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Make the most of your next vacation with a soft , absorbent beach towel .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
If your summertime plans let in beach twenty-four hours , lounging by the pool , or a tropic vacation , a beach towel is an essential item to jam . While they all offer comfort and flair , the best are also absorptive and durable .
To see the adept beach towels , we pass two weeks testing 35 unlike elan at the pool and beach , as well as in our Des Moines , Iowa testing lab . We chose towels that will hold up to flaxen beaches as well as keep you easy for relaxing afternoonunder a beach umbrella .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
For further perceptivity , we also consultedDiana A Wyman , executive vice chairperson of American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists ( AATCC ) , andDeborah Young , a textile expert .
What We Tested
We evaluated 57 towels for theirquality , absorbency , grain , anddurability . For more info on how we tested beach towels , check outour testing processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Brooklinen Beach Towel
Quick Take
The plush towel is absorbent and it was easy to shake off sand off of it .
The colour bled on the first wash .
Everything You Need to Know
The Brooklinen Beach Towel is the best beach towel overall for its absorbency , large size of it , and softness . While examination , we found the towel has a soft and restful look that makes it ideal for tarry on the beach .
The towel feels plush but still long-wearing , and it had no wanton threads or changes in quality after we washed it . The texture in reality became even soft . However , the dye on the towel bled slightly after the first wash . Although the colors remained vivacious , we suggestwashing the towelwith like people of colour to forbid the dyestuff from distribute .
The towel is made of 100 % cotton and feels high-pitched quality and luxurious . We appreciated that the thickness add padding for lie down on the sand . Despite the thick weave , the towel was absorbent and dried us off quickly after a dip in the puddle . During testing , it easily expel George Sand with just a few shakes .
Credit: Brooklinen
At 70 inches in distance , the towel was large enough for us to wrap around ourselves and lie on well . The towel comes in four colour options with several retro patterns and can be buy individually , as well as in a circle of two or three .
How It Performed After Six Months
Besides some slight warp on the edge , this towel remained in good condition throughout testing . Despite using it 4 - 5 times a week , the color never fleet and there were no loose threads . Even though it ’s quite absorptive , it seemed to take longer to dry than some other beach towels we had used . We ended up purchase another one to add to our accumulation .
Product Details
Product Details : Size:34 x 70 inch |Material : Cotton |Colors : Four |Certifications : Not listed
Product Images
Key Terms to Know
Best Luxury
Anthropologie Out to Sea Beach Towel
It repel sand and absorbs water almost instantly .
It ’s only offered in one design .
The Anthropologie Out to Sea Beach Towel is one of the highest - rated beach towel on our list and deserving investing in . While the texture and coming into court of the beach towel are similar to some others , it is peerless in terms of absorbency . During testing , it absorb wet almost straightaway and did n’t leave any water behind .
The Brooklinen Beach Towel feels luxurious, with cushioned thickness for lying on the sand.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
George Sand well fell off the towel when we shake it , so it is one of the right or people who like to lie on the sand . It ’s deserving mention that the towel is only offered in one design and is 68 inch long , which is a few inches shorter than some other style .
The beach towel is thick and feels luxurious with a different grain on the top and bottom of the fabric . The quality and strength of the towel are evident as the towel did n’t have any loose togs after washing and dry .
Product Details : Size:35 x 68 inches |Material : Cotton |Colors : One |Certifications : Oeko - Tex
Best for Travel
Dock & Bay Cabana Quick Dry Towel
It ’s lightweight and thin , making it easy to pack in a bag .
It ’s shorter than some other towels .
The Dock & Bay Cabana Quick Dry Towel is the best option to locomote with . Thanks to the thin fabric , the towel can easily fold up to squeeze into a beach bag or suitcase for a tropical vacation . Because of how compact it is , it ’s also light tostore in a bathroomorlinen cupboard .
Although the textile is thin , the beach towel has a flabby texture and a well-fixed feel . The fabric is absorbent , and it dry out our hand quickly during testing . We also noticed that the material does n’t cling to sandpaper , so you may easily didder off your beach towel and go without the dogfight of deport George Sand around .
The beach towel is available in 32 bright color option and normal that will add flair to your beach sidereal day setup . The towel is a dependable size for dry out off and even lounging , but it ’s a moment brusk than some other flair . If you need a retentive towel , it derive in an redundant - great alternative for a more or less higher price .
Product Details : Size:35 x 63 inches|Material : Microfiber |Colors:32 |Certifications : Not listed
Best Oversized
Ocoopa Diveblues Microfiber Beach Towel
It ’s absorbent and dry fairly speedily .
It felt thin than some other choice .
At 80 in in length , the Ocoopa Sand Free Beach Towel offer enough space to lay down and lounge . The beach towel is comparable to the size of a blanket , so it can comfortably fit two people lay on it . We also line up that it ’s Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin - resistant , make it a great option for the beach .
The towel folds up easily into its carrying character for convenient travelling . The material is slender and absorbent , and themicrofiber materialdries quickly in the Sunday . While the oversize pick is ideal for lounging , it is almost too large for dry out off after a cutpurse in the consortium or ocean , so you may still ask another towel to practice as well .
The beach towel is offered in 31 different colouration , patterns , and print . The microfiber material is soft and liquid to the touch . It is also very durable , and there were no changes to the quality , colour , or texture after we washed and dried the towel . The vibrant color did not bleed or pass off at all after laundering .
We used this towel for both lounging and drying off . Although we noticed some fading over time , the caliber remained the same overall . We were particularly impressed with how quickly it dried and noted that you never have to vex about packing up wet towels to provide the beach . We also liked the large size which allowed two adult to lie on it at once .
mathematical product item : Size:57 x 80 inches |Material : Microfiber |Colors:31 |Certifications : Not list
Best Comfortable
Laguna Beach Textile Co. Cabana Towel
The fabric is thick and provides cushioned comfortableness for the beach .
The towel feel lumbering than other alternative , which could take up more elbow room in your beach purse .
The Laguna Beach Textile Co. Cabana Towel is crafted with soft cotton plant that feel high - quality and luxurious , making it ideal for footle by the beach or pool . The fabric is compact and cushioned , offer a well-fixed surface to sit down and relax on the beach .
Credit: Anthropologie
The plush fabric is very soft and absorptive . It quickly soaked up weewee during testing , drying our hand instantly and easily absorbing a loving cup of water . The only downside to this towel is its burdensomeness . The fabric is very thick , so it may take up more space and be more difficult to journey with .
The material did not have any loose threads or snags even after washing , and the colors remained vibrant . The colour did not melt or phlebotomize at all during the testing period . The beach towel has a childlike stripy design that is uncommitted in 19 colors .
Product particular : Size:35 x 70 inches |Material : Cotton |Colors:19 |Certifications : Not listed
The Anthropologie Out to Sea Beach Towel releases sand easily—it’s a great choice for beach goers.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Best Turkish
Kassatex Block Pareo Fouta Beach Towels
It has a soft , lush fabric and a luxurious tactile property .
It ’s more expensive than other options .
The Kassatex Block Pareo Fouta Beach Towel is the good if you prefer aTurkish - style towel . During testing , the towel stood out for its lavish and sumptuous textile that felt like a towel from a resort hotel . The minimum design is timeless , you ’ll be able to choose from six color options as well .
The towel is much larger than a received beach towel and is particularly broad at 40 inches . While it ’s more of an investment than other towels , the soft fabric feels in high spirits - quality and long-wearing , so we ’re will last for many vacation to come .
The beach towel has a different texture on either side , but both sides are soft and comfortable . The front of the towel features a level weave , while the back is a terry weave . It issue sand quickly during testing , and no sand was leave behind after a duo of shake .
The beach towel immerse water immediately and remain soft even after washing . Even when the towel was imbue with water , it hold its texture and shape . The material is also in high spirits - quality as the towel had no unaffixed ribbon or seams .
Cartesian product Details : Size:40 x 70 inches |Material : Cotton |Colors : Six |Certifications : Oeko - tex
Best Round
Band.do All Around Giant Circle Towel
It ’s lightweight and has a fun , heart - catching innovation .
The size of it is on the little side for laying down .
The vivid colors and eye - catch innovation of the Band.do All Around Giant Circle Towel are certain to affect your fellow beach - goers . The beach towel has an elevated expression thanks to its round intention and tassel point around the border .
The cotton terry textile framework is lightweight and easy to pack up for traveling . It has two textures : one softer and one rough side that help it absorb water . The beach towel is quick - drying and absorbent despite the thin , lightweight material . During testing , it soaked up the pee almost instantly with just a duet of pats .
The cloth did not have any snags or on the loose threads , and the tassels did not fray after washing . The round shape is large enough to jibe multiple citizenry if they are sit . However , the towel is only 60 column inch in any way , so it is probably too lowly to lie down on .
Product Details : Size:60 x 60 inch |Material : Cotton |Colors : One |Certifications : Not listed
The Bottom Line
We chose theBrooklinen Beach Towelas the practiced beach towel overall for its plush look , quality grammatical construction , and impressive absorbency . It ’s offered in four patterns and we also bonk its declamatory sizing and sand - resistant fabric .
Our Testing Process
Our team of experts buy 22 different beach towels to screen in the real world , evaluating each towel for factor like tone , durability , grain , and absorbency . Before using the towels , we dampen them once fit in to the manufacturer ’s instructions .
We brought each beach towel with us to the beach or pool , noting how compact the towel was and whether it was easy to travel with it . We used the beach towel to lounge on the beach and dry off after swim .
After using the beach towel for two week at different destinations , we considered the grain of the towel and whether it was comfortable to rest on or dry off with . We also weigh its lastingness , water absorption , and how long it aim to dry out .
We tested how much sand the towel collected and how well it released the Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin . When lounging on the beach , we consider the size of the towel and whether it was large enough to lie on .
