Soft, Absorbent Beach Towels to Dry Off in Style

Is there anything worse than coming out of the water, mermaid-style, only to wrap yourself in a damp towel? Or to find flecks of cotton all over your stuff? By picking the right style now, you’re guaranteed fun in the sun later—without that icky wet feeling.

Stripes scream “beach blanket bingo!” so nostalgists who yearn for the days of sitting by the cabana playing mah jong should look for the nautical pattern to complement a beachy look. Styles in 100% cotton offer maximum absorbency, durability and softness, so you can hang 10 in comfort all day long. Surf’s up!

Most beach towels are made from standard terry cloth, but a thinner weave (often called a Turkish or peshtemal style) has benefits: When you sacrifice plush padding, the payoff is material that dries super fast. A thinner weave also means less chance of mildew and mold, so your towel will always smell fresh.

If you’re after something super fluffy, make sure to look for 100% cotton styles that feature sheared cotton velour. And always pick a towel that’s machine-washable and color-safe so you can just throw it in the laundry.

Pro tip: Using fabric softeners on 100% cotton towels can actually decrease their plush factor, so stick to regular bleach-free detergent, and wash towels separate from other items to avoid lint transfer.