The Best Towel Wraps

Buying Guide

When you step out of the shower or bath, you likely want to get rid of the water as quickly as possible. A towel can do a great job of wiping up most of it, but it still takes plenty of time to go from soaked to fully dry.

Robes are a natural next step after drying off, but they can also be cumbersome. If you’re stepping out of the pool or ocean, a robe might not even be an option, but you’ll still need to dry off. By wrapping a towel around your body, you can soak up the water and cover the spots you want covered while you wait for your skin to dry.

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For water absorption, it’s all about the way the yarn is spun. Cotton spun with longer yarns and a low twist gives each thread a hollow core that has a higher water absorption rate. This creates a fabric known as terrycloth, which is used in bathrobes and towels. Since the material is cotton, it also is lightweight, soft and breathable, which keeps you comfortable while you’re drying.

For those occasions where a towel is all you need, wrapping it so you can wear it can be tricky. The towel will need to be long enough to give you the room you need to fasten it, but even at that, you’ll have to make sure it’s as tight as possible. Even then, there’s no guarantee it will remain in place, and that can be embarrassing if you’re wearing it for modesty purposes.

A towel wrap is designed as a more reliable alternative to traditional towels. Often these products use Velcro to attach the towel so you don’t have to worry about it slipping around. At the same time, your towel wrap will be made of the same comfortable but water-absorbing material as a towel or bathrobe.

• Carefully check the material of any towel wrap you’re considering. Terrycloth is ideal, but you’ll find other cotton blends that offer similar benefits. The key is a material that absorbs water while also remaining lightweight and soft against your skin.
• Velcro is a handy fastener, but it can bring a few problems. If the Velcro catches on other material, including the towel wrap itself, you could find it pulls and damages the fabric. To extend the life of your Velcro, fasten it before you wash, dry or hang it in your closet. That will help keep lint from getting between the teeth and making it less effective.
• Some towel wraps build in an elastic band at the top for comfort. This gives you a little wiggle room with the size.
• You can find towel wraps with large pockets for a little extra convenience.
• White isn’t the only color for towel wraps. You can find them in a variety of colors, including some with bold, fun patterns. This can add a little fun to your after-shower routine.
• Consider where you’ll keep your towel wrap when not in use. You might need an extra hook for it.
• Most towel wraps are machine washable, but check to make sure you can toss it in the dryer, as well.
• You’ll find some towel wraps made from Turkish cotton. This is a premium long-cotton fiber that becomes softer over time. This can be well worth the investment if you want a lasting option.
• Towel wraps often fall to the mid-thigh area or above the knee, but you can find options that fall beneath the knee for even more coverage.
• Before buying a towel wrap, pay attention to the dimensions and compare it to a towel that wraps well around you. This will ensure you get the exact build you want.