The 18 Best Beach Towels in 2023
A good beach towel is like a Swiss Army knife that’s especially useful on the strand. Imagine going to a beach without one.
Among other essentials that you bring with you when at the seaside, the beach towel occupies the most space in your beach bag but will keep you warm, dry you off, keep sand out of your hair and out of your phone.
While not so exciting, there’s no denying how useful a beach towel is. That’s why you might as well get the best one.
This guide to the best beach towel has space-saving, microfiber towels as well as fluffy cotton ones too. We’ve curated different ones for your unique need. If you need a few, for example, check out the better budget models that we’ve found and vetted.
We made sure as much as possible that these products will last. Read our guide at the end to see what considerations we made for choosing these towels.
The Top 8 Beach Towels in 2023
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1
Most Comfortable: Cotton Craft Oversized -
2
Most Compact: Rainleaf Microfiber -
3
The Greener Choice: Dock & Bay Lightweight -
4
Best Value: WildHorn Outfitters -
5
Great for Kids: Franco Kids Supersoft -
6
Best Low-Profile Towel: PackTowl Luxe -
7
Decent Budget Option: AmazonBasics Cabana -
8
Ideal for Yoga: Elite Trend Microfiber
All the Beach Towels We've tested
Sometimes a nice, cotton towel is what you want. If that’s the case, this large, thick towel is an option. It takes up more space in transit, but that’s a downside some might take. If not there are plenty of alternative microfiber towels from which to choose. The large dimensions of this towel mean that it can be used for two people, for you and your dog, as a picnic blanket or as a beach chair cover. Made from 100% pure cotton mixed with a Jacquard weave, the Cotton Craft beach towel will last you at least a few consecutive seasons. You will fall in love with the soft velour that feels like a cloud on your skin and with the towel’s ability to quickly absorb the water. The lavish look of the towel is achieved through the yarn-dye technique used to create it. This resulted in a high-quality accessory that won’t fade away after a few washes. Choose the pattern you like and get yourself an outdoor companion that will easily fit in your backpack.
Specs & Features
- Material: 100% pure cotton
- Dimensions: 58 x 68 inches
- Weight: 41 ounces
- Details: colorful, long-lasting, water-absorbing
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Due to the beach towel’s dimensions, it can be used in a wide variety of scenarios including swimming pool, picnic, camping and hiking
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The yarn-dye technique ensures your beach towel lasts you a long time
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The towel is big enough to not let the sand get to you
Things we don't like:
Not a lightweight beach accessory
The outdoor microfiber towel designed by Rainleaf is a gem from every standpoint. It is built from high-quality materials that keep your towel looking and smelling fresh after an entire day out. It is further equipped with fast-drying and absorbency features that make it a great travel companion. You can bring it with you not only to the beach but also to your local gym, a kayaking trip or a trail hiking session – it will serve well in every scenario. There’s a snap loop for you to hang it whenever you need it to dry or before a pilates class. It comes in handy to pack your beach towel in a carry-on bag that comes with it and throw it in your car on your way to the beach. The towel can be compactly fitted in this pouch that doesn’t allow bacteria to breed and stimulates the fast drying process.
Specs & Features
- Material: Microfiber (85% Polyester, 15% Polyamide)
- Dimensions: 12 x 24/16 x 32/24 x 48/30 x 60/40 x 72/20 x 40 inches
- Weight: 2.08 ounces (12 x 24 inches)
- Details: ultra-compact, versatile, affordable
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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It absorbs five times more water than it weighs
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Dries quickly even inside the carry-on bag that comes with it
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Won’t break the bank
Things we don't like:
Not the most durable beach towel in this guide
Dock & Bay’s Beach Towel is a colorful beach essential that will bring a smile to your face not only from its good looks but also from the fact it’s responsibly made from recycled plastic materials. As part of Dock & Bay’s sustainability pledge, they have committed to all of their towels being composed 100% from recycled post-consumer waste. That means each towel has kept at least 20 plastic bottles out of landfills.
