Housekeeping Laundry & Linens We Tested 57 Beach Towels, and We Recommend These 12 to Soak Up the Sun Make the most of your next vacation with a soft, absorbent beach towel. By Molly Blanco Molly Blanco Molly is an Editorial Apprentice at Dotdash Meredith focusing on home products for Better Homes & Gardens. She has conducted research and testing for hundreds of home products ranging from bed sheets to vacuums. She is a journalist with three years of experience researching and writing articles. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on May 31, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line Our Testing Process What to Know About Them Others We Tested Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson If your summer plans include beach days, lounging by the pool, or a tropical vacation, a beach towel is an essential item to pack. While they all offer comfort and style, the best beach towels are also absorbent and durable. To find the best beach towels, we spent two weeks testing 35 different styles at the pool and beach, as well as in our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab. To determine the best beach towels for your money, we evaluated each towel for its quality, durability, texture, and absorbency. We chose towels that will hold up to sandy beaches as well as keep you comfortable for relaxing afternoons by the pool. For further insight, we also consulted Diana A Wyman, executive vice president of American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), and Deborah Young, a textile expert. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Brooklinen Beach Towel at Brooklinen Jump to Review Best Budget: Better Homes & Gardens Quick Dry Travel Beach Towel at Walmart Jump to Review Best Luxury: Anthropologie Out to Sea Beach Towel at Anthropologie Jump to Review Best for Travel: Dock & Bay Cabana Quick Dry Towel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sand-Free: NovForth Oversized Microfiber Beach Towel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Personalized: Lands' End School Uniform Beach Towel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Microfiber: Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Oversized: Ocoopa Microfiber Beach Towel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Comfortable: Laguna Beach Textile Co. Cabana Towel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Turkish: Kassatex Block Pareo Fouta Beach Towels at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Brooklinen Beach Towel 4.7 Brooklinen View On Brooklinen Our Ratings Quality 4.8/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 4.8/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 4/5 Why You Should Get It The plush towel is absorbent and it was easy to shake sand off of it. Keep in Mind The color bled on the first wash. The Brooklinen Beach Towel is the best beach towel overall for its absorbency, large size, and soft feel. While testing, we found the towel has a soft and relaxing feel that makes it ideal for lounging on the beach. The towel feels plush but still durable, and it had no loose threads or changes in quality after we washed it. The texture actually became even softer after washing. However, the dye on the towel bled slightly after the first wash. Although the colors remained vibrant, we suggest washing the towel with like colors to prevent the dye from spreading. The towel is made of 100% cotton and feels high quality and luxurious. We appreciated that the thickness of the towel adds padding for lying down on the sand. Despite the thick weave, the towel was still very absorbent and dried us off quickly after a dip in the pool. During testing, the towel easily released sand with just a few shakes and will dry quickly in the sun or hanging indoors. At 70 inches in length, the towel was large enough for us to wrap around ourselves and lie on comfortably. The towel comes in four color options with several retro patterns and can be purchased individually, as well as in a set of two or three. Price at time of publish: $65 Product Details: Size: 34 x 70 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors: Four | Certifications: Not listed Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza Best Budget Better Homes & Gardens Quick Dry Travel Beach Towel 4.8 Walmart View On Walmart Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It The fabric is lightweight and absorbent. Keep in Mind The microfiber fabric is not as plush as cotton. The Better Homes & Gardens Ultimate Travel Quick-Dry beach towel is compact and portable, and it includes a reusable tote bag to take the towel on the go. The towel is less expensive than other options and is ideal for travel since it is easy to pack and dries quickly. The 72-inch size is large enough to lay down on or wrap around your body, so it’s a great option for a day at the beach or pool. The moisture-wicking fabric is absorbent and dries quickly, especially in the sun. However, the polyester fabric doesn’t offer the plush feel of thicker materials like cotton. The fabric did not have any loose threads or snags even after