Best Beach Towels

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Laguna Beach Textile Co.
Test Winner: Laguna Beach Textile Co.
Amazon Link
There is nothing better than to emerge from the ocean and be met with a soft beach towel that has been warmed by the hot summer sun. The most important thing you will need when spending an afternoon by the water or poolside is a good towel. If you have ever forgotten yours back at the hotel before hitting the water- you know how much you regret not having one. When thrown down onto the sand they can provide a nice soft surface to take a nap and soak up some sunshine, and they can also be draped over your shoulders or head to take a break from the sun. Below we have listed the top ten beach towels of 2019 and explained why these towels will be your best friend if you hit the beach or the pool this summer season.

Standout Picks

Superior
There is nothing better than a nice, comfy cotton towel- and this product fits that bill perfectly. It is made from high quality materials and is big enough to be able to lay out on the sand, but not too big that it won’t fit into your tote.
Amazon Link
Laguna Beach Textile Co.
For some, the thicker it can be- the better, making this product a perfect fit for those folks. It is one of the thicker and more plush items to make this list. Thicker does mean that it a little more difficult to pack into a tote, and it is quite a bit more expensive than some of the other models.
Amazon Link
$44.00
Rainleaf
Rainleaf provides another really great microfiber option that is incredibly compact and absorbent. If you are looking for something that is a cinch to throw into your tote along with all of your other gear, this will be an excellent addition for your next vacation.
Amazon Link
$12.99
Dock and Bay
This summer, you probably want something that is going to be incredibly absorbent, quick drying, and can cover a good deal of sand for post-swimming naps. Dock and Bay is your best bet for large microfiber options that fold up compactly when it’s time tp pack up and head home.
Amazon Link
Exclusivo Mezcla
There is nothing better than walking up from the water to be met with a nice and thick design that has been warmed by the sun. This product is made from incredibly soft cotton, is incredibly durable, and is offered at a really affordable price point.
Amazon Link
$34.99
Tiny Seed
Tiny Seed is exactly as it sounds- something that is able to be packaged up into a tightly packaged, and then unfolded into a large and comfortable product. Then, when you are done using it, simply pack it back into the cute little carrying case.
Amazon Link
Ricdecor
Taking a brief break from the traditional rectangular, Ricdecor offers something a little different- a round design. It might seem a little strange at first, but it really has a lot of unique uses and looks really sharp and inviting sitting on the sand.
Amazon Link
AmazonBasics
Amazon is known for making quality products that are offered at a lower price point than many competitors, and this product is no exception. This pack of 2 is offered at a much lower price, and serves as a middle ground between the exceptionally thick designs and the thinner, packable microfiber models.
Amazon Link
$23.99
BC Bare Cotton
This is a really great deal if you are looking to buy a set for every member of your family, or want to have more than one in case you don’t have access to a washing machine on your vacation this summer. It is available in a few bright colors and is incredibly soft and comfortable.
Amazon Link
$49.99
Your Choice
This design is perfect to lay on the sand to provide a comfortable place to sit, and the materials used are great for drying off completely. Plus, the materials that is is made from dry faster than traditional cotton fabrics. If you are looking for something that is multifunctional and offered at an incredibly reasonable price point, this is going to be a great fit.
Amazon Link
$16.98

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Value

This was important- because no one likes to spend a lot of money on rectangles of fabric. We wanted to select designs that would save a little bit of money so that you had more to spend on important things- like road trip snacks. However, we also wanted to include designs that were a little bit plusher and high end. Even including some of the higher end products, they are all still considered to be substantially less than those you would find at the summer gear stores that are placed near your hotel. When there is an opportunity to save you a little bit of money, without sacrificing the quality of materials used, we like to select those types of products. Most of the items found on this list are incredibly affordable and will allow you to spend more money on other toys.