This towel is large enough for spreading out on the beach. But as with most microfiber towels, it is pretty thin and not super absorbent. For a microfiber towel, it performs as expected and is well made. Even after repetitive washes, it doesn’t bleed or fray. The Dock and Bay Lightweight will dry faster than a thick cotton towel so reduces the risk of that musty smell you know all too well if you don’t get your cotton towels heat dried.
The Dock & Bay Beach Towel comes in 2 large sizes, but it packs down tiny. It fits in the small pouch included with your purchase and is easy to pack. If you love the idea of having a sustainable, easy-to-pack towel, dive in to our full review!
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: Large - 63” x 35” X-Large - 78” x 35”
- Materials: 100% Recycled materials - 83% Polyester, 17% Polyamide
- Includes: Pouch
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Many vibrant colors and designs available
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Sustainably made
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Long-lasting
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True to size and large enough for beach use
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Packs compactly into matching pouch
Things we don't like:
Not fluffy
Can easily be blown away by the wind when used as a beach blanket
Thin
Not the most absorbent beach towel
Takes a long time to dry without heat exposure
Where to buy:
If you are in search of an accessory that would minimize your hassle of getting ready for a weekend at the beach, add a microfiber towel like the one from WildHorn Outfitters to your beach essentials. Made from breathable and lightweight microfiber, it is light as a feather and 3 times more absorbent than your regular cotton. The porous fabric of the towel makes it dry quickly enough for you to not be carrying around a heavy wet towel. You can hang it to dry as it features a snap loop that can be suspended to any hook-like surface. The microfiber is soft and gentle, which means that your skin will be pampered when you lie on it. Being an oversized beach towel, it is surprisingly easy to fold and pack in a small pouch that comes with it. This allows you to bring it with you wherever you go.
Specs & Features
- Material: Microfiber
- Dimensions: 78 x 35 inches
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
- Details: super-absorbent, lightweight, quickly-drying
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Microfiber fabric means that your towel absorbs enough water and doesn’t become heavy no matter what
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There are 11 design options to choose from
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Equally suitable for beach, camping, gym and other outdoor activities
Things we don't like:
Due to the towel’s low weight, it can blow around when the wind becomes strong
Youngsters who are avid fans of cartoons, Marvel movies and videogames will appreciate one or the other cotton beach towel created by Franco. From Baby Shark to Hot Wheels and Wonder Woman, the manufacturer has got your kid (literally) covered with a piece of cloth that he/she won’t be voluntarily willing to give away – we warned you. Crafted from quick-drying cotton that feels soft against the skin, the kids’ beach towel will keep the sand away from your child when lying down on the beach. The fabric is durable and sturdy even after everyday washes, which is good news for busy parents. The versatility of the towel allows your kid to use it both indoors and outdoors for a wide variety of activities that will keep him/her entertained and dry. And, as we can all agree, when your child is happy, you are happy too.
Specs & Features
- Material: Cotton
- Dimensions: 28 x 58 inches
- Weight: 12.6 ounces
- Details: machine washable, absorbent, super soft
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
The towel is soft and cozy, meaning that your kid won’t be complaining about being uncomfortable
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The towel is easy to take care of – throw it in a washer and a dryer without worrying about the print fading away
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It can be easily folded when traveling
Things we don't like:
The towel is thin
Where to buy:
The PackTowl Luxe Towel is a highly absorbent and quick-dry towel that you can take to the beach and out camping or glamping. It is as soft as your regular cotton towel, so you can use it to wipe yourself dry without feeling any discomfort.
This beach towel has excellent absorbency. Despite being able to collect as much water as it does, it also wrings out easily and dries generally twice as fast as cotton towels. More importantly, it doesn’t develop foul odors. You won’t have problems if you need to use it a few times outdoors, especially if you have no means to wash it right away.
