We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Lifestyle Home The 12 Best Beach Towels of 2024, Tested by Real People The Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel deserves a spot in your beach bag By L.A. Hubilla L.A. Hubilla L.A. Hubilla is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE who specializes in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. She also regularly tests products for multiple digital outlets, including InStyle and Byrdie. When she's not window shopping online or creating pro and con lists, you'll find her drinking tea and talking about her feelings. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 16, 2024 11:12AM EDT In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsThings to Consider How We Tested FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Stephanie Petit 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. Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out nearly 60 beach towels, focusing on the quality and texture of the material, absorbency, long-term durability, and overall value. We tested them in a variety of environments, including a sandy beach, river banks, and pools. We also had our testers use them for three months, so they could report back on how they held up. These are the top 12 best beach towels PEOPLE Tested. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best Bamboo: Clowood Plush Bamboo Cotton Beach Towel at Amazon ($28) Jump to Review Best for Travel: NovForth Oversized Microfiber Beach Towel at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best Design: Anthropologie Out to Sea Beach Towel at Anthropologie ($54) Jump to Review Best Turkish: Sand Cloud Beach Towel at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Microfiber: Eccosophy Microfiber Beach Towel at Amazon ($33) Jump to Review Best Quick-Dry: Better Homes & Gardens Quick Dry Travel Beach Towel at Walmart ($7) Jump to Review Best Luxury: Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel at Nordstrom ($51) Jump to Review Best Personalized: Land's End Rugby Stripe Beach Towel at Landsend.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Oversized: Ocoopa Diveblues Microfiber Beach Towel at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best Overall Decomen Microfiber Beach Towel PHOTO: Amazon $11 at Amazon Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros We found that the included carrying case was roomy enough for easy repacking. This towel is very absorbent and dries quickly after use. The microfiber fabric proved to be sand resistant throughout our trips to and from the beach. It's lightweight, folds easily, and is perfect for traveling. Cons It felt thinner and not as fluffy as traditional beach towels. 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. 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. 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. We love the towel's bold, bright patterns (and you can even add it to your cart along with one of our favorite swimsuits from Amazon). Material: Polyester | Size: 35 x 73 inches | Color Options: 10 How It's Held Up After three months of using this towel at least once a week at the beach, it has continued to hold up well. We have washed and dried it normally (without special care), and the colors remain vibrant and it is showing no signs of wear or tear. It remains our go-to beach towel because it's lightweight and absorbent, and the sand shakes off easily. We have even gotten compliments on its fun design. People / Stephanie Petit People / Stephanie Petit Best Bamboo Clowood Plush Bamboo Cotton Beach Towel PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Absorbency 4.8/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros The 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. Cons 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. We love this bamboo blend towel from Clowood, which 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 lying out on the sand. It felt a bit heavy when carrying, but it’s worth making room in your beach bag because it’s also sand-resistant. Material: 94% combed cotton, 6% bamboo fiber | Size: 40 x 72 inches | Color Options: 3 People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson The 12 Best Sunscreens from Neutrogena, Supergoop, and More, Tested on the Beach Best for Travel NovForth Oversized Microfiber Beach Towel PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros 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. Cons It's thinner than some of the other beach towels we tested. 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 it 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. 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. Material: Microfiber | Size: 41 x 73 inches | Color Options: 6 People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Design Anthropologie Out to Sea Beach Towel PHOTO: Anthropologie $54 at Anthropologie Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros 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. Cons The texture and softness of this towel felt a bit uneven. It is one of the more expensive towels on this list. We love the design of this Anthropologie Out to Sea beach towel. This towel doesn’t just look good; it feels good too. We found its texture to be 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 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. Material: Cotton | Size: 35 x 68 inches | Color Options: 1 People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Turkish Sand Cloud Beach Towel PHOTO: Sand Cloud View on Amazon View on Sandcloud.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros 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. With long-term use, it becomes softer and even more absorbent. Cons It feels thinner than traditional beach towels and offers less cushion. Turkish towels are beloved for their lightweight, compact, and quick-drying nature. 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 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. Material: 100% Turkish organic cotton | Size: 36 x 67 inches | Color Options: 8 How It's Held Up After three months of use, we found that this towel actually became softer and more absorbent as we used it. The quality is top-notch, and it has shown no signs of wear. We even packed it for a trip, as it is light and folds up well. As a bonus, you can wrap this around you and use it as a cover-up. People / Sarah Naftzger People / Sarah Naftzger The 8 Best Beach Wagons for Summer 2024, Tested by Real Parents Best Microfiber Eccosophy Microfiber Beach Towel PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros 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. It comes in 26 vibrant colors and designs to choose from. Cons This towel was a little too short to fully lay out on, even for an average-sized person. 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 we felt 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 (26 colors and designs to choose from) 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 for taking on the go. Material: Microfiber | Size: 35 x 71 inches | Color Options: 26 How It's Held Up After three months of use, it showed no signs of wear, and the colors stayed vibrant and bright. We have washed it frequently in a normal warm water wash cycle and dried it in the dryer, and it looks exactly the same as when we bought it, showing no signs of holes or fraying. This towel has been a rock star both at the pool and at the beach. People / Megan Hartig People / Megan Hartig Best Quick-Dry Better Homes & Gardens Quick Dry Travel Beach Towel PHOTO: Walmart $7 at Walmart Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros 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. Cons Its thinner texture isn’t as plush as other more traditional options. This towel may be too short for some people. 