We know that we have said it quite a few times before, but it is worth repeating: don’t buy a beach towel from the shops by your hotel! You will likely pay double the cost for a product that is half as good. Taking the entire family out on vacation takes a lot of planning and a lot of money. You want to make sure that you aren’t overcharged for anything, and that includes your ocean gear. All it takes is just a little preparation, and you can have your bag packed and ready for the sand before you even leave the house for your long road trip to the ocean. A lot of the options on here are incredibly affordable and allows you to buy more than one. You could probably buy a unit for every member of your family for the price you might pay for some of the options that are available in the summer gear shops by your hotel. We hope that your next vacation will be perfect, and making sure you have the right gear is one way to make that a real possibility!

Materials

This is one of the most important features- because that is all that they are made out of. There aren’t any additional bells or whistles to look out for, no added features or benefits. These products are simply bolting of fabric- so it is of the utmost importance that we investigated exactly what type of fabric was used, and just how durable it was. What we discovered is that microfiber is considered to be a really great material for keeping dry and packing up- but it does have a few drawbacks. First of all, microfiber tends not to wash up very well. Sure, you can throw it into the washing machine per the instructions, but almost every design had users complaining of the colors fading and bleeding. Cotton, on the other hand, isn’t as easy to pack up into a tote, and it doesn’t dry as fast or absorbs as much water, but it is by far easier to wash and will likely last you a very long time.

Portability

During your long hike down to the water, you probably have a lot of things that you are carrying. You probably have a tote bag, a chair, an umbrella, and perhaps a few boards. We liked to select designs that were a little bit smaller and could fit into your tote bag so that you didn’t have to carry them separately. Microfiber designs were perfect for putting into a tote- and they often even came with their own drawstring carrying case. When selecting cotton products, we tried to keep the GSM count below 400- which made them a little bit thinner and easier to manage.

Style

Taking something with you that is a solid, dark color is boring! There is plenty of time to use monochromatic, dark colors when you are trudging through your daily life at home. Vacation time is the time to use bright colors that you will be able to spot a mile away while you are swimming in the ocean. You want to get something that is so bright and flashy that you can see it from space! We liked to select products that not only used bright and fun colors, but that also allowed users to select a design that reflected their personal style. Most brands did offer simple and darker options next to the brighter options, but where is the fun in that?

Top Ten Beach Towels

1. Superior

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Superior
Amazon Link

There is nothing better than a nice, comfy cotton towel- and this product fits that bill perfectly. It is made from high quality materials and is big enough to be able to lay out on the sand, but not too big that it won’t fit into your tote.

Read more

Design:

What’s great about Superior is that they offer you tons of different colors as well as designs. You might have noticed that there just isn’t as many designs available out there, and most of the options out there are solid colors or stripes. Superior offers a lot of different designs such as anchors, polka dots, stars, dolphins, and floral prints, as well as strips and solids.

Material:

If you want light and fluffy- this is the product for you. It is made from superior cotton material that makes it perfect to wrap around your shoulders after a swim in the ocean. It is double sided, so the side that sits against your skin is fluffy and absorbent, and the top of it that you would lay on is silky and smooth.

Portability:

Due to the fact that it is made from cotton and not microfiber, it’s not as portable as some of the other options out there on the market. While it will take up some room in your tote bag, it isn’t as thick as some of the other options out there, so you will still be able to fit quite a bit in your bag.

Value:

This cost of this unit runs about in the middle of the road. It’s not the most expensive unit out there, but it isn’t the least expensive. If you were looking for something solid that won’t break the bank- this is an excellent option.

Summary:

For someone that wants that classic feel of being wrapped up in something soft and warm after an afternoon of swimming, and wants something that has a lot of fun design choices, this product will be an excellent addition to your summer.

Amazon Link

2. Laguna Beach Textile Co.

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$44.00
Laguna Beach Textile Co.
Amazon Link

For some, the thicker it can be- the better, making this product a perfect fit for those folks. It is one of the thicker and more plush items to make this list. Thicker does mean that it a little more difficult to pack into a tote, and it is quite a bit more expensive than some of the other models.

Read more

Design:

There isn’t a lot of color options offered by Laguna Beach Textile Co. This model is only available in three different striped colors- blue, red, and tan. If you wanted something bright and flashy- this isn’t going to be for you. It has an incredibly thick construction that makes it incredibly luxurious.

Materials:

The materials used to make this unit is what makes it stand out from the rest. Most of the units on the market that are made from cotton have about 400 GSM (grams per square meter), this unit has about 630 GSM- which means it is incredibly dense and thick.