With tight stitching, this towel is more durable than most beach towels. It also doesn’t bleed color after the first wash. It is likely to remain vibrant for a long time, depending on how often you use and wash it. All that sounds fair, especially considering the relatively high price point.
One of the minor issues with the PackTowl Luxe Towel is its weight. It is somewhat heavy for a beach towel, and it doesn’t pack that small. That’s because of the quality of its stitching–the thickness of it, which makes it more absorbent and durable.
Let’s dive in to know more about these pros and cons!
Specs & Features
- Product Weight: 1 lb
- Size: 36” x 59”
- Materials: 80% Polyester, 20% Nylon
- Available Colors: Aquamarine, Deep Sea, Fern, New Leaf, Vivid Coral, Zesty Lichen
- Inclusions: Hanging Loop, Storage Pouch
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Fluffy, soft, and feels like a cotton towel
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Comfortable to use, unlike other microfiber towels
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Solid stitching
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Highly absorbent
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Wrings out easily
Things we don't like:
Can collect sand or grass
Poor construction of the hanging loop and storage pouch
A bit bulky
What is better than a 100% pure spun cotton beach towel in cabana stripe print? Right, two of them. The outdoor supplies section on Amazon takes pride in this accessory created for poolside lounging and beach sunbathing alike. No wonder – it offers exceptional softness and absorbency that makes it a great choice for a tropical vacation or a weekend getaway to the river house. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 factory ensures their towels are held to the high standards while also adopting eco-conscious production techniques. Although the towel is considered to be large, it might not be long enough to reach from head to toe, This, however, doesn’t prevent it from covering your entire body when wrapping it around after a long swim. Whether you go for a navy, seafoam, yellow or a sky blue stripe print, you are getting a high-quality beach towel that will last you a long time.
Specs & Features
- Material: 100% ring-spun cotton
- Dimensions: 30 x 60 inches
- Weight: 20.32 ounces
- Details: hemmed-edge, absorbent, eco-friendly
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The environmental standards are completely met at the factory where the towels are produced
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The design is classic and timeless, which means that most people will find it appealing
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Comes in a pack of 2 – you get a great deal
Things we don't like:
Not the most durable beach towel on the market
Where to buy:
Beach towels don’t have to be boring. It is easy to make a fashion statement out of them if you pick one that suits your personality and style.
Some beach towels only come in traditional cabana styles, but not the Elite Trend Beach Towel. It is available in more than 30 two-sided prints, giving you many colorful options. The choices vary, ranging from vibrant, tropical colors to unique, animal-inspired designs.
Is this towel worth the hype? Let’s dive in to find out!
Specs & Features
- Available Sizes: Large (63” x 31”), Extra Large (78” x 35”), Family (72” x 72”)
- Available Prints: Artsy, Aztec, Bella, Black Angel, Black Beauty, Blue Angel, Blue Beauty, Blue Flower, Blue Green, Blue Red, Blue Sea, Blue Wonder, Bohemian, Cabana Blue, Cabana Green, Cabana Navy, Cabana Pink, Cabana Yellow, Fishes, Flamingo, Havana, Hawaii, Hibiscus, Kimono Gold, Koi Fish, Lafashion, Love You, Maldives, Manda, Mandala, Mandala Blue, Mandala Coral, Maya, Mosaic, Ocean, Palms, Pink White, Sakura, Sea Animal, Sea Turtle, Tiedye, Tropicana, Waves, Wow Ocean, Z-Zero
- Inclusions: Carry Bag
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Lightweight
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Dries fast
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Unlikely to smell bad
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May be used as a wrap
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Sand shakes off easily (if not wet)
Things we don't like:
Feels cheap
Not super-absorbent
Not wind-resistant (if used as a beach blanket)
Too thin to use comfortably as a beach blanket
Colors can fade over time
Where to buy:
This product is for strand walkers who like to wear their towel to the beach. If you tried Turkish hammam before, you know how luxurious this treatment feels. Turks created an unforgettable experience that is beneficial for your health and is accompanied by the finest accessories including a hammam towel. The Viventive Turkish Peshtemal towel is exactly that – a beach accessory that is made from the softest Turkish cotton that never sheds nor creates a mess. It is lighter and thinner than a terry cloth and more reliable and long-lasting than a microfiber beach towel. This authentic cloth is gentle on your skin while also being water-absorbing and quick-drying. It doesn’t fade – rather, it becomes slushier and more absorbent after every wash. The Turkish beach towel takes almost no space in your bag and can be easily folded in a small pocket. Take it with you to the sauna, swimming pool or beach – regardless of the location, the towel will exceed your expectations.
Specs & Features
- Material: 100% Turkish cotton
- Dimensions: 37 x 70 inches
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Details: luxurious, soft, affordable
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The material is eco-friendly, while the fabrication conditions are fair, meaning that you invest in a conscious and environmentally-friendly piece of cloth
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Due to the nature of the fabric, the towel is lightweight and foldable
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Unlike other beach towels, this number gets softer after every wash
Things we don't like:
The edges might get frayed from consistent use
With over 30 patterns available for purchase, the Genovega thick round beach towel hits all the right chords. It is made from the water-absorbing microfiber that ensures your dryness while also drying quickly enough on itself. The risk of sand sticking to your limbs is also minimized due to the towel’s material. Don’t let its thickness and weight fool you into thinking that it will be uncomfortable to carry it around. Instead, this beach accessory can be folded into a small rectangle that fits any beach bag. Moreover, it has got a handing string that allows you to hang it to air dry when it gets wet. This model has got two printed sides that are responsible for different things – one is designed to absorb the water, while the other is designed to create a barrier between you and the sand. Both work well together to boost your day out at the beach swimming or lounging at the swimming pool.
Specs & Features
- Material: Microfiber (80% Polyester, 20% Polyamide)
- Dimensions: 32 x 70 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Details: sand-resistant, fast dry, travel-friendly
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The luxurious thick microfiber ensures you are dry at all times
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This beach towel is a multi-purpose tool – it can be used at the beach, in the gym, on a hike or during camping alike
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There are tons of prints to choose from
Things we don't like:
Thicker than other beach towels
Where to buy:
If you are a practical parent who understands how quickly kids outgrow stuff, you’ll likely have a preference for budget-friendly clothes and gear over high-end ones. The 100% cotton Ben Kaufman 6-Pack Yarn Dye Stripes Oversized Towel is designed just for you.
This beach towel set is affordable and good enough to serve a family of six or a group of kids for a few seasons. It is the kind that can last for a number of uses but will not disappoint you too much once you have maximized its lifespan.
Specs & Features
- Dimensions: 30” x 60”
- Materials: 100% cotton
- Weight: 5.89 lbs (0.94 lbs/towel)
- Colors in Set: Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Royal Bue, Turquoise
- Details: Water-absorbent, thick, protective
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Colorful designs
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Decent size, especially for kids
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Lightweight
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Dries quickly
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These thick beach towels equip you with the reliable barrier between you and the sand
Things we don't like:
Colors can fade over time
They're not plush
Snags and sheds easily
Can do a better job absorbing water
This striped beach towel by Travel Works performs extremely well in every imaginable circumstance from the beach to the swimming pool and to an outdoor picnic. It is super absorbent while being lightweight and quick to dry when you get it wet. Made from a mix of Polyester and Polyamide that create a concoction known as microfiber, the beach towel is densely woven to avoid getting dirty and sandy. You can simply shake it all off before packing it back in your backpack and going about with your day. Traveling is also possible with this towel – it fits snug in the drawstring pouch that comes with it. Take it with you when traveling to the mountains, jungle or a desert and you won’t be disappointed with its performance. In case you happen to be frustrated with it – the manufacturer offers a 12-month warranty to keep its customers satisfied.
