A beach towel is the best companion for a trip to the seaside. Not only can you use it to dry off, but you can also relax and sunbathe on it – even with the whole family on large models. Or how about transforming the beach towel into a wrap skirt without further ado?
But it gets even better:
Thanks to their many practical features, beach towels are far superior to regular towels when it comes to use on the beach.
Avoid buying mistakes:
BeyondSurfing introduces you to the most popular beach towels 2024 and the features you should definitely look out for when buying them.
The best beach towel 2024?
Content
In a hurry? Our favorite beach towel:
- Highly absorbent and quick-drying microfiber
- With carrying bag and anti-slip protection
Beach towel Checklist
- Use: Beach towels are versatile – for drying off, as a carpet pad or wrapped around the body as a beach dress. Beach towels make a significant contribution to reducing the amount of transportation needed to get to the beach.
- Material: Beach towels can be made of different materials, all with different advantages and disadvantages (more on this here in the buying guide).
- Size: A large XXL beach towel can easily accommodate the whole family.
Also interesting: The most popular beach mats 2024.
These are the top 7 beach towels in 2024
1. Gipfelsport beach towel
Advantages
- Highly absorbent and quick-drying microfiber
- With carrying bag and anti-slip protection
Disadvantages
- Less comfortable on the skin than cotton towels
- Flies away quickly due to its low weight
Summary
The best features of beach towels and hand towels are combined in this product. It is lightweight and compact, so it fits easily into any suitcase. A bag is supplied.
Thanks to the microfiber, it is highly absorbent and soaks up liquid directly from the skin. The material also dries three times faster than a conventional cotton towel. It is also a sand-free towel, which means that the sand does not stick to the material.
The chic beach towel is available in many color combinations. In addition, 3 different sizes are available so that you have enough space to cover a sun lounger or lie comfortably on it on the beach.
Product details
Dimensions: 160 x 80 cm, 200 x 90 cm, 200 x 100 cm | Shape: Rectangular | Material: Microfiber (80% polyester, 20% polyamide)
Customer ratings
The beach towel absorbs liquid very well and dries within a short time. As a sand-free towel, it is also very suitable for wiping sand off the body. The beach towel is also lightweight, compact and designed in beautiful colors.
Only 6% are neutral about the product, while 4% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
The beach towel does not feel as good as a cotton towel as it is thinner and made of less fluffy material. Because it is so light, it flies away even in light winds.
FAQ
2. bdsign microfiber beach towel
Advantages
- XXL size
- Highly absorbent and quick-drying microfiber
- Bag is included
Disadvantages
- Skin feel of microfiber takes some getting used to
- Beach towel flies away more quickly due to its low weight
- White color shows stains faster
Summary
The oversized XXL beach towel is made of tightly woven microfiber and offers space for 2-3 people. The beach towel can absorb up to seven times its own weight in water, making it extremely absorbent. Microfibers then dry up to three times faster than ordinary towel fibers.
The smooth surface of this beach towel is very soft on the skin. The material is very hard-wearing, yet light and thin. The beach towel can be folded up small after use and stored in the bag provided for easy transportation. The material is also antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.
With its stylish palm tree pattern, the beach towel is also visually appealing. It can be machine washed.
Product details
Dimensions: 188 x 188 cm | Shape: Square | Material: Microfiber (85% polyester, 15% nylon)
Customer ratings
Customers are impressed by the high quality of the beach towel and particularly praise the fact that it dries quickly and is lightweight. Many customers are surprised at how well it absorbs water despite the thin material. It is also beautifully designed and machine washable.
Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 16% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some customers had difficulty getting used to the feel of microfiber on their skin, as it is very different from cotton towels. The thin material is initially more reminiscent of a tablecloth than a towel. As it is so light, it can quickly fly away on the beach. The white color is also criticized because it gets dirty quickly and stains show up more.
FAQ
3. AmazonBasics beach towel
Advantages
- Soft terry cloth fabric
- Very absorbent
- Two-pack
Disadvantages
- Towels are fluffy
- May fray or stain when washed
- Relatively thin
Summary
The beach towel from AmazonBasics comes in a pack of two. The two wonderfully soft towels are large enough to wrap around your body after bathing or spread out on a beach lounger.
With their block stripes in different colors, the beach towels look great.
The material is soft yet robust terry cloth made from ring-spun cotton. It is very absorbent and therefore perfect for drying off.
The towels can be washed in the washing machine and tumble dried on a low setting. The manufacturer recommends a wash cycle before first use to reduce lint formation.
