11 Best Beach Towels In 2025 For Every Summer Getaway
Soft, sand-free fabrics and fast-drying designs make your shoreside lounge a breeze.
The 11 Best Beach Towels for Every Type of Summer Escape
Whether you crave a blissful day of sun and surf, need something cozy for lakeside lounging, or want the perfect towel for poolside adventures, the right beach towel makes all the difference. With so many designs, fabrics, and features available, picking the best beach towel demands more than just a love of color or pattern. This expert guide explores the standout options—tested and evaluated for absorbency, quick drying, sand resistance, eco-friendliness, and ultimate comfort—to help you enjoy every summer outing to the fullest.
How We Chose the Best Beach Towels
Our selections for the best beach towels are based on in-depth testing and research, including feedback from home experts and real-world users. We considered:
- Material and Texture: Plushness, softness, weight, and whether the fabric is cotton, microfiber, or a blend
- Absorbency: The towel’s ability to soak up water quickly and dry off the body efficiently
- Drying Time: How fast the towel itself dries after use
- Sand Resistance: How easily sand can be shaken out
- Size and Portability: Covering a large surface for lounging without being too bulky to pack
- Durability: Quality of construction and longevity after repeated washes
- Style: Availability of prints, colors, and detailing suited for every taste
- Sustainability: Organic certifications and eco-friendly production
Quick Comparison Table: Best Beach Towels 2025
| Towel | Material | Size | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklinen Beach Towel | Plush Cotton, Velour/Terry | 34″ x 70″ | Ultra soft, highly absorbent, luxe feel | Ultimate comfort |
| Dock & Bay Quick Dry Beach Towel | Microfiber | 78″ x 35″ | Quick-drying, sand-resistant, lightweight | Travel & Sand-free |
| Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic | GOTS organic Turkish cotton | 34″ x 70″ | Lightweight, flat weave, eco-friendly | Sustainable choice |
| Better Homes & Gardens Striped | Cotton-Blend | Varies | Bold stripes, soft feel, budget-friendly | Family-friendly value |
The Best Beach Towels, Tested and Reviewed
1. Brooklinen Beach Towel – The Best Plush Beach Towel
Why We Love It: The Brooklinen Beach Towel is renowned for its ultra-plush, super-soft feel thanks to a dense cotton terry and velour weave. This heavyweight towel provides a truly luxurious towel experience, whether you’re drying off or lounging under the sun. The velour side feels indulgent against the skin, while the absorbent terry underside quickly draws away moisture. It’s ideal for beachgoers who prioritize coziness and style.
Pros:
- Luxurious, hotel-level plushness
- Highly absorbent 100% cotton
- Generously sized for full coverage
- Stylish, contemporary patterns
Cons:
- Thick weave tends to trap sand more than thinner towels
- Takes longer to dry out after use
Expert Tip: Shake off as much sand as possible before packing, and allow extra time for drying if you plan to reuse the same day.
2. Dock & Bay Quick Dry Beach Towel – Best Sand-Free, Quick-Dry Pick
Highlights: For adventurers who value efficiency and minimal mess, the Dock & Bay towel stands out with a microfiber blend that dries fast, resists absorbing sand, and rolls up small for easy carrying. Available in a variety of vibrant prints and sizes, it’s particularly popular among travelers and families because it fits in even the smallest beach bag.
- Ultra-quick drying
- Visible sand sits on the surface for easy shake-off
- Lightweight—ideal for packing or spontaneous trips
- Dozens of fun colors and stripes
Watch Out For: Microfiber isn’t as plush as cotton terry towels, so if you love a soft, traditional feel, consider pairing it with a cotton towel or using it as a backup.
3. Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towels – Best Sustainable Option
Eco-Friendly Comfort: The Coyuchi Mediterranean towel is made of GOTS-certified organic Turkish cotton in a stylish flat weave. Perfect for environmentally minded shoppers, this towel is lightweight, durable, and easy to shake clean. The yarn-dyed patterns and chic tassels add a sophisticated touch while the flat weave dries rapidly and handles sand well.
