The very best beach towels of 2023 — starting at $8
Summer has finally arrived, which means it's time to refresh your beach towel stash and start preparing your big escape (cue the creative "out of office" responses!). We love to dip our toes in the water as much as anyone, so we've rounded up the very best beach towels of 2023 — including ultra-soft beach towels, lightweight beach towels, personalized beach towels and Turkish beach towels — for soaking up the season in style.
Whether you’re planning an island destination, hitting the shore, lounging by the pool, or just want to give your bathroom a colorful update (a beautiful beach towel also makes for a great summer birthday or host gift, BTW), we have you covered with our comprehensive guide, included everything you need to know about choosing a beach towel and some of the top-rated, editor-approved options we’ll be wrapping ourselves in through Labor Day.
When to update your beach towels
If you’re wondering if your beach towels are due for an upgrade, your linen closet or cabinet is a good place to start. Assess your current supply based on condition (is there excessive fading or other signs of wear and tear?), convenience (are they compact and quick-drying enough to tote around?) and cosmetics (do the colors and patterns reflect your current taste?) to identify any gaps or towels that need replacing. You may also want to take a glance at your calendar (are you set for upcoming vacations and visitors?), and take stock of any new or growing family members (a hooded baby towel is a rite of passage, but only for so long).
What makes a good beach towel?
Some additional things to consider when evaluating or purchasing a beach towel include material (do you prefer lightweight microfiber or plush velour?), durability (loose fringe can fray, while fade-proof dyes stay) and size (a smaller towel is great for drying off, while a larger canvas is ideal for lounging and sharing). Of course, you’ll also want to factor in cost. We tend to think of a well-made towel as an investment that will pay off with frequent use, though we found plenty of options that will help you de-stress or impress guests for less.
What is the best beach towel material?
Which threads you choose will likely reflect your desired use and feel. Microfiber towels are usually lightweight and smooth, while terry cotton blends are known for their fluffiness and texture. Velour cotton is supremely soft, while Turkish and Egyptian cottons tend to be a bit heavier and more plush, thanks to their elongated fibers. A closer look at the label can also provide insight into where and how the towel is made — ideally it's free of harsh chemicals and uses sustainable fabrics and manufacturing practices.
What beach towel doesn’t get sand in it?
If you like to frequent the shore but don’t necessarily want to take it home, a smoother fabric such as synthetic microfiber may be your best bet. In addition to being more compact —and odor-proof! — microfiber towels are known for their sand-resistant, quick-drying benefits, meaning you won’t need to worry about transferring all that wet sand to your beach bag or car.
Ready to dive in? Scroll down to discover the best beach towels for every preference, price point and occasion (and don’t forget to safeguard your skin with these derm-approved sunscreens).