washing, and the colors remained vibrant. The colors did not fade or bleed at all during the testing period. The beach towel comes in six different colorways, including a variety of designs and prints. Price at time of publish: $14 Product Details: Size: 38 x 72 inches | Material: Polyester | Colors: Six | Certifications: Not listed Better Homes & Gardens / Morgan Glaze Better Homes & Gardens / Morgan Glaze Better Homes & Gardens / Morgan Glaze Best Luxury Anthropologie Out to Sea Beach Towel 4.9 Anthropologie View On Anthropologie Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Why You Should Get It It repels sand and absorbs water almost instantly. Keep in Mind It’s only offered in one design. The Anthropologie Out to Sea Beach Towel is one of the highest-rated beach towels on our list and is the best beach towel to invest in. While the texture and appearance of the beach towel are similar to some others, it is unmatched in terms of absorbency. During testing, it absorbed moisture almost instantly and didn’t leave any water behind. Sand easily fell off the towel when we shook it, so it is one of the best beach towels for people who like to lie on the sand. It’s worth noting that the towel is only offered in one design and is 68 inches long, which is a few inches shorter than some other styles. The beach towel is thick and feels luxurious with a different texture on the top and bottom of the fabric. The quality and durability of the towel are apparent as the towel didn’t have any loose threads after washing and drying. Price at time of publish: $54 Product Details: Size: 35 x 68 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors: One | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best for Travel Dock & Bay Cabana Quick Dry Towel 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dockandbay.com Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Absorbency 4/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 4/5 Value 4/5 Why You Should Buy It It’s lightweight and thin, making it easy to pack in a bag. Keep in Mind It’s shorter than some other towels. The Dock & Bay beach towel is the best beach towel to travel with. Thanks to the thin fabric, the towel can easily fold up to squeeze into a beach bag or suitcase for a tropical vacation. Although the fabric is thin, the beach towel has a soft texture and a comfortable feel. The fabric is absorbent, and it dried our hands quickly during testing. We also noticed that the material doesn’t cling to sand, so you can easily shake off your beach towel and go without the hassle of carrying sand around. The beach towel is available in 32 bright color options and patterns that will add flair to your beach day setup. The towel is a good size for drying off and even lounging, but it’s a bit shorter than some other styles. If you need a longer towel, it comes in an extra-large option for a slightly higher price. Price at time of publish: $30 Product Details: Size: 35 x 63 inches | Material: Microfiber | Colors: 32 | Certifications: Not listed Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson The 9 Best Laundry Stain Removers of 2023, According to Testing Best Sand-Free NovForth Oversized Microfiber Sand-Free Beach Towel 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It The microfiber material repels sand and it’s less expensive than other styles. Keep in Mind It felt thinner than other options. The NovForth beach towel is made with a sand-resistant microfiber material that’ll make cleaning up after a beach day a breeze. During testing, we could easily brush sand off or shake out the towel to remove sand particles. Although we felt that the material is thin, we found that it was still absorbent and comfortable to use. During testing, the towel dried our hands quickly without leaving any dampness. The fabric feels soft to the touch, so it is perfect for lying on the sand. The towel is about 6 feet in length, making it long enough to stretch out or wrap around your body. The microfiber fabric had no visible flaws or loose threads, even after washing. The colors remained vibrant and didn’t bleed when it got wet either. Price at time of publish: $16 Product Details: Size: 41 x 73 inches | Material: Microfiber | Colors: Six | Certifications: Not listed Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Personalized Lands' End School Uniform Rugby Stripe Beach Towel 4.9 Lands' End View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It The thick cotton material is absorbent and soft. Keep in Mind The fabric appeared pilled after the first wash. A monogrammed beach towel is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to lounge by the pool or take a dip in the ocean. Land’s End offers both monogrammed and embroidered beach towels, like this pick, so you can include initials, a full name, or an embroidered design on the towel. The towel features a classic stripe design that’ll look stylish at both the beach and the pool. The beach towel is available in four color combinators as well, and you can also choose the type of personalization you want. Just keep in mind that if you add a monogram or