Portability:

The downside of really thick and luxurious designs is that they take up quite a bit of room. If you wanted to pack it into a tote, it is probably going to take a lot of room and it may be difficult to carry more than one in a bag. However, what it lacks in portability it makes up for in comfort.

Value:

Due to the fact that this is made from high quality cotton that is unlike any other materials out there on the market, one single unit packs quite the price tag, and is about double the price of many of the other options on this list. However, if you wanted to splurge for your vacation this year for something that is incredibly soft and comfortable- this is an excellent option.

Summary:

This summer, if you want to wrap yourself in the softest cotton that it currently out there on the market, and are willing to pay the padded price tag- this will be a great addition to your vacation this summer.

Amazon Link
$44.00

3. Rainleaf

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$12.99
Rainleaf
Amazon Link

Rainleaf provides another really great microfiber option that is incredibly compact and absorbent. If you are looking for something that is a cinch to throw into your tote along with all of your other gear, this will be an excellent addition for your next vacation.

Read more

Design:

There are no prints available with the Rainleaf design, but there is a lot of colors that swimmers can choose from, such as blue, green, red, orange, gray, pink and purple. Sizes range from extra small to extra-extra large. For this list, we selected the extra-extra large because when it comes to swimming in the ocean and laying on the sand- the bigger the better. And the materials used makes even the largest option easy to fold up when it’s time to go.

Materials:

This product is constructed from microfiber, which makes it incredibly lightweight and absorbent. If you find that your current design often stays wet for hours after you get out of the water, you might find that using microfiber is perfect for you. Keep in mind, however, that microfiber is thin and isn’t as light and fluffy as cotton.

Portability:

Microfiber makes this design incredibly thin, so when it it time to go home all you have to do is roll it up and pop it into your tote. It’s supreme portability makes it simple to pack more than one into your tote and still be able to pack all of the essentials. The corner of the unit even has a zippered pocket to keep your keys and cell phone safe and concealed.

Value:

Considering that is product is made from microfiber- which isn’t cheap- this unit is set at a very reasonable price point that will likely set you back the same amount of money you will spend on a large pizza after a long day of swimming.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that is lightweight, and absorbent, Rainleaf provides a really great option that will be a perfect addition to your next outdoor adventure this summer.

Amazon Link
$12.99

4. Dock and Bay

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Dock and Bay
Amazon Link

This summer, you probably want something that is going to be incredibly absorbent, quick drying, and can cover a good deal of sand for post-swimming naps. Dock and Bay is your best bet for large microfiber options that fold up compactly when it’s time tp pack up and head home.

Read more

Design:

ONe of the great parts about this product is that it if offered in a myriad of colors and designs. Users can pick from fun striped colors such as red, purple, blue, green, yellow, and orange. Dock and Bay also offers round designs for users that are more interested in using them as a blanket on the sand. The extra large options measures to be 78 inches long and 35 inches wide.

Materials:

The materials that are used to make these product can make or break their effectiveness. If you have ever brought down a product that came from your bathroom- you know that they just aren’t as effective than one that was designed specifically for the sand. THis model is made from microfiber, which means that is it one of the most absorbent materials out there on the market.

Portability:

Since it is made from microfiber, it means that it is about half as thick as its cotton counterparts. It’s so thin, in fact, that it can be rolled up and put into a sleek carrying case when you are done for the day and ready to pack up and head home.

Value:

The cost of this unit is about the average cost that one would spend on a great product that is made from microfiber. It is not the least expensive unit out there on the market, but it isn’t the most expensive either.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that is really easy to pack up into a tote without taking up too much room, and is incredibly absorbent and quick drying- this is going to be your best bet.

Amazon Link

5. Exclusivo Mezcla

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$34.99
Exclusivo Mezcla
Amazon Link

There is nothing better than walking up from the water to be met with a nice and thick design that has been warmed by the sun. This product is made from incredibly soft cotton, is incredibly durable, and is offered at a really affordable price point.

