventures like going to the beach, traveling, and lounging by the pool to see how they performed in the real world. We’ll continue to use each towel for six months after the initial testing period, updating this article with our insights along the way. After washing them according to instructions prior to use, we traveled with the towels to assess their portability. We saw how they performed while in use, particularly for lounging and drying off to test comfort, space they provided, absorbency, and how quickly the material dried. If they were used in sand or dirt, it was noted how much sand stuck to the towel and how easily it came off. Next, the towels were evaluated on how well they washed and whether stains remained, threads pulled, or fading occurred over time. With all of these factors in mind, the beach towels with the highest testing ratings were selected for this roundup.

Tips for Buying a Beach Towel

Look for a material that suits your needs.

Beach towels that perform well are typically made out of cotton or polyester, which is found in microfiber towels. Cotton towels are soft to the touch, absorb water well, and dry quickly. These can range in thickness, with Turkish cotton towels offering the thinnest profile, ideal for travelers looking to pack lightly. Microfiber towels are crafted from a polyester blend and dry much more quickly than any other towel, making them a popular option as well. Known to be super absorbent and very thin and packable, they’re great for a variety of activities like camping and travel. They’re more sand-resistant than cotton towels too, so you won’t be finding sand everywhere for days after using them. The downside is the texture, as they generally don't feel as soft as using a cotton towel and offer less comfort for lounging since they are thinner. 

Double-check the size

To avoid having your head or feet hanging off your towel and in the sand, grass, or dirt, it’s key to check the sizing of the beach towel you’d like to buy before purchasing. If you’re a taller person, it might be wise to get a larger, oversized towel for comfort purposes. A larger beach towel will make it less packable as well, so it’s a good idea to find the best balance for your intended activities. A standard-sized beach towel is around 63 x 31 inches, though bigger towels around 70 x 40 inches are fantastic to provide more room for lounging. Whatever size you purchase, prioritize being able to lie on it comfortably. 

Consider portability

No one likes toting around a bulky beach towel that takes up a lot of room, so portability is a main factor to consider when looking for the right one as well. A towel that folds up to a compact size is ideal for travelers looking for something lightweight that doesn’t take up a lot of room in their luggage. Some towels come with a carrying case for ease of transporting as well. Turkish cotton and microfiber towels are both excellent portable choices.

There are many different ways to fold your towels for storage and travel, but rolling a towel saves the most space. Start by laying the towel flat and folding one corner down, creating a triangle. Then, fold the towel in half lengthwise, and again the opposite way up to the bottom of the triangle. Then, roll it from one end to the other tightly, tucking the endpoint piece into the rolled towel.  

You technically could use beach and bath towels interchangeably, though overall, bath towels tend to be more soft and plush since beach towels are built to stand up to sandy outdoor environments. Beach towels also tend to be much larger and often more lightweight than bath towels, so if you use a bath towel on the beach, it's going to be small in size, heavy to carry, and may experience wear and tear more quickly from the elements like sun, sand, and chlorine. You could use a beach towel in your bathroom if you'd like, though it may not be quite as soft or absorbent as a bath towel.

If you have a beach trip in the works or just want to be prepared for warm weather activities, here are some other items you may be interested in.

Business & Pleasure Co. The Beach Bag : Stash your towel and other beach necessities in this lightweight beach bag. It's essentially one large pouch, but it also has one interior zipper pocket for smaller items, and the bag itself is foldable if you need to pack it in a suitcase.

Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair : This is at the top of our list of all the beach chairs we've tested , impressing us with how easy it was to carry thanks to its built-in backpack straps. We found it comfortable to sit in; loved that it has the ability to recline; and found the built-in accessories useful, including a storage pouch, an insulated cooler pouch, and a detachable headrest.

Beachbub All-in-one Beach Umbrella : This heavy-duty umbrella is our pick for our favorite beach umbrella because of how portable and sturdy it is. Not only was it easy to set up, but it was also comfortable to carry around inside the included carrying case featuring a padded shoulder strap.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove scoured our testing insights to find the best beach towels for various water-based activities. A traveler, camper, and beachgoer herself, she also used her personal experience in finding the right products for everything from lounging by the pool to packing light for a multi-month trip abroad. Combined with testing insights, this list of the best beach towels was created.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Advertisement

The Best Packable Travel Towels

By Ebony Roberts

We love a plush, thirsty bath towel , but a campsite or suitcase just isn’t the place for one—there, we want a quick-drying, packable travel towel.

After putting 20 such towels through 60 hours of testing—including an intense day of sand and surf at the beach—we’ve concluded the PackTowl Personal offers the best balance of drying time, packability, and odor resistance without compromising comfort and design.

A good option for nearly every towel-related scenario, it’s lightweight, extra-large, and supersoft, making it usable for both car camping and travel into the backcountry.

Everything we recommend

PackTowl Personal

The best packable camp towel.

Whether used for camping, hiking, traveling, or general outdoor adventuring, this towel is durable enough to handle extended abuse while remaining soft and comfortable.

Buying Options

With store pickup or REI membership (limited patterns)

(limited patterns)

Budget pick

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

An inexpensive towel that gets the job done.

Good-enough absorbency and drying time for those on a budget.

PackTowl Luxe

A plush, comfortable towel.

Good for car camping, day trips, and hanging at the beach, this towel is made of an incredibly soft fabric that also repels dirt.

Scoring well in nearly every performance category, the PackTowl Personal towel consistently surprised us with its ability to handle the elements. It has an antibacterial treatment to help prevent odor, the “body” size (25 by 54 inches) is large enough to wrap around most folks, and it feels soft against the skin. It’s made of a tear-resistant fabric and was the best towel we tested at absorbing water and repelling dirt. Better still, sand from the beach remained on the towel’s surface so it was easy to shake off, leaving the towel clean after multiple uses. Its drying time was faster than most of the towels we tested and it packs down to a small size in a zippered breathable pouch, making it convenient for travel or camping.

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel was nearly identical in design to many of the pricier models and scored just as well in our field tests. The only downsides are that its size large is smaller than most other large towels we tested, and it has lighter-feeling fabric. It didn’t handle our day at the beach quite as well and took a little longer to dry, but otherwise it’s comparable in comfort and packability. And, because it’s treated with an antibacterial coating—something not standard on budget (or even some pricey) towels—it passed our smell test with a perfect score. At just a fraction of the price of our top choice, it’s a good pick if you’re the kind of person who goes camping a few times a year and needs something affordable that works well.

If packing your towel down into a tiny space isn’t a concern for you, the PackTowl Luxe is about as comfortable as a towel can get. Although it does take up a bit more room and takes significantly longer to dry, its “body” size has the same dimensions as our top pick but has a plusher feel against the skin. Unlike similar big and luxurious camp towels, it didn’t smell after being put away wet. It absorbed water off the skin without trapping in the dirt and sand, which left it surprisingly clean for a towel with such a high pile. As it was easy to shake off, we enjoyed having it as a wrap and beach blanket, too.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: packtowl personal, how the packtowl has held up, flaws but not dealbreakers, an inexpensive towel that works fine: rainleaf microfiber towel, a plush, comfortable towel: packtowl luxe, microfibers and the environment, the competition, care and maintenance.

We spoke with three experts to get their takes on what we should look for in a good towel. Mark Knight, a product designer currently with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) , has designed a number of outdoor products, including packable towels, and gave us a breakdown on what he considers to be important when creating products like these.

We spoke via email with Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventures , who has worked as a backpacking, camping, and canoeing guide for the past 15 years.

And we spoke with Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at MEC. He was able to tell us what’s important from a consumer perspective. In addition to these interviews, we read a number of online reviews, pored over camping and backpacking forums, researched microfiber fabrics, and then selected and tested the towels we think cover most activities to determine which one was best overall.

Why doesn’t a regular, everyday cotton towel cut it for most outdoor activities? Knight offered us five reasons your cotton towel isn’t ideal: it’s too big, too heavy, might get damaged or stained, doesn’t get washed at the same frequency it would at home, therefore causing it to smell, and lastly, it’s not always used in the same manner as it would be at home. He added, “As a travel towel, there is also the added functional requirement of being quick-dry. When traveling, you can move around a lot, and a packed wet towel generally means a stinky towel.”

Packable towels are usually made from microfiber , although a few of the ones we tested are made from other materials (which didn’t end up performing as well). These materials are typically a blend of polyester and polyamide, aka nylon, and depending on the blend will produce a towel that feels more suede-like and slick to one that feels more plush like your average cotton towel. There are also packable towels made of nanofabric, which is composed of tiny nanoscopic fibers woven together—think the width of a human hair (or even smaller)—to create a fabric that is incredibly lightweight and small. Though they do the trick, nanofiber towels tend to have a slicker surface, which means they don’t feel much like the towel you’re used to.

According to Oliver, the most popular camp towel size is roughly equivalent to a standard household bath towel—about 26 by 52 inches after washing. Some towels were slightly smaller or larger, but we tried to stay within what would seem like regulation size for most people.

All the experts we talked to shared the opinion that the type of towel you’ll want to purchase depends on the activity you’re using it for. For backpacking or kayaking trips, Newsome told us that “lightweight, small packability and quick drying are the most important factors.” For car camping or other adventures, where weight isn’t an issue, she opts for a larger microfiber towel, and one with an antimicrobial coating, “which means for those longer road trips and tours this towel stays fresh smelling.” Knight’s opinion aligned with Newsome’s: “Some of the lightest towels don’t feel that great against your skin, but the weight means you will actually bring it in your backpack when on a long hike. If you are traveling around the world, weight might not be your primary concern, but comfort will factor highly, as you will be using the towel each day—unless you are a soap dodger ! So, a softer, slightly heavier towel may be the way to go.”

Just as important as how much water a towel can absorb—in other words, how well it dries you—is how well the towel dries after you’re dry. “Nobody wants to put a wet towel into their backpack,” Oliver said.

After surveying online reviews, forums, and user ratings, and asking people what type of towel they preferred for their own outdoor activities, we narrowed our field to 19 packable towels, then threw in a standard cotton towel as a plush baseline. We then tested the towels using seven criteria: price, comfort, design, wicking, drying time, odor resistance, and packability.

We washed and dried all of the towels, giving them all an equal starting point, then we scored them in each category. We didn’t score weight or size, but we did make note of whether these features made a difference when comparing similar options.

Comfort: This was a tough one because of the people we asked, some preferred a more textured fabric and others liked the smooth feel of the microsuede towels. We asked individuals to feel each towel against their skin, asked for their comments, and then asked what their overall top picks were.

