A big, bright beach towel is a must-have for all your summer water adventures. Whether you’re diving into the ocean, lounging by the pool, or just soaking up the sun on the sand, your towel should be absorbent, spacious, and colorful. Even a bold, plush bathroom towel can work in a pinch—but I’ve tested dozens and found several purpose-made options that truly stand out.
To bring you the very best beach towels, I personally tested multiple styles and spoke with surfers, swimsuit designers, and beach-resort staff to learn which towels perform best in the real world. Below are 9 top-rated beach towels perfect for any kind of beach or pool day—from ultra-soft cotton-terry classics to lightweight microfiber towels that resist sand, dry fast, and pack easily.
If you’re gearing up for summer, don’t forget your beach chair, umbrella, and cooler too—because the right gear makes all the difference.
Updated July 3, 2025
We’ve added a few newly tested favorites: Parachute’s Riviera towel, Rumpl’s Tech towel, and ZigZagZurich’s artist towels. We also swapped in a vibrant new beach towel from Dusen Dusen, replacing a discontinued Brooklinen model. All listings have been checked for current stock and pricing.
Best beach towel overall
LANE LINEN Extra Large Beach Towels
Material: Ring-spun cotton | Weave: Medium-pile terry, 450 GSM | Size: 36 by 68 inches
LANE LINEN’s extra-large beach towels immediately bring summer to mind with their sleek, modern design and generous size. I tested the grey version and appreciated its clean, understated look — stylish without being flashy, and perfect for poolside lounging or a quiet beach day. Made from pre-washed, 100% cotton with a lightweight feel, these towels strike a great balance between softness and practicality. The oversized 39″x71″ dimensions give you plenty of room to stretch out, while the fabric is quick-drying, absorbent, and truly sand-free, making cleanup a breeze. Despite their large size, they’re easy to roll up and toss in a beach bag — perfect for travel. With a blend of functionality and everyday elegance, this 2-pack is a smart, long-lasting choice for summer adventures.
Best (less expensive) beach towel overall
Utopia Towels 2-Pack Turkish Beach Towels
Material: Cotton | Weave: Medium-pile terry | Size: 30 by 60 inches, 35 by 70 inches
For a more elevated take on the traditional beach blanket, these Utopia Turkish beach towels are a standout. Oversized at 40″ x 72″, they’re a favorite among frequent beachgoers for their lightweight feel and generous coverage. Crafted from 100% Turkish cotton, they’re soft yet durable—ideal for everything from lounging poolside to drying off after a swim. Their quick-dry and sand-free qualities make them especially travel-friendly, and they’re absorbent enough to handle repeated dips in the water. Whether you’re spreading one out on the sand or using it after a spa session, these towels strike the perfect balance between luxury and practicality.
Best oversize beach towels
Kaufman Oversized Beach Towels
Material: 60% cotton, 40% bamboo viscose | Weave: Zero-twist weave | Size: 40 by 70 inches
While most beach towels are similar in size, these Kaufman velour striped towels stand out for their balance of comfort, quality, and value — especially when bought in bulk. Slightly smaller than luxury terry styles, they still offer ample coverage at 29″ x 58″, making them ideal for the beach, pool, or even large family outings. Made from 100% thick cotton with a soft velour finish, they feel plush against the skin while remaining absorbent and quick-drying. Their durable construction and vibrant stripes give them a timeless, classic look. Whether you’re sunbathing or drying off after a swim, these towels are a practical, stylish choice — especially for households or groups looking to stock up without compromising on quality.
GLAMBURG Peshtemal Turkish Beach Towels
Material: Cotton | Weave: Medium-light-weight jacquard, 515 GSM | Size: 40 by 72 inches
Experience the perfect blend of tradition and functionality with the GLAMBURG Peshtemal Turkish Beach Towels. This 6-pack of oversized towels (36″ x 71″) is crafted from 100% cotton, offering a soft yet durable fabric that’s highly absorbent and quick-drying. Inspired by classic Turkish hammam bath sheets, these lightweight towels are perfect for beach days, poolside lounging, or even as versatile bath sheets at home. Their generous size and elegant teal color add a touch of style, while the breathable weave ensures comfort and fast drying. Durable and easy to care for, these towels are designed for everyday use and long-lasting performance.
