The 10 Best Beach Towels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Lands' End School Uniform Beach Towel

$20 at landsend.com

Our Ratings

• Quality
  5/5
• Absorbency
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Durability
  4.8/5
• Value
  5/5

The best beach towel for you will depend on a number of factors, but no matter the type of towel you choose, you should opt for one that's soft, absorbent, and spacious enough for lounging. The Lands’ End School Uniform Beach Towel checks all these boxes, making it our top recommendation for a beach towel. We love the fact that its generous dimensions make it suitable for wrapping around your body or lying stretched out on the towel—without having to decide if you’d rather have your feet or your head in the sand! 

The plush feel of the towel offers some welcome cushion when sitting on the towel, but we didn't find it to be overly bulky or heavy when packed into a beach bag. With a weight of 420 GSM (grams per square meter), this towel is a highly absorbent choice. We found there was no need to exert a lot of effort to wipe water from our arms and legs, and the towel dries quickly in the sun, earning it a perfect score for absorbency during our testing. At the same time, sand didn’t become trapped in the fiber loops; light shaking was all it took to release nearly all the sand that the towel picked up.

This cotton towel washed well, releasing the dirt stains it picked up during testing. However, we noted some shedding of the blue-colored fibers after running it through the wash. Despite this, we couldn’t find any evidence of loose threads or color fading. The towel is available in several different classic colors and is perfect for gift-giving, as it arrives nicely packaged from Lands’ End, and you have the option to monogram the towel for a few dollars more, too.

How It Performed Long-Term

After testing this Lands' End towel for three months, we found it to remain absorbent, plush, and soft (even softer than some bath towels we've tried!). When we used it at a lakeside beach, we found that sand stuck to the bottom side, but we were impressed that shaking the towel seemed to dislodge almost all of it. We did observe some pilling after the initial wash in our at-home testing, carefully despite following the care instructions. Fortunately, this pilling didn't get worse over time, and it didn't change the effectiveness of the towel.

_{Dimensions: 78 x 39 inches | Material: Cotton | Weave: Terry}

Best Budget

Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel

$11 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Quality
  5/5
• Absorbency
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

The Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel makes an affordable choice if you want to buy a stack of pool towels or if you need a compact towel to pack along on your next beach vacation. This towel impressed us during testing with its size, absorbency, texture, and included drawstring bag—especially for its price tag. 

The beach towel is available in a handful of patterns and is made of polyester fibers rather than cotton. The advantage of polyester towels is that they’re typically absorbent and fast-drying. In our experience using the towel to dry off, it soaked up water quickly. Even better, the thin material dries quickly—one of microfiber’s claims to fame. The one thing to keep in mind is that the towel doesn't feel overly plush. During testing, we found the texture of the towel to be a surprise, but we’d still describe it as absorbent, soft, and comfortable on the skin. After machine washing, there was no change to the color or texture of the towel, either.

Budget beach towels sometimes short you on the length or width of the towel, but we found this version to be big enough for at least two people to sit comfortably on. It also offers plenty of width for laying down, although it may be a few inches short if you want to lay on the towel without any part of your body touching the sand or pool deck. In our experience, a 5-foot-10 tester found the towel to be big enough to stretch out on, with the exception of just her feet. 

When it’s time to pack up, the towel shakes out easily, releasing any sand or debris. An included drawstring bag was one of our favorite bonus features—the towel folds into the bag without any hassle, and it seems like a great option for keeping a beach towel on hand in your vehicle or packing it into your suitcase. 

How It Performed Long-Term

We used this towel at home for three months and noticed no change in quality during that time. The colors remain bright, and the material is fully intact. We love how lightweight and portable it is. It continued to absorb water and repel sand well.

_{Dimensions: 72 x 36 inches | Material: Polyester | Weave: Not listed}

Best Splurge

Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel

$68 at Wayfair $12 at coyuchi.com $51 at Nordstrom

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4.9/5
• Absorbency
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Durability
  4.4/5
• Dry Time
  5/5

The Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel impressed us with its premium materials, luxurious size and feel, and superb washability. With high marks in every testing category, this Turkish towel easily earns our recommendation as the best beach towel to splurge on.