Product details
Dimensions: 76 x 152 cm | Shape: Rectangular | Material: Terry cloth (100% cotton)
Customer ratings
Customers praise both the quality and the very good price-performance ratio. The beach towels are soft and cozy on the skin. They do not fray even after repeated washing and do not fade in the sun.
Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 14% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
The towels are very fluffy, especially the first time you use them. For some customers, the color has rubbed off and the towels have frayed during washing. Some customers also found the towels too thin.
FAQ
4. aakriti gallery mandala beach towel
Advantages
- Hand-painted with Indian mandala motif
- Versatile in use
- Very light
Disadvantages
- Very thin fabric
- Not very absorbent
- Hand wash only
Summary
The round cotton beach towel is hand-painted with an Indian mandala that combines traditional motifs with modern patterns. It is versatile and can be used not only on the beach but also as a picnic blanket, tablecloth or throw.
The high-quality fabric is very light. The entire cloth weighs only 322 g, which makes it very easy to transport.
Important: As it is a handmade product, it should not be washed in the washing machine!
Product details
Dimensions: 182.9 cm diameter | Shape: Round | Material: Cotton
Customer ratings
Customers are delighted with the beautiful pattern and colors of the beach towel, especially as they still look radiant even after washing. The quality of the fabric and workmanship is excellent for the low price. The beach towel is nice and big, sturdy and versatile.
Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The beach towel is very thin and therefore not suitable for a hard surface. It is also not a typical towel fabric. The material is not very absorbent and is more suitable as a blanket to sit on than to dry off. Some customers noticed an unpleasant odor from the cloth when unpacking, which had to be washed out first.
FAQ
Advantages
- Highly absorbent and quick-drying
- Gentle on the skin
- Made by hand
Disadvantages
- Very thin, therefore not comfortable as a carpet pad on hard floors
- Not suitable for the dryer
Summary
The beach towel is made from 100% cotton. Nevertheless, it is very thin and light, so it takes up around 25% less space than classic towels. It is also very absorbent and quick-drying.
The beach towel is available in many colors and is made by hand. Thanks to the beautiful design and thin fabric, it is also ideal for wrapping around as a wrap skirt or beach dress. It is gentle on the skin and becomes even softer with every wash.
Product details
Dimensions: 100 x 170 cm | Shape: Rectangular | Material: 100% cotton
Customer ratings
The beach towel is an all-round talent. It is large enough to be used as a beach blanket and absorbent enough to dry off with. The beautifully patterned fabric is pleasant to the touch and the workmanship is high quality. The lightweight beach towel hardly takes up any space in your suitcase.
Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
As the material is very thin, lying on a hard floor or on a sun lounger can be uncomfortable. The beach towel is not suitable for tumble drying. The price is higher than comparable cloths, but this model is of high quality.
FAQ
6. laguna beach textile microfiber beach towel
Advantages
- Absorbent and breathable microfiber
- Various colors available
- Carrying bag included in the scope of delivery
Disadvantages
- Extremely thin material
- Does not hug the body
Summary
The beach towel is made of soft and absorbent microfiber, which absorbs liquid much better than cotton. It also helps to reduce unpleasant odors.
The thin fabric is breathable and dries quickly. The towel is absolutely soft on the skin.
You can choose between various vibrant colors for the design. A small carrying bag is included in the scope of delivery. The lightweight beach towel can be folded up very small for transportation after use.
Product details
Dimensions: 101.6 x 198 cm | Shape: Rectangular | Material: Microfiber
Customer ratings
The beach towel is light and pleasantly soft. It absorbs moisture very well and dries quickly afterwards. The size and classic design are also well received by customers. The colors do not fade even when exposed to sunlight and after repeated washing.
Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 9% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
The beach towel is extremely thin. The material hugs the body less well than cotton towels. The beach towel is therefore more suitable for the beach than for showering.
FAQ
7. rainleaf playroom cloth
Advantages
- Very absorbent material
- Feels pleasant on the skin
- Bag with zipper is included
Disadvantages
- Takes longer to dry than other microfiber towels
- Hair sticks to the material
- Color fades during washing
Summary
The beach towel is made of highly absorbent microfiber that soaks up liquids in no time at all. The material dries very quickly after use. The thin cloth also feels very good and is gentle on the skin.
The beach towel takes up very little space when folded and can be stored in the zippered carry bag supplied.
The manufacturer recommends washing the beach towel before using it for the first time so that it is soft and comfortable to use.
Product details
Dimensions: 83 x 150 cm | Shape: Rectangular | Material: Microfiber (80% polyester, 20% polyamide)
Customer ratings
The beach towel is light and compact, absorbent and quick-drying. The feel on the skin is more similar to that of cotton towels than other microfiber towels. This makes it very pleasant to use.
Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 5% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The towel takes longer to dry than many other microfiber towels. Hair and lint easily get caught on it. The color fades over time when washed. After a certain period of use, some customers developed an unpleasant odor.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bestsellers: The most popular beach towels 2024
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy beach towels:
How to make the right decision
Not every towel is suitable for use on the beach. A towel should be specially made for this purpose in order to meet all needs and not let the beach day end in frustration.
In the following buying guide, BeyondSurfing tells you what conditions a good beach towel must meet and how you can recognize it.
What you need to consider when buying a beach towel (incl. Checklist)
When choosing the best beach towel, you should pay attention to the following features:
- Material
- Size
- Thickness
- Design
- Price
The material of beach towels
The material of a beach towel is of great importance as it affects numerous factors. So it has a great influence on:
- the weight
- the comfort and feel of the skin
- the absorbency
The most commonly used materials for beach towels are:
- Cotton, also in the form of terry cloth and velour,
- or microfiber.
1 Cotton towel: The classic?
Cotton is the traditional towel fabric, and for good reason. The major advantages and disadvantages of cotton beach towels include:
- Good absorbency
- Longevity
- Good skin feel
- Suitable for washing machines
- Take up a lot of space during transportation
- Take a long time to dry
Terry cloth in particular is extremely soft and fluffy. It also has a high absorption capacity, as it absorbs a lot of moisture. This makes it perfect for drying the body.
Velour is generally somewhat less absorbent. But it is tightly woven and hardly lets any sand through. This makes it the ideal base for the beach.
The disadvantage of cotton towels is their large size. They take up a lot of space when packing your beach bag. Cotton also takes a very long time to dry, even in the sun. This means that you may have to lie on a wet towel on the beach.
1 Microfiber cloths: the all-rounders?
Microfiber beach towels offer an alternative to cotton towels:
- Small pack size
- Dries quickly
- Sand-repellent
- Less hard-wearing
- Usually only suitable for hand washing
- Not as pleasant on the skin as cotton
Microfiber towels are very light and compact, so they hardly weigh anything in your beach bag. Nevertheless, they have a relatively high suction power. Afterwards they dry within a very short time.
On the other hand, microfiber is less hard-wearing than cotton and is often not suitable for the washing machine. Beach towels made from this material also lack the typical fluffy towel feel.
No matter which material you choose: If you have sensitive skin or allergies, make sure that the towel fabric does not cause allergies. Manufacturers usually state if their product is made of hypoallergenic material and if this has been independently tested.
The right beach towel size
Beach towels are available in various sizes. Which one is best for you depends on what you want to use the beach towel for.
A smaller towel is sufficient for simply drying off on the beach. However, if it is to be used as a beach blanket, possibly even for several people, you will need a much larger model.
You can use the following dimensions as a guide:
| Intended use | Size |
|---|---|
| Towel for drying off | 75 x 150 cm |
| XXL beach towel for sitting/lying for 2 people or several children | 150 x 200 cm/d> |
| Beach blanket for the whole family | 360 x 360 cm |
Pro tip: The larger the blanket, the heavier and more difficult it usually is to transport. If you want to go to the beach with the whole family, it may therefore be more practical to take several smaller beach towels with you.
The right beach towel thickness
The thickness of a beach towel plays a role in two factors:
- Transportation and
- Comfort.
The right thickness for easy transportation
The thinner the beach towel, the smaller it can be folded and transported.
Why is this important?
This is important because many other things are usually taken to the beach. You don’t want to burden yourself with a heavy and bulky towel.
The solution:
Microfiber products are the leaders in this respect, as they are very thin and extremely light.
The right thickness for maximum comfort
How thick a towel is determines the comfort when drying off and sitting on the beach towel. Thinner materials have the disadvantage here.
Why are thin beach towels less comfortable?
They provide less protection against hard surfaces and are not as soft on the skin.
Conclusion on the right beach towel thickness
As both thick and thin beach towels have advantages and disadvantages, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences:
- If you only have to walk a short distance to the beach and comfort is very important to you, BeyondSurfing recommends a thicker towel, such as one made of cotton.
- However, if you have to wear the beach towel over long distances, you are better off with a lightweight microfiber product.
As thin and light fabrics fly away quickly, they can be attached to the sun lounger with colorful beach towel clips.
What design should the beach towel have?
How the beach towel should look depends largely on your personal preferences. You can choose from a wide range of different shapes, colors and patterns.