embroidered design to the towel, there’s an additional fee as well as a long shipping time. The beach towel is crafted with plush, soft cotton that feels high-quality and luxurious. The towel is thick and cushiony, offering a comfortable surface to sit and relax on the beach. It is large enough to easily wrap around your body or stretch out. The fabric is also absorbent, quick-drying, and sand-resistant. During testing, all traces of sand fell away instantly when we shook the towel out. The fabric pilled heavily after the first wash, but the texture and quality of the towel remained the same. It didn’t have any loose threads, stains, or color fading after washing. Price at time of publish: $30 Product Details: Size: 39 x 78 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors: Four | Certifications: Not listed Better Homes & Gardens / Katrina Cossey Better Homes & Gardens / Katrina Cossey Best Microfiber Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel 5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It It’s soft, absorbent, and fast-drying. Keep in Mind The fabric is thin, so it may not offer much padding from the sand. The Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel is constructed with soft, absorbent fabric that dries quickly and is the best beach towel if you want a microfiber pick. The material is thin enough to easily fold up and fit in your beach bag or suitcase. However, the beach towel also includes a carrying case and is offered in six colorful designs. The material is soft to the touch, and the microfiber fabric feels durable. The fabric didn’t have any snags, color fading, or changes in texture after washing. During testing, sand came off of the towel effortlessly when we lifted it to shake it out. The sand-repelling fabric is great for lounging on the beach, but the thin fabric doesn’t provide a lot of cushioning if you like to lay on the sand for long periods. Price at time of publish: $25 Product Details: Size: 35 x 73 inches | Material: Microfiber | Colors: Six | Certifications: Not listed Better Homes & Gardens / Stephanie Petit Better Homes & Gardens / Stephanie Petit Best Oversized Ocoopa Microfiber Beach Towel 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It It’s absorbent and dried fairly quickly. Keep in Mind It felt thinner than some other options. At 80 inches in length, the OCOOPA Sand Free towel offers 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 laying on it. We also found that it’s sand-resistant, making it a great option for the beach. The towel folds up easily into its carrying case for convenient traveling. The fabric is thin and absorbent, and the microfiber material dries quickly in the sun. While the oversized pick is ideal for lounging, it is almost too large for drying off after a dip in the pool or ocean, so you may still need another towel to use as well. The beach towel is offered in 31 different colors, patterns, and prints. The microfiber material is soft and smooth to the touch. It is also very durable, and there were no changes to the quality, color, or texture after we washed and dried the towel. The vibrant color did not bleed or fade at all after laundering. Price at time of publish: $32 Product Details: Size: 57 x 80 inches | Material: Microfiber | Colors: 31 | Certifications: Not listed Better Homes & Gardens / Andrea Tenborg Best Comfortable Laguna Beach Textile Co. Cabana Towel Amazon View On Amazon View On Lagunabeachtextileco.com View On Verishop.com Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Absorbency 4.5/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Why You Should Get It The fabric is thick and provides cushiony comfort for the beach. Keep in Mind The towel felt heavier than other options, which could take up more room in your beach bag. The Laguna Beach beach towel is crafted with soft cotton that feels high-quality and luxurious and is one of the best beach towels for lounging by the beach or pool. The fabric is thick and cushiony, offering a comfortable surface to sit and relax on the beach. The plush fabric is very soft and absorbent. It quickly soaked up water during testing, drying our hands instantly and easily absorbing a cup of water. The only downside to this towel is its heaviness. The fabric is very thick, so it may take up more space and be more difficult to travel with. The fabric did not have any loose threads or snags even after washing, and the colors remained vibrant. The colors did not fade or bleed at all during the testing period. The beach towel has a simple striped design that is available in 19 colors. Price at time of publish: $44 Product Details: Size: 35 x 70 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors: 19 | Certifications: Not listed Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Turkish Kassatex Block Pareo Fouta Beach Towels 4.6 Kassatex View On Amazon View On Kassatex.