Design: Here, we looked at how well the towel is made, and whether there were any particular features—good or bad—that made drying off more or less of a pleasure. Key among them was fabric quality, stitching, and what kind of hanging loop—essential!—the towel came with. We also looked at texture, an important attribute for both water absorption and grabbing dirt and grime, rather than just pushing it around. A too-slick towel won’t do much of anything except leave your skin feeling yucky and wet.

Wicking: One of the most important tests we conducted was how well the towel could wick away water and leave the skin feeling dry. When we took our test towels to the beach, we wanted to see how they performed against sandy salt water and whether they were able to clean the skin in addition to drying it.

Drying time: To determine which towel dried the fastest, we applied the same amount of water to each towel and then timed how long it took for them to dry. But how much water to use, and how dry is dry, exactly? We used 4 ounces of water, a quantity we settled on after having multiple testers shower and weigh their towels before and after use. Once the person was dry enough to feel comfortable putting their clothes on, we called that “dry.” We did this a couple of times with each person and used a couple types of cotton towels to get a base number. The average amount of water people removed from their bodies after showering was a ½ cup, or about 225 milliliters. We hung our entire assortment of high-tech, portable towels on the same line and recorded the time it took to leave each one dry to the touch.

Odor resistance: Another important criterion is how the towel smells after multiple uses. “An antimicrobial finish helps with odor management and decreases the frequency you need to wash the towel,” Knight told us. A towel may be used a dozen times before it gets properly washed, and if a towel smells musty or dirty after a couple of uses, it probably is. Many of the towels advertise a protective antibacterial coating and we wanted to see if these coatings actually made a difference.

Our test involved taking the towels to the beach, soaking them in 16 ounces of ocean water, wringing out the excess water as best as we could, and then placing each towel in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours. After that, we opened the bags and took a whiff. Though most remained odor-free (especially those coated with an antimicrobial treatment), we were taken aback by how seriously a few of them reeked.

Packability: As important as drying you—and drying out—are, the other key thing a camp towel has to do is pack small for travel. Some towels came with cases, some didn’t. Our focus was simply how tiny a towel could get.

Price: More expensive doesn’t really seem like a good thing when it comes to something like a packable travel towel, given that there’s such a variance in price and that most towels pretty much claim to do the same thing.

The PackTowl Personal is our top choice because it handled every test we put it through. It’s the perfect option for nearly any outdoor activity that requires a towel. It’s large and durable while still being comfortable and comes with an antimicrobial treatment, which means it won’t smell after multiple uses. Its snap loop for hanging was one of the easiest to use, and the towel packs down to a small size, making it easy to travel with. Its drying time was comparable with that of the fastest-drying towels we tested, and it didn’t absorb dirt or sand into its fabric, an essential feature if you’re taking a towel into the backcountry.

Made of a soft microsuede, this towel was consistently chosen as a top pick by those we asked to rate its comfort. It is soft and light, but still has a bit of texture, so it doesn’t feel slick against your skin the way a nanofiber towel like the Matador NanoDry Shower Towel does. The PackTowl seems built to last, with a nicely seamed edge that should hold up over time. On top of feeling soft, it dried our skin much more readily than the non-microfiber towels we tested, like the Coleman or Outlier. It even dried a bit more quickly than other microfiber products in our test group. We were impressed by how well it repelled sand and dirt from being absorbed into its fabric. The sand that did stick to the towel was easy to shake off—which wasn’t the case of some of the other models we tested that looked like dirty rags after just a short time at the beach.

In our drying-time test, the PackTowl dried much faster than most, with the exception of the linen towel and the Biospired Footprint, which beat the PackTowl’s dry time by 30 minutes. (The towels we tested dried in a range from 1 hour, 45 minutes to nearly 4 hours.) We noticed that the towels with an additional antimicrobial coating took a little longer to dry. We think the extra odor protection is worth the few extra minutes of drying time. As the PackTowl dried, some water initially beaded on the surface, but was then absorbed, compared with towels that still had visible water beads after almost an hour of drying. (Beads of water were a good indication of extended drying times.) Water also dispersed evenly through the towel rather than leaving wet spots, which likely contributed to its fast drying time. We dried the towels in overcast conditions, and noticed that at just over 1 hour, 30 minutes the PackTowl was only minimally damp, and could be packed back into its carrying case if you were in a rush to pack up and go.

We tested the PackTowl’s “body” size, which weighed 6.7 ounces, fairly average compared with the other suede-type towels, and measured 25 by 54 inches, just shy of being the same size as our standard bath towel, and larger than many of the towels in our testing pool.

Wirecutter staffers have owned this towel for multiple seasons and it continues to hold up, with no loose threads or unraveled seams after use.

We didn’t love the PackTowl’s pouch: it doesn’t attach easily to a backpack, and the zipper seemed flimsy. But the pouch is made of breathable fabric, so it won’t trap moisture the way a plastic bag or pouch might. Although the PackTowl is antimicrobial, it did have the slightest ocean water odor to it after our 48-hour smell test, which is not something we noticed in previous tests.

Costing about half the price of our top pick, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a great choice for those that don’t want to shell out almost $30 for a towel. A major bonus is that unlike most of the inexpensive towels we considered, this one actually comes with an antimicrobial treatment and passed the smell test after being sealed up wet for two days. It’s also comfortable, easy to dry off with, and just as packable as the PackTowl.

It didn’t dry quite as fast as our top pick and that may be due to the fact that some of the water beaded off and remained on the surface before being absorbed directly into the towel. The size we tested (L) is also slightly smaller than some of the pricier options but still big enough to wrap around the average person’s body.

Because it is so inexpensive, there’s the option of upgrading to the XL or XXL sizes for just a few bucks more and still have it come in well below price of most other towels. On top of that, it has a functional carrying pouch that is both breathable and easy to fasten onto a backpack so you can pack the towel damp and hang it to dry when it’s time to hit the road.

That said, though it did well drying our testers at the beach, it didn’t handle sand as well as our top pick, leaving a good amount behind on both their skin and the towel itself. If you’re a serious outdoor adventurer who’s going to be putting it to work against the elements, we recommend a towel that can handle gritty, sticky stuff a bit better.

If size and volume aren’t issues and you’re looking for something more soft and comfortable, the PackTowl Luxe performed the best of the plush cotton-like microfiber towels. Not only did it dry the quickest of these towels, it was good at removing sand from the skin and didn’t absorb dirt and mud into the fabric. It also didn’t have any odor after the smell test. A few of the other thicker towels we tested simply reeked—testers used the term “rotten fish”—after a couple days crunched into a ball, but not the Luxe.

If comfort is a primary concern, this towel feels much closer to cotton, avoiding the slick skin-feel common to many microsuedes and nanofibers. As we did with our pick, the PackTowl Personal, we tested the extra-large “Body” size. Also like our pick, at this size the Luxe is a few inches larger than the others we tested of the same type, measuring 25 by 54 inches, offering that extra little bit of coverage.

It does come with a carrying pouch, and though not as stylish or durable as the Sea to Summit Pocket Towel ’s silicone carrying case, it’s adequate for what it needs to do. We consider this towel a solid option for car camping and day trips, when taking up a little extra space won’t matter.

Although durable and light, there’s an environmental downside to microsynthetic fibers: Every time you wash that gear, small quantities of its fibers are shed, ending up in our waterways and oceans. (Here’s a study from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management on the issue.) For more about the problem and some advice on combating it, see our article Your Laundry Sheds Harmful Microfibers. Here’s What You Can Do About It.

We tested a standard white bath towel—the Fieldcrest Luxury Solid Towel, which has since been discontinued—that was the same size as the majority of the towels we tested. It performed as expected: It was great at drying skin and was comfortable, but it didn’t pack down and had a bit of a funky smell after our odor test. Surprisingly, it didn’t take that much longer to dry than some of the plusher microfiber models we tested and actually outperformed a few of the towels that are marketed specifically for camping.

Biospired Footprint Towel: This had been our runner-up pick, but the size we tested has cycled in and out of stock. If you do happen to run across one, it’s still a good towel, though. We had also tested, and dismissed, the Biospired Endurance Camping & Fitness Towel and the Biospired Trek Pack Towel; for what it’s worth, those towels also tend to have stock problems.

Matador NanoDry Shower Towel : For backcountry campers and hikers that are concerned about weight, this is by far the lightest towel we tested (2.4 ounces). It performed well, but it is very thin and not as comfortable as the others. We decided it was too specialized to be best for most people.

Outlier Grid Linen Towel : Made of a natural linen fabric, this towel was the fastest-drying towel, and it performed well at the beach. But it doesn’t pack down very small, doesn’t come with a carrying case but rather a thick elastic band, and had a faint smell after our odor test. Those drawbacks made it hard to justify its high price.

Sunland Microfiber Towel  (currently unavailable): One of the least expensive microfiber towels, but no antimicrobial treatment and very average performance.

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel : One of the slowest to dry. Another note of caution, many online reviews have reported a problem with the cobalt blue dye running. We didn’t run into this problem, but we tested an orange towel, so it’s likely the issue is with only the darker-colored towels. Another drawback is that the carrying case comes with a Velcro closure, making it possible to snag the fabric when maneuvering the towel into and out of the case.

Shandali Yoga Travel Towel  (currently unavailable): Average performance, no carrying case, and though it does have a little loop for hanging to dry, most of the towels we tested had a loop with a snap, making them more versatile.

YogaRat SportLite Sport + Bath Towel  (currently unavailable): Though this towel did dry quite quickly and was resistant to odor during our 48-hour test, the lack of an antibacterial treatment gave us odor concerns for people taking it on longer trips. And with no carrying case and a snapless loop, this towel was a few steps below our top choices in convenience.

Sea to Summit Tek Towel : Sand stuck to the towel, leaving it quite dirty. Drying time was slow.

REI Co-op Multi Towel  (currently unavailable, but we're looking into a possible new version): Everything stuck to this towel: dryer lint, grass, sand, and dirt, and even though we tested a darker color, it looked dirty after our day at the beach. It also didn’t smell great after our odor test, and it took over four hours to dry.

Lightload Towel : Not really built to be used multiple times, this towel is made of an almost paperlike viscose material, and although very small, once unpackaged it can’t be squished down to its original size (although it does fit in a smaller Ziploc bag). It is incredibly large though, dried quickly, and would probably perform as an ad-hoc firestarter or outdoor survival tool (non-cleanliness-oriented usage scenarios suggested by the manufacturer). Whether being able to set the world on fire is a worthwhile trade-off with this towel’s lack of odor resistance—it was the worst performer in our stink trial—is something we hope we’ll never have to decide.

Coghlan’s Deluxe Camp Towel (currently unavailable): This is the classic outdoor towel that’s been around campsites for years. Some backcountry campers still prefer these towels because they’re small, lightweight, and cheap, but they didn’t perform as well as the microfiber towels that we tested. They dry very slowly, stink up easily, and don’t feel good against the skin.