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”. 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. Material: 88% polyester, 12% polyamide | Size: 38 x 72 inches | Color Options: 6 How It's Held Up After using it for three months, we found that it remained soft and fluffy with frequent use. We washed it in cold water and dried it on high heat, and it kept its bright colors and soft texture without showing signs of wear. Even though we did have moments where we wished it were more absorbent, it worked great at the pool, and the sand shook off easily at the beach. People / Morgan Glaze Best Luxury Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel PHOTO: Coyuchi $51 at Nordstrom $68 at Wayfair $68 at Anthropologie Our Ratings Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros 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. Cons This was by far the most expensive towel we tested. 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. Material: 100% organic Turkish Cotton | Size: 39 x 71 inches | Color Options: 5 How It's Held Up After using it for three months, this towel showed no signs of wear. It did a great job of repelling sand at the beach as well as drying us off at the pool. It continues to have a plush and high-quality feel to it. In fact, we often get compliments on it at the park and beach. People / Anna Popp Best Personalized Land's End Rugby Stripe Beach Towel PHOTO: Land's End View on Landsend.com Pros 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. This is one of the softest towels we tested. Cons Part of the fabric was pilled after washing, which slightly changed the overall appearance of the towel. 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. This classic towel doesn’t just deliver on aesthetics. We love its softness, thickness, and durability. 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 the first wash, minorly changing the appearance. Material: 100% cotton | Size: 39 x 78 inches | Color Options: 5 How It's Held Up After three months of use, we found that the pilling (which only occurred with the first wash) did not get worse. The colors stayed bright, and we didn't notice any holes or fraying. This towel stayed soft and fluffy, and we loved the fact that it was thick enough to keep us warm. We took it to the beach and found that 95 percent of the sand shook off right away, with the last bit easily coming out in the washer. People / Katrina Cossey People / Katrina Cossey Best Oversized Ocoopa Diveblues Microfiber Beach Towel PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon $27 at Walmart View on Diveblues.com Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros 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. There are multiple vibrant designs and colors to choose from. Cons We found it a bit large and cumbersome for drying off. It was super thin and didn’t provide as much cushion as other towels. 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. Material: Microfiber | Size: 57 x 80 inches | Color Options: 14 How It's Held Up Even after three months of use, the vibrant design held up after multiple washes with no signs of wear. We also love that it came with its own convenient carrying case. We did find ourselves occasionally wishing it were thicker for warmth. However, overall, it absorbed water well, dried quickly, and repelled sand easily. People / Andrea Tenborg People / Andrea Tenborg Best Absorbent L.L.Bean Seaside Beach Towel PHOTO: L.L.Bean $40 at L.L.Bean Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Absorbency 4.5/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros 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. Cons We noticed some minor signs of wear after washing. It was thinner than traditional beach towels. 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 also loved this beach towel’s plush texture. It felt softer than other beach towels and more like a bath towel. This towel was longer than other towels we tested, and we liked being able to fully lay it out comfortably. After multiple washes, this beach towel retained its softness and vibrancy. Material: Ringspun cotton | Size: 36 x 68 inches | Color Options: 1 How It's Held Up After three months of use both at the beach and the pool, the towel has remained soft and absorbent. We did notice some pulled threads in a few areas, where the fabric loops are slightly pulled out. The towel has no holes or bald spots, but it looks slightly less fluffy than when we first purchased it. People / Abby Mercer People / Abby Mercer The 16 Best Sunglasses for Women, Including Aviators, Cat Eyes, and Luxury Dupes Best Sand-Free Venture Large Sand-Free Beach Towel PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon View on Venture4th.co Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 3/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Sand doesn't stick to this microfiber towel. It is very absorbent and dries quickly. It was durable and held up well in the wash. This towel is available in 30 vibrant colors and designs. Cons This microfiber towel is thin, so it isn't as thick and fluffy as other towels. If you will be going to this beach and need a towel that resists sand, the Venture Microfiber Beach Towel is a perfect choice. We found that sand doesn’t stick to this towel, and it shakes out easily, which means you won’t be tracking sand into your car or home. It dried quickly and was easy to fold and pack. We were also pleasantly surprised at how absorbent it was during testing. Because it is a microfiber towel, it is thinner. If you want a thick and fluffy towel, this may not be the one for you. We loved the vibrant colors and patterns (with 30 to choose from) and noted that the towel held up well with washing without fraying or bleeding. We also appreciated the drawstring pouch, which made it easy to transport. Material: Microfiber | Size: 35 x 78 inches | Color Options: 30 13 Best Flip Flops for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed 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 also for laying out. Most towels will shrink slightly after washing and drying, depending on the material. 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 Lands' End Rugby Stripe Beach Towel has a soft and fluffy 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 beachgoer, 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. People / Dera Burreson How We Tested Beach Towels We tested 57 beach towels in our PEOPLE Tested lab and/or on real beaches 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. Comfort: We tested the softness and thickness of each towel, not just to the touch but in terms of comfort and cushioning when lying out on the sand.Absorbency: We compared the absorbency of each towel before and after a wash cycle to track durability. We used the towels for lounging and drying off to compare absorbency and texture.Durability: 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 also used many of the towels for at least three months to test long-term durability.Repellency: We tested towels in a wide variety of environments: sandy beaches, rocky beaches, river banks, pools, and grass. We took note of whether sand and dirt stuck to the towel and how easy it was to remove them.Size: The size of each towel was evaluated in terms of coverage when drying off and the amount of space for lounging. Frequently Asked Questions 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 the PEOPLE Tested team who tried these towels on their beach trips and pool visits. 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. The 8 Best Beach Canopies for Shady Reprieve, Tested and Reviewed