However, BeyondSurfing recommends keeping a few points in mind when choosing a design:
Lighter colors remain cooler
Of course, a beach towel doesn’t have to be monochrome. Many scarves feature patterns or motifs that are often inspired by the sea. Of course, there are no limits to your imagination here.
Beach towels with flamingo motifs or Indian mandalas are also very popular among beach towels for women. Beach towels for men, on the other hand, are usually more subtly designed and tend to be in darker colors.
The right pattern
Of course, a beach towel doesn’t have to be monochrome. Many scarves feature patterns or motifs that are often inspired by the sea. Of course, there are no limits to your imagination here.
Beach towels with flamingo motifs or Indian mandalas are also very popular among beach towels for women. Beach towels for men, on the other hand, are usually more subtly designed and tend to be in darker colors.
Round or rectangular?
Classic beach towels are rectangular. However, there are now also round models. These look very aesthetically pleasing and are also very popular as a beach towel to tie around your head.
However, round beach towels offer less space than rectangular ones. If your beach towel is to be used by several people, a rectangular shape is therefore more advantageous.
How much should the beach towel cost?
The prices for beach towels vary widely. Cheap beach towels range in price from around 10 to 20 $. The medium price range extends from around $ 20 to 40. Prices may be higher for branded products.
The price depends above all on the size, manufacturer and quality of the beach towel. The material is also important.
What is the relationship between price and quality?
In fact, the price of a beach towel is in most cases an indicator of its quality. This does not mean that cheaper beach towels are necessarily inferior, but they almost always have fewer features or are less durable than expensive branded models.
Cheaper versions are certainly sufficient for occasional use. However, if you want a durable and high-quality product, BeyondSurfing recommends going for a branded product.
The best-known manufacturers and brands of beach towels include:
Zollner, Julie Julsen, Ciffre, Vossen, Bdsign
Beach towels for children
There are also special beach towels for children. These differ mainly in their smaller size. In many cases, they are printed with child-friendly motifs, such as characters from well-known children’s films or comics.
Most children’s beach towels are made of terry cloth because this material is particularly soft and pleasant on the skin.
With a beach towel for children, it is particularly important that it does not contain any harmful substances and is colorfast. After all, it can easily happen that the child puts a corner of the beach towel in its mouth and chews on it.
Therefore, make sure that the products have been tested for harmful substances and declared harmless.
Tying beach towels – here’s how!
Many beach towels are not only suitable as a base for sunbathing or drying off. They can also be used as an impromptu dress or skirt so you can be dressed for a trip to the beach restaurant in no time at all.
With the right beach towel, you can conjure up a wide variety of garments:
- a mini skirt
- a long wrap skirt
- a beach dress
- one top
The exact techniques for tying the beach towel may vary, but in most cases it is either placed around the body in its original shape or folded into a triangle and tied at the ends.
From beach towel to dress:
As an example, BeyondSurfing explains the technique for wrapping a dress from a beach towel:
- Wrap the beach towel around your body from behind
- Cross and twist the two upper ends in front of the body
- Bring the ends around the neck from one side and tie them together at the nape of the neck
Pro tip: The thinner the beach towel, the easier it is to transform into a dress or skirt.
Beach towel tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test
Neither Consumer Reports nor Öko Test have yet looked specifically at beach towels.
However, Öko Test conducted a test of sauna towels in 2018. Of the 16 towels tested, 14 were rated very good or good and 1 was satisfactory. Only one product made from organic cotton received a poor rating.
It is to be hoped that a test of beach towels will follow in the future and produce similarly positive results.
The right care for beach towels
Basically, it is not difficult to care for a beach towel properly. Manufacturers generally endeavor to make cleaning easy. Nevertheless, care must be taken to ensure that the care is appropriate for the material in question:
- Cotton can easily be washed in the washing machine. This is often not possible with microfiber, however, as the material is damaged in the washing machine.
- To increase the lifespan of a microfiber beach towel, it should therefore preferably be washed by hand and air-dried.
Good to know: Sand-free beach towels are particularly practical as sand does not stick to them. A simple wipe or shake is often enough to remove dirt.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about beach towels
What is a beach towel?
Where can I buy a beach towel?
Which fabric is best for a beach towel?
How do you tie a beach towel?
Are there sand-free beach towels?
What is the difference between a beach towel and a beach mat?
Conclusion: The most popular beach towels reviewed
Beach towels are versatile beach companions that can be used as a comfortable carpet pad, a towel or a chic beach dress.
No matter how you want to use your beach towel, this buying guide will help you find the right model for your next beach vacation.
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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