Coleman Camp Towel  (currently unavailable): Similar in nearly every aspect to the Coghlan’s towel, just with slightly different dimensions—neither is big enough to really function as a full-body wrap—this model also had the drawbacks of rough fabric, odor retention, and delayed drying. (It appears to have been discontinued.)

Most packable towels are designed to repel dirt and bacteria, so they don’t need to be cleaned after every use. Excessive washing can also break down the fabric and any additional antimicrobial technology the towel might be treated with. So, wash only when dirty and don’t dry your towel on high heat unless absolutely necessary; way better to hang it when you can and let the air take care of it.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Nicholas J. Bruce, Niko L. Hartline, Stephanie N. Karba, Elizabeth O. Ruff, Shreya U. Sonar, and Patricia A. Holden, Microfiber Pollution and the Apparel Industry , Bren School of Environmental Science and Management , September 30, 2016

Mark Knight, product designer for Mountain Equipment Co-opand member of the Outdoor Industry Association , email interview , April 21, 2017

Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventure and Kilimanjaro Bliss , email interview , March 31, 2017

Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at Mountain Equipment Co-op , phone interview , March 29, 2017

What Are The Coolest New Small Gear Companies? , Outside , January 15, 2016

Anne Trafton, Tiny particles may pose big risk , MIT News , April 8, 2014

Meet your guide

Ebony Roberts

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

Essential Gear for Traveling Solo

by Ria Misra

Traveling solo is freeing but poses some unique challenges. Wirecutter’s picks help you travel comfortably and securely—and bring home great pictures too.

The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More

by Kit Dillon

After six years of relaxing in the sand and playing in the surf, we’ve chosen the best picks to help you enjoy a perfect beach day.

The Best Duffle Bags

After lugging 34 duffles through airports, to beaches, and on weekend trips, we chose seven bags that’ll carry what you need carried in a range of scenarios.

• Mattress Toppers
• Sheets & Bedding
• Sleep Products
• Cleaning & Laundry
• Heating & Cooling
• Home Office
• Kitchen & Dining
• Storage & Organization
• Wine & Bar
• Accessories
• Handbags & Purses
• Lingerie & Sleepwear
• Outdoor & Fitness Apparel
• Kids Clothes & Accessories
• Pregnancy & Postpartum
• Toys & Books
• Apparel & Accessories
• Camping & Hiking
• Fishing & Hunting
• Tennis & Racket Sports
• Tools & Tech
• Training & Recovery
• Water Sports
• Winter Sports
• Personal Products
• Wellness & Self Care
• Computers, Tablets & Accessories
• Online Tools
• Smart Home Devices
• Smartphones, Smartwatches & Accessories
• Hotels & Lodging
• Travel Products
• Father's Day
• Mother's Day
• Valentine's Day
• Amazon Prime Day
• Beauty & Grooming
• Tech & Electronics
• Travel Deals
• Mattress & Sleep

The 11 Best Beach Towels That Are Perfect For Swimming And Lounging

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Whether you live near the shore or a pool or lake, chances are you spend a good amount of time in the water during the summer. If that’s the case, then beach towels are a must-have. Not only do the best beach towels make it more comfortable to sit on a beach chair or in the sand, but they’re also highly absorbent to quickly dry you off after a dip in the ocean or swimming pool. For its plush, large design that comes in multiple colors, the striped ​​ Laguna Beach Textile Co. Beach Towel is our top pick overall.

From lightweight Turkish cotton options to cozy plush picks, these are the best beach towels to grab ... [+] for your next outdoor excursion.

Like bath towels , beach towels come in tons of different styles—there are Turkish cotton towels, lightweight microfiber linens, sand-resistant beach towels and more. Ultimately, the best option for you depends on how you plan to use it. “There isn’t one towel for everything,” says Kyle Spencer, co-founder of towel brand Slowtide . “If you’re traveling or on the go, then a quick-dry microfiber might be best. If you want to be able to lay out on your towel at the beach, then you might want an oversized cotton towel.”

As you compare your options, remember to consider factors like the size of the towel, its material, absorbency, drying time and more. Then, take a look at our curated list of the best options available in 2024.

• Best Beach Towel Overall: Laguna Beach Textile Co. Beach Towel
• Best Quick-Dry Beach Towel: Slowtide Hala Quick-Dry Towel
• Best Luxe Beach Towel: Serena & Lily Mallorca Beach Towel
• Best Turkish Beach Towel: Frontgate Resort Collection Turkish Towel
• Best Oversized Beach Towel: Sand Cloud Extra Large Turkish Towel
• Best Microfiber Beach Towel: Touchat Beach Towel
• Best Travel Beach Towel: PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel
• Best Beach Towel For Sand: Tesalate Sand-Free Beach Towel
• Best Beach Towel Set: Mark & Graham Classic Stripe Beach Towel
• Best Personalized Beach Towel: Weezie Beach Towel
• Best Organic Beach Towel: Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel

Best Beach Towel Overall

A classic option that's thick, plush and absorbent, laguna beach textile co. beach towel.

Size: 70 x 35 inches | Material: Cotton | Weight: 630 GSM | Certification(s): None | Colors: 12 striped patterns

• Thick, plush material for lounging
• Absorbent cotton construction 
• Stylish striped design comes in a dozen colors
• Thick construction takes longer to dry

This classic option is soft, plush and absorbent. It has a large design that’s perfect for laying on the sand or relaxing in a chaise, and its soft terry cloth construction, which is made from 100% cotton, can dry you off quickly after a dip in the water. This beach towel comes in a whopping 12 different striped patterns for a classic cabana-style look, and its fabric is thicker than most, with a weight of 630 grams per square meter (GSM), making it cozy and plush to wrap up in after a long day at the shore. 

Best Quick-Dry Beach Towel

A lightweight pick that dries twice as fast, slowtide hala quick-dry towel.

Size: 60 x 30 inches | Material: Recycled plastic | Weight: 200 GSM | Certification(s): OEKO-TEX | Colors: 19 unique patterns

• Fabric dries very quickly
• Made from recycled plastic
• OEKO-TEX certified 
• Available with optional zip pocket
• Material isn’t as plush as cotton towels

You’ll be able to pack up the Slowtide Hala Quick-Dry Towel without worrying about getting your beach bag all wet. This unique towel is made from 100% recycled plastic, making it an eco-friendly option, and the brand says that it dries twice as fast as a traditional cotton towel, making it perfect for traveling. 

These towels are extremely lightweight at just 200 GSM, and they’re available with or without a nylon zip pocket on the corner—the perfect place to store your keys or other belongings so they don’t get lost in the sand. 

Best Luxe Beach Towel

A luxurious and soft option worth the splurge.

Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily Mallorca Beach Towel

Size: 70 x 40 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Weight: 500 GSM | Certification(s): OEKO-TEX | Colors: 7 colors

• Extra soft and plush 
• Absorbent Turkish cotton construction 
• Pricier than most other towels

You can relax in luxury with the Serena & Lily Mallorca Beach Towel, which is made from high-end long-staple Turkish Aegean cotton. This plush towel has a substantial 500 GSM weight, and it’s extremely soft, plush and absorbent—ideal for days spent by the ocean or the pool. The fabric is even OEKO-TEX certified, which means it’s tested to be free from harmful chemicals. These towels have a classic cabana-stripe design, and there’s hand-knotted fringe on two edges for an added touch of flair. 

Best Turkish Beach Towel

A stylish, thin design with terry cloth backing, frontgate resort collection turkish towel.

Size: 72 x 40 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Weight: 350 GSM | Certification(s): None | Colors: 3 colors

• Stylish oversized design with fringe
• Thin construction dries quickly and is easy to transport
• Terry cloth reverse improves absorbency 

Turkish towels are popular thanks to their thin, lightweight design, and the Frontgate Resort Collection Turkish Beach Towels deliver the best of both worlds. The front of the towel is the smooth, soft cotton material you’d expect from a Turkish-style towel, but the reverse is a cotton terry cloth, which improves the towel’s absorbency. 

The whole thing is still lightweight at just 350 GSM and dries quickly when wet, yet it’s soft and cozy enough to wrap around your shoulders after a dip in the ocean. Plus, it comes in three pretty colors and features a stylish striped pattern that won’t go out of style. 

Best Oversized Beach Towel

An extra-large pick that doubles as a beach blanket, sand cloud extra large turkish towel.

Size: 76 x 62 inches | Material: Organic Turkish cotton | Weight: Not listed | Certification(s): GOTS | Colors: 5 ocean-themed designs

• Oversized design is big enough for multiple people 
• Sand doesn’t stick to flat surface
• Made from organic cotton
• Not as absorbent as terry cloth towels

The Sand Cloud Extra Large Turkish Beach Towel measures 76 x 62 inches—double the width of many other beach towels. It’s spacious enough to accommodate multiple people when spread out on the sand, and it comes in several ocean-themed designs featuring sharks, turtles, and other marine-inspired motifs. 

This extra-large towel is made from organic Turkish cotton, and it has a thin construction that’s easy to pack up and dries quickly. Because its woven fabric is flat, sand shakes off easily at the end of the day, but keep in mind that it’s not quite as absorbent or plush as a classic terry cloth construction.

Best Microfiber Beach Towel

A vibrant and affordable choice that’s ideal for families, touchat beach towel.

Size: 60 x 30 inches | Material: Microfiber | Weight: 300 GSM | Certification(s): None | Colors: 10 patterns

• Inexpensive 
• Lightweight fabric dries quickly
• Includes travel pouch
• Smaller than other towels
• Not the most absorbent

If you’re looking to buy several beach towels for your family, the Touchat Beach Towel is a budget-friendly microfiber option. These towels are on the smaller side, measuring 60 x 30 inches, and they come in 10 colorful patterns including stripes, palm trees, and more. The lightweight fabric is just 300GSM and dries out quickly, but keep in mind that microfiber generally isn’t as absorbent as cotton. Still, these towels are a handy option to keep in your beach bag, especially because they come with a convenient zippered carrying pouch. 

Best Travel Beach Towel

A microfiber option with odor-blocking technology, packtowl personal quick dry microfiber towel.

Size: 59 x 36 inches | Material: Polyester, nylon  | Weight: Not listed | Certification(s): None | Colors: 9 colors

• Lightweight and compact for traveling
• Dries much faster than cotton towels
• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
• Not soft like cotton towels

You can easily bring the PackTowl Personal Beach Towel when you go camping or traveling, as it’s extremely lightweight and folds up into a compact, easy-to-store form. The towel is made from a blend of polyester and nylon, and the brand claims it dries 70% faster than cotton towels while still absorbing up to four times its weight in water. 

