Guide to Choosing the Best Beach Towel

Cotton beach towels come in classic terry and flat weave hammam (or Turkish) styles. The difference is in the construction: Like traditional bath towels, terry cloth beach towels have a looped surface that makes them soft, cozy, and ultra-absorbent. In contrast, hammam-style or flat weave towels have a flat surface and reverse to an ultra-fine terry, so they’re lighter and thinner. Both are beloved options for beach towels, and fans on either side stand by their preference. Let's see how they compare: 

• Absorbency: Any cotton towel is naturally absorbent, so both types tick this box. However, terry cloth’s looped construction creates a larger surface area that soaks up more water, faster, making it the clear winner in this category. 
• Dry Time: Terry towels absorb more moisture, so they also take a long time to dry—so choose a flat-weave towel if dry time is a priority. For a thick towel with a shorter dry time, look for a GSM (grams per square meter) between 300 and 350. 
• Sand: A hammam-style towel’s flat weave is less likely to trap sand and track it inside your bag, car, or home, so it’s a great choice for a sandy beach. Thicker terry loops are more likely to hold on to grains of sand, so a terry beach towel may be better suited for poolside adventures. 
• Size: At 39 inches by 60 inches, our terry beach towels are 2 inches longer than our flat-weave options, but both are slightly larger than a standard bath towel—and plenty big for lounging or wrapping up. Thinner hammam-style towels fold or roll to take up less storage and bag space, making them a great option for travel. 
• Style: Flat-weave towels traditionally feature subtle bands of heathered hues such as gray, navy, black, or coral, while beach towels are known for colorful stripes, vibrant patterns, and on-theme designs. Choose the style that best reflects your waterside personality. 

Flat weave and traditional towels both have benefits, but when it comes down to it, the best beach towel depends on where and how you’ll use it. Here are our expert recommendations for beach towels for a variety of applications: 

• Best Beach Towel for Kids: Although they’re designed for the bath, our hooded kids’ towels are versatile enough for pool time or beach days, too. Whimsical characters and bold colors speak to children’s playful personalities and make summertime adventures more fun. 
• Best Beach Towel for Sandy Shores: A flat weave hammam-style towel is less likely to get or stay sandy, making it our favorite option for lounging by the sea. 
• Best Beach Towel for the Pool: Trapped sand isn’t a concern when you’re sitting poolside, where we prefer the extra absorbency and soft, cushy surface of a classic terry beach towel. 
• Best Beach Towel for Families: Because it’s easier to pack multiple flat weave towels in a single pool or beach bag, we recommend grabbing one of this type for each family member. 
• Best Beach Towel for Swimming: Ultra-absorbent cotton terry towels are ideal for drying off after a long swim, but if your bags offer limited space, a hammam-style towel might be a better option. The verdict? Choose your priority—cushy absorbency or space-saving efficiency—and let that dictate your towel decision. 
• Best Beach Towel for Boating: Hammam-style towels dry quickly, making them great for boating—especially if you plan to be in and out of the water throughout the day. Just drape them over a cushion or boat railing to dry off when not in use. 
• Best Beach Towel for Travel: Lightweight construction and superior packability make a hammam-style towel the best option for prepping for the whole family or packing for a solo trip to a tropical locale. 
• Best Beach Towel for Dogs: Keep your favorite beach towels safe from excessive wear and tear, pet hair, or odors and choose a wearable dog towel for pets who join you in the water. 

2. Avoid fabric softeners. The soft, cushy feel of a beach towel is part of its appeal, but don’t turn to fabric softeners to keep them that way—the chemicals in fabric softeners can actually damage the fibers, stiffening them and causing breakage over time.  

3. Dry beach towels on low heat. High temperatures and agitation in the dryer can damage a towel’s fibers and cause the terry loops to break over time. Instead, use a low-heat dryer setting or hang them outdoors to air-dry. 

4. Wash beach towels frequently. As with bath towels, it’s best to wash beach towels every 2 to 3 uses to prevent bacteria growth—or more often to account for spills, sunscreen stains, or other accidents that make them exceptionally dirty. 

Beach towels are exposed to chlorine, salt, sand, sun, and other harsh conditions, and therefore will not last as long as other home linens, even if you take care of them properly. Even the highest quality cotton beach towels should be replaced every 2 to 3 years, depending on how frequently they’re used. For more tips and advice on towels and bath linens, explore our other Guides.