Specs & Features
- Material: Microfiber (80% Polyester, 20% Polyamide)
- Dimensions: 33 x 60/35 x 70 inches
- Weight: 11.8 ounces
- Details: lightweight, absorbent, travel-ready
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The microfiber makes the towel soft to the touch and lightweight
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It’s easy to shake off the sand/dirt that might stick to the bottom of the beach towel
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Comes with a drawstring pouch that makes it convenient to travel with
Things we don't like:
The price tag is high
Where to buy:
Who doesn’t love a good deal? We sure do. And so will you once you explore the many features these beach towels have. Utopia Towels hit the sweet spot in the beach accessories region with their 100% ring-spun cotton towels that are hypoallergenic and aesthetically good-looking. The bright stripes these beach towels are covered with stand out in the crowd, which helps to not lose your beloved cloth among thousands of others at crowded beaches. Every family member can get their own funky-colored towel and reap its absorbent benefits throughout the entire stay at the tropical resort. They don’t weigh much and have dimensions of a typical beach towel that allows you to comfortably sunbathe without worrying about the sand sticking to your body. These towels get softer with every wash, which means that you will be able to enjoy their initial softness for many years to come.
Specs & Features
- Material: woven 100% ring-spun cotton
- Dimensions: 30 x 60 inches
- Weight: 79.2 ounces
- Details: colorful, sand-resistant, absorbent
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The towels are made from natural materials with zero chemicals involved so that you and your family are safe using them
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The set is composed of 4 beach towels that can accommodate multiple people
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The towels are affordable
Things we don't like:
Cannot be washed with softeners/bleach or ironed as it damages the towels’ quality
It’s hard to get kids out of the water when they are having a lot of fun, let alone get them to use a towel when they are finally out. For these scenarios, hooded towel ponchos like the ones from Yifontin Kids are the best solution to the issue. This number is made from ecological cotton and is free of harmful chemicals, which makes it safe for kids. The front of the beach poncho features velour while the back has terry cloth, both of which feel soft to the touch and are extremely water-absorbent. Let your kid pick the print ranging from dinosaurs to princesses and we assure you that he/she will not want to take it off. Use it for beach fun or for swimming pool shenanigans – the performance of the towel will be the same.
Specs & Features
- Material: Velour & Terry
- Dimensions: 24 x 48 inches
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Details: lightweight, vibrant, absorbent
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
The Velour side of the towel keeps your kid cozy while its Terry side absorbs the water and leaves his/her body dry
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The beach poncho stays soft after countless machine washes
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It is affordable
Things we don't like:
The poncho is thin
Where to buy:
Assuming that you are not looking for a conventional beach towel that everybody has, you might want to check the Popular Handicrafts round mandala beach towel that is a black swan. Call it a hipster/boho/gypsy type of a beach accessory, the essence remains the same – this beach towel is designed to act as a blanket that allows you to sunbathe for hours at a time. It won’t absorb much water, but it will certainly keep you protected from the sand tickling your feet. The round shape and 70 inches of the cotton fabric provide you with enough surface to play with when organizing an outdoor picnic or covering yourself with it at the beach. There are no tassels on the towel that could get in the way of properly washing it, which means that you can easily throw it in the washing machine when it gets dirty and expect it to be clean right after. The ombre mandala print is an original design that merely a few resting at the beach will have, so you are in luck.
Specs & Features
- Material: 100% cotton
- Dimensions: 70 inches
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Details: mandala-inspired, lightweight, versatile
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The towel is handmade, meaning that you get a good-quality piece of cloth that will last you a long time
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Mandala print is eye-catching and doesn’t look like your typical beach towel
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It is easy to wash either by hand or in the washing machine
Things we don't like:
Round beach towels are not everyone’s cup of tea
Doesn’t absorb much water
You have landed on the right lot if lush cotton towels made in the Turkish manner are what you are looking for. Imported from Turkey – a place famed for its high-quality fabrics – the Turkuoise beach towels are an exceptional beach accessory to own. The divine cotton is not only absorbent but also doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that could potentially be dangerous for your health. Instead, these large towels are VAT dyed, which means that they have been exposed to a 6-12 hours process of yarn-dying. This helps pigments to be completely infused in the towels and thus eliminate the risk of the fabric fading from continuous use. The pack of 4 comes in handy when you are ordering beach towels for the whole family – the value you get for the money is high. The manufacturer took it one step further and decided to incorporate a 30-day money-back guarantee for all of you skeptics who tend to hesitate before making an online purchase.
