We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.
Picking up a beach towel on your way out the door might not be a decision you mull over—maybe you just grab whatever is available, even if that’s the same faded number you’ve been using forever. While that lived-in towel from yesteryear might work fine for the day, the best beach towels can be more than just a barrier between you and the sand. This utilitarian piece is actually a key accessory for summer (make room, sunglasses), and the market has a little something for everyone. From timeless stripes to chic solids, the best beach towels are stylish yet trendproof—and durable enough to lounge on for many sunny seasons to come. See below for our current edit.
Best Striped Beach Towels
Imagine the scene: You’re setting up at that hot-to-the-touch pool chaise, drink off to the side, and you get to pull out a vibrant towel that screams “summertime.” Channel your inner child with these colorful striped beach towels, which might just transport you back to your favorite family beach vacation.
Best Solid Beach Towels
TK COPY
Best Patterned Beach Towels
Patterned beach towels come in many forms, all of them eye-catching. If you (or someone for whom you need a gift) are on a checkered kick, there are quite a few here.
Best Budget Beach Towels
In need of an affordable upgrade, or a new set for the whole family? This section is for you. From an electric-hued 4-pack from Amazon to looks-more-expensive options from Kohl’s and Walmart, we found really solid budget-friendly picks.
How We Chose These Products
The best beach towels are the finishing touch to drape over your lounger, but they also hold up to the elements, from sand to salt water. You’ll want yours to be soft, comfortable to the touch, and roomy enough to sprawl out on. We considered the needs of different beachgoers—some may want a textile that feels nimble (and cute!) enough to drape over their shoulders; others may want something basic that they can roll up and tuck away—and, really, everyone has a preference. We provided options across the spectrum, from bold and youthful to traditional and understated, and considered a variety of price ranges and materials for our list.
Our Shopping Checklist
Design
Personal taste takes the cake at the end of the day here, whether you lean toward earthy, understated colors or vibrant, graphic patterns that stand out. Domino’s contributing style editor, Julia Stevens, agrees, especially when it comes to her idea of the perfect beach towel. “When I hang out on my rooftop or by a pool, I always snap an aerial pic of all my summery accessories (sunscreen, canned spritz, bag, hat, etc.),” she says. To her, something that serves as a photo background is ideal. “Anything bright and poppy, from a stripe to a check, does the trick.” That said, basic neutrals have staying power, too—especially if your color preferences change often.
Size
Towels come in all sorts of sizes, but they are typically, and at a minimum, more than 30 inches wide and 60 inches long. Go even bigger for family towels that you know will be wrapped around wet swimmers wanting to get warm, or for when a towel may double as a seat for two in the sand. Oversize towels are, of course, bulkier to carry around in your bag, but if it’s replacing your beach chair altogether (while traveling, for example), it may be worth it. Larger towels are lengthy, too, clocking in generally at 70 inches. For weekend getaways, spring for something shorter and more lightweight (looking at you, Frama) that will be easy to stash in a carry-on or duffel.
Material
From quick-drying microfibers and thick cotton for durability to lighter linen blends, there are so many options out there in terms of material. If you’re hoping for something cushy and absorbent, Stevens recommends keeping an eye out for towels made of terry, in part or whole (they shouldn’t pill from season to season). Go for a velour front for extra softness if you like to take a snooze under the sun. Keep in mind that the thicker the towel, the longer it will take to dry. When shopping based on material, we also recommend looking out for the towel’s stitching; one with a durable trim can help prevent excessive stretching and fraying.
Ask Domino
Q: I really like to hit the sand in warm weather often. When will I know it’s time to replace my beach towels?
Beach towels can generally make it through many seasons in the sun, especially if you take good care of them. That includes hanging them when wet to reduce odors and following care instructions. However, the fewer you have and the more you use them, the quicker you may need to replace them. If you see noticeable color fading over time; threads starting to pull; that they aren’t drying you as swiftly; or, in spite of a warm wash, there’s a lingering smell, then it’s time to swap in a new one.
Q: What’s the best way to wash beach towels?
Before you head to the washer or sink to rinse away a summer day’s worth of sunscreen and sand, be sure to shake off any leftovers still on your towel—you want to avoid damaging your machine or allowing anything to get caught in the towel’s fibers. From there, it’s important to follow the care instructions based on the towel’s material; this will prevent damage and prolong its life. Most cotton and terry towels can be washed on a regular wash and dry cycle, though towels with colors may need to be washed in cold water with like colors, at the very least in the first few washes.
The Last Word
Beach towels all come down to personal taste in color, pattern, and material, but there is one that’s a fit for every occasion, whether you’re packing light on the go or need something oversize for two. Pick a beach towel that complements your style and speaks to your summer plans, and you’ll be ready for all kinds of warm-weather adventures.