The 12 Best Beach Towels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Whether your idea of summer fun is spending a day by the pool or on the beach, you'll need a beach towel waiting for you when you get out of the water. The best beach towel is one that can dry you off in no time and feels soft against your skin — bonus points if you can find one in a breezy, bright print that looks great when you lay it out on the sand and coordinates with your favorite one-piece swimsuit.

We all want softness in a towel, but the towel softness you experience in the store or out of the box might not last. “One of the most common finishes they put on fabric is a softening finish that uses silicone and that is water soluble,” Deborah Young, a textile expert, explains. The best way to test the softness of a towel is to see how it holds up after a wash cycle. We put all our contending towels through at least one wash cycle to see which proved the softest and worth purchasing.

Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out nearly 60 beach towels, focusing on the quality and texture of the material, absorbency, and durability before and after a wash/dry cycle, and overall value.

These are the best beach towels PEOPLE Tested.

Best Overall: Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel

• We found that the included carrying case was roomy enough for easy repacking.

• This towel is very absorbent and dried quickly after use.

• The microfiber fabric proved to be sand resistant throughout our trips to and from the beach (no sand transferred to our car)

Decomen’s Microfiber Beach Towel scored a 5 out of 5 during our testing process. We loved so many things about this towel — including the reasonable price. We found it to be softer and more comfortable than many traditional cotton beach towels, despite its thinner, low-pile texture. Its thinness proved to be an asset, because it was lightweight and easy to pack in our beach tote. We had no issues rolling it up and fitting it back in its case, which is excellent compared to other carrying cases that proved difficult during testing. The microfiber fabric discouraged sand from sticking, so we didn't need to shake out the towel excessively before putting it in the bag to go home. No sand was found left over in our bag or the car post-beach trip, which was a real win.

We were impressed with this beach towel's absorbency and enjoyed how fast it dried us off after swimming. We also found this towel dried very quickly. (No more lugging a soggy towel home after a day at the beach.) This towel is generous in size and provided comfortable coverage for our testers, who are 5’ 10” and 6’ 3” tall. It’s long enough for one adult to lay out comfortably and can fit two to three adults seated. It also proved to be durable and did not shrink, fade, or lose its softness after several washes or throughout the testing period.

We love this towel's bold, bright patterns (and you can even add it to your cart along with one of our favorite swimsuits from Amazon). It’ll be easy to spot at the beach or public pool. If you are looking for a thick and fluffy towel, this may not be the towel for you — but with an affordable price tag, it’s a great value for a high-performance towel. Keep one in your car or suitcase, just in case you end up at the beach. Here’s hoping!

Price at time of publish: $16 (orig. $25)

Material: Polyester | Size: 35 x 73 inches

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  People / Stephanie Petit

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  People / Stephanie Petit

Best Bamboo: Clowood Plush Bamboo Cotton Beach Towel

• The cotton bamboo blend fabric proved to be extra absorbent.

• This towel retained its softness after a full wash and dry cycle.

• It was large enough to double as a small beach blanket.

• At about 2 pounds, it was heavier than other towels we tested.

• We found it lost some absorbency after washing.

Bamboo fabric is popular for its softness and sustainability, which is why many people love bamboo sheets. As it turns out, bamboo is also ideal for beach towels as well. We love this bamboo cotton blend towel from Clowood that proved to be very absorbent throughout our testing process. Its texture remained soft after washing, though one tester did find it to be slightly less absorbent after a wash.

This towel is the ideal size — large enough to wrap around yourself comfortably and serve as a small beach blanket. We loved the super soft texture that provided a nice cushion for laying out on the sand. It would be great for rocky beaches. It felt a bit heavy when carrying — but it’s worth making room in your beach bag because it’s also sand resistant. The classic, adorable designs put us in a beachy mood. For an inexpensive price, this towel is a great choice for those prioritizing softness and texture.

Price at time of publish: $29.99 (orig. $38.99)

Material: 94% combed cotton, 6% bamboo fiber | Size: 40 x 72 inches

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  People / Dera Burreson

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  People / Dera Burreson

Best for Travel: NovForth Oversized Microfiber Sand-Free Beach Towel

• Its large size gave us full coverage and easy lounging.