Specs & Features
- Material: 100% Turkish cotton
- Dimensions: 30 x 60 inches
- Weight: 77.28 ounces
- Details: lightweight, high-quality, absorbent
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
You simply cannot go wrong with a set of 4 towels made from the best Turkish yarn
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The striped pattern is the optimal variant that will satisfy everyone
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The pack of 4 means that you and your family are covered for good
Things we don't like:
No carry-on pouch for transporting the towels
Where to buy:
Microfiber towels are known to hold a lot of water that exceeds their weight and dry faster than your typical cotton towels. Bagail Basics microfiber towels are not an exception – they are made from eco-friendly material that is hypoallergenic and beach-friendly. This item feels like silk without having it in its ingredients in addition to weighing less than any other beach towel on the market. If you are someone with long hair – this towel will help you dry your wet hair in a matter of seconds, which is always a win-win. The sand won’t stick to your towel either – unlike traditional towels, this article doesn’t allow the sand to stay on the towel for long. Each towel comes with an EVA zippered pouch that separates your damp towel from everything else in your backpack. The case is created to be ventilated, which prevents the bad odor from developing over time. Pack your Bagail microfiber beach towel for a long-awaited adventure and you are good to go.
Specs & Features
- Material: Microfiber
- Dimensions: 12 x 24/16 x 32/20 x 40/24 x 48/28 x 56/32 x 64/36 x 72/40 x 80 inches
- Weight: 18.08 ounces (40 x 80 inches)
- Details: super-absorbent, silky smooth, travel-friendly
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The snap loop makes it easy to hang the towel air dry almost anywhere
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The microfiber fabric means that it absorbs a lot of water yet packs down in a small pouch
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The zippered pocket in the corner of the pouch allows you to easily store your cellphone and keys
Things we don't like:
No warranty from the manufacturer
Where to buy:
This beach mat by Mumu Sugar is a dream come true for beach lovers and picnic enthusiasts. It is wide enough to accommodate several adults and kids yet compact enough to be collected in a small carry-on bag. In contrast with other beach mats in this guide, this model is completely waterproof and sand-resistant, which allows your kids to splash water and sand as much as they want. There are 4 anchors with the help of which you can stabilize the mat when the wind gets out of control. Alternatively, if the rain starts, you can use it as a coverup for you to not get wet. The mat is constructed from breathable and quick-drying Nylon that ensures the long-lastingness of the accessory. Since sand and dirt can be easily brushed off the beach mat, it is bound to last you long years. Use carabiners to attach it to your backpack when traveling or throw the mat tucked into the pouch in your suitcase when going to the beach and you are protected from every weather condition.
Specs & Features
- Material: Rip-stop Nylon
- Dimensions: 82 x 79 inches
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Details: waterproof, wind-resistant, lightweight
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The beach mat is compact and can be quickly folded and packed in the pouch that comes with it
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The mat is not only lightweight but also securable to the ground with the anchors
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Can be used as a beach mat, a rain cover, a picnic blanket and a travel blanket
Things we don't like:
Not soft like a beach towel
Doesn’t absorb water
Questions & Answers:
1. What should you consider before buying a beach towel?
Certainly, a beach towel is not a laptop that requires a lot of meticulous research, but knowing what differentiates one from another does make it easier to choose the best fit. Factors like size, material, thickness, absorbency and style come into play when you are out at the beach relying on your only piece of fabric to keep you dry and happy.
