We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beach towels. Coming in an array of colours, composition, sizes, and shapes, finding one that’s perfect for a summer beach day takes a bit of digging. Whether you love a brightly coloured beach towel or you prefer a subtle neutral-hued number, we’re here to help you find the best beach towel that’ll match your style, preferences, and needs.
From oversized beach towels for those who love to lounge (strictly poolside), sand-free beach towels for those who can’t stand finding sand around the house, to hooded beach towels for those who are serious about their summer dip – we’ve curated our top picks, separated by category, below. So, clear out your calendar. It’s time to schedule in some well-deserved pool time, stat.
2024’s TOP BEACH TOWELS TO SHOP
- Beach towel in Picnic Stripes, $99, Hommey (here’s why)
- Trinity Australian cotton beach towel, $59.95 (usually $689.95), Country Road (here’s why)
- Business & Pleasure Co. The Beach Towel in Laurens Pink Stripe, $89.99 at THE ICONIC (here’s why)
The best beach towels of 2024
01
Beach towel in Picnic Stripes
$99 at Hommey
Designed locally in Melbourne, this brightly coloured beach towel from Hommey is the perfect beach day companion. Available in 14 different patterns and colourways, you can choose one to suit your preference and personal style.
Key features:
- 100% cotton
- Made locally in Melbourne
- 550gsm
02
Trinity Australian cotton beach towel
$59.95 (usually $689.95) at Country Road
Expertly crafted from Australian cotton, the Trinity beach towel from Country Road has soft velour on one side and an absorbent terry towelling reverse. Our favourite part? Its stylish checkerboard print in a gorgeous chocolate hue.
Key features:
- 95cm x 175cm
- 100% Australian cotton
- Terry towelling reverse
03
Business & Pleasure Co. The Beach Towel in Laurens Pink Stripe
$89.99 at THE ICONIC
Recreate that luxury resort holiday feel with this beach towel from Business & Pleasure Co. In a timeless striped pattern that will never go out of style, it’s an excellent choice for frequent beach-goers.
Key features:
- 86 x 168
- 100% cotton towelling
- 600gsm
04
Cotton House Bailey beach towel in Storm Blue
$37.45 (usually $74.95) at Bed Bath N’ Table
It doesn’t get cuter than this dachshund-print beach towel from Bed Bath N’ Table. Made from pure combed cotton, it’s luxuriously plush and generously sized to suit all your beach-going needs.
Key features:
- 93 x 173cm
- Made from pure cotton
05
Antibes striped Turkish beach towel
$20 (usually $39.95) at Pillow Talk
Featuring a calming wide blue striped pattern, this Turkish beach towel from Pillow Talk is a staple in any beach tote. Plus, it’s lightweight and fast-drying so bringing it to and fro from the beach is easy.
Key features:
- 400gsm cotton
- 150 x 75 cm
- Light-weight and quick-drying
The best sand-free beach towels
06
Sand Society sand-free beach towel in Olive Stripe
$69.95 at Myer
If you hate the feeling of finding sand in places you shouldn’t – all over your home post beach day – then a sand-free beach towel is a must. This olive-hued one from Sand Society is made from recycled microfibre, sand-free, and quick-drying.
Key features:
- Sand-free
- Quick drying
- 400gsm
07
Holiday Arch sand-free reversible beach towel
$30 (usually $49.95) at Pillow Talk
Another great sand-free option is this beach towel from Pillow Talk. Crafted with a waffle-weave construction, it means sand will slide right off it with a simple shake. Plus, it’s quick drying too.
Key features:
- Quick drying
- Sand-free
- Machine washable
- 380 gsm
Best hooded beach towels
08
Bangalay poncho
$65 (usually $129.99) at Sheridan Outlet
The underrated beach day essential, in our opinion, is a hooded beach towel. No longer reserved for kids only, this hooded poncho from Sheridan Outlet features a summery striped print and is soft and absorbent.
Key features:
- 100% cotton (excluding trims)
- Hooded design
09
Sheridan Ocean Waves beach poncho in green
$41.99 (usually $69.99) at Myer
Crafted from organic cotton, this hooded beach towel is absorbent and versatile. Use it after a day at the pool or as a cover-up at the beach.
Key features:
- Hooded design
- Made with organic cotton
What type of towel is best for the beach?
Choosing the perfect beach towel is a personal journey. And there are few things to consider such as size, composition, and shape. If you love lounging at the beach – or perhaps you’re blessed with tall genes – then opting for a larger oversized beach towel will ensure sand stays off your body as you sun bathe.
Sand-free beach towels are also a great option for those who hate finding sand in nooks and crannies (and anywhere else that sand doesn’t belong). Crafted from short microfibre velour, sand-free beach towels are one of our latest obsessions – and it’s safe to say, they’re an excellent option for the beach. Afterall, that’s what they’re designed for!
Turkish cotton beach towels are also an option that is well worth considering. They’re notoriously lighteight and quick-drying – meaning, they’re easy to transport from A to B. And, if you’re privvy to a spontaneous beach day, keeping a Turkish cotton beach towel won’t take up too much space in your everyday tote too.
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- This $28 bathroom must-have is the key to an at-home spa experience