The Best Beach Towels

Whether you're planning a fun day at the beach or you're dreaming of lounging poolside, you will need a good beach towel to make the most of the experience. A great beach towel is one that's cute, of course, but also extremely functional. That means it should be it's quick-drying, high in quality, and easily packable. Also, you might want a towel that stands out from the rest so that it isn't easily confused with the sea of other towels laid out on the beach. We've rounded up a few of our favorite beach towels, so keep reading to find the right one for you.

Wetcat Original Turkish Beach Towel

High and dry

Eco-friendly, affordable, and thin yet durable, this beach towel wins our nod of approval.
Best Overall

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If you’ve ever had to roll up a soaking wet beach towel in your beach bag, you know how annoying that feeling is. But this beach towel from Wetcat is 100 percent cotton, so it dries quickly. The towel comes pre-washed, so it arrives with a soft texture, and you don’t have to worry about it shrinking when you do throw it in the wash. Though it’s a beach towel, it can be used for a variety of activities, including yoga, picnicking, and camping.

Pros:

  • Available in a variety of colors
  • Features eco-friendly, naturally dyed yarn
  • Packs well and compactly

Cons:

  • The tassels at the end of the towel can unravel with a lot of wash and use

Wiikweek Large Beach Towel

You've got to be cotton me

As far as cotton beach towels go, few hold a torch to this one.
Best Cotton Towel

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Available in enough colors to satisfy virtually anyone’s taste, this cotton beach towel from Wiikweek is one of our favorites. Not only is it cute, highly absorbent, and extra-large, but it’s also very affordable. Because there are probably a dozen other things you’d rather splurge on during a beach day instead of a towel, we think it’s hard to go wrong with a budget-friendly buy like this one.

Pros:

  • Vibrant beach-themed colors
  • Perfect size for the beach or poolside lounging

Cons:

  • Not the best in terms of material quality

Wise Owl Extra-Large Microfiber Beach Towel

A wise choice

If you're looking for something big enough to fit you and another person, this towel from Wise Owl fits the bill.
Best Oversized

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Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway with a partner, a relaxing beach day with your children, or a rejuvenating trip to the sea with a friend, an oversized towel like this one can help make it possible. At seven feet long and four feet wide, it’s big enough to fit two adults, but that’s not to say you have to share. You can spread out to your heart’s content thanks to the extra space this towel provides.

Pros:

  • Available in various colors
  • Thanks to its thin, microfiber construction, it can be rolled up into a small bundle
  • Quite absorbent despite the thin microfiber material

Cons:

  • Collects sands more easily than traditional beach towels

Utopia Towels Cabana Stripe Beach Towels

The more the merrier

This multi-pack is ideal for families and individuals who prefer buying in bulk.
Best Pack

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If you’re looking to buy in bulk rather than purchasing a single towel, this is the pick for you. Utopia Towels has these multi-packs on offer, and considering the price and the lovely variety of colors available, we think it’s hard to go wrong. Choose from four-packs or bundles of twenty-four so that you’re stocked up for whatever you might need them for. Constructed with 100% ring spun cotton, these towels are highly absorbent, and they’ll last a long time.

Pros:

  • Offered at bulk-buy prices
  • Excellent value considering the quality
  • Lovely colors

Cons:

  • If you wash them in the washing machine, expect a lot of int

Laguna Beach Textile Company Round Cabana Beach Towel

Standout beach style

The fun shape and color of this beach towel truly make it stand out.
Best Circular Design

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Though long, rectangular beach towels are the norm, round ones are also pretty popular. Boasting soft, thick material, this towel from the Laguna Beach Textile Company measures five feet in diameter. You can stretch out or wrap yourself up in this cozy material, which is soft and gentle on the skin. The colors of the towel are vibrant, and the edge is rounded out with a fringe hem — a subtle detail that adds to its appeal. This is truly a towel that will stand out.

Pros:

  • Super absorbent material
  • Folds easily and neatly

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than other towels

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I travel with my own beach towel?

If you’re headed to a hotel, beach towels may be included with the accommodation, so it’s not always necessary to bring your own. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. And anyway, if you buy a towel you really like, chances are you’ll prefer it to other towels anyway.

What’s a “sand-resistant” towel?

You may see some beach towels that are advertised as being “sand-resistant” or “sand-free.” These towels are made of cotton or soft microfiber, and as such,  sand doesn’t stick to the material. A few shakes and the sand is gone.

Why Trust Us

Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.