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Why Choose This Towel?
- Organic and chemical-free production
- Lightweight and folds compactly for travel
- Maintains colors beautifully over time
- Less likely to hold sand
Cons:
- Not as absorbent as thick terry towels
- Flatter weave is better for lounging than heavy-duty drying
4. Better Homes & Gardens Striped Cotton-Blend Beach Towel – Best Budget-Friendly Classic
Great Value: The Better Homes & Gardens Coastal Tropez Striped Blue & Gray Cotton-Blend Beach Towel combines softness, classic striping, and affordability. Reviewers mention its comfort and the ease of cleaning, making it perfect for family outings or as a backup towel in your beach bag.
- Soft hand-feel at an accessible price
- Vibrant colors and bold stripe patterns
- Durable cotton-blend construction
Families with young children or those needing several towels can stock up without breaking the bank.
Other Noteworthy Beach Towel Picks
- Oversized Beach Towels: Great for sprawling out or wrapping up after a swim. Look for towels at least 70″ in length and over 35″ wide for best results.
- Round Beach Towels: Ideal for picnics or sharing. Many feature striking prints and soft fringed edges.
- Personalized Towels: Embroider your name or initials for easy identification—especially handy for group trips or kids’ beach gear.
- Microfiber Towels: Preferred by travelers and hikers for their fast-drying and compact design.
- Turkish Towels (Peshtemal): Lightweight, multi-use, and traditionally woven for superior quick-dry power.
What to Look for When Buying a Beach Towel
To find a towel that matches your needs, consider these critical features:
- Material: Cotton (especially terry) is plush and absorbent; microfiber is sand-resistant and quick-drying; Turkish cotton and bamboo blends are luxurious and eco-friendly.
- Absorbency: Thicker towels tend to absorb more, but may dry slower. Flat weaves and microfiber dry faster but may be less cozy.
- Sand Resistance: Microfiber and flat-woven towels allow sand to shake off more easily.
- Durability: Double-stitched edges, colorfast dyes, and dense weaving mean your towel will survive years of use.
- Size: Standard beach towels start around 30″ x 60″; oversized and round towels offer extra space for comfort.
- Weight: Lightweight towels are easier to pack and carry but may not feel as plush as heavier styles.
Care and Laundering Tips
- Always check the care label: Most beach towels can be machine washed on cold. Drying on low prevents shrinking and fading.
- Shake out sand: Always shake the towel outside before washing to avoid sand accumulating in your machine.
- Ditch the fabric softener: This can coat the fibers and reduce absorbency.
- Avoid bleach: Unless specified as safe, bleach can damage fibers and fade colors.
- Air dry when possible: Especially for flat-woven and organic towels, this prolongs their lifespan and keeps them soft.
Beach Towel FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a beach towel and a bath towel?
A: Beach towels are typically larger and thinner than bath towels to cover more surface area for lounging and to dry faster in the sun. They also tend to feature brighter colors and patterns to stand out at the beach.
Q: How do I keep my beach towel sand-free?
A: Shake out your towel thoroughly before leaving the beach. Microfiber and flat weave towels make this especially easy, as sand doesn’t embed in their fibers as readily.
Q: Can I use my beach towel as a picnic blanket?
A: Absolutely. Oversized or round beach towels double as great picnic blankets, tablecloths, or wraps thanks to their durability and style.
Q: Are microfiber towels safe for skin?
A: Yes—quality microfiber towels are skin-safe and gentle, though some may prefer the plushness of cotton for sensitive skin.
Q: How often should I wash my beach towel?
A: After every use—especially after swimming in saltwater or pools, as sand, sunscreen, and chlorine residues can quickly build up.
Conclusion: Your Next Favorite Beach Towel Awaits
Quality, softness, sand resistance, and standout style—today’s best beach towels combine all these features to ensure you enjoy every summer adventure. Whether you’re after luxury plushness, eco-friendly materials, quick-drying technology, or bright, beachy stripes for the whole family, one of these top picks will keep you dry and comfortable all season long.
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