The PackTowl comes with a handy storage pouch that you can carry in your backpack or beach bag, and the fabric is made with odor-control technology that prevents it from getting smelly. Plus, the brand offers a limited lifetime warranty on its products.

Best Beach Towel For Sand

A quick-drying pick that also repels sand, tesalate sand-free beach towel.

Size: 63 x 31 inches | Material: AbsorbLite fabric | Weight: Not listed | Certification(s): None | Colors: Blue/white

• Repels sand, making it easy to clean
• Dries twice as fast as cotton towels
• Includes storage pouch
• Smaller than many other towels

It’s always frustrating when your towel leaves a pile of sand behind in your beach bag or car, which is why the Tesalate Sand-Free Beach Towel is so popular. This unique towel is made from the brand’s special Absorblite fabric, which can hold up to one liter of water without dripping and repels sand, making it easy to clean off as you’re leaving the shore. It dries in half the time of a regular cotton towel, and it has a built-in hook that lets you hang it up anywhere. Plus, the towel comes with a storage pouch and is available in more than 27 fun patterns. 

Best Beach Towel Set

A generously sized option available in a set of four.

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Classic Stripe Beach Towel

Size: 72 x 40 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Weight: Not listed | Certification(s): OEKO-TEX | Colors: 4 colors

• The cotton construction is soft and thick
• Can be personalized for a small fee
• Sold individually or in a set of four 
• OEKO-TEX certified
• The towel feels a bit bulky when folded

Looking for a set of towels? The Mark & Graham Classic Stripe Beach Towel is available in a set of four, making it a convenient option for families and avid beachgoers. The generous size (72 x 40 inches) is slightly wider than other options and provides plenty of room for stretching out at the beach or pool. It’s woven from Turkish cotton for a thick, plush feel that feels soft against the skin and gives you some extra cushion. What really sets this pick apart, though, are the bright color options, decorative tassels and optional personalization. Keep in mind that there’s a small fee for personalization, and this towel is a bit bulky—even when folded—due to its larger size.

Best Personalized Beach Towel

A premium pick that can be customized, weezie beach towel.

Size: 70 x 38 inches | Material: Organic long-staple cotton | Weight: Not listed | Certification(s): OEKO-TEX | Colors: 7 patterns

• Soft, absorbent fabric
• Fun colors and patterns to choose from 
• Can be personalized with a name, special date or initials

For a personalized option perfect for gifting, you can’t go wrong with the Weezie Beach Towel. This luxurious towel is cut from OEKO-TEX-certified cotton and is low-linting, so you won’t have to worry about pilling even after frequent washing. For an extra $15, you can personalize your towel with a name, word, special date or initials, and there’s a wide variety of fonts and colors to make your design stand out. Customers say this towel is soft, cozy and well-made, and the monogram makes it feel special.

Best Organic Beach Towel

A lightweight towel made from organic materials, coyuchi mediterranean organic towel.

Size: 71 x 39 inches | Material: Organic cotton | Weight: Not listed | Certification(s): GOTS | Colors: 6 colors

• 100% certified organic cotton
• Great size for lounging on the beach
• Lightweight materials dry quickly

Not only is the Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel beautiful, but it’s also made from high-quality organic materials that you can feel good about. These towels have a subtle striped design with a hand-knotted fringe at the end, and the flat weave surface helps repel sand. The towel is large enough to lounge on in the sand, and its lightweight design dries quicker than thicker towels.

The 9 Best Eyebrow Pencils To Create Full, Beautiful Brows

The best keurig coffee makers to perk up your daily java routine, why trust forbes vetted.

Here at Forbes Vetted, we’ve written dozens of home and bedding reviews—everything from the best sheets on Amazon to the best quick-dry towels . Our review findings are based on the team’s personal experience with home products in addition to thorough research. For beach towels specifically, co-authors Camryn Rabideau and Korin Miller relied on their editorial experience covering all things home and lifestyle-related.

Our selections for the best beach towels were hand-picked by our team based on their knowledge of home textiles and bedding materials. They also considered each brand’s reputation and recommendations from our staff. This story is regularly updated for accuracy and was last edited in April 2024.

How We Chose The Best Beach Towels

When deciding which picks to include in our list of the best beach towels, we considered each towel’s materials, comfortability, size and overall value. We also took into account certifications; some towels carry specific certifications (such as GOTS) that speak to the safety of the materials.

Once we gathered our top contenders, we then pored through customer reviews. We also considered a few of our personal favorites that we use for various purposes, like travel and lounging. When drawing up our final list, we made sure to include options that accommodate a variety of preferences and budgets. Towels like the Slowtide Hala Quick-Dry Towel cut drying time in half compared to standard towels—ideal for those who want a lightweight towel that dries quickly. Swimmers should enjoy the PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel , which folds into a compact size making travel easy.

What To Consider When Buying A Beach Towel

A beach towel is your constant companion during the warmer months, and it’s important to find one that meets your needs. Consider these features while you shop—and make sure you grab a couple so you can rotate through them all summer long and never miss a day of fun in the sun.

The average beach towel measures 63 x 31 inches, although many popular options are larger. Taller people should look for an option that’s at least 65 inches long to ensure their heads or feet aren't hanging off the towel, while more petite individuals can comfortably fit on a shorter towel. If you plan to use your towel for lounging with friends or family, opt for an oversized option that can accommodate several people.

Cotton is a popular choice for material due to its durability and softness. However, microfiber and polyester are ideal if you need a towel with quick-drying and sand repellent properties.

If you’re an avid swimmer, a more absorbent towel, like one made of cotton or microfiber is probably your best bet. More of a waterside lounger? Other, thinner fabrics should work well and keep you from overheating.

Portability

Whether you travel a lot or just want something that fits easily into your bag, something thinner, like a Turkish towel or microfiber travel towel, is a safe bet. These towels are also known for their speedy drying times, making them easy to use and go without risking sogginess and mildew.

Other Features

There are plenty of other features out there you can enjoy with a beach towel. Tassels add a stylish element and help transform your towel into a sarong when the need strikes, while sand resistance allows you to wrap yourself up without ending up coated in tiny particles. Ultimately, the need for these extra features comes down to personal preference and desired use.

Should Beach Towels Be Thick Or Thin?

As you shop for beach towels, you’ll see that there are a wide range of options available, including both thick and thin materials. The best option for your needs ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and how you plan to use the towel. Thin towels are often easy to carry and dry quickly, but thicker towels are much more cozy and generally absorb more water, drying you off quickly after a swim.

“I personally use thick, plush towels at home, but if I’m packing a tote bag for a beach day with my family, I’ll take thinner towels,” says Spencer. “They’re much more lightweight and compact, and I can fit a few of them into a medium size tote bag along with water bottles, sunscreen, beach toys, etc. A thicker towel will most likely be more absorbent than a thinner towel, but it will also take longer for it to dry.”

What’s The Best Type of Beach Towel?

The best beach towel for your days at the shore depends on personal preference and how you use your towel. For lounging in a beach chair and drying off after a dip in the ocean, a terry cloth towel like the Laguna Beach Textile Co. Striped Cabana Beach Towel is a classic choice. It’s soft and absorbs water readily, and its plush enough to wrap up in on a chilly afternoon. However, if you’re looking for a towel that dries quickly after being used, you might want something like the Slowtide Hala Quick-Dry Towel , which is compact and easy to transport.

Want the best of both worlds? Some towels, like the Frontgate Resort Collection Turkish Beach Towel , have a flat weave on one side to repel sand and a terry cloth construction on the reverse, making them ideal for lounging, as well as drying off after swimming.

What Type Of Beach Towels Don’t Hold Sand?

In general, towels with a flat surface allow sand to roll off much more easily than towels with a looped texture. “Towels and blankets that have a tighter weave typically help with shaking sand out easier,” says Spencer. If you’re looking for a beach towel that resists sand, you may want to consider Turkish towels, which typically have a flat weave design. There are also specific sand-free towels, such as the Tesalate Sand-Free Beach Towel , which are made from synthetic materials designed specifically to repel sand.

Is Microfiber Or Cotton Better For A Beach Towel?

If you’re deciding between a microfiber or cotton beach towel, know that one isn’t necessarily better than the other; rather, it depends on how you plan on using your beach towel. For those who simply want to bask in the sun, a cotton beach towel may be the way to go. Cotton towels are durable and have an overall softer, fluffier and more comfortable feel. However, for folks who are more active—such as swimmers, surfers and kayakers—a microfiber towel may be more appealing for its lightweight, quick-drying nature.

CBDistillery

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

what are beach towels? 🧣11 Best Beach Towels For Travel Lovers: Your Ultimate Guide

What are beach towels? Beach towels are larger, often colorful, and designed for use at the beach or pool to dry off and relax.

Planning a beach vacation? It’s time to step up your game and upgrade that old, worn-out beach towel. When it comes to the best beach towels for travel , you want something that’s not just any old towel. You need one that’s compact, super absorbent, and a breeze to carry.

Are you tired of lugging around those big, bulky towels that take up half your beach bag? It’s time for a change.

We’ll introduce you to a world of beach towels that are not only lightweight but also incredibly soft. Some of them even come with hidden pockets, and they fit perfectly on your beach chair.

So, leave those oversized, space-hogging towels at home and make space for the essentials.

We’ve explored the market to bring you the ideal beach towels for travel that will add style and convenience to your beach or pool trips.

🧐 Things To Consider While Purchasing Beach Towels For Travel [Buying Guide]

How to choose the best Travel Towel? A good travel towel should be lightweight, rapid drying, and easy to pack. Microfiber is the most commonly used material.

Purchasing high-quality beach towels is more complicated than it appears. If you don’t get the correct towel, you’re going to have a bad time at the beach.

Certain characteristics, such as material, size, and thickness, can make a beach towel good or bad. If you want to purchase a good beach towel this summer, keep these points in mind.