• We were able to fold it up quite small making it very portable.

• The microfiber allows it to dry quickly without sand sticking to it.

This NovForth towel is an ideal travel accessory. It’s thin, lightweight, and super portable. It's large enough to lay out on the sand or cover a beach chair but can still easily fold up to fit in a beach bag. We loved the softness and absorbency of this beach towel. Thanks to its microfiber construction, it also dried quickly and easily.

This towel comes in an assortment of super cute prints you'll love to show off at the beach or pool. Its absorbency held up before and after washing, plus the colors remained bright. There was no shrinkage or loose threads after laundering, making this a durable towel, too. This towel is priced affordably — we’d be willing to pay a bit more for its quality, but we’re glad there’s no need. We also loved that this beach towel shook off sand quickly so your luggage can remain sand-free for the trip home.

Price at time of publish: $15.99

Material: Microfiber | Size: 41 x 73 inches

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  People / Dera Burreson

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  People / Dera Burreson

Best Design: Anthropologie Out to Sea Beach Towel

• This was one of the most absorbent towels we tested.

• Its colors and texture held up to washing and drying without signs of wear.

• The bright and colorful design has the best beach vibe.

We love the design of this Anthropologie Out to Sea beach towel. The brightly colored print of waves and sunshine is both unique and classic. It evokes a quintessential summer vibe. This towel doesn’t just look good, it feels good too. We found its texture thick, soft, and luxurious to the touch. We did notice, however, that the bottom portion of the design felt a little coarser than the rest of the towel.

We found this towel to be almost shockingly absorbent. We were surprised by how well it absorbed water throughout testing. Compared to other towels with a similar look and texture, this Anthropologie option came out on top. The quality, color, size, and absorbency are top-notch. 

It was able to shake off sand easily in our tests and still looked great after washing. We didn’t find any signs of wear or loose threads, making it a durable and aesthetically pleasing choice. The price is higher than most of the other towels on the list, however, the quality makes it worth it. Add this to your list of beach essentials ASAP.

Price at time of publish: $54

Material: Cotton | Size: 35 x 68 inches

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  People / Dera Burreson

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  People / Dera Burreson

Best Turkish: Sand Cloud Beach Towel

• The 100% organic Turkish cotton stood up to spills and held up after washing.

• This towel stayed sand-free throughout our travels and testing.

• The tassels held up after a wash and dry cycle.

Turkish towels are beloved for their lightweight, compact, and quick-drying nature. We’re fans of this Icon Coral Restoration Foundation beach towel from Sand Cloud. We were surprised with how absorbent this towel was given its thinness, but it proved more than sufficient in drying us off completely after a dip in the water. It was the ideal size for wrapping around us and laying out. It was just the right length for lounging on a beach chair without it dragging in the sand. It dried very quickly in the sun and was easy to pack because no sand got caught in the fibers. Because it is lightweight, it is not as thick or cushiony as other beach towels.

The durability of this towel was impressive, given its delicate and soft texture. After spilling a drink on it, it came out of the wash like new. There were no signs of fading or wear. We were especially pleased with how the tassels stayed intact after washing. It was so easy to travel with, but we wish it came with a carrying case for even more convenience. For a fair price, we think it’s a no-brainer for such an attractive, functional, and packable towel.

Price at time of publish: $68

Material: 100% Turkish organic cotton | Size: 36 x 67 inches

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  People / Sarah Naftzger

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  People / Sarah Naftzger

Best Microfiber: Eccosophy Microfiber Beach Towel

• The microfiber fabric absorbed water super fast and dried just as quickly.

• We loved that it can double as a sarong.

• The carrying case and hanging loop were nice added perks.

Microfiber fabric is known for being thin and lightweight while still being super absorbent. Our top microfiber pick is from Eccosophy, and it delivered on all counts. This towel dried us off incredibly quickly and felt quite dry immediately after. We enjoyed the high-quality feel and texture of this towel. And we’re pleased it’s made from 100 percent sustainably sourced recycled materials. 