Read more

Design:

Unlike a lot of the other options out there on the market, there is only one color and design offered for this product- blue and white thick stripes. It has pretty standard dimensions of 30 inches wide and 60 inches long- which is perfect to laying on the sand without getting sand in your hair.

Materials:

This is made from 100 perfect cotton which is incredibly soft and durable. Most of the standard models on the market have a GSM of between 200 and 400. 200 is considered to be rather thin and not very absorbent, and 400 is considered to be very thick and absorbent. This model if offered at 400 GSM.

Portability:

Due to the fact that it is made from a thick cotton, is doesn’t fold up very easily to fit into a tote than the microfiber options. However, if you are someone that really likes the idea of being met with soft sun-warmed cottons after a few hours swimming in the ocean, the extra space that it might take up in your tote will certainly be worth it.

Value:

The cost of this item is one of it’s best features, and one of the more affordable options out there on the market. It will likely set you back the same amount of money that you would spend on getting lunch at a fast food restaurant on your way to the ocean.

Summary:

For those that love the feeling of cotton against their skin- this will be a really great addition to your next family vacation to the ocean, and it comes at a really great price point that will not break the bank.

Amazon Link
$34.99

6. Tiny Seed

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Tiny Seed
Amazon Link

Tiny Seed is exactly as it sounds- something that is able to be packaged up into a tightly packaged, and then unfolded into a large and comfortable product. Then, when you are done using it, simply pack it back into the cute little carrying case.

Read more

Design:

Unfortunately, this model is only available in one design- blue and white large vertical stripes. However, the colors are incredibly bright and fun, and will pop as you set up camp next to the water. It measures to be 61 inches long and 31.5 inches wide, which is just a little bit bigger than a lot of the standard sizes out there on the market.

Materials:

This product is composed of a microfiber materials that is 80 percent polyester and 20 percent polyamide. Microfiber makes for a product that is really easy to fold up and carry in a tote bag, and it's incredibly absorbent, but it isn’t as light and fluffy as many of the cotton designs out there on the market.

Portability:

It’s ability to be tucked into a tote is where this Tiny Seed really shines. When you are done using it, simply roll it back up and place it into the mesh carrying case the comes with the purchase.

Value:

If you didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a microfiber option, this design is set at a really affordable price point that will likely set you back the same amount of money that you would spend on a large pizza for dinner after a long day out on the water.

Summary:

If you want something that is lightweight, easy to carry around and that doesn’t take up that much room- this is a really great option that will be a welcome addition to your next vacation without breaking the bank.

Amazon Link

7. Ricdecor

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Ricdecor
Amazon Link

Taking a brief break from the traditional rectangular, Ricdecor offers something a little different- a round design. It might seem a little strange at first, but it really has a lot of unique uses and looks really sharp and inviting sitting on the sand.

Read more

Design:

As we mentioned above, the design of this unit is what makes it stand out from all of the others. It’s offered in tons of really interesting designs, such as fish, elephants, flowers, and detailed in intricate patterns accented in bright colors, and punctuated with fringe along the edges.

Materials:

This unit is made from a lightweight and thin cotton material, and measures to be approximately 60 inches in diameters. The thinner design makes it easy to pack, and dries a lot faster than some of the thicker cotton products. It isn’t as plush and comfortable as a lot of the other cotton designs out there on the market, but it’s thinner design makes it easier to tote.

Portability:

Popping this design into your tote isn’t as easy as some of the microfiber options that pack up neatly into a carrying case, but it isn’t as difficult most of the other cotton products that are a lot bulkier and difficult to pack into a tote.

Value:

While it isn’t the most affordable option offered out there on the market, it isn’t the most expensive either. It just slightly higher than the average price that customers are willing to pay for a product such as this. However, if you are looking for something a little different, the slightly higher price will be well worth it.

Summary:

For travelers that want something a little bit different than the average designs, and that will really pop when placed on the sand- this unit is well worth the slightly higher price point to make your next vacation to the ocean the best one yet.

Amazon Link

8. AmazonBasics

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$23.99
AmazonBasics
Amazon Link

Amazon is known for making quality products that are offered at a lower price point than many competitors, and this product is no exception. This pack of 2 is offered at a much lower price, and serves as a middle ground between the exceptionally thick designs and the thinner, packable microfiber models.

Read more

Design:

One purchase includes 2 units that measure to be 30 inches wide and 60 inches long. Each model has thick vertical stripes, and are offered in blue, yellow, green, and navy. It’s long enough to be able to lay on it and be completely covered from the sand, or you can lay 2 next to each other to lay comfortably on the sand.

Materials:

The materials used are 100 percent cotton. This makes them incredibly easy to wash without worrying of them losing their shape, color, or softness. It also makes them feel very soft against the skin, and incredibly absorbent.

Portability:

While it isn’t as easy to pop into your bag like the thinner microfiber options, it isn’t as difficult to pack as a lot of the incredibly thick options. It basically runs in the middle of the road in terms of thickness.

Value:

The cost of this unit is the best part, because it is significantly less than many of the other options on this list. Plus, you get two units for the price of what one from other companies costs. With the brand guarantee of the name Amazon behind this product, this is an excellent deal.

Summary:

For those that want something affordable, soft, easy to clean, and durable- this product is offered at a great price and it comes from a brand that everyone has come to trust as making great products.

Amazon Link
$23.99

9. BC Bare Cotton

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$49.99
BC Bare Cotton
Amazon Link

This is a really great deal if you are looking to buy a set for every member of your family, or want to have more than one in case you don’t have access to a washing machine on your vacation this summer. It is available in a few bright colors and is incredibly soft and comfortable.

Read more

Design:

What makes this product really great is that it comes in a set of 4, rather than just one. Each unit measures in at 30 inches across and 60 inches long- which is pretty standard for similar products out there on the market. It is available in long vertical stripes that are offered in blue, tan, yellow, or green, that is sure to pop on the hot sand this summer.

Materials:

This product is made from a soft and durable cotton that will feel wonderful against your skin as you emerge from the water. However, they are not so thick that they will take too long to dry, and the cotton material makes it perfect to pop into the washing machine to wash away all of that salt water and sand.

Portability:

While the thick cotton doesn’t make it as easy to throw into a tote bag when it’s time to head down to the water, it’s incredibly soft and comfortable design might make it well worth the little bit of extra effort it might take to carry them with you to the sand.

Value:

The price tag is about double the average price of many of the other options on this list, but you are getting three times as many products. If you need more than one option to bring along with you this summer, and you want to save a little bit of money- this is offered at a really great deal.

Summary:

For travelers that like to think ahead, and want to ensure that everyone will be covered when it comes to swimming or lounging by the pool- these will be a perfect addition to all of your adventures this summer.

Amazon Link
$49.99

10. Your Choice

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$16.98
Your Choice
Amazon Link

This design is perfect to lay on the sand to provide a comfortable place to sit, and the materials used are great for drying off completely. Plus, the materials that is is made from dry faster than traditional cotton fabrics. If you are looking for something that is multifunctional and offered at an incredibly reasonable price point, this is going to be a great fit.

Read more

Design:

It is offered in a shrap and trendy wide striped print, and comes in a lot of vibrant colors such as blue, green, pink, purple, orange, and yellow. It is offered in large and extra large sizes, and for this list we selected the extra large option because it doesn’t cost a whole lot more and bigger is always better.

Materials:

This product is made out of the superior microfiber material. It might not be as soft and fluffy as cotton materials, but it has other advantages for swimmers. This microfiber is incredibly absorbent so that you will be able to dry off faster, and because it is so thin it dries incredibly fast.

Portability:

No one likes something that takes up the majority of the space in their tote so that they don’t have enough room for sandwiches and snacks- and this model will not take up all that much room at all. In fact, it comes with a small drawstring carrying case so that it can be rolled up and thrown into your tote when it is time to pack up and head back up to the mainland.

Value:

As far as products that are made from microfiber, this is one of the most affordable options to be found on this list. If you were looking for something that is large enough to sit on, and works like a charm drying you off after you get out of the water- this is a really great value.

Summary:

For vacationers that want something that comes in bright and happy colors, is set at a really great price point, and that also can be packed up easily and thrown into your tote bag- this will be a great fit.

Amazon Link
$16.98