• Check Its Water Absorbing Quality: Beach towels are used to dry off and relax in the sun. As a result, if your beach towel doesn’t dry soon, you’ll be sitting on a damp, sandy, and uncomfortable mess. Shaking all that sand out of the towel when it’s time to go home will be a challenging task. That’s why you’ll need a towel that can absorb water. Because these towels absorb moisture, they dry quite quickly. Instead of picking up the first inexpensive beach towel, you come across, search for terry cloth or cotton towels made of water-absorbent materials.
• It Should Be Comfortable: This towel will be wrapped around you or lying on you for hours, so it must be comfy. Although inexpensive beach towels may appear attractive, their rough fabric can be irritating and painful. Look for something of greater quality. Cotton beach towels are, once again, among the most comfortable.
• It Should Not Be Too Thick: A thick towel does not make it comfier. In fact, a thick towel may make your day at the beach more difficult. A thick towel, for example, is a large towel. It takes up a lot of space in your bag even when folded. This may require additional bags to carry anything else you require (food, sunscreen, books, bathing suit, change of clothes, etc.). When thick towels get wet, they become heavy, and shaking sand out of heavy towels is quite difficult.
• Size: Towels can be very large or excessively small. A towel that is at least as long as you are tall is ideal. This will be approximately 60 inches by 28 inches in towel terms. For most beachgoers, this is a good towel size. If it’s still too little, a beach blanket would be a better option.
• Price: A low-cost beach towel may appear to be excellent at first, but it’s always best to pay a little more and get a long-lasting towel. Thin beach towels, usually under $10, won’t survive more than a few beach outings before they start to fray. You’ll need three or four towels to get through the summer if you buy a cheap towel. As a result, purchasing a little more expensive towel upfront will save you money in the long term.
• Color: Selection: But, after all, there’s no rhyme or reason to towel color selection, right? In fact, the color of your towel is significant. Towels that are darker absorb more heat. If you don’t want to feel like you’re cooking, colors like grey and black should be avoided. Your towel will be exposed to the elements for a long period, and light colors, such as yellow, are quickly soiled. When you’re drifting down the beach in the waves, bright colors and bold patterns might also help you find your towel in a crowd.
• Material: Finding high-quality beach towels requires much more than simply walking into a store and purchasing the first towel you see. The Quality of the is very important so always purchase a towel that provides excellent quality.

• The set includes four large beach towels in cabana…
• Machine wash the towels in warm water using…
• Highly absorbent, yet light-weighted. Gives the…
• Woven with 100% ring spun cotton

• ×× NO LINT — Beach towel oversized made from…
• ×× NO FADING — Fluffy beach towel use nice dye…
• ×× NO FALL APART — Oversized beach towel use…
• √√ ENOUGH LARGE — Over Large beach towel with…

• GREAT ON-THE-GO: Thinner than terrycloth but just…
• SAY GOODBYE TO MUSTY ODOR: Famously fast drying,…
• QUALITY YOU CAN FEEL: Who wants a stiff, scratchy…
• CONVENIENT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE: Sandy beach towels…

Last update on 2024-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

📃 List Of 11 Best Beach Towels For Travel That Are Lightweight and Compact

A good travel towel is essential no matter what type of traveler you are. We want to make sure you’re packed with one of the best travel towels, whether you’re backpacking through Jamaica, island-hopping across the world’s most beautiful islands, settling into your London hostel, or everything in between.

We have shortlisted some of the below beach towels for travel.

1. Turkish Beach Towel By WETCAT

Turkish beach towels are popular right now because of their thin weave and elegant fringe on the edges.

These WETCAT Original Turkish Beach Towels are huge at 39 x 71 inches and Amazon’s Choice for Turkish beach towels are lightweight, rapid drying, and very absorbent.

Turkish towels roll up, pack flat, and double as beach cover-ups , making them ideal for travel. My friends enjoyed the Aqua color I got, and it made my beach bag substantially lighter than my regular beach towel.

Also Read : 10 Best Packable Sun Hats for Women That Ideal For Travel

2. Microfiber Camping Towel By Youphoria Outdoors

The Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Travel Towel is unique in that it combines usefulness, style, and cost.

The towel, which is made of absorbent microfibre, can hold up to five times its own weight in water and dries up to ten times faster than a traditional terry cloth towel.

The fabric is also anti-microbial, so it won’t mildew in the middle of your vacation.

20 x 40 inches, 28 x 56 inches, or 32 x 72 inches are the three sizes available. The travel towel rolls easily into the provided mesh bag, keeping it small during your vacation, whichever option you choose.

Use the quick-snap loop to hang it from a hotel shower rail or to build a temporary laundry line when camping. With 11 color combinations to pick from, like mint/grey, blue/green, and grey/pink, it adds extra style points. A lifetime warranty is included with your purchase.

3. Microfiber Beach Towel By BOGI

These BOGI Microfiber Sports Travel Beach Towels are bright and lively, and the lightweight material means they save a lot of space. These towels may be used for everything from a yoga mat to a nice on-the-go tablecloth.

They fold up into a self-contained carrying bag with a carabiner clip at the end of the day, freeing up space in your tote for other beach items.

Also Read : 10 Comfortable Slippers That Look Like Shoes Ideal For Any Trip

4. Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Perfect Travel & Sports & Beach Towel

Consider the RainLeaf Microfiber Towel if you want a towel that’s affordable and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It’s comprised of fast-drying, absorbent microfibre, just like most other travel towels.

There are seven different shades to choose from (think army green, blue, rose red, or orange), as well as six different sizes ranging from extra small (12 by 24 inches) to extra, extra-large (12 x 48 inches) (40 x 72 inches).

This soft towel is antimicrobial and folds (rather than rolls) into a ventilated, waterproof carry bag that protects your other clothes even if they’re still moist.

When you return home after your vacation, it can be used as a beach or gym towel. On the beach, use the snap loop to hang it up to dry, and this beach towel with pockets protects your phone or wallet from curious eyes.

5. Hooded Towel for Kids By Little Tinkers

These charming hooded beach towels are ideal for beach days and birthday gifts for children.

For a fun day of play activities at the beach, your kids can dress up as a lion, a dragon, an elephant, and more. These types of beautiful kid’s beach towels are favorite among the kids.

They’re fantastic for wrapping up after a swim, can function as a robe, and can even be dressed up.

These towels are 50 x 30 inches in size, making them ideal for children aged 1 to 6, but also appropriate for older children. Among the many beach towels for kids, it is perfect in its own type.

Also Read : Best Sun-Protective Clothing For Summer Travel

6. Microfiber Sport Waffle Weave Towel By Snappy Towels

The Snappy Towels Waffle Weave Microfiber Towel has the same characteristics as other microfiber towels on the market: it dries quickly and is absorbent, compact, and lightweight.

None of the others are as versatile as this one, which features innovative snaps along the edges.

You can use them to make a sarong or change the cover out of your travel towel by wrapping it around your waist. You may also use it as a shade-giving shawl or poncho by wrapping it around your shoulders.

If you’re traveling with small babies, the towel can be used as a stroller cover and gives breastfeeding mothers some privacy.

You can even attach the snaps to turn the towel into a tote bag for taking your goods to and from the beach and hang it to dry over a deck railing at the end of the day.

If you purchase several towels, you can use them to make a large beach blanket for your friends and family.

The sand-free travel towel comes in green or orange and is 54 by 27 inches. Other sizes are available as well.

7. Lounge Chair Towel Cover By KOVOT

This beach towel is specifically made to cover your beach lounge chair and provides pockets for your phone or drink, making it ideal for the beach or pool.

The lightweight and absorbent terry cloth and polyester fabric fold up into a convenient beach tote, and the entire towel folds up into a convenient beach tote.

Also Read : What Not To Do At A Nude Beach?

8. Lux Oversized Absorbent Cotton Beach Towel With Hidden Pocket By Aysesa

My friends loved the Lux Oversized Turkish Towel with Hidden Pocket, which is a top option for luxury beach towels with pockets.

The hidden zipper compartment is ideal for keeping your phone, keys, cash, or credit cards safe.

The maker says that these thin, light towels dry ten times faster than ordinary towels and that sand does not adhere to them. It comes in a range of different styles.

9. Microfiber Towels – Quick Dry 3 Size Pack By OlimpiaFit

With the OlimpiaFit package, you receive three different-sized towels for the price of most individually purchased towels.

The 100% microfiber travel towels come in three sizes: 50 x 30 inches (large), 30 x 15 inches (medium), and 15 x 15 inches (small), making them ideal for multi-purpose use at the beach, camping, or the gym.

They’re also antimicrobial, very absorbent, hypoallergenic, and quick-drying, and the lightweight, compact towels are four times smaller than terrycloth towels.

The travel-friendly set includes a mesh carrying bag for each towel in addition to a hanging loop.

Also Read : 13 Best Travel Swimsuits For Perfect Vacation

10. Turkish Towel – Peshtemal Cotton By Sand Cloud

Although these Sand Cloud Turkish towels are thinner than you may imagine, they are just as soft and absorbent as extra-thick cotton towels.

Not only do they fold up into a small package, making them easy to transport, but they’re also designed to get softer with each wash.

Even better, the company provides 10% of its net profits to marine conservation, so a portion of your purchase will benefit a good cause.

“This towel was a hit at the beach this summer. It truly repels sand and dries quickly “One shopper expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation.

Also Read : 11 Best Beach Cover-Up Dresses For Your Next Beach Vacation

11. Amazon Basics Cabana Stripe Beach Towel

These AmazonBasics beach towels indicate that you don’t have to pay a lot of money to get a good beach towel.

The fluffy towels come in a set of two and are composed of 100% ring-spun pure cotton that is both soft and sturdy.

The classic cabana striped towels are machine washable and come in four different colors.

📑 Types of Beach Towels

There are various types of beach towels to choose from, depending on your preferences and travel needs. Here are some popular options:

1. Microfiber Beach Towels

Microfiber towels are known for their ultra-absorbent properties and quick-drying capabilities. They are perfect for travelers who want a lightweight and compact option.

• COMFORTABLE & SOFT – Made of High Quality…
• ABSORBENT & FAST DRYING – JML Microfiber towels…
• MULTI USE TOWEL – Perfect as bath towel when you…
• EASY CARE – Hand or Machine Wash is ok, Tumble Dry…

Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Turkish Towels

Turkish towels are not only absorbent but also stylish. They are versatile and can be used as a beach towel, a wrap, or a picnic blanket.

• ✔ 6 Piece Turkish Towel Set includes 2 Bath…
• ✔ This 100% Cotton Luxury Bathroom Towel Set is…
• ✔ Our Turkish Towel Set Feel Luxuriously Soft…
• ✔ 100% Ringspun Cotton Fabric to Improve…

3. Sand-Free Beach Towels

Sand-free beach towels have a unique design that prevents sand from sticking to the fabric. This makes for a sand-free and hassle-free beach day.

• Luxurious Oversized Beach Towel: Enjoy a…
• Quick-Drying and Sand-Resistant: Our Pamuklu…
• Versatile and Multipurpose: This oversized beach…
• Perfect Gift for Beach Lovers: Our Pamuklu Cotton…

4. Oversized Beach Towels

If you want more space to relax on the beach, consider an oversized beach towel. They are roomy and comfortable for sunbathing.

• ✔ OVERSIZED AND COMPACT-10‘x9′(300cmX280cm)…
• ✔ SIMPLE DESIGN & DOUBLE ANCHORED-WEKAPO blanket…
• ✔ SAND PROOF AND WATER RESISTANT-This…
• ✔ SUPERIOR QUALITY- Triple stitched for maximum…

🤔 How to Care for Your Beach Towel?

