Having a thick, oversized, stylish beach towel can make a for a more relaxing day at the beach.

Now all you need is the best beach towel to lay on!

Keep in mind that not every towel is made the same. That’s why we’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

Let’s jump right in!

Best Beach Towels

	Laguna Beach Oversize Plush Beach Towel	Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towels	Searchl Hooded Beach Towel For Kids
Size(s):	70” x 35”	63"x31" & 78"x35"	30"x50"
Fabric:	100% Cotton	Quick-Dry Microfiber	100% Cotton
Colors:	5	20+	9
GSM:	630	220	450

For more of my beach gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Beach Chairs, Beach Coolers, Beach Tents.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Beach Towels For 2021

1. Laguna Beach Oversize Plush Beach Towel
2. Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towels for Travel
3. Searchl Hooded Beach & Bath Towel For Kids
4. Ben Kaufman Oversized Stripe Color Velour Beach Towel
5. Jay Franco Disney Mickey Mouse Hooded Beach Towel
6. Luxury Hotel and Spa Towel – Beach & Pool Towel
7. KAUFMAN Multicolor Joey Cabana Stripe Beach & Pool Towel

Our reviews of the top rated beach towels with a comparison table and buying guide will help you choose the right towel for you.

Beach Towel Reviews

#1 Laguna Beach Oversize Plush Cabana & Beach Towel

Luxury is often so underrated when it comes to the beach or near other bodies of water. You don’t have to “rough it” anymore with a cheap and thin towel that barely separates you from the ground.

If you’re tired of poor quality and want the best beach towels, you owe it to yourself to check out the Laguna Beach Oversize Plush Cabana Towels.

One of the features that originally caught our eye, was the visual attractiveness of this towel. It comes in 6 different color schemes, which are reminiscent of beach/lighthouse palettes.

Shades of blues and greens which are often naturally found in sea glass can be found, along with some corals and tans. These sophisticated designs transfer perfectly from the outdoors, to using inside the home.

Another thing we noticed right away, was the size. This towel comes in at 70” x 35”, which is much bigger than the average 60” x 30” size that you’ll find with most beach towels.

Made of 100% plush cotton, it’s also about 50% thicker than your average beach towel. This makes a huge difference when you’re laying on a hard surface such as cement or a plastic lounge chair.

Finally, once you’re done, you can simply throw it in the washing machine. Unlike so many other towels, this one won’t snag or come apart in the wash.

Just make sure to put them in cold, on a delicate cycle to keep its luxurious feel and beautiful colors.

#2 Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towels for Travel

If you’re specifically looking for a towel to use on the beach, but are tired of the sandy mess afterward, look no further than the Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towel for Travel.

As seen on BBC’s Dragons’ Den (UK’s version of Shark Tank) you’re going to love this innovative design with technology to make your beach time easy breezy.

Coming in either large or extra large, if you’re a particularly tall person, you’ll like the longer options so you don’t have your feet hanging off in the hot sand.

Featuring a quick-dry microfiber material, it dries up to three times as quickly as your average towel. In addition, it’s highly absorbent which means your body will dry particularly fast after spending time in the surf!

As it absorbs so much water, you may worry that this causes the sand to stick to it even more than normal. The answer is a resounding, “no!”.

Actually, it works to wick sand away from the material. Shake it off once you’re done and your towel is as good as new. No more sand all over the car! Simply roll it up and place it in the included travel accessory pouch, and you’re ready to go.

#3 Searchl Hooded Beach & Bath Towel For Kids

When it comes to kids, if you want them to use anything, it has to fit properly and be fun or comfortable.

In the case of the Searchl Hooded Bath Towel for Kids, you have all points covered. The hooded bath towel keeps your kids warm, with the way it’s styled.

They’ll be dry, thanks to the 100% terry cotton on the interior, and comfortable from the thick cotton velour on the outside which is perfect for little ones with sensitive skin.

This makes it perfect to use at the pool, beach, lake, or just after bath time. The 9 different designs are all fun, and include themes like: Dolphins, Astronauts, a Princess, Sharks, and more.

The size of 30×50 works best with younger children, ages 2-8. Of course, that will depend on their height and size, as well.

We also liked the fact that it was fade-resistant so you can wash and use it endlessly and it will still retain its original looks. If you are looking for the best kids beach towels, the Searchl’s are for you!

#4 Ben Kaufman Oversized Stripe Color Velour Beach Towel

If one just isn’t enough for you, or you want to get one for you and your partner, then the Ben Kaufman Oversized Beach Towel is perfect for you.

Coming in either Pink, Cobalt, or Pacific Blue, it’s nice to have options but you don’t get too many, where others have dozens of options.

What we did like about these, was the overall high level of quality they had. As soon as you pick them up, you can tell they’re made to last.

The spa-type feel of 100% cotton is soft and plush to the touch. The velour finish will make sure you’re warm even on the breezier days.

The terry construction makes these towels very absorbent, as well as durable. You could easily use these for years to come if treated properly.

As far as the feel goes, it could work well in the home, but the style is quite clearly made for the outdoors. The extra-large length is also nice for stretching out, but could take up some serious closet space. For a great price, the Kaufman’s are the best oversized beach towels on our list!

#5 Jay Franco Disney Mickey Mouse Hooded Beach Towel

Who doesn’t love Mickey Mouse? If your kid is one of them, not to worry.

There are plenty more options, like Moana, Peanuts, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and many more fun characters.

With 16 options, there’s bound to be one that your child loves. Each color is very vivid, and wil hold up to repeated washings and not fade.

The 22.5×51 design is quite small; a bit smaller than the other child’s towel listed above. We’d recommend this size for 2-6-year-olds, depending on their size and height.

The hooded design makes it easy to dry hair, and keep your child warm while at the beach or after bath time. The cotton material absorbs water quite well, so you aren’t trying to chase a slippery kid around the pool.

We would have liked it to have bit a bit thicker, but the thin towel is really easy to pack up without taking up much space.

#6 Luxury Hotel and Spa – Beach & Pool Towel

Perhaps you’re on the search for a new set of towels for your home or one beach towel for each member of your family, you’ll love the Bare Cotton’s Cabana Striped Pool Beach Towel.

The luxurious towels come in three different striped color styles: Green, Light Blue, and Yellow. Rather than the traditional neon/bright stripe style, this one has a more classy look.

For a whole pack of four, it’s also an extremely inexpensive price.

The 60×30 size isn’t the largest out there, but it’s still certainly one of the biggest on the market of this quality. Made of 100% Egyptian cotton, you can imagine how soft and smooth they are.

If you have sensitive skin or just appreciate plush towels, you won’t want to go without these. Due to the material and construction, the fluffy beach towels will be able to hold up against countless trips to the beach or the pool.

They’re made to be super absorbent, so you’ll be dry in just seconds.

While we did enjoy the product, we did have one complaint. Even though the manufacturer claims they’re “lint-free”, we experienced quite a bit of shedding with this product, particularly after washing them.

#7 KAUFMAN Multicolor Joey Cabana Beach & Pool Towel

Another set of 4 quality beach towels, the KAUFMAN set is a fun, festive bunch that is perfect for a family. With a different, vivid color scheme for each towel, it’s easy to tell them apart, and there’s something for everyone.

They’re great for the pool, beach, or even at the spa. Wherever you are, you’re going to look great with it.

If the colors don’t brighten up your day, the soft, plush feel of them will. Considering their relatively low price, we were a bit apprehensive of their quality, but once we felt them we were convinced.

Made of 100% combed ring-spun weave, it is very durable while feeling luxurious. It’s just about as thick as you can get for a towel, while keeping the pattern looking clean and sharp.

Due to how thick they are, they’re also pretty heavy, so keep that in mind when you’re carrying them to the beach.

We loved how they didn’t shed at all, but we will note that you shouldn’t put them in the wash with Velcro or zippers, as the little loops could snag on them.

Beach Towel Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Beach Towel – Buying Guide

• Size
• Fabric/Material
• Weight & Thickness
• Style
• Washing
• Price
• FAQs About Beach Towels
• Tips For Beach & Pool Towels

Now that you’ve read through all of the top beach towel reviews, which one is the perfect product for you? If you’re still on-the-fence about the one to select, not to worry. We’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to create an in-depth buying guide to make sure you’re successful in your endeavor.

Size

The first thing to take into consideration, is the size of your new towel. Think about how tall you are, and how long you’re going to need it to be. Width is also important, if you really want to spread out and relax, or keep your snacks on your towel with you.

Beach towels are longer than your regular bath towels, but they’re not always wider.

Your average size of beach towel is about 36×62. This isn’t bad for many people, but it’s not going to be long enough for many people’s entire length. There are some that go up to at least 70 inches long, which is more than long enough for the majority of people.

Fabric/Material

Aside from the length, the fabric is probably the second-best important aspect of selecting a good beach towel. As you can see, there are various materials used, but the most popular one with this type is cotton.

Cotton is nice and soft; particularly Egyptian cotton. Cotton is soft, fluffy, naturally breathable and exceptionally absorbent. Egyptian cotton is known as one of, if not the best. They’re also soft and absorbent, but a bit warmer and more plush feeling.

Microfiber is also a commonly-used fabric. It’s not as high-quality as Egyptian cotton, and we feel isn’t quite as soft or luxurious.

However, it is great at repelling sand which means no mess in the car or at home. The polyester or nylon is great at absorbing water, while also drying quickly.

Weight & Thickness

If you’re going to be hauling your towel to the beach, chances are you’re going to have to carry it on foot quite a ways. Perhaps you’ll even have to hike the way back to the car.

If that’s the case, you should consider the weight of your towel. If you’ll be carrying yours and someone else’s, that goes double. This is where a good beach cart can come in handy for transporting all your gear. A rolling cooler can also be a good way.

Most thicker towels are going to weigh more. That’s the small price to pay for comfort. The unit of measurement we use with towels, is grams per square meter (GSM).

The greater the GSM, the more dense and absorbent it will be. Lighter towels often dry faster, but aren’t as plush.

• Lightweight: up to 350 gsm
• Medium: 400-600 gsm
• Heavy: 700-900 gsm

Consider the type of environment you’ll be laying on when using your new towel, too. If you’ll be on a rocky beach, you’re probably going to want to opt for a thicker model to give a bit of cushion between you and the rocks.

Style

Everyone has particular styles and tastes, and that extends to the beach towels you’ll use. When you’re laying on the beach and someone inevitably takes a photo of you, do you want to be spotted on an eyesore, or on something that suits your personality?

Beach towels are notorious for being a bit bright and obnoxious, which is great for spotting yours a ways away.

However, there are plenty of more sophisticated options with gorgeous jewel and sea glass colors that look just as good by the pool, as it would in your bathroom.

Washing / Cleaning

You’ll want your towels to be able to hold up against regular use, and regular washing. No matter where you’re taking your towel, if it’s used in a public area, it will be subject to grime. Even if you’re just using it at home, you’ll be getting all kinds of bacteria on it which means regular washing.

Ideally, your beach towel should be fade-resistant so it will hold those beautiful colors we were just talking about. You’ll also want to make sure they’re not going to shed or that the loops aren’t going to get caught on other items in the wash and snag or come loose.

While most can be washed on medium heat, it’s a good idea to check the instructions on the tag. A cold setting is never a bad idea, either.

Make sure to group colored towels together, while whites are used only with other whites. Using a gentle setting will also boost the life of your towel.

Price

How much are you willing to spend on one of the best beach towels? It’s important to have this number in mind beforehand. When you go up in price, you usually get more luxury, thickness, and softness.

If you don’t need the ultimate in plush products, you may be able to get away with a more affordable product. There are also those which can be purchased in sets of 2 or 4, which are often a great deal, too.

FAQs About Beach Towels

Q: What’s the difference between a beach towel and a regular bath towel?

As we’d previously mentioned earlier, the biggest difference is the size. A beach towel will almost always be longer than a bath towel, and sometimes wider, too. This is so you can really stretch out and relax without having your feet or head in the sand.

A beach towel is usually more brightly-colored and often has crazier or more noticeable designs to make them easier to spot on a beach full of towels.

Q: Is my beach towel going to be waterproof?

Not likely, however, there are some thinner options out there which are waterproof. The best beach towels are not, and are made to look good, to create a barrier between you and the surface of the ground you’re laying on, and to dry your body. You want the towel then to be very absorbent as opposed to waterproof.

Q: How should I clean my towel after a day at the beach?

The first thing to do is shake off any sand or other debris that may have attached itself to your towel. After this, try to get rid of excess water that it may have absorbed. If you’re going to wash it in the washing machine, using warm water can help loosen up sand and salt.

Tips For Beach & Pool Towels

#1: If you’re purchasing for a child, try to get a fun one

Many children are quite difficult to get to use anything. This means towels. If the towel looks like one of their favorite characters or has a cool, bright design, this could transform it into their new favorite thing. A hooded design is great for keeping them warm, looking cool, and drying hair more easily.

#2: If you’re trying to save money, purchase in packs

Even if you’re just looking to buy for yourself, you can buy a pack of 4 and save extra money. That way you won’t wear your towel down as quickly, and you hopefully have more color options to choose from. You can even dedicate two to using at the beach or pool, and two to only use at home.

#3: If you’re having trouble getting out embedded sand, use a handheld vacuum

If you don’t have a handheld, use a regular one. We know it sounds a bit extreme, but it works. We don’t recommend doing this on a regular basis as it can wear out the fabric quickly, but every now-and-then, this can be a game-changer for you!

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve had the chance to read through just about everything you could ever want to know about them, you should know which is a good beach towel for you.

We hope that you’ve found the perfect one with the help of our article. Thanks for tuning in, and see our packing guide for some tips for your next beach vacation.

How We Researched

To come up with the top beach towels, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Target, Lowes, Bed Bath & Beyond and Walmart along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in adventure travel, hiking and backpacking.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from fellow travelers and tour guides.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources