The Best Beach Towels To Buy For Summer

From sand-free blankets to pretty patterns, there’s something for everyone.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Dillard's Southern Living x Nellie Howard Ossi Collection Block Print Beach Towel

Muriel Silva for Dillard's

Like socks and lip balm, beach towels have a way of disappearing into thin air. On the night before the first pool day or beach weekend of the year, you open the linen closet where you're sure they will be, where you're fully confident they will be, where you are utterly and absolutely positive they will be. And poof! Thin. Air.

Since we're all in the market for one, two, or five new beach towels at any given time, let us show you the best beach towels you'll never want to leave behind. Cover all of your family's functional needs with a sand-free blanket that keeps itself clean, an oversized towel fit for snuggling up in after a chilly dip, or an affordable set of cabana towels that'll ship quickly with Amazon Prime. Whether you prefer the quick-drying material of Turkish beach towels or absorbent plush styles, there's something for everyone. And don't forget about yourself, either. We included a few stylish options that deserve a spot in your beach bag all summer long.

These beach towels will get you excited for the season—just make sure to keep an eye on them so they don't go missing.

Best Overall

WETCAT Turkish Beach Towel

WETCAT Turkish Beach Towel

Amazon

Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Packable

  • Large variety of colors

Cons
  • Not plush

As the overall best-seller in Amazon's massive beach towel category, Wetcat's Turkish Beach Towel has won over thousand of shoppers thanks to its packable and lightweight material. The pre-washed beach towels are soft and immediately absorb water rather than repel it. And practicality aside, their fringe detailing adds a pop to what can be an otherwise plain accessory.

Price at time of publish: $30

Best Oversized

Arkwright LLC Arkwright Oversized Beach Towel

Oversized Beach Towels

Arkwright LLC

Pros
  • Plush

  • Bulk savings

  • Larger than standard towels

Cons
  • Only sold in pack of 4

There's nothing quite as blissful as snuggling up in a plush oversized beach towel while soaking up some rays. If you want to keep things comfy, Amazon shoppers suggest wrapping up in this best-seller that "rolls up nicely." It comes in a pack of four, so you can cover the whole family with one purchase.

Price at time of publish: $55 for 4

Best for Travel

Dock & Bay Cabana Quick Dry Towel

4.8
Dock & Bay Cabana Quick Dry Towel

Amazon

Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Absorbent

  • Quick drying

Cons
  • Not plush

  • Higher price point

When you're traveling to the beach, packing light is everything. That's why a beach towel that easily packs down and saves space is a must. This best-selling style is as stylish as it is compact, since it comes with a travel accessory pouch. With its classic striped pattern available in 38 colors, the hardest part of this purchase is deciding which one to go with.

Price at time of publish: $30

Best for Kids

Ben Kaufman Personalized Printed Beach Towels for Kids

Ben Kaufman Kids Beach Towel

Amazon

Pros
  • Personalization included

  • 22 pattern options

Cons
  • No solid color options

Giving your little ones a personalized beach towel is one way to make sure everyone in the family has their own go-to. This Amazon shopper-favorite towel comes in 22 kid-friendly patterns and prints, all of which are available for personalized embroidery at checkout.

Price at time of publish: $20

Best Value

Utopia Towels Cabana Stripe Beach Towel (30 x 60 Inches) - 100% Ring Spun Cotton Large Pool Towels, Soft and Quick Dry Swim Towels Variety Pack

Utopia Towels Cabana Stripe Beach Towel (30 x 60 Inches) - 100% Ring Spun Cotton Large Pool Towels, Soft and Quick Dry Swim Towels Variety Pack

Amazon

Pros
  • Absorbent

  • Affordable

Cons
  • Only sold in pack of 4

On account of the disappearing act that beach towels have a habit of pulling, it only makes sense to stock up. This four-pack of towels is winning over beach lovers everywhere. "We live just yards from the beach and we go through towels quickly," one reviewer said. "We use them, our visiting family and friends use them, and we use them around the pool as well. So many of the 'tourist' towels really don't stand up to the wear, but these do. Absorbent and soft [and] the colors stay vibrant."

Price at time of publish: $40 for 4

Best Sand Repellent

WEKAPO Sand Free Beach Blanket

WEKAPO Sand Free Beach Blanket

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros
  • Repels sand

  • Repels water

  • Large size

Cons
  • Not plush

  • Not absorbent

As much as we love digging our toes in the sand, having to sweep it out of our beach bags for the days following isn't the best time. That's why investing in a beach blanket designed to repel sand is the way to go. Thousands of shoppers have fallen for this popular style that ensures sand "blows right off."

Price at time of publish: $29

Best Lightweight

Nova Blue Nova Blue Beach Towel

beach towel

Nova Blue

Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Absorbent

Cons
  • No solid color options

This lightweight towel screams "summertime fun" thanks to its punchy patterns with sea animals, flamingos, and florals. Rave reviews for the best-selling beach towel mention how "excellent" the quality is and how well the towel holds up to washing.

Price at time of publish: $23

Best Pattern

Dillard's Southern Living x Nellie Howard Ossi Collection Block Print Beach Towel

4.3
Dillard's Southern Living x Nellie Howard Ossi Collection Block Print Beach Towel

Dillard's

Pros
  • Designer pattern

  • Cotton terry material

Cons
  • Higher price point

A great beach towel shouldn't sacrifice style. A part of Jacksonville, Florida-based interior designer Nellie Howard Ossi's Dillard's collection , this beach towel offers an eye-catching patterns to put on display at the beach or poolside. In addition to the colorful design, it also features a fringe trim. If Dillard's "people have this added to their wish list!" feature is any indication, you'll want to act fast—shoppers have their eyes on it.

Price at time of publish: $45

Best Round

RosieLily Round Mandala Beach Towel

Zeronal Round Beach Towel

Amazon

Pros
  • Unique shape

  • Fast drying

Cons
  • No solid color options

If you're in the market for an Instagram-worthy towel, why not go with the round towel trend? This 100 percent cotton fast-drying towel works for picnics and outdoor yoga just as well as it does waterside. You can get the beach blanket in eight mandala-inspired prints.

Price at time of publish: $20

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles