DEAL OF THE DAY: Get up to 70% off at Walmart's luggage clearance sale!
Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Beach Towel

Last updated on November 3, 2023
Best Beach Towel

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Whether you enjoy spending time poolside or sunbathing on the beach, a quality beach towel is a must. Before deciding on a color or design, you’ll want to examine the towel’s features to make sure it will meet your specific needs.

Begin by determining which size towel is best. While your height will play a role in this decision, you also want to take into account how much space you desire when laying out. Some models come in small, large and extra-large sizes and include a handy carrying case to make traveling with the towel a breeze.

If you plan on using the beach towel for other activities, such as camping or playing sports, you’ll also want the towel to be lightweight and quick to dry. Look for a beach towel that not only soaks up four times as much water as its weight, but that also uses polygene to control odor.

Comfort is also something to consider, especially if you need to lay the beach towel down on a rough surface. Look for a towel that is made using 100% premium cotton. The longer fibers keep the towel nice and soft on both sides.

Before you make your final decision, check for added features. You’ll find some models are lightweight, portable and available in a variety of fun patterns. Other models are professionally hemmed edges for durability. You’ll even find beach towels that are equipped with hanging loops, which is nice if you want to keep the towel up off the ground.

Our Picks For The Top Beach Towels

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

OlimpiaFit Fast Dry Absorbent Beach Towel, 3-Pack

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

OlimpiaFit

Fast Dry Absorbent Beach Towel, 3-Pack

Available in eight fun colors, this beach towel set is a must-have summer accessory. Each set includes a fast-drying body, head and face towel, as well as a handy mesh carrying bag. The towels are nice and lightweight and made from a high-quality microfiber that's designed to last.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly PickNot only is this beach towel set affordable, but you get three towels for the price of one.

 Great for Families

Softerry Large Turkish Style Flat Woven Beach Towel

Softerry

Large Turkish Style Flat Woven Beach Towel

The flat woven surface doesn't stick to sand, so this towel is ideal for the beach. It is made with superior cotton in the classic Turkish style. The towel is machine washable and dryer friendly.

Overall Take

Doesn't Collect SandThis flat woven towel is perfect for the beach.

 Runner Up

Seaview 180 Compact Oversized Beach Towel

Seaview 180

Compact Oversized Beach Towel

Constructed from recycled materials, this beach towel is a responsible choice. It comes in knit sunset, ripple deep sea, ripple plum and rouge teal. Beachgoers will appreciate the extra-large size, as well as the towel's ability to dry quickly.

Overall Take

Environmentally Friendly OptionThis beach towel is compact, absorbent and sold with a complimentary carry bag.

 We Also Like

Utopia Towels Cabana Lightweight Beach Towels, 4-Pack

Utopia Towels

Cabana Lightweight Beach Towels, 4-Pack

This beach towel includes four striped towels in the following colors: blue, yellow, green and orange. The towels are large in size and super soft to the touch. Beachgoers will appreciate how lightweight the towels are, as well as the towels' ability to quickly absorb moisture.

Overall Take

Classic Cabana StyleSince these beach towels are woven with 100% ring spun cotton, they are a great choice for individuals with sensitive skin.

What to Look For

  • Keep in mind that thin towels have a tendency to blow away on windy beach days. You’ll want to secure lighter towels with your beach gear.
  • Reviewers report that certain beach towels are prone to snagging.
  • You’ll need to take care when washing beach towels. It is recommended that you wash the towels alone, especially the first wash, as the towels release lint that can end up on your other clothing items. Some towels bleed and will need to be washed using cold water. Stick with a mild detergent and avoid using bleach and fabric softeners with your towels. Dry the beach towels using the low heat setting or hang them out to dry naturally.
  • The cost for a quality beach towel varies slightly by size and features. It’s also important to consider the number of towels you’re getting for the price. The WETCAT Pre-Washed Cotton Turkish Beach Towel is moderately priced, while other sets that contain four towels command a higher price due to the number of towels included in the set.

More to Explore

Did you know that Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay, New South Wales – Australia is the Guinness Book of World Records’ holder for the whitest beach sand? Here are a few more little known beach facts:

  • You’ll find beaches with black sand in Hawaii. Both Punalu’u Beach and Wainapanapa Beach are covered in black volcanic sand.
  • A few of the most visited beaches around the globe include Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda, Boulders Beach, South Africa and Whitehaven Beach, Australia.
  • Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, Silver Strand State Beach, California and Point No Point Beach, Washington are among the best beaches for finding beautiful shells.

More to explore