To ensure the longevity of your travel beach towel, it’s important to take proper care of it:

• Wash Regularly: Keep your towel clean by washing it after every use.
• Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can reduce the towel’s absorbency, so skip them.
• Dry in Open Air: After washing, allow your towel to dry in the open air rather than in a dryer.

👌 The Benefits of Microfiber Beach Towels

Below are some basic benefits of beach towels.

• Quick Drying: One of the outstanding features of microfiber beach towels is their ability to dry quickly.
• Compact and Lightweight: Microfiber towels are incredibly compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travelers.
• Sand-Resistant: The tight weave of microfiber towels ensures that sand doesn’t stick to them, leaving the beach at the beach.
• Durability: Microfiber towels are known for their durability and can withstand multiple washes without losing their quality.

🙋🏻‍♀️ FAQ’s About Best Beach Towels For Travel

There are a lot of questions that come to mind while buying travel-friendly beach towels some of the commonly asked questions are answered below.

Q. What is the best quick-drying beach towel for travel?

A. The best quick-drying beach towel for travel is often made of microfiber, known for its exceptional moisture-absorbing properties.

Q. What material makes the best beach towel?

A. Microfiber material is widely regarded as the best for beach towels due to its quick drying and highly absorbent qualities.

Q. Do you bring beach towels on vacation?

A. Yes, it’s advisable to bring beach towels on vacation for comfort and convenience.

Q. Do microfiber beach towels really work?

A. Absolutely, microfiber beach towels are known for their quick-drying and sand-repelling capabilities.

A. Yes, packing beach towels on vacation is a great idea for a comfortable beach experience.

Q. Is cotton or microfiber better for beach towels?

A. Microfiber is preferable for travel beach towels as it’s lighter, dries faster, and is highly absorbent, making it a practical choice.

Q. Are travel beach towels different from regular beach towels?

A. Yes, travel beach towels are designed to be lightweight, compact, and quick-drying, making them perfect for on-the-go adventures.

Q. What is the ideal size for a travel beach towel?

A. A size of around 30×60 inches strikes the right balance between portability and functionality.

Q. How do I keep my travel towel sand-free?

A. Look for towels designed to repel sand, and simply shake off any sand that sticks.

Q. Do travel towels have to be plain?

A. No, you can find travel towels in a variety of colorful and vibrant designs.

Q. Are corner pockets and zipper pouches necessary features for travel towels?

A. They’re not essential, but they can be very convenient for keeping your towel secure and your valuables safe.

Q. Can I use a regular towel for travel instead of a specific travel towel?

A. You can, but travel towels are designed with the specific needs of travelers in mind, making them a more practical choice.

Q. Can I machine-wash travel beach towels?

A. Most travel beach towels are machine-washable. Refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure proper washing.

Q. Is it weird to use a beach towel as a shower towel?

A. While it’s not weird to use a beach towel as a shower towel, keep in mind that beach towels are typically larger and may be less absorbent than regular shower towels.

😇 Conclusion

Your beach vacation deserves the best, and that includes the perfect travel beach towel. Make sure it’s lightweight, compact, quick-drying, and durable. Look for extra features that can enhance your beach experience, and express your style with a splash of color. Now you’re ready for a worry-free and enjoyable time by the sea with your trusty travel companion.

✉ Tell Us In the Comments Your Favorite Best Beach Towels For Travel.

Also, don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with  Fiery Trippers . Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.

How can I stay entertained during long flights? Unveiling the Ultimate Long Flight Survival Kit: ✈️15 Essential Travel Accessories You Can’t Afford to Miss!

Are camping hammocks worth it? 11 Best Portable travel hammocks for outdoor adventures

Are compact cameras worth it? 📷 11 Best Compact Cameras For Travel Photography

Rahul Siddharth

He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

12 Best Beach Towels for Summer, Tested by Experts

Dry off and lounge in the sun with these soft, absorbent and sand-free towels.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Beach Towel

Lands' end cabana stripe beach towel.

Best Value Beach Towel

Amazon basics cabana stripe beach towel (two-pack).

Most Popular Beach Towels on Amazon

Utopia cabana stripe beach towels (four-pack).

Best Microfiber Beach Towel

Dock & bay beach towel (x-large).

Best Sand-Free Beach Towel

Cgear sand-free towel.

Best Oversized Beach Towel

Tesalate sand-free beach blanket.

Best Personalized Beach Towel

Mark and graham cabana stripe beach towel.

Best Beach Towel for Travel

Eccosophy microfiber beach towel.

Best Beach Towel for the Pool

L.l.bean seaside beach towel.

Softest Beach Towel

Brooklinen beach towel.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab put beach towels to the test — both in our Lab and at the beach to evaluate if the towels held onto sand. We also analyzed other important factors like absorbency, feel, durability and appearance. Finally, we shared beach towels with consumer testers who brought them to pools and beaches across the globe. Testers gave us feedback on comfort, ease of carrying, softness and more.

After our picks, keep reading to learn more about how we evaluate beach towels. And don't forget to pair your new beach towel with comfy flip-flops and a stylish swimsuit .

When your average beach towel doesn’t cut it, this XL option from Lands’ End is ideal. The oversized towel is 39 inches wide and 78 inches long instead of the standard 30 inches by 60 inches , so there's plenty of space to sprawl out. Made of 100% cotton terrycloth, this absorbent towel is thick and warm and great for drying off after a dip in the pool. These towels are even woven with shorter loops to prevent snagging and have flat-woven edges to reduce pulling threads. Choose from four striped patterns and opt for a personalized touch with an embroidered symbol, name or monogram for an added fee.

When evaluating this towel, we were immediately impressed with its soft, plush feel with finished ends for a luxe look. "It's a towel I would want to wrap up in after a cold swim," reported one GH analyst after testing the towel. Because of its absorbent design, this towel will take longer to dry compared to a microfiber option. For a more affordable option from Lands' End, we recommend the Solid Beach Towel , which was plush and soft in our evaluations albeit a bit thinner.

Dimensions: 39” x 78” | Material: Cotton terrycloth | Care: Machine washable

Achieve the classic beach towel look without spending a ton with these affordable towels from Amazon Basics. While most beach towels cost over $40 per towel, these start at just $11 each. They are sold in sets of two or four and are available in green, navy, light blue and yellow stripes. They're made with cotton terrycloth for a cozy feel, but we did find they're not as soft as pricier styles.

When using these towels at the beach, we found the lightweight design was easier to pack into a beach bag compared to thicker cotton styles. We noticed some loose threads on the edges after use, so these towels are best suited for someone who only uses a beach towel a few times a year.

Dimensions: 30" x 60” | Material: Cotton terrycloth | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low

These cotton terrycloth beach towels are plush and absorbent and available for just a fraction of the price of most other towels. In our evaluations, 100% cotton terrycloth towels felt soft and soaked up plenty of water to help you dry off quickly. According to over 13,000 online reviewers, these beach towels are ideal for someone who wants a no-fuss option for regular use at the beach or pool, and they're especially great for kids.

The brand recommends washing the towels before using them for a softer and fluffier feel, and online reviewers agree that the towels feel and look better post-laundering. Some reviewers shared that the bold colors bled in the washer and that there was some noticeable fiber shed, so keep these towels separate from your other belongings during their first wash.

Dimensions: 30" x 60" | Material: Cotton terrycloth | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low

Dock & Bay Beach Towel (X-Large)

The extra-large towel from Dock & Bay impressed us during our Lab evaluations, proving to be sand-resistant and truly quick-drying. The smooth microfiber material keeps sand on the fabric's surface , making it simple to shake the sand loose when you're ready to pack up. It held up well to repeated wash testing in our Lab, too, without major changes in appearance or shrinkage.

Because the material is on the thinner side, it won't feel as plush as a cotton terrycloth towel, but it is ultra-lightweight and easy to roll into its included carrying pouch for easy packing. "I like to bring this towel everywhere with me on summer days in case I may have an impromptu picnic," said one tester. It's available in more than 30 striped patterns and a few solid colors and comes in four sizes if you prefer something smaller.

Dimensions: 78" x 35" | Material: Polyester and polyamide blend microfiber | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry if needed

When we tried this towel from CGear, we were blown away by how easy it was to remove sand from the surface . Most beach towels are made with tightly woven cotton fabric, covered in loops that trap sand and dirt, but this towel features a unique dual-layer construction. There are two pieces of material woven with small gaps, so when sand inevitably makes its way onto your towel, it can easily pass through the gaps, keeping the surface and you sand-free.

The synthetic material is durable but it wasn't developed with absorbency in mind, so it's not the best towel to use for drying off after taking a dip in the ocean. But, it will dry more quickly than a plush cotton beach towel and even comes with a corner loop for hanging. It's also lightweight and folds into a compact size, so you'll have plenty of leftover space in your beach bag.

Dimensions: 31" x 63" | Material: Dual layer polyester weave | Care: Machine washable

Perfect for family beach days, this oversized towel from Tesalate is roomy enough for the entire crew to lounge on , but if you love lots of space to spread out, you might just want to keep it for yourself. You can choose from eight colorful prints that the whole family will love, and there's a standard-sized beach towel available in over 25 prints as well.

Made from microfiber material, the towels are quick to dry and feature a corner loop for convenient hanging. The smooth microfiber surface also makes it easy to brush sand away. When you're ready to head home, the towel rolls into a small carrying case, so any lingering sand won't escape into your bag or car. The towel is on the thinner side, and according to some online reviewers, the material doesn't feel as comfortable to dry off with as other plush beach towels.

Dimensions: 63" x 63" | Material: Polyester and polyamide blend | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry

A beach towel with personalized embroidery makes the perfect gift, especially for a bachelorette or birthday trip. These Mark and Graham towels have tons of personalization options for monogramming or embroidering text up to 10 characters. You can choose from over 40 embroidery styles , including symbols like flamingos and tennis rackets. Personalization costs $12.50 extra.

We were really impressed with how soft these Turkish cotton towels were. They have a plush, fluffy feel for comfortable lounging, but the material did hold onto more sand than microfiber alternatives. The thicker fabric is ideal to lounge on out of the water too.

Dimensions: 40” x 68” | Material: Turkish cotton | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Space in your luggage is limited, so a lightweight, packable towel is a must. This ECCOSOPHY towel comes with a convenient mesh carrying case, so it's easy to stash in your bag when traveling. While most beach towels are only available in stripes, this one is sold in over 25 patterns (which are all reversible ). We especially love that the pattern options include beautiful florals, bright neon squiggles and festive palm leaves.

The smooth microfiber material easily released sand in our tests to help keep you sand-free. Because it's made with lightweight microfiber, it isn't as absorbent as cotton, but it dries much quicker. There's a hanging loop too for easy drying.

