How To Choose The Perfect Beach Towel

Whether you're planning a vacation, staycation or day out at the seaside, a beach towel is a must-have accessory. From colour pop brights to classic cabana stripes, and even trending leopard print, we have a style for every summer moodboard. Wondering which kind is best for you? First up, which will look best with your new swimwear? Then for the more practical considerations, this comprehensive guide can help you choose. Let's dive in.

What are beach towels?

So, what is a beach towel? While grabbing your everyday bath towels might be the easy choice, having a dedicated towel for sandy occasions is best. First hitting the shelves in the early 20th century when travel abroad and sunbathing became more popular, the beach towel is longer, thinner and more absorbent than your bath towel, making them quicker to dry while being soft on the skin (perfect for drying and lounging on the sand!) and easy to shake off when packing up. When it comes to buying your own, there are a few things to consider making sure you get the best beach towel for you!

What is a good size beach towel? 

The perfect beach towel size will depend on your needs. If you're travelling with children, you may want a larger towel to lounge on, but you'll only need a small (150cm x 70cm) or medium towel (100cm x 150cm) to dry them off after a dip. If you want to sprawl out in the sand and wrap yourself up after a swim, a large or extra-large towel (180cm x 100cm) is the right choice. You'll also need to consider the thickness of the towel. A thicker towel will be more comfortable to lay on but may take longer to dry, while thinner towels will be less cushioning. Thinner towels are also a wonder in warmer climates where they air-dry more quickly.

Beach towel sizes 

When it comes to beach towel sizes, you have a variety of options depending on your personal preferences and needs. A standard beach towel measures 80cm x 160cm. Although, you can get beach towels up to 180cm x 100cm to provide extra room for lounging. We have a range of beach towels for all your holiday needs, from drying off after a dip or stretching out in your own relaxation zone. Our beach towels can be found in these useful sizes:

150cm x 75cm

Ideal for children, a small beach towel is perfect for quick trips to the beach or poolside. They're the lightest you can get, making them much easier for packing. 

100cm x 150cm

Do you need a place to lounge and lay your book? A medium beach towel is a ready-made way to sprawl on the sand and it's just right for drying off after a quick paddle. 

180cm x 100cm plus

A large beach towel is made for lounging. Made for beach sunbathers or claiming a deck chair (we won't tell!), these towels are the ones you want when it's time to dry off as you watch the world go by.

Beach towel thickness

The thickness of a beach towel will affect its comfort and drying time. Towel thickness is measured in GSM (grams per square meter). The higher the GSM, the thicker and more absorbent the towel will be. Good quality beach towels are between 300 and 900 GSM.

300-400 GSM

These thin beach towels are a lightweight choice, ideal for drying off after a dip or paddle.

400-600 GSM

The most common thickness for a beach towel, this medium weight, slightly more absorbent towel is an excellent choice for lounging on or drying off after a longer swim.

The choice of thickness will come down to personal preference and how you plan to use the towel. You should also think about how much space you have in your small or large suitcase.

Appearance and style

The beach towel is the vibrant and lively cousin of the bath towel. It is specially designed to be easily spotted on a busy beach or poolside, making it an excellent way to add some personality to your waterside adventures. While traditional beach towels are striped, there are plenty of options to choose from, from tropical florals to Disney designs.

Striped Beach Towels

Striped beach towels are a classic design that has been with us since the turn of the century. From nautical blue and white styles to bright pinks and oranges, there’s something for everyone.  

Print Beach Towels

A print beach towel is a wonderful way to add some personality to your waterside excursions. From your classic animal prints to more abstract or floral designs, the beach towel has evolved a long way from its humble origins.

Character Beach Towels

Perfect for the little ones, a character beach towel is a fun and practical addition to their holiday packing, from Disney character towels to Marvel, Anime and gaming favourites.

What is the best material for beach towels? 

When choosing the best material for beach towels, there are a few options to consider. Cotton is the most popular choice for beach towels due to its softness, absorbency and durability, as well as ease of washing. An innovative fabric, microfibre aka travel towels are quick drying, highly absorbent and super-lightweight, making them an excellent option for those who want to pack light. Each blend has a slightly different feel against the skin, so the best material for a beach towel depends on personal preference and intended use.

Kids’ beach towels

Don't forget the little ones; they deserve a colourful towel of their own. Sized just right for them to lay on or dry off with, these towels come in bright, fun designs and feature options for the Disney, MARVEL or cartoon fan in your life.

Benefits of beach towels

Beach towels are specifically designed for use at the beach or poolside and offer a heap of benefits over regular towels. They are usually larger, making them perfect for laying out on the sand or grass, providing plenty of space to relax and enjoy the sun. More absorbent than regular towels, they are ideal for drying off after a dip or wiping away sand and saltwater. And don't forget the lightweight beach towel for travel — an excellent holiday accessory for impromptu dips in the sea or weekend getaways to the coast.

Caring for your beach towels

You can keep your towels in prime condition for many future trips by giving them a bit of care and attention. We've put together some top tips for beach towel care:

Shake the sand off after every use

Sandy towels will not only age more quickly, but they can damage your washing machine.

Wash on a cold setting

Lower temperatures will help reduce shrinkage and damage to the fibres. Hot washes can also cause the sand to harden and stick to the towel.

Skip the fabric softener

Fabric softener can leave a waxy residue behind that is absorbed by your towel, making it less absorbent and rougher over time. When washing, stick to water and your choice of laundry product.

Hang to dry

Tumble dryers can damage the delicate fibres in some towels, making them less soft and leaving them looking more threadbare. When you can, hang your towels up to dry and, if you have to use a tumble dryer, do so on the lowest setting.

Don't wash after every use

Washing machines can be hard on your towels. You should only need to wash your beach towel after every third use, but only if it has not been wet for a long time as that can lead to bacteria growing. Prolong freshness between washes by ensuring you dry it thoroughly after each outing.

FAQs: 

Difference between bath towels & beach towels

Beach towels are longer, more absorbent and tend to be more colourful than bath towels. They are designed to keep you comfy and dry at the beach or by the pool.

Are microfibre beach towels better than cotton? 

This is entirely up to you. Microfibre beach towels are lightweight and absorbent, but they may not be as soft or comfortable as cotton.

What type of towel is best for the beach? 

A beach towel has been specially designed for a day at the beach. Soft, comfortable and a treat to look at, they are the ideal choice for sunbathing or drying off after a dip in the sea.

Should beach towels be thick or thin? 

This will depend on what you're looking for. Thicker towels are comfier to lie on and more absorbent, but they will dry slower and take up more space.

What colour is best for beach towels?

It's up to you. Beach towels come in all patterns and colours, so choose one that suits your personality and style.

What is the difference between a beach towel and a pool towel?

While beach towels and pool towels may seem similar, some key differences may impact which one you choose. Typically bigger and more absorbent than pool towels, beach towels are designed for use in sand and saltwater, and are often made from a heavier, more durable material. Pool towels, on the other hand, are thinner and more lightweight, making them easier to carry and pack. They are also designed to dry quickly, which is essential when needing to be reused multiple times throughout the day.