The Best Beach Towels For the Sand and Pool
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Whether you’re bound for the beach or prepping for a poolside hangout, you won’t want to be without a good towel. (Don’t forget your sunscreen and waterproof speakers, too.) Regardless of how you decide to soak up the sun or aqua, we’re picked out a handful of beach towels that work as well by the ocean as they do for stylish sunbathing at home.
What Are the Best Beach Towels?
Sure, you could grab a towel from your bathroom and call it a beach day, but the best beach towels are designed to be used on the sand and in the sun. Here are a few other differences to note between a beach towel and a bath towel.
Thickness: Bath towels tend to be thicker as they’re made to absorb more water, but they also take longer to dry. Beach towels are thinner and thus dry quicker as they’re often used as a blanket on the sand.
Size: Beach towels tend to be longer to give people more space to lie on the sand. Most measure 30 inches by 70 inches or longer, while bath towels are about a foot shorter.
Design: Most bath towels feature solid colors so that they’re versatile regardless of the season, while beach towels are offered in a variety of vibrant, summer-ready graphics and patterns.
Below, we’ve rounded the best beach towels to buy this summer — keep reading for an array of options ranging from retro to camping-ready.
1. Natural Terrazzo Beach Towel
This on-trend terrazzo towel by Society6 designer Alyissa J will have you relaxing stylishly under the sun. Measuring 37 inches by 74 inches, this oversized beach towel features a super-soft polyester microfiber front and a white cotton terry back. It’s absorbent enough for drying down by the pool or after the waves, and large enough to make a comfy spot on the sand.
Natural Terrazzo Beach Towel, $39.99 at Society6.com
2. Outerknown The Beach Towel
Inspired by surf sessions in Baja, this plush striped towel is a must-have for environmentally-conscious beach-goers. Measuring 39 inches by 70 inches, this cozy towel is made from 65% ECOTEC recycled cotton and 35% organic cotton, so you can cozy up by the sea (or pool) knowing that it’s safe for Mother Earth.
Outerknown The Beach Towel, $58 at Outerknown.com
3. Slowtide Hina Beach Towel
Made of super-soft cotton velour, this monochrome towel’s palm tree design will put anyone in a tropical vacation state of mind. This cozy beach towel measures 30 inches by 60 inches and has a handy hanging loop.
Slowtide Hina Beach Towel, $29.95 at Nordstrom.com
4. Body Glove Pink Beach Towel
This Eighties-inspired Body Glove towel is perfect for a throwback beach bash. It’s made of 100% cotton and measures 36 inches by 70 inches, making it the perfect size for setting down on the sand.
Body Glove Pink Beach Towel, $25 at Pacsun.com
5. Suncare is Self Care Beach Towel
Vitamin D is good — so long as you’re properly protected with plenty of SPF, too. Measuring 37 inches by 74 inches, this oversized beach towel by Texas-based graphic designer Rhianna Marie Chan will remind you that it’s okay to soak up some sun, thanks to the playful “Suncare is Self Care” mantra. The front is made of soft polyester-microfiber, while the back is made of white cotton terry.
Suncare is Self-Care Beach Towel, $39.99 at Society6.com
6. AmazonBasics Yellow Cabana Stripe Beach Towels
Create a seaside cabana wherever you are with these striped beach towels. This set includes two 30-inch by 60-inch towels that are made of OEKO-TEX-certified ring-spun cotton, so they’re eco-friendly, soft, and absorbent. If yellow isn’t your favorite shade, these fluffy towels are also available in seafoam green, navy, and sky blue.
AmazonBasics Cabana Stripe Beach Towel in Yellow (Two-Pack), $21.99
7. Funboy Disco Lips Fringed Beach Towel
This colorful towel by Funboy features a playful design and fringed trim that will add a Seventies-inspired vibe to any seaside party. It measures 35 inches by 72 inches, and the 100% looped terry cotton makes it super soft and comfortable for those breezy beachside hangs.
Funboy Disco Lips Fringed Beach Towel, $59 at Urbanoutfitters.com
8. 4Monster Microfiber Travel Towel
If you’re heading to far-flung beaches and looking to travel light, this microfiber towel can easily be stowed in your outdoors-ready carryall. This towel is made from a blend of 85% polyester and 15% polyamide, so it’s super-soft, absorbent, and dries pretty quickly. It’s also available in convenient sizes from XS to XXL, and the largest option (35 inches by 71 inches) is perfect for the beach.
We like that the fabric is anti-bacterial and odor-wicking fabric, and it’s available in a range of colors and made with plant-based dyes. Another bonus is that this travel towel comes with a compact EVA case that helps save space and can be attached to a belt loop or backpack, so it’s ideal for camping and the gym alike.
4Monster Microfiber Travel Towel, $8.99+ at Amazon.com
9. Aysesa Oversized Turkish Beach Towel with Pocket
Measuring 75 inches long by 40 inches wide and weighing only 10.5 ounces, this oversized and lightweight beach towel is made from Turkish cotton that’s thin yet still absorbent. It dries quick and stays sand-free, making it easy to pack up. We like that it has a zippered 6.5-inch by 8.5-inch pocket in one corner, so it’s great for keeping your wallet, keys, phone, and sunglasses in a safe spot.
Aysesa Oversized Turkish Beach Towel, $22.99 at Amazon.com
10. Sunnylife Pineapple Beach Towel
If you’re going for ‘grammable gold, look no further than this playful pineapple-shaped beach towel by Sunnylife. It’s made from 100% terry cotton velour and measures 65 inches long by 34 inches wide, so it’s super soft and comfy.