A towel is as essential to an enjoyable beach day as the sun and sand. You need it for drying off after a splash in the waves or to spread out and lounge as you relax on the shore. However, not all towels are made to accommodate beach activities. To make the most of the sun and surf, you need a beach towel.
Beach towels are made for maximum absorbency and portability, and they’re larger than standard bath towels. They come in different designs, colors and patterns.
Why should I use a beach towel?
You may be tempted to grab a bath towel as you pack for a beach trip, but chances are it will disappoint you, regardless of how you use it at the shore. Regular bath towels differ from beach towels in several ways that make them impractical for beach-time use.
Beach towel size
There’s a significant size difference between bath towels and beach towels. A typical bath towel measures approximately 27 by 52 inches (9.75 square feet), which comes up short when relaxing on it in the sand or wrapping it around you after spending time in the water.
On average, beach towels measure between 30 by 60 inches (12.5 square feet) to around 35 by 78 inches (19 square feet), which provides enough material for lounging and drying.
Beach towel design
As you stroll along the shore when it’s packed with beachgoers, it’s not just the size of beach towels that stands out. The majority of them are bright and colorful or have fun themes that fit the atmosphere of a leisurely beach excursion. Beach towels with unique shapes are also available, including round and extra-large options. Their bright and unique designs make it easy to find your spot on the beach. With subdued styling fit for bathrooms, bath towel designs aren’t very beach-worthy.
Portability of beach towels
Beach towels are easy to fold or roll up, so stashing one in your beach bag is no problem. Although absorbent, they’re typically made of material that’s a bit thinner than a standard bath towel, so they take up less space. Another upside of the thinner fabric is that it dries fairly quickly, so you don’t have to tote around a sopping wet towel.
Beach towel materials
Microfiber, cotton blends and natural cotton are the three main materials used to make beach towels. Each one is absorbent, provides a barrier between the sand and the occupant and releases sand easily when it’s time to head home. However, there are a few differences to consider before you buy.
Microfiber beach towels
Microfiber is a synthetic material that has many purposes and textures, but when it’s used to make towels, it’s usually extremely soft. Because of the softness, this type of beach towel is great for beach enthusiasts who prefer to relax on it in the sand. Although microfiber can be lacking in absorbency, it dries quickly and generally holds up well to laundering.
Cotton beach towels
Cotton is known for being highly absorbent, long-lasting and natural. The downside of the absorbency, however, is that a beach towel made of cotton takes a little time to air dry. There’s also a chance it may shrink if you aren’t careful when tossing it in the washer and dryer.
Cotton-blend beach towels
Beach towels that are crafted of a mixture of cotton and other materials stand out in terms of affordability. While they may not last as long as their cotton and microfiber counterparts, they’re great for those hitting the beach scene on a budget.
Oversized beach towels
Patagonia Organic Cotton Towel
This is a durable beach towel made of organic cotton that’s exceptionally absorbent. It’s available in several bold prints and offers the quality you’d expect from Patagonia.
Smyrna Vintage Series Original Turkish Beach Towel
Smyrna’s original Turkish beach towels are available in many attractive solid colors. The organic cotton construction is lightweight, absorbent and quick-drying.
The Big One Chevron Beach Towel
This affordable beach towel is made of quick-drying Turkish cotton that’s machine-washable. It has a bold chevron pattern and folds easily for transport.
Kaufman Sand-Free Fouta Stripe Beach Towel Set
These towels are crafted of cotton with a sleek finish that resists sand sticking to the surface. A pack of four is a solid deal.
Bdsign Oversized Microfiber Beach Towel
You’ll like this beach towel’s lightweight construction, which makes it easy to fold and carry in a beach tote. It’s made of soft microfiber material that’s comfortable to relax on and dries fast after a dip in the ocean.
These sand-free towels are made of polyester that doesn’t trap sand in the fibers and dries fast. They feature a loop for storage when rolled up after use.
Superior Cotton Luxury Oversized Beach Towel
Whether you need a beach towel for drying off or relaxing on shore, this cotton towel’s terry and velour sides make it a versatile option for beach day fun. The polka dots make a fun design for a day in the sun. The towel is also easy to wash at home.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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