We wash each towel several more times throughout the examination process , keeping track of anystains on the toweland if they come out in the slipstream . We also see for sign of wear or fading , as well as any changes in the size , grain , or appearing of the towel .
We also tested 36 options at our examination lab in Des Moines , Iowa . We conducted a serial publication of tests and evaluated each pick based on grain , quality , absorbency pre- and post - wash , durability pre- and post - wash , and value overall .
What to Know About Beach Towels Before Shopping
Size
The standard sizing for a beach towel is 30 x 60 inches , which is a bit larger than an averagebath towel . If you ’re on the tall side , you may favor a beach towel that is at least 65 inch in length . Many beach towels are available in outsize and extra - long options as well as the standard size of it .
Material
The best material depends on how you intend to use your beach towel . Cotton is the most absorbent , so it is the good material for drying off . Egyptian and Turkish cotton offer a more deluxe feel , but are still heavy for take up water .
Microfiber is idealistic for repulse gumption and lounging . Made of polyester , microfiber has a smooth feel that excite off sand and dries tight . However , it is less absorbent than cotton , which is worth prevent in mind if you be after to employ it poolside .
Portability
fragile beach towel are best for portability since they are more lightweight and pen up up smaller than thick towels . You may also desire to consider the property of the beach towel if you project to travel with it since smaller towel will be more portable and easier to jaunt with .
Weave or Thread Count
Weave refers to the approach pattern of the fibers in the towel , and waver define the grain and absorbency of the towel . One of the most coarse weaves for a beach towel is terry cloth , which is particularly absorbent .
Thread reckoning refer to the issue of threads woven into the material . While screw thread count can be a good index number of a towel ’s timber , it is n’t the most significant factor . Beach towels with a high thread tally will often experience softer , but train of thought count does n’t bear upon other significant factors , like absorbency and dry out time .
Absorbency
A beach towel ’s power to absorb water is one of the most significant factors to look at , specially if you primarily apply a beach towel to dry out off . cotton plant towel are the most absorptive , but they take more time to dry out than microfiber .
Other Beach Towels We Tested
Dusen Dusen Quilt Beach Towel
TheDusen Dusen Quilt Beach Towelis voiced , cushiony , and oversized , making it idealistic for lounging on the beach . It was quite absorbent during examination , drying us off almost instantly . However , the lavish fabric was very thick and withdraw a prospicient time to dry out .
We hump using the towel before we washed it , but the textile had several hang-up and sluttish threads after only one wash and dry cycle . We also thought the monetary value was too high give the poor durability of the towel .
Baggu Bath Towel
TheBaggu Bath Towelfabric was soft and durable during testing , holding up cleanly after a full workweek of day-to-day consumption . The towel come up in several fun designs and pattern , so it would be a with child option for a kid ’s beach towel . However , the towel is closer to the size of a bath towel . The towel was magnanimous enough to wrap around our dead body and dry off , but it was n’t ideal for laying on the beach due to the smaller size .
Your Questions, Answered
How long do beach towels last?
With proper aid , a well - made beach towel will last several year , while low-down quality beach towels may require to be replaced every summer . The lifespan of a beach towel depends on its quality and how it is used and assert over metre .
To extend the life of your beach towel , always stick to the producer ’s instructions for washables and drying . An easy way to order if your beach towel needs replaced is if you remark lashings of wanton screw thread or fraying fibre . And if the towel starts to reek , it ’s time to replace it .
Should beach towels be thick or thin?
Thick beach towels are more absorptive , so they are better for mass who only utilise a beach towel to dry off after swimming . tenuous beach towels are best for hoi polloi who care to loaf since they are lightweight , breathable , and may trap less George Sand . slight towels also dry out quicker , but they do n’t offer as much padding for lie down down .
Who We Are
Molly Blancois a senior author at Better Homes & Gardens . Previously , she influence as an editorial apprentice for research and testing at Dotdash Meredith . For this article , she thoroughly researched the good beach towels and important characteristic to consider when buy a beach towel , then compared her inquiry to examination insights gathered from our real - humankind tests . She also consultedDiana A Wyman , executive frailty president of American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists ( AATCC ) , andDeborah Young , a textile expert .
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the product on this leaning , you may have point out ourBHG Recommends Navy SEAL of approval . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make certain they ’re deserving a touch in your habitation . We corrupt most of the product we test ourselves , but from time to time we are provided samples by company if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same testing criteria we utilise to examine the buy ware .
Credit: Amazon
The Dock & Bay Cabana Microfiber Beach Towel is thinner than other options, but it still felt soft.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Walmart
The large size of the Ocoopa Microfiber Beach Towel means it can fit two adults laying down.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Laguna Beach Textile Co. Striped Cabana Beach Towel is made of thick and cushiony material.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Kassatex
The Kassatex Block Pareo Fouta Beach Towel is larger and wider than a standard beach towel.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Ban.do
The Band.do All Around Giant Circle Towel looks elevated thanks to the tassel trim and fun design.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We tested each towel for how well it released sand using a makeshift beach in our lab.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
On average, the beach towels we tested we several inches larger than the average bath towel.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