This towel proved to be durable during testing, holding up through beach trips and washing. We love the bold, fun prints this towel comes in and how it’s reversible with a different print on the back. The built-in loop for hanging was super convenient, and the carrying case made it super portable. We wish this towel was just a little longer so taller folks could lay out more comfortably. However, this towel was truly sand-proof; sand slid off super easily. We also enjoyed wearing this towel as a sarong. A towel that doubles as a stylish cover-up? Yes, please. 

Price at time of publish: $27.99 (orig. $39.99)

Material: Microfiber | Size: 35 x 71 inches

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  People / Megan Hartig

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  People / Megan Hartig

Best Quick-Dry: Better Homes & Gardens Quick Dry Travel Beach Towel

• This towel dried faster than other towels we tested.

• Its microfiber fabric was resistant to dirt and sand in our tests.

• This towel is a great value for its price.

Editor's Note: Better Homes & Gardens is owned by PEOPLE's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.

Our quickest-drying towel is the Better Homes & Gardens Quick-Dry Travel Beach Towel. The thin microfiber fabric dried fast during testing thanks to its moisture-wicking properties. It’s not quite as cozy or luxurious as traditional fluffy options, but it was great for lounging and resisting sand. It was large enough for easy coverage, but lengthwise it was just long enough for a person of average height at 5’ 5”. Anyone taller couldn’t fit their whole body on this towel. Its smooth texture was comfortable and repelled sand and dirt.

We love how compact and lightweight this towel is — you could easily fit multiple of these in your favorite beach bag. It’d be an excellent option for families, especially at such a great price. It held up nicely throughout testing and washing — no signs of wear or fading. This towel would work well for folks squeezing beach or pool time into a fuller schedule, because you wouldn't have to carry around a damp towel post-beach time.

Price at time of publish: $13.98

Material: 88% polyester, 12% polyamide | Size: 38 x 72 inches

Best Investment: Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel

• The organic Turkish cotton was incredibly absorbent.

• Stains came out easily in the wash, and the towel still looked brand new.

• It is large enough for three people to sit on, yet still portable for traveling.

Coyuchi is a luxury home textile brand known for its high-quality wares and sustainability initiatives. The Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel is our most expensive pick, but we think it's worth the price. This towel takes a love of Turkish cotton to a whole new level, and it feels incredibly premium and luxurious. While thinner than a traditional beach towel, it still felt very soft. Plus, the fluffy waffle stitchwork is subtle and adds a lovely aesthetic to the plush material. 

This towel’s absorbency proved better than some other Turkish towels we’ve tried. We were seriously impressed with how well it soaked up water and how quickly it dried. The size was large enough for three people to sit comfortably and for a full solo cocoon moment when drying off. Even though it’s an ample size, it proved very portable and ideal for traveling.

We tested this high-end towel on multiple surfaces, including sand, a river bank, and grass. Even when used on dirt, rocks, and grass, following the standard machine wash instructions got this towel looking brand new. Any stains came out easily, and the towel was fully dry in a few hours. For a towel this luxurious-feeling and durable, we think it’s worth every penny.

Price at time of publish: From $68

Material: 100% organic Turkish Cotton | Size: 39 x 71 inches

Softest: Brooklinen Beach Towel 

• The velour finish delivers that traditional soft, plush feeling people love in a beach towel.

• We found its absorbency impressive, as we were able to dry off more than one person.

• The texture gets even softer after washing.

Brooklinen’s beach towel is our pick for the softest towel. If you love a traditional plush, fluffy softness to your beach towels, this one's for you. Both textures of the velour on the front and the terry on the back felt great against our skin. The texture of the towel seemed to get only softer after washing with mild detergent. 

This towel not only feels great but performs well too. It was absorbent enough to dry off an adult and a child easily. It took about two hours to dry hanging indoors but dried much quicker in the sun. We noticed some of the colors bled a little during the first wash, so be sure to wash with similar colors only. The sides warped slightly after a full wash and dry cycle, but this didn’t affect its performance. We were able to shake off most of the sand easily, but any remaining sand came out easily in the wash.