We would describe this beach towel as extremely premium and luxurious—which it should be for its price tag. We tested this towel in a few different outdoor scenarios that required the towel to be spread out on sand, dirt, and grass—and resulted in brown and green staining. After a delicate cold-water wash, per the manufacturer’s care instructions, the towel looked as good as new. It’s no surprise that this towel earned a perfect score in our testing for durability.

We were also very impressed by its absorbency and portability. Turkish towels are known for being fast-drying, but the thin material isn’t always the best choice for soaking up water and doesn’t have that plush, terry towel feel. However, we found this version to be considerably more absorbent than other Turkish towels we’ve used in the past and soft on the skin. The towel is easy to take along to the beach, pool, or on your next vacation since it folds up compactly. We took it along in a carry-on bag and felt that it took up minimal space. The fact that it dries so quickly adds to its value as a beach towel for travel. 

Apart from being an effective towel, it's also Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Made Safe certified, meaning a third party has verified that the cotton it's constructed with is organic cotton, and that it's manufactured with the environment in mind. Textile expert Deborah Young explained to us in an interview that an organic towel won't function better than a non-organic one. But for eco-conscious shoppers, a certification like GOTS is certainly a plus.

The complaints about this towel are few and far between. In our testing, we were impressed with just about every aspect of the Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel. If we had to find a flaw, it may be the fact that the towel only comes in limited color options and it lacks the plush, fuzzy feel of a terry towel. All in all, however, we can say that this high-quality beach towel is worth the big spend. 

_{Dimensions: 71 x 39 inches | Material: Organic cotton | Weave: Flat weave}

Best Turkish

Sand Cloud Beach Towel

View on Amazon View on Sandcloud.com

Our Ratings

• Quality
  5/5
• Absorbency
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Turkish towels tend to be soft, absorbent, and breathable, according to Lewenhaupt. This makes them a popular pick for use at the pool or beach on a hot day when you want to dry off with a lightweight towel. After trying out the Sand Cloud Icon Beach Towel at several beaches and poolside at a resort, we recommend this option as the best Turkish towel based on its absorbency, durability, and design. 

Our initial impressions of the towel were that it is very soft and lightweight, making it a great option for spreading out on a pool chair. The shorter dimensions may be a drawback for taller individuals, but we still felt like the towel had plenty of square footage to wrap up in and it offered the advantage of fitting on a lounge chair without hanging into the sand. But even if the towel becomes sandy, we found that it was very easy to shake loose. 

After a dip in the water, we were very satisfied when using this towel to dry off. It surprised us how easily it absorbed water, but it didn’t stay wet for long when left to dry in the sun. We have no complaints about the materials or quality of the towel from our testing—however, we wish the manufacturer listed a certification to back up its assertion that the material is made with organic cotton. That said, the simple design is finished with twisted tassels, which didn’t fall out even after travel and machine washing. 

Since the towel is lightweight and packable, it makes a great travel beach towel. We’d gladly make room in our beach bag or suitcase for this stylish Turkish towel on our next outing.

_{Dimensions: 67 x 36 inches | Material: Cotton | Weave: Jacquard weave}

Best Oversized

Ocoopa Diveblues Microfiber Beach Towel

$40 at Amazon $27 at Walmart View on Diveblues.com

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4.5/5
• Absorbency
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

An oversized beach towel means more space for lounging, and this extra-large version from Ocoopa delivers on this expectation. Measuring 82 by 56 inches, this option gives you 10 more inches of length compared to the average beach towel. 

During our testing, we found it plenty big enough for two people to share—in fact, we’d describe it as more of a beach blanket based on its size. Unlike many blankets, however, the texture of this microfiber towel means that sand and dirt easily shake loose, so you won’t track debris into your car or home. 

When drying off with the Ocoopa Beach Towel, we almost felt that the towel was too big to be practical for this purpose. We think it’s better suited for spreading out on the sand (or grass) to enjoy some time by the water. If it does become wet, though, it dries quickly because of the thin material. This also means the beach towel doesn’t provide much cushion, so you’ll want to choose a smooth spot free of rocks when you spread it out. 

We had to bring a bigger beach bag than usual to accommodate this oversized beach towel, but we found it rolls up and folds up easily. It’s worth bringing along if you want a large towel to share with a friend or plenty of space to stretch out solo. Plus, it’s available in a few dozen colors and patterns to suit your style. (Or consider matching it to your favorite beach umbrella or beach chairs for a fun, cohesive look!)

How It Performed Long-Term

We tested this towel for three months, and it held up to regular usage and washing. We were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to shake sand off the towel. It could be plusher to provide a bit more cushion when lying down, but it is an absorbent and reliable beach towel.

_{Dimensions: 80 x 57 | Material: Microfiber | Weave: Not listed}

Best Patterned

Eccosophy Microfiber Beach Towel

$30 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4/5
• Absorbency
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

If you frequently scan the sand searching for your beach towel, a unique and brightly colored towel like this pick from Eccosophy can help. This pattern beach towel is available in more than two dozen options and has a reversible design, giving you two different looks for your towel. 

Aside from looking good, this towel aims to do good, too—it’s made of polyester derived from recycled plastic bottles. The fibers are woven into a soft material with a texture known as suede microfiber. When testing this microfiber towel at the beach, we found it to be absorbent enough to dry off with, although some reviewers are left disappointed in the towel’s texture or absorbency. Aside from using it as a towel, we found we could wrap it around the waist like a sarong, showing off the attractive pattern. The material sheds sand easily and packs back into the small mesh bag. 

If there’s anything we don’t like about this pattern beach towel, it’s the fact that it felt a little short for stretching out on. But all things considered, we’d recommend this for a fun, patterned beach towel to add to your collection.

How It Performed Long-Term

After using this beach towel at home for three months, we can confirm its durability. It looks good as new after using and washing it six times throughout the testing period. We love that it comes with a storage bag and that sand doesn't cling to the fibers, either.

_{Dimensions: 71 x 35 inches | Material: Microfiber | Weave: Not listed}

Best Plush

Brooklinen Beach Towel

View on Brooklinen

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4.8/5
• Absorbency
  5/5
• Texture
  4.8/5
• Durability
  4.8/5
• Value
  4/5

A common criteria for the best beach towel is plushness. If you’re seeking that soft-on-the-skin feeling from a towel, look no further than the Brooklinen Beach Towel. After testing this towel, we are impressed with its plushness, absorbency, and durability. We’re also big fans of the towel’s bright designs that remain vivid even after washing.

With 600 GSM, the Brooklinen Beach Towel has densely woven terry loops for soaking up water. All those loops provide plenty of absorbency—enough for us to dry off ourselves and a child during testing. But once you’re dry, the reverse side of the towel is a soft, smooth velour that is perfect for lounging. At 70 by 34 inches, the towel is about the standard size of a beach towel—but we would appreciate a few more inches of length and width to really maximize the benefits of this plush towel, especially while lying stretched out on it. 

Take note that we experienced some dye bleeding from the towel during its first wash. It did more harm to the other items in our laundry load than to the towel, which still looks vivid and crisp several washes later. Because of this and a very slight warp to the edge seams of the towel, it doesn’t earn a perfect rating for durability. Even still, we don’t have any doubts that this towel will stand up to regular use, and it seems to get softer after washing. Given those few drawbacks, we feel the towel is a bit of a splurge, but we’d recommend it if you’re on the hunt for a super plush beach towel.

How It Performed Long-Term

For three months, we used this beach towel two or three times a week at the beach and pool. Despite getting some heavy-duty usage, the towel looks and feels great. It's soft and absorbent—but we did notice that it can feel a bit heavy when wet and takes longer than other towels to dry. With that in mind, it's not the most lightweight option to tote around, but if you prefer a plush, luxurious beach towel, this one can't be beat.

_{Dimensions: 70 x 34 inches | Material: Cotton | Weave: High-pile terry, velour}

Best Eco-Friendly

Laura Ashley x LowTides Eco Beach Towel

$40 at lowtidesop.com

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4/5
• Absorbency
  5/5
• Texture
  4/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Value
  4/5

The Laura Ashley x LowTides Beach Towel transforms 24 recycled plastic water bottles into a soft and absorbent microfiber beach towel with a light waffle weave. Besides having an eco-conscious construction, the fiber blend of this towel means it will stand up to heavy use.

When using this beach towel, we were impressed with its absorbency. Despite being thinner and not as plush as the standard cotton beach towels you might typically reach for, this towel quickly soaked up water and seemed barely wet afterward. It felt like it took no time at all for it to completely dry in sunny, breezy conditions. Even after repeated washing, the towel looks as good as new, and there’s no color fading or loose threads.

We liked the reversible design of the towel but wished that it was larger. At 63 by 31.5 inches, this is one of the smallest beach towels we tested. On the flip side, it was very lightweight and thin, so we could easily see this a great towel to pack along for a vacation. In summary, we found this towel to be a bit of a pricey pick but appreciate the fact that it’s made of recycled materials.

How It Performed Long-Term

After using this beach towel at home for three months, we appreciate that it's durable and great at repelling sand. The recycled material is rougher than other options we've tried, but it's thin, easy to carry, and super practical for the beach. It's very absorbent and dries quickly—huge perks for any type of towel.

_{Dimensions: 63 x 31.5 inches | Material: 80 percent recycled PET yarn, 20 percent polyamide | Weave: Not listed}

Best Personalized

Mark & Graham Classic Stripe Beach Towel

$50 at markandgraham.com

Our Ratings

• Quality
  5/5
• Absorbency
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Durability
  3/5
• Value
  3.5/5

A beach towel with a monogram, name, or motif makes a great gift or a way to avoid towel mix-ups at the pool. For a personalized beach towel, we recommend the Mark & Graham Classic Stripe Beach Towel. This quintessential pick is available in multiple colors and can be customized with your initials or other text (up to ten characters long). 

This personalized beach towel is made of Turkish cotton, using a unique spinning technique that gives the fibers a fluffier, more absorbent nature. In our testing, it earned high marks for absorbency before and after washing. There was no notable color fading, but we did find that the tassels became tangled during machine washing, although they remained intact.

With its generous size and decorative fringe, this beach towel felt like a small blanket. It’s wider than most, measuring 40 inches from side to side, and offers plenty of room to completely stretch out when lying on the blanket. When spread out on the sand, we found the thick material to be very comfortable over the firm surface underneath. The trade-off for the large dimensions and cushy feel is the fact that the towel is a bit bulky and heavy, making it harder to fold into a beach bag.

This personalized beach towel may be larger and heavier, but we wouldn’t hesitate to bring it along on a trip to the pool or beach, and we think it makes a perfect gift for any swimming enthusiast.

_{Dimensions: 72 x 40 inches | Material: Cotton | Weave: Terry}

Best Round

Band.do All Around Giant Circle Towel

$69 at Amazon View on Bando.com

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4/5
• Absorbency
  4.5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  3/5

A round beach towel like this version from ban.do is a fun departure from the usual rectangle towels you see spread out on the sand. This one has a 60-inch diameter that can accommodate you and a few friends, but isn’t quite big enough to lay with your head and feet on the towel. Still, we love the elevated look of the circle shape, and the watermelon design features bright, eye-catching colors that stand out on the sand. 

This cotton towel has a terry weave, with a super soft surface and a slightly rougher texture on the flip side. We found that the towel does hold some sand, but after a few quick shakes, it was all removed. The towel easily absorbs water, but we'd recommend it more as a beach or picnic blanket, rather than a towel to dry off with after a swim. 

Even after washing and drying, there were no snags or fraying of tassels, so we expect it to be durable enough for repeat trips to your favorite sun spot. This towel is not as all-purpose as some picks on our list, and it’s a bit more expensive, but for a round beach towel that makes a style statement, we recommend this option.

_{Dimensions: 60-inch diameter | Material: Cotton | Weave: Terry}