Best pool towel
Organix Oversized Pool Towels
Material: Organic Portuguese cotton | Weave: Low-pile terry, 600 GSM | Size: 35 by 67 inches
Upgrade your summer essentials with the Organix Oversized Beach Towels 4-Pack. Each towel measures a generous 36″ x 72″, offering plenty of space to lounge comfortably by the pool or beach. Made from 100% ringspun cotton, these cabana-striped towels combine luxurious softness with high absorbency and a quick-drying, lightweight design. The classic aqua stripes add a fresh, stylish touch to your poolside setup, while the durable fabric ensures long-lasting performance wash after wash. Perfect for adults who want a blend of comfort, style, and practicality in their beach or bathroom towels.
Best Turkish beach towel
Sand Cloud Organic Turkish Beach Towel
Material: Turkish cotton | Weave: Flat weave | Size: 38 by 64 inches
Discover the perfect blend of style, sustainability, and functionality with the Sand Cloud Turkish Beach Towel. Made from 100% certified organic cotton, this towel is lightweight, quick-drying, and uniquely sand-proof, making it ideal for beach days, poolside lounging, or even as a versatile bath towel. Featuring a beautiful Mandala Sea Turtle design in green, it adds a vibrant touch to your outdoor essentials. Loved for its durability and eco-friendly materials, this towel has also been featured on Shark Tank. Whether you’re relaxing by the water or using it at home, the Sand Cloud towel offers comfort and convenience you can trust.
Best (less expensive) Turkish beach towel
BAY LAUREL Turkish Beach Towel with Travel Bag
Material: Turkish cotton | Weave: Flat weave | Size: 40 by 70 inches
Enjoy convenience and comfort with the BAY LAUREL Turkish Beach Towel, designed for your on-the-go lifestyle. Measuring a generous 39″ x 71″, this oversized towel is made from lightweight, quick-drying fabric that’s naturally sand-free, making it perfect for beach trips, pool days, or travel. The included travel bag adds portability and easy storage, so you can pack and carry your towel hassle-free. Durable, stylish, and practical, this towel combines traditional Turkish craftsmanship with modern convenience for your ultimate outdoor experience.
Best microfiber beach towel
Exclusivo Mezcla Large Quick-Dry Microfiber Beach Towels
Material: Polyester | Weave: Flat weave | Size: 30 by 60 inches
Get ready for your next beach or pool day with the Exclusivo Mezcla 4-Pack Large Quick-Dry Microfiber Beach Towels. Each towel measures a generous 30″ x 60″ and features a stylish cabana stripe design in multiple colors, perfect for adding a splash of fun to your outdoor essentials. Made from lightweight, thin microfiber, these towels are sand-free, quick-drying, and easy to pack — ideal for travel, swimming, or poolside lounging. The set includes a convenient carry bag, making storage and transport effortless. Durable and versatile, these towels deliver high performance without the bulk.
Best (less expensive) microfiber beach towel
Oversized Microfiber Beach Towel
now 13% off
Material: Polyester | Weave: Flat weave | Size: 35 by 71 inches
Stay comfortable and dry on all your adventures with this Oversized Microfiber Beach Towel Pack. Measuring a generous 71″x32″, these extra-large towels are ultra-lightweight, quick-drying, and designed to resist sand — perfect for beach days, poolside lounging, yoga sessions, gym workouts, camping, and more. Their thin, compact design makes them easy to pack and carry, ideal for travel or outdoor activities. Suitable for both men and women, these versatile towels combine practicality with convenience, making them essential accessories for any vacation or active lifestyle.
More beach towels we like
COTTON CRAFT Extra Wide XL Beach Towel for Two
Material: Cotton | Weave: Fine-twisted terry, 500 GSM | Size: 40 by 71 inches
Designed for sharing or serious lounging, the COTTON CRAFT XL Beach Blanket Towel offers a generous 58″ x 68″ size—perfect for two. Made from 100% cotton velour with a luxurious 450 GSM thickness, it delivers unmatched softness, absorbency, and durability. The elegant Summer Trellis Pool Blue pattern brings a touch of style to your poolside, beach trip, or picnic. Whether you’re sunbathing, drying off, or spreading out for a picnic, this oversized towel combines comfort and functionality in one plush package.