Price at time of publish: $65

Material: 100% cotton | Size: 34 x 70 inches

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  People / Kimberly Souza

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  People / Kimberly Souza

Best Personalized: Lands' End School Uniform Rugby Stripe Beach Towel

• This is the only towel we tested that offers custom embroidery.

• This towel was one of the larger ones we tested, which made for comfortable lounging.

What could be better than a large, soft, and absorbent beach towel? A personalized large, soft, and absorbent beach towel. The School Uniform Rugby Stripe beach towel from Lands’ End is our top customizable beach towel. You can add a monogram, embroidery design, or both for a small fee. No more mixing up towels on the beach — your towel will be unmistakable.

This classic striped towel doesn’t just deliver on aesthetics. We love its softness, thickness, and durability; its texture held up after washing. It felt soothing on our skin and dried us off with ease. This towel dried relatively quickly, especially in the sun. We’re also fans of its generous size. It provided excellent coverage and comfortable lounging — more than other towels we’ve tested. The only drawback we noticed was some of the fabric pilled a bit after washing, minorly changing the appearance. We found some stray threads in our washer after laundering but were still satisfied with this towel's overall appearance and feel. It’s a great value for a high-performing large towel, and the customization aspect just makes it even more fun.

Price at time of publish: $29.97, $8 for personalization

Material: 100% cotton | Size: 39 x 78 inches

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  People / Katrina Cossey

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  People / Katrina Cossey

Best Oversized: Ocoopa Microfiber Beach Towel

• This towel is large enough for two people to lounge on and can double as a beach blanket.

• The microfiber fabric dried quickly after getting wet.

• Multiple vibrant designs and colors to choose from.

Our favorite oversized beach towel is the OCOOPA Sand Free Beach Towel. This microfiber towel is so big it’s more like a beach blanket. It was large enough for two people to lay out comfortably, and it would be great for a beach picnic. Though it was great for lounging, we found it more challenging to dry off with than other, more compact towels. 

This beach towel was very absorbent and dried quickly thanks to its thin, lightweight microfiber fabric. We felt this towel was more akin to a bedsheet than a traditional towel in texture. It was easy to pack up and didn’t weigh our bag down despite its huge size. This towel didn’t provide a lot of cushion, so we would recommend an additional layer if you’re lounging on rocky beaches. The vibrant design held up after multiple washes with no signs of wear, and we love that it came with its own convenient carrying case. 

Price at time of publish: $31.99

Material: Microfiber | Size: 57 x 80 inches

Best Absorbent: L.L.Bean Seaside Beach Towel

• The ring-spun cotton was super absorbent and dried us off quickly and easily.

• The yarn-dyed design remained vibrant after washing.

• It didn’t retain musty odors after multiple uses.

The best absorbency goes to L.L Bean’s Seaside beach towel. This towel dried us off quickly and efficiently in just one or two passes. It soaked up water well but didn’t take long to dry — about as long as a standard bath towel. We used this towel three times before washing it, and it didn’t retain any musty odors. It continued to smell nice and fresh.

We also loved this beach towel’s plush texture. It felt softer than other beach towels and more like a bath towel. It is thinner than more traditional beach towels, so If you like a lot of cushion for lounging, you might want to layer up. Because it’s thinner, we found it lightweight and easy to roll up and pack. This towel was longer than other towels we tested, and we liked being able to fully lay out comfortably. After multiple washes, this beach towel retained its softness and vibrancy. We noticed some very subtle signs of wear after washing, but that didn’t deter us from continued enjoyment. 

Price at time of publish: $39.95

Material: Ringspun cotton | Size: 36 x 68 inches

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  People / Abby Mercer

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  People / Abby Mercer

Things to Consider When Buying Beach Towels

Size

Most beach towels are large enough to wrap around little swimmers many times over, but you'll want to make sure they're big enough for adults, too. Choose towels that are long enough not only for drying off but for laying out. Most towels will shrink slightly after washing and drying, depending on the material. “There’s definitely a propensity for shrinkage, particularly in cotton towels,” explains Diane A Wyman of the AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists)

If you’re going on group outings to the beach, you might want to consider a larger option that can accommodate more people, like the OCOOPA Sand Free Beach Towel.