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Absorbency 4.5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Why You Should Get It It has a soft, plush fabric and a luxurious feel. Keep in Mind It’s more expensive than other options. This Kassatex pick is the best beach towel if you prefer a Turkish style. During testing, the towel stood out for its plush and luxurious fabric that felt like a towel from a resort hotel. The minimal design is timeless, you’ll be able to choose from six color options as well. The towel is much larger than a standard beach towel and is particularly wide at 40 inches. While it’s more of an investment than other towels, the soft fabric feels high-quality and durable, so we’re will last for many vacations 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 flat weave, while the back is a terry weave. It released sand quickly during testing, and no sand was left behind after a couple of shakes. The beach towel absorbed water immediately and remained soft even after washing. Even when the towel was soaked with water, it retained its texture and shape. The material is also high-quality as the towel had no loose threads or seams. Price at time of publish: $50 Product Details: Size: 40 x 70 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors: Six | Certifications: Oeko-tex Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson This Turkish Cotton Towel Set Has 19,600 Perfect Ratings and It's on Sale for Less Than $25 Best Round Band.do All Around Giant Circle Towel 4.2 Ban.do View On Amazon View On Bando.com Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Absorbency 4.5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 3/5 Why You Should Get It It’s lightweight and has a fun, eye-catching design. Keep in Mind The size is on the smaller side for laying down. The bright colors and eye-catching design of the Ban.do beach towel are sure to impress your fellow beach-goers. The beach towel has an elevated look thanks to its round design and tassel detail around the border. The cotton terry cloth fabric is lightweight and easy to pack up for travel. It has two textures: one softer and one rough side that helps it absorb water. The beach towel is quick-drying and absorbent despite the thin, lightweight material. During testing, it soaked up the water almost instantly with just a couple of pats. The material did not have any snags or loose threads, and the tassels did not fray after washing. The circular shape is large enough to fit multiple people if they are sitting. However, the towel is only 60 inches in any direction, so it is probably too small to lie down on. Price at time of publish: $60 Product Details: Size: 60 x 60 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors: One | Certifications: Not listed Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Cotton Better Homes & Gardens Cabana Beach Towels 4-Pack Walmart View On Walmart Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Absorbency 4/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4/5 Value 3.5/5 Why You Should Get It The set includes four towels, each of which has a loop to hang it up to dry. Keep in Mind It takes a few pats to get fully dry. The Better Homes & Gardens Cabana Beach Towel set includes four oversized cotton beach towels that offer quality and comfort on a budget. The set is ideal for families who need a beach towel for every kid. Plus, the material is soft and comfortable to sit on, and the fabric easily repels sand. The towels absorbed water and dried our hands quickly during testing. However, we noticed that it took a few pats to get fully dry. The towels are easy to fold and include a loop at the corner to hang the towel up to dry. After washing and drying, the towels had no snags or loose threads. The beach towel is 6 feet long and more than 3 feet wide, so it has plenty of room to lay down on. The set is available in a pack of either black and white stripes or assorted multi-color stripes. Price at time of publish: $46 Product Details: Size: 38 x 72 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors: Two | Certifications: Not listed Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson The 16 Best Bath Towels of 2023, According to Testing The Bottom Line We chose the Brooklinen Beach Towel as the best beach towel overall for its plush feel, quality construction, and impressive absorbency. It’s offered in four patterns and we also loved its large size and sand-resistant fabric. Our Testing Process Our team of experts purchased 21 different beach towels to test in the real world, evaluating each towel for factors like quality, durability, texture, and absorbency. Before using the towels, we washed them once according 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 swimming. After using the beach towel for two weeks at different destinations, we considered the texture of the towel and whether it was comfortable to lie on or dry off with. We also considered its durability, water absorption, and how long it took to dry. We tested how much sand the towel collected and how well it released the sand. When lounging on the beach, we considered the size of the towel and whether it was large enough to lie on. We washed each towel several more times throughout the testing process, keeping track of any stains on the towel and if they came out in the wash. We also looked for signs of wear or fading, as well as any changes in the size, texture, or appearance of the towel. To further determine the best beach towels, we also tested 36 options at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. We conducted a series of tests and evaluated each pick based on texture, quality, absorbency pre- and post-wash, durability pre- and post-wash, and value overall. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson What to Know About Beach Towels Before Shopping Size The standard size for a beach towel is 30 x 60 inches, which is a bit larger than an average bath towel. If you’re on the taller side, you may prefer a beach towel that is at least 65 inches in length. Many beach towels are available in oversized and extra-long options as well as the standard size. Material The best beach towel material depends on how you intend to use it. Cotton is the most absorbent, so it is the best material for drying off. Egyptian and Turkish cotton offer a more luxurious feel, but are still great for absorbing water. Microfiber is ideal for repelling sand and lounging. Made of polyester, microfiber has a smooth feel that shakes off sand and dries fast. However, it is less absorbent than cotton, which is worth keeping in mind if you plan to use it poolside. Portability Thin beach towels are best for portability since they are more lightweight and fold up smaller than thick towels. You may also want to consider the dimensions of the beach towel if you plan to travel with it since smaller towels will be more portable and easier to travel with. Weave or Thread Count Weave refers to the pattern of the fibers in the towel, and weave determines the texture and absorbency of the towel. One of the most common weaves for a beach towel is terry cloth, which is particularly absorbent. Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into the fabric. While thread count can be a good indicator of a towel’s quality, it isn’t the most important factor. Beach towels with a high thread count will often feel softer, but thread count doesn’t affect other important factors, like absorbency and drying time. Absorbency A beach towel’s ability to absorb water is one of the most important factors to consider, especially if you primarily use a beach towel to dry off. Cotton towels are the most absorbent, but they take more time to dry than microfiber. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Other Beach Towels We Tested Dusen Dusen Quilt Beach Towel The Dusen Dusen Quilt Beach Towel is soft, cushiony, and oversized, making it ideal for lounging on the beach. It was quite absorbent during testing, drying us off almost instantly. However, the plush fabric was very thick and took a long time to dry. We loved using the towel before we washed it, but the fabric had several snags and loose threads after only one wash and dry cycle. We also thought the price was too high given the poor durability of the towel. Baggu Bath Towel The Baggu Bath Towel fabric was soft and durable during testing, holding up flawlessly after a full week of daily use. The towel comes in several fun designs and patterns, so it would be a great option for a kid’s beach towel. However, the towel is closer to the size of a bath towel. The towel was large enough to wrap around our body and dry off, but it wasn’t ideal for laying on the beach due to the smaller size. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Your Questions, Answered How long do beach towels last? With proper care, a well-made beach towel will last several years, while lower quality beach towels may need to be replaced every summer. The lifespan of a beach towel depends on its quality and how it is used and maintained over time. To extend the life of your beach towel, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying. An easy way to tell if your beach towel needs replaced is if you notice lots of loose threads or fraying fibers. And if the towel starts to smell, it’s time to replace it. Should beach towels be thick or thin? Thick beach towels are more absorbent, so they are better for people who only use a beach towel to dry off after swimming. Thin beach towels are best for people who like to lounge since they are lightweight, breathable, and may trap less sand. Thin towels also dry faster, but they don’t offer as much padding for lying down. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Who We Are Molly Blanco is a journalist and freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. Previously, she worked as an editorial apprentice for research and testing at Dotdash Meredith. For this article, she thoroughly researched the best beach towels and important features to consider when purchasing a beach towel, then compared her research to testing insights gathered from our real-world tests. She also consulted Diana A Wyman, executive vice president of American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), and Deborah Young, a textile expert. The 8 Best Front-Loading Washers of 2023 for Quick and Easy—and Incredibly Clean—Laundry Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit