Towels designed for beach or pool lounging aren’t always the most glamorous of summer buys — but they quietly do the heavy lifting. The best beach towels manage to hit that sweet spot between practical and well-designed: soft enough to sprawl out on, absorbent enough to actually dry you off, and importantly, lightweight and slim enough to roll into your suitcase without taking up your entire packing allowance.
And they’ve come a long way from stiff bath towel stand-ins. Now, it’s all about Turkish cotton weaves that only get softer with time; microfibre blends that are properly quick-drying; and sand-resistant styles that ensure you won’t bring the beach home with you. And while there’s always a time and a place for a retro cabana stripe in our eyes, this season’s best options span everything from plush, oversized snugglers to cheeky statement finds, to slimline travel towels designed to fold up into practically nothing, leaving room in your stylish beach bag for all your other vaycay essentials.
Whether thrown over a sun lounger, doubled as a sarong, or layered with an XL pool towel for extra comfort, this is a multifunctional, versatile piece we can’t live without. And we’ve sifted through the lot — velour, terry cloth, organic cotton, high GSM, low-fuss microfibre — to find the best beach towels that get it right on both form and function.
So, where to buy? The White Company does a reliably elevated take on the cotton beach towel, crisp and classic with that hotel-at-home feel. As you’d expect, Anthropologie leans more playful — think bold prints, cabana stripes, and texture-rich finishes that stand out against the sand. And for something beautifully made with sustainability in mind, Rise & Fall’s organic towels are as good-looking as they are practical. So whether you’re claiming your corner of a sandy cove in the Algarve, or just stretching out in the garden with an Aperol spritz, these are our top picks worth having on hand.
SKIP TO: What’s the difference between a beach towel and a bath towel? | Is cotton or microfiber better for beach towels? | How many beach towels should I own?
What’s the difference between a beach towel and a bath towel?
In short: size, weight and purpose. A beach towel is longer, lighter and made for drying off and lounging — whether that’s on the sand, grass or poolside lounger. It’s often quick-drying, more resistant to wear (and the odd spill of sun cream), and usually comes in brighter colours or patterns designed to stand out. A bath towel, on the other hand, is all about plushness and absorbency — great post-shower, less so when you’re trying to shake off the sand.
Is cotton or microfiber better for beach towels?
It depends on what you’re after. Cotton beach towels — especially Turkish cotton — are known for their softness, absorbent finish and that satisfying bit of weight when you wrap up after a swim. They feel classic and only get better with age. Microfibre beach towels, on the other hand, are all about quick-drying, lightweight ease. They fold down small, repel sand better, and are ideal for travel or gym bags. In short, think cotton for comfort, microfibre for convenience.
How many beach towels should I own?
Two per person is a solid rule — one to use, one to rotate. That said, if you’re travelling light, one quick-drying microfibre beach towel will do the job. But if you’re planning regular beach days, pool hangs or park picnics, having a mix — think one super soft cotton beach towel for lounging and one that’s sand-resistant and built for speed — will make summer feel a whole lot easier.
After more outdoor essentials? See our collection of the best picnic blankets, picnic baskets, melamine plates and picnic sets.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.
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