Material

Some beach towels are so soft, but after you've used them once, you'll have to wait for them to dry in the sun for hours. Look for quick-dry fabrics like microfiber so that your towel is ready for you no matter how many times you're in and out of the water. Turkish cotton is also a great lightweight, absorbent, and soft option. If you’re into a more traditional style towel that feels plush and thick, like a bath towel, the Brooklinen Beach Towel has a velour finish that we love.

Destination 

Consider your destination when choosing the best towel for your trip. If you’re traveling by plane or public transit, a compact, easy-to-pack towel will be important. If you’re going to be lounging on a rocky beach or lakeside, look for a thicker, plusher towel with more cushion. Plan on swimming at a crowded public beach? A unique, bold pattern like the one in ECCOSOPHY's beach towel will help you spot your things amongst the throngs of beachgoers.

Price

When pool and beach season are in full swing, you can never have too many beach towels around. If you’re a frequent swimmer or beach go-er, you’ll want to look for quality towels at a low price so you can load up on them without breaking the bank. If long-lasting durability or luxurious texture matter most, invest in a more expensive towel, such as the Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel, to elevate your experience.

When to Buy Beach Towels

It's always beach weather somewhere, making items like beach towels, drink coolers, and water shoes readily available year-round online. However, in more temperate climates, you'll likely find the best selection before pool and beach season, and you'll score the best sales right after (likely September), so you can stock up for the next season.

How We Tested Beach Towels

We tested 57 beach towels in our PEOPLE tested lab and/or in the real world to find the best ones out there. In the lab, we created a beach with real sand to get the right vibe. Each towel was rated by two testers — one before the towel was laundered and dried and another right after. We tested the softness and thickness of each towel, not just to the touch, but in terms of comfort and cushioning when laying out on the sand. We compared the absorbency of each towel before and after a wash cycle to track durability.

In our real-world testing, each tester put their towel through a complete wash and dry cycle (per manufacturer instructions) before and after use. We noted any signs of wear after washing to assess each towel’s durability. Any dirt or stains were tracked to see how they fared after washing. We tested towels in a wide variety of environments: sandy beaches, rocky beaches, river banks, pools, and grass. We used the towels for lounging and drying off to compare absorbency and texture. The size of each towel was evaluated in terms of coverage when drying off and the amount of space for lounging. Some beach towels were PR samples, and some were purchased at full price, but testers were unaware of that component while scoring. We factored in the price with all our observations to determine the value of each towel and which were our top picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's the difference between a pool towel and a beach towel?

  Beach towels tend to be larger and designed for lounging. Their larger size is ideal for laying out and creating a barrier between you and the sand. Beach towels are often thinner and made from lighter materials like microfiber or Turkish cotton for quicker drying times. Pool towels are usually similar to bath towels, with a thicker, plushier texture that is ideal for drying off after a swim.

• Is cotton or microfiber better for beach towels?

  Microfiber and other quick-drying fabrics, like Turkish cotton, make better beach towels. They are super absorbent and will be dry in time for you to pack up and head home. These fabrics are lightweight and easy to pack in your beach bag alongside your favorite swimsuit and all your other beach essentials.

• What is the best size for a beach towel?

  The average beach towel is 31 by 63 inches. A good beach towel allows you to lay comfortably and is large enough to drape over a beach chair. Compare your height to the measurements to find the best beach towel for you.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

L.A. Hubilla is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE covering all things beauty, fashion, and home. She regularly tests products for multiple digital outlets, including InStyle, Byrdie, and Travel + Leisure. For this article, she reviewed insights from our real-world testers who tried these towels on their beach trips and pool visits. For insight on quality indicators in towels, we consulted experts Diane A Wyman, Executive Vice President of AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists), and Deborah Young, a textile expert, professor, author, and textiles legal witness. 

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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