Dimensions: ‎71" x 35" | Material: Microfiber | Care: Machine washable

L.L.Bean is consistently a top performer in our Lab tests with its slippers , sheets , backpacks and more, and its towels are no exception. Made of 100% cotton, this slightly oversized towel is built to withstand beach and pool wear without fading . Towels can be dyed at different points during production — from fiber to final product. This pick is dyed during the yarn stage, which helps to prevent the color from fading with use.

The medium-weight terrycloth material is soft and substantial, so it's great to wrap up in when you get out of the water. Unlike most synthetic towels, it's also highly absorbent to make drying off quick and easy. Some online reviewers mention that the towel is prone to snagging and hanging threads, which is a result of the plush looped material, but the brand accepts returns for up to one year after purchase for items that aren't satisfactory. If you prefer something more colorful or bold, there are other playful patterns available to choose from.

Dimensions: 36" x 68" | Material: Cotton terrycloth | Care: Machine wash and dry

Brooklinen makes some of the best bath towels we've tested, and the brand's beach towels are also incredibly luxurious. The dense, heavyweight towels have an ultra-plush, super soft feel that we can't get enough of. Rather than being woven with terrycloth loops on each side, the front of the towel is a soft brushed velour, while the back of the towel is looped for absorbency.

One analyst dubbed this towel "the best beach towel ever," sharing that the absorbent 100% cotton pick is the ultimate cozy towel to bundle up in at the beach. At the beach, GH analysts especially liked lounging on this towel because of its cozy feel. It did hold onto more sand and take longer to dry compared to other towels we tested.

Dimensions: 34" x 70" | Material: Cotton terrycloth back and velour front | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low

Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towels

Made of 100% GOTS-certified organic Turkish cotton, this high-quality towel from Coyuchi will instantly upgrade your trip to the beach . When we tested this towel, everyone loved its appearance, noting the beautiful weave and chic tassels. "I enjoy using the towel because it is lightweight and generously sized, which makes it easy to carry to the beach," said one tester. "I can comfortably use it for sitting and lounging on hot sand, which I cannot do with my very thin beach towels."

The towels are yarn-dyed, which means they are less likely to fade with regular use. Instead of a looped terrycloth, the towels are made with a flat woven material that doesn't soak up as much water when you're drying off. The flat weave does have its benefits, though. It's relatively easy to shake the towels clean of sand because it sits on the surface instead of sinking into loops of yarn, and it's not quite as bulky or heavy as other beach towels.

Dimensions: 34" x 70" | Material: Turkish cotton flat weave | Care: Machine wash cold gentle, air dry

Nomadix Original Towel

Featuring beautiful nature patterns and bright, bold colors, these Nomadix beach towels are designed to showcase your personality. Perfect to bring on a trip or to a music festival, this beach towel is made of a polyester/nylon blend that (unlike most microfiber beach towels) has short loops to be softer and more absorbent .

In our tests, we appreciated this towel's thicker feel compared to other synthetic options. We especially liked the strong, built-in hanging loop. Because of its thicker design, this pick could be used as a yoga towel in a pinch. The brand also uses recycled materials in its towels for a more sustainable buy. Most microfiber towels include a carrying case, but this one doesn't.

Dimensions: ‎30" x 72.5" | Material: Nylon/polyester | Care: Machine washable

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

The 7 Best Mineral Sunscreens

The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds

The Best Cheap Vacuum Cleaners Under $150

The 7 Best Matcha Powders

The Best At-Home Red Light Therapy Devices

The Best Innerspring Mattresses

The Best Cooling Pajamas

The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls

The Best Workout Apps

The Best Walmart Patio Furniture for Less

The Best Natural and Organic Sunscreens

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Best in Class

• The 16 Very Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin The 16 Very Best Body Lotions for Dry Sk…
• The 30 Very Best Mascaras The 30 Very Best Mascaras
• The 9 Very Best Digital Picture Frames The 9 Very Best Digital Picture Frames
• The 18 Very Best Quilts The 18 Very Best Quilts
• The Very Best Workout Shoes for Women The Very Best Workout Shoes for Women
• The 15 Very Best Women’s Deodorants and Anti-perspirants The 15 Very Best Women’s Deodorants and…
• The 14 Very Best Rain Boots for Women The 14 Very Best Rain Boots for Women
• The 12 Very Best Natural Deodorants The 12 Very Best Natural Deodorants
• 23 of the Very Best Sex Toys for Couples 23 of the Very Best Sex Toys for Couples
• The 13 Very Best Pajamas for Women The 13 Very Best Pajamas for Women
• The 12 Very Best Lip Balms The 12 Very Best Lip Balms
• The 11 Very Best Pieces of Rolling Luggage The 11 Very Best Pieces of Rolling Lugga…
• The 11 Very Best Electric Kettles The 11 Very Best Electric Kettles
• The 9 Best Pimple Patches The 9 Best Pimple Patches
• The Very Best Boxer Briefs The Very Best Boxer Briefs
• The 10 Very Best Rice Cookers The 10 Very Best Rice Cookers
• The 15 Very Best White Socks for Women The 15 Very Best White Socks for Women
• The 7 Very Best Alarm Clocks The 7 Very Best Alarm Clocks
• The 9 Very Best Memory-Foam Pillows The 9 Very Best Memory-Foam Pillows
• The 11 Very Best Travel Pillows The 11 Very Best Travel Pillows
• The 5 Very Best Cooling Weighted Blankets The 5 Very Best Cooling Weighted Blanket…
• The 8 Very Best Plus-Size Black Work Pants for Women The 8 Very Best Plus-Size Black Work Pan…
• The 11 Very Best Fanny Packs The 11 Very Best Fanny Packs
• The Very Best Gym Shorts for Men The Very Best Gym Shorts for Men
• The Very Best Body Washes for Dry Skin The Very Best Body Washes for Dry Skin
• The Very Best Linen Sheets The Very Best Linen Sheets
• The 11 Very Best Yoga Mats The 11 Very Best Yoga Mats
• The Very Best Women’s Razors The Very Best Women’s Razors
• The 11 Very Best Cooling Sheets The 11 Very Best Cooling Sheets
• The Best Lip Balms With SPF The Best Lip Balms With SPF
• The Very Best Body Pillows The Very Best Body Pillows
• The 13 Very Best Ergonomic Office Chairs The 13 Very Best Ergonomic Office Chairs
• The Very Best Facial Tanners The Very Best Facial Tanners
• The 17 Very Best Duvet Covers The 17 Very Best Duvet Covers
• The 11 Very Best White T-shirts for Men The 11 Very Best White T-shirts for Men
• The Very Best Shapewear The Very Best Shapewear
• The Very Best Indoor-Garden Kits The Very Best Indoor-Garden Kits
• The Very Best Jogging Strollers The Very Best Jogging Strollers
• The Best Electrolyte Powders The Best Electrolyte Powders
• The 15 Very Best Makeup Removers The 15 Very Best Makeup Removers
• The 9 Very Best Body Scrubs The 9 Very Best Body Scrubs
• The 9 Best Wineglasses The 9 Best Wineglasses
• The 15 Very Best Car Seats for Kids The 15 Very Best Car Seats for Kids
• The 14 Very Best Pillows for Back Sleepers The 14 Very Best Pillows for Back Sleepe…
• How Does Best in Class Actually Work? How Does Best in Class Actually Work?
• The 12 Best Men’s Hiking Boots and Shoes The 12 Best Men’s Hiking Boots and Shoes
• The 10 Very Best Down Pillows The 10 Very Best Down Pillows
• The 13 Very Best Removable Wallpapers The 13 Very Best Removable Wallpapers
• The Very Best Men’s Long-Sleeved T-shirts The Very Best Men’s Long-Sleeved T-shirt…
• The 10 Very Best Sleeper Sofas The 10 Very Best Sleeper Sofas

The 14 Very Best Beach Towels

For drying off and lazing around..

In this article

• Best overall
• Best resort-style
• Best minimalist
• Best checkerboard
• Best packable
• Best Turkish

Summer might be a few months away, but there are plenty of warm-weather destinations to visit between now and Memorial Day where a big, boisterous beach towel would be the only nonnegotiable accessory to bring along. Whether you’re planning on swimming or simply relaxing near a body of water, a beach towel should be absorbent, roomy, and colorful. Even a particularly visually striking one meant for the bathroom can pull double duty in a pinch, and I can tell you from personal experience that there are several that fit the bill. To bring you the very best beach towels, I tested a few myself and also consulted surfers, swimsuit designers, and beach-resort employees for every kind of pool and beach day — from plush cotton-terry towels to packable microfiber options that resist sand and odor. And don’t forget the chair , an umbrella , and a cooler , if you’re planning to get all your beach gear in order.

What we’re looking for

Towels, textile-science instructor Deborah Young says, “always start with the fiber.” And if you like fluffy beach towels, that fiber should be cotton. “A blend is not a good choice here,” she says. “It should be 100 percent cotton for absorbency and softness.” Not all cotton is made equal, either. Egyptian cotton, pima cotton, and Turkish cotton are softer, stronger, and therefore more expensive. Many of the best beach towels are now woven from organic cotton, which Young says won’t make for a stronger or more absorbent towel but will decrease your exposure to pesticides. Although they won’t absorb water as well, microfiber polyester beach towels are growing in popularity, especially for travel. These towels pack down small and are somewhat sand resistant.

As with bed sheets , beach towels have thread counts . “A higher thread count towel has a more lush pile, meaning that the loops on the surface are more desirable and effective,” says Young. The best beach towels should have a lush pile weave with loops on both the front and back: “They increase the surface area and because of that, the towel can take 20 times its weight in liquid.” In contrast to cotton, she adds, microfiber towels have a flat weave that wicks moisture away from the surface. They’ll wipe off water rather than absorb it — and air dry much more quickly.

Beach-towel sizing is surprisingly variable, and we’ve included a number of choices here. The dimensions you choose will depend on the towel’s intended use — if you’re taking your beach bag on public transport, for example, something compact is better. “I love a 34-inch-by-66-inch towel,” says Mike Reinhardt of Locals Surf School . “It’s plenty wide and long but not so large it is a pain to store and dry properly.” A surprising number of stylish people we spoke with preferred to take large bath towels to the beach for an extra-luxe experience. “The bigger the better,” says Lava Girl Surf founder Davina Grincevicius.