On average, a 30 x 60 inches beach towel is the most sought after option. A towel with these dimensions allows you to fully extend your legs one minute and not be completely covered in sand the next minute. If your height is above average, then a longer and wider beach towel is a better idea. For small kids, a round beach towel is proven to be the optimal variant considering the constant moving and fooling around.
Both microfiber and cotton are great materials that absorb water well enough to not leave you freezing. While pure cotton is regarded as a luxurious fabric that is used by most hotels and spas, microfiber is known to beat other materials in its absorbency skills. Although one is not better than the other, a mix of cotton and microfiber naturally is the best of both worlds and is thus the preferred choice.
As for the thickness, a typical beach towel contains between 350 and 450 grams per square meter of threads. The favorable number that ensures you have a good protective layer under you when sunbathing or simply relaxing at the beach or pool. This being said, for rocky surfaces beach towels must be thicker than the ones utilized for sandy beaches.
Perhaps the most important factor is the beach towel’s ability to absorb water. Those with high thread count and quick-drying characteristics are the finest options. No one likes to sit on a damp towel – at the very least, it doesn’t feel good. To avoid that, as you should with a changing robe, pick a beach towel that would be thick enough to absorb water yet thin enough to dry quickly.
Lastly, the style of the beach towel is not something to dismiss either. It might seem like a towel’s design shouldn’t influence your purchase but in reality, it plays just as essential of a role as the towel’s size and thickness. Keep in mind that beach towels of light color and patterns will start showing dirt and stains quicker than the darker-colored ones. However, the dark towels will heat up faster and fade more noticeably. So, align your priorities accordingly and choose wisely.
2. Should you wash beach towels before use?
Just like with any piece of clothing, it is crucial to wash your new beach towel before you start using it. By washing it, you open up the fibers that tell you the truth about the towel’s quality and reliability. Often times towels are coated with fabric softeners that make them soft and nice-looking – this accounts for most of the customers’ purchases. This technique prevents the towels from soaking up water, which is why they look the way they do. To remove this buildup and look at the real picture, you have to wash your newly bought beach towel in the washing machine without adding softeners. This act ensures your beach towel retains the most amount of water while also having the ability to dry quickly.
3. What is the difference between a bath towel and a beach towel?
Although the difference between a bath towel and a beach towel is not big, it still exists. A regular towel tends to be thicker and shorter than a beach towel, which can be explained by a few factors. First off, the aim of a beach towel is to provide you with a barrier between the sand and your body, which is why it must be long. A regular towel, contrarily, doesn’t have that purpose.
Second off, a beach towel doesn’t need to be thick to absorb water – it can do its job while remaining thin. Regular towels, on the other hand, have to soak up as much water as possible and remain wet for longer. Apart from this, beach towels are usually designed to have colorful and unique patterns as opposed to the regular bath towels that possess a simple design.
4. Are beach towels waterproof?
Beach towels are not built to be waterproof – rather, they are designed to absorb water and dry you once you are out of the water. Their two basic functions are to keep the sand away from your body and keep you dry and warm. This can be accomplished only if a towel is of a specific thickness and material that allows you to dry yourself and remain dry until the next use.
Although beach towels are not made to be waterproof, some of them might have one side that is somewhat water-resistant or sand-resistant. This side is better to be laid on the ground while the other takes care of keeping you dry.
5. How often should you wash a beach towel?
Similarly to bath and kitchen cloth appliances that constantly get wet, beach towels can accumulate a lot of bacteria that can go away only by frequent washes. For this reason, you must wash your beach towel after every use and do so while following the washing instructions on its label. A general rule states that you have to wash it in the hot water, use a good-quality detergent with no softener, and let it dry in the tumble.
In case, for some reason, you are not able to wash your beach towel, you should let it air dry in a well-ventilated area with enough space for moisture to break free. Once your towel is dry, make sure to strenuously shake it and thus get rid of the sand that could have remained on the towel. If airdrying is not an option, throw your beach towel in a dryer and it will do the job just fine for you.
If you already have a Beach Towel or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
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