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HENBAY Oversized Cotton Beach Towel
Material: Cotton | Weave: Medium-pile terry, 450 GSM | Size: 36 by 70 inches
Elevate your beach and pool days with the HENBAY Oversized Cotton Beach Towel. Measuring a spacious 70″ x 35″, this classic grey striped cabana towel offers full coverage and plush comfort. Crafted from high-quality 100% cotton, it’s soft to the touch, highly absorbent, and quick-drying, making it ideal for everything from sunbathing to drying off after a swim. Lightweight yet durable, it’s perfect for beach trips, poolside lounging, or packing in your vacation bag. A timeless essential for your summer adventures.
Oversized Cotton Beach Towel
Material: Organic cotton | Weave: medium-pile terry | Size: 30 by 60 inches
Make a bold statement at the beach or pool with this Oversized Cotton Beach Towel in vibrant Rose Red stripes. Measuring a generous 70″ x 35″, this cabana-style towel offers full-body coverage for lounging, drying off, or wrapping up after a swim. Made from soft, absorbent 100% cotton, it dries quickly while staying lightweight and breathable. Whether you’re heading to the coast, a pool party, or a tropical getaway, this towel is your go-to for comfort, style, and practicality.
From $60 Chack Amazon
Lacoste Heritage Supima Cotton Bath Sheet
Material: Organic cotton | Weave: High-pile terry | Size: 39 by 59 inches
Wrap yourself in everyday luxury with the Lacoste Heritage Supima Cotton Bath Sheet. Crafted from premium 100% Supima cotton, this oversized 35″ x 70″ towel delivers exceptional softness, absorbency, and durability. The plush terry loops feel gentle against the skin, while the generous size offers full coverage after a shower, bath, or swim. Styled in Lacoste’s iconic Croc Green, it adds a touch of timeless sophistication to your bathroom. Whether you’re drying off or lounging in comfort, this towel brings heritage quality and designer flair into your daily routine.
Material
According to textile-science instructor Deborah Young, “towels always start with the fiber.” If you prefer fluffy beach towels, 100% cotton is the best choice. “A blend is not a good option here,” she notes. “It should be pure cotton for optimal absorbency and softness.” However, not all cotton is created equal. Egyptian, pima, and Turkish cotton are considered premium options—softer, stronger, and typically more expensive. Many top beach towels today are made from organic cotton, which may not increase absorbency but does reduce exposure to harmful pesticides. On the other hand, microfiber polyester towels are becoming popular for travel. While they aren’t as absorbent as cotton, they’re lightweight, sand-resistant, and easy to pack.
Weave
Just like bedsheets have thread count, beach towels use GSM (grams per square meter) to indicate fabric weight, softness, and absorbency. “A higher-GSM towel has a more lush pile, meaning the surface loops are more desirable and effective,” explains textile-science instructor Deborah Young. While GSM is commonly listed for bath towels, it’s often missing from beach towel descriptions. In those cases, the weave is a good clue to the towel’s performance. The best beach towels typically have a lush pile weave with loops on both sides, which increases surface area and allows the towel to absorb up to 20 times its weight in water, according to Young. In contrast, microfiber towels feature a flat weave that wicks moisture rather than absorbing it. They’re quick-drying and efficient at wiping off water but won’t offer the same plush feel as cotton.
Size
Beach-towel sizing can vary more than you’d expect, and we’ve included a range of options to suit different needs. In general, beach towels are about 10 inches longer and a few inches wider than standard bath towels, with average dimensions around 35 by 70 inches. The best size for you will depend on how you plan to use it. For instance, if you’re commuting or carrying your beach bag on public transport, you may prefer something more compact. “I love a 34-by-66-inch towel,” says Mike Reinhardt of Locals Surf School. “It’s wide and long enough, but not so big that it’s hard to store or dry properly.”
Interestingly, many style-conscious beachgoers prefer oversized bath towels for a more luxurious experience. “The bigger the better,” says Davina Grincevicius, founder of Lava Girl Surf.
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