Best beach towel overall

Fiber: Cotton | Weave: Medium-pile brushed terry | Size: 30 by 56 inches (bath towel), 37 by 70 inches (beach towel)

For a grown-up beach towel that retains a sense of fun, look no further than Dusen Dusen. The brand is ubiquitous on Brooklyn beaches and was mentioned by a few of the stylish ocean swimmers I spoke with, including Zoca Lotion ’s Emily Seager and Coming Soon co-owners Fabiana Faria and Helena Barquet. I really like the texture of these towels: They’re neither too plush nor too shorn down, and even on first purchase have a slightly worn-in feel. All of the designs are extremely Rockaway ready — even those that are meant to stay in the house. “Even though they make a beach towel, everyone brings their Dusen Dusen bath towels to the beach,” observes Faria. “They’re very absorbent and not massive if you’re taking the train.” She and Barquet also love drying off with the brand’s matching terry robes : “They’re great, especially at the end of the day when it’s windy.”

Best less expensive beach towel

Fiber: Organic cotton | Weave: Medium-pile terry | Size: 60 by 30 inches

If you’re a maximalist in style but not budget, Baggu’s towels (which aren’t technically designed for the beach but would never look out of place there) are a little more affordable than Dusen Dusen yet just as cheerful in design. The Strategist team can never get enough of this San Francisco–based design brand, which makes some of our favorite laptop sleeves , tote bags , and reusable masks .

Best resort beach towel

Fiber: Cotton | Weave: Medium-pile terry | Size: 30 by 60 inches, 35 by 70 inches

Offering a more timeless beach stripe look, these affordable and durable towels are the go-to at Gurney’s Montauk Resort . The hotel has been providing these towels to guests for more than ten years, according to purchasing manager Andres Quito. “They’re really good quality,” he says. “We use them in our spa as well. They’re strong enough that you can really shake them off to get all the sand out.”

Best minimalist beach towel

Fiber: Organic cotton | Weave: High-pile terry | Size: 28 by 55 inches (bath towel), 39 by 59 inches (bath sheet)

A finely striped beach towel might be more your speed. I love Tekla’s bath towels for their look but also their feel. They’re plush and bouncy, but also lightweight, making them great for the beach. While I’ve only tried the bath-towel size, the larger sheet, coupled with its graphic design, makes it quite versatile for lying out and drying off. Minimalist-swimwear designer Gina Esposito, the founder and creative director of Nu Swim , prefers to dry off with one of these striped bath sheets, which stylist Beverly Nguyen also loves. Made in Portugal from 100 percent organic cotton, the towels come in muted and more colorful striped styles. Esposito agrees that they’re thick and fluffy as well as stylish: “I have a bunch of waffle flat-weave organic-cotton towels that look nice, but they don’t really absorb water,” she notes. “These absorb best.” She also gave me this beach-going tip: scour eBay for vintage king- or queen-size Martex flat sheets and use them as “the base for your beach zone.”

Best checkerboard beach towel

Fiber: 600 gram organic Portuguese cotton | Weave: Low-pile terry | Size: 35 by 67 inches

I also really like bath towels from Baina, a brand you can think of as Australia’s answer to Tekla. Baina’s geometric patterns look great in a bathroom and I imagine would look just as handsome on a beach or poolside. Luckily, Baina makes beach- and pool-size towels in its signature checkerboard pattern that would look beautiful on the sand. More important, these towels feel nice when I wrap them around myself. The terry is much lower-pile than other towels on this list. This makes for a crisp, worn-in texture that’s made of dense loops of organic Portuguese cotton that’s highly absorbent yet dries surprisingly quickly.

Best packable beach towel

Fiber: Polyester | Weave: Flat weave | Size: 72 by 30 inches

While cotton towels are definitely a plusher option for the beach, sometimes you need something more compact and fast-drying that you can throw in your bag. Strategist writer Katherine Gillespie swears by this microsuede beach towel from Rumpl that she’s had for two years. “While I’ve used many microfiber travel towels in my life and found them to be pretty similar across the board, this one is unusually silky to the touch,” she says, adding that many packable towels she’s tried in the past end up feeling “a bit crunchy.” She loves its roomy size — “perfect for laying out on the beach” — its ’70s stripes, and the fact that it “packs up really small” despite how “substantial and soft” it feels. Plus, it’s really absorbent and wicks the water away. “It’s very effective,” she concludes.

Best (less expensive) packable beach towel

Fiber: Polyester | Weave: Flat weave | Size: 71 by 35 inches

Here’s another, slightly less expensive packable beach towel that comes with a convenient pouch. It’s the go-to towel for Jeff Moore, who lives in the Caribbean and runs his own beach-themed YouTube channel . He exclusively uses microfiber towels because “they’re quick drying, sand doesn’t stick to them, and they take up a tenth of the space in your beach bag.” This is ideal, he says, if you have kids and are already packing a bunch of stuff. Packable towels are useful for hiking to more remote beaches, as he and his wife are often doing. Having tried many brands, he’s a fan of Eccosophy’s generously sized microfiber towel mainly for its bag design. “For some, the zipper bag is round, so you have to roll up the towel,” he says. “That’s a total pain in the butt.” This one packs away easily into a square.

Best anti-mildew towel

Fiber: Deadstock Turkish cotton | Weave: Hoop weave | Size: 31 by 63 inches

Former Strategist writer and mildew-phobe Sanibel Chai can’t stand a damp towel, but she prefers the plush weave of cotton over the flat weave of polyester. Her solution? This uniquely absorbent yet quick-drying towel from Bathing Culture, which she first came across via an Instagram ad. “The key is in the stitch pattern,” Chai explains. “If you look closely, you can see gaps between patches of towel because every other square is left blank. The terry loops that are usually densely packed on a normal towel are staggered so that you don’t notice the empty squares due to the inverse checkerboard pattern on the other side. It’s basically an illusion — this towel simulates thickness but dries quickly.”

Best classic Turkish towel

Fiber: Turkish cotton | Weave: Flat weave | Size: 40 by 70 inches

Another lightweight yet absorbent option is this more traditional Turkish towel, which will dry quickly in the sun and comes recommended by Lauren Picasso, the founder and CEO of Cure . “It can be used for the beach or for every day,” she says. The cotton will become even softer over time. Roll up this towel and stash it in a tote — it travels light, and sand won’t stick to it.

Best patterned Turkish towel

Fiber: Turkish cotton | Weave: Flat weave | Size: 38 by 64 inches

Grincevicius likes a fluffy towel when spending a lazy day at the beach but for surfing opts for this flat-weave cotton one from Sand Cloud. “It’s a great towel to keep dry or use as a cover-up,” she says. Plus the brand donates a portion of sales to marine conservation.

Best plush Turkish towel

Fiber: Turkish cotton | Weave: High-pile terry | Size: 39 by 71 inches

Buci designer Mishka Ivanovic says she always prefers a simple unpatterned towel made from high-quality fabric. “I am always inspired by French New Wave movies,” she says. “When I go to the beach, I always want to feel like I am in Europe in another time.” As such, she usually takes bath towels to the beach. Her current favorites are these Turkish-cotton ones. Available in muted colorways and with a thick, luxurious pile, they’ll stay soft forever.

Best art beach towel

Fiber: Cotton | Weave: Medium-pile terry | Size: 70 by 60 inches

This eye-catching beach towel is unusually square in shape and will have fellow beachgoers passing by and stopping to read its text, courtesy of artist Glenn Ligon. “Art Production Fund towels are the only ones we use for the beach, for picnics in Brooklyn Bridge Park, for baby naps, and all things in between,” says Madeleine Johnston Fawcett, a co-founder of Project MM . “They’re my favorite towels ever.” The Art Production Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to commissioning and producing public art projects, also sells towels designed by Ryan McGinley and Cecily Brown.

Best less expensive art beach towel

Fiber: Cotton | Weave: Medium-pile terry and velour | Size: 34 by 70 inches

Flex your art-world cred for a little less money with one of Brooklinen’s artist series beach towels, which are even thicker and more absorbent than the brand’s beloved bathroom ones . The brand sent me one to try out at the start of summer, and I like that rather than being woven into terry loops on both sides, these towels have a velour front panel that provides a flat (but very soft) surface to lie on when you’re sunbathing. It feels very plush, and the cheery design just immediately puts me in the mood for a beach or pool day.

Best luxury beach towel

Fiber: 650 gram Oeko-Tex certified cotton | Weave: Low-pile terry | Size: 38 by 70 inches

Well-designed, vintage-style beach gear is incredibly important to Marty Bell, co-founder of Vacation and founder of Poolsuite . “My ideal towel is one that feels like you found it in your grandmother’s bathroom and has been aged over decades to have the perfect, rough texture,” he tells me. He says that L.A.-based brand MARE makes towels that, after a few washes on high heat, perfectly replicate that worn-in feeling. They’re luxuriously sized (“a good towel has to be huge in my opinion”) as well as woven from 100 percent organic cotton.

Some more beach essentials we’ve written about

Our experts

• Helena Barquet, co-owner, Coming Soon • Marty Bell, co-founder, Vacation , and founder, Poolsuite • Sanibel Chai , former writer, the Strategist • Gina Esposito, founder and creative director, Nu Swim • Fabiana Faria, co-owner, Coming Soon • Katherine Gillespie, Strategist writer • Davina Grincevicius, founder, Lava Girl Surf • Mishka Ivanovic, designer, Buci • Madeleine Johnston Fawcett, co-founder, Project MM • Jeff Moore, YouTuber, How2Beach • Beverly Nguyen, stylist and founder of Beverly’s • Lauren Picasso, founder and CEO of Cure • Andres Quito, purchasing manager, Gurney’s Montauk Resort • Mike Reinhardt, instructor, Locals Surf School • Emily Seager, founder, Zoca Lotion • Deborah Young , textile-science instructor

Additional reporting by Katherine Gillespie.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , ultraflattering pants , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

• the strategist
• best in class

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• My Relentless Journey to Find the Perfect White Tee
• The 12 Very Best Lip Balms
• What DJ Khaled Can’t Live Without
• I Put the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle Head-to-Head
• The 30 Very Best Mascaras
• Everything Worth Buying From Sephora’s Savings Event

Shop with Google

• Health & Household
• Eyeglasses Care
• Cleaning Tissues & Cloths

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Hi-Look Microfiber Cleaning Cloth - Moscow State University

• 6" x 8" or 7" x 7" premium microfiber cloth with tightly stitched edges.
• Cloth will not have a watermark. Watermark is shown here to protect original images.
• Each cloth packed with a design card in reusable clear plastic case, ready for gift-giving
• Safely and effectively clean glasses, phones, laptops, and more.
• Cleans with or without chemicals. No scratching. No streaking.

Looking for specific info?

Product information, product description.

This microfiber cloth features the art from the world's master painters. Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning eyeglasses, sunglasses, CDs, DVDs, and more.The cloths' high density microfiber construction removes all dirt and oily smudges. The cloths are safe for all type of lenses, including plastic, mineral, and AR coated lenses and they continue to clean after repeated washing.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

No customer reviews

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Start Selling with Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices