The 16 Best Beach Towels for Your Weekend Getaway, According to Sun Worshippers

You may think all beach towels are created equal, but I'm here to tell you: not quite. This Laguna Beach Textile Company towel, which comes in a number of different striped colorways, is made from cotton that’s purportedly 50 percent thicker than most bath towels, so they’re perfectly plush. The lavish feel brings a resort vibe right to your local beach. Over 1,600 reviewers have given this luxurious way to lounge a 5-star score, so I'm sold.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "I admit it: I'm a towel snob. I bought 2 of these to test. They came this morning. I promptly washed them and used one this afternoon. I just ordered four more. I was skeptical, but this towel is LUSH! The size is generous and the softness seals the deal. These towels are heavy...not in the 'I don't want to carry this heavy thing' way, but in the 'I can't wait to get out of the pool and wrap up in that cozy towel' way. I am impressed with the thickness and quality!"
• Material: cotton 
• Dimensions: 35 inches by 70 inches

Cabana stripes are all the rage this summer, from backyard decor to luggage. Obviously, you'll need the perfect beach towel to match, whether you're heading on vacation or lounging by your own pool. This classic striped number is a no-brainer. It comes in a slew of bright, fun colors, and reviewers have called it super soft and thick while raving about the generous size. And did I mention its 100 percent cotton?

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "This towel is the last beach towel I will ever own. It is soft, absorbent and oh-so-luxurious, like an attendant at a spa hand-delivered it to me on a silver platter. It's about as nice as my Turkish bath towels (which are also made of combed cotton). I also loved the fact that it has simple stripes...I am thinking about buying an entire set for the quality and the stripes that will never go out of style."
• Material: cotton 
• Dimensions: 36 inches by 70 inches

Two sides are better than one when it comes to a beach towel, and this adorable seahorse-printed one is proof. One side features loop terry cloth for drying off after a dip in the saltwater, while the other is covered in soft velour that'll feel great on your skin while you nap.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "Great quality beach towel! Cute design reflected differently on both sides. Highly recommend!"
• Material: cotton 
• Dimensions: 34 inches by 64 inches 

Sunbathe in style with Brooklinen’s cabana-themed beach towels. Not only are they some of the cutest out there, but they feature two textures for lounging and absorbency, with plush velour on one side and a terry 550 GSM back for a bit of extra thickness and absorbency. Buyers say they're perfectly fluffy, big and soft, so I'd say they're worth the splurge.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "Love them!! Love the colors, design, softness and absorbency. Just what we had hoped for!!"
• Material: cotton 
• Dimensions: 34 inches by 70 inches 

Make the brightest summer statement with this sardine-themed giant beach towel. The cheeky pattern instantly makes the most basic beach set-up an Instagram-worthy affair, while its oversized length will keep you comfortable surrounded by sand. Be bold, bright and unbothered while you get your tan on! (Psst: You can save 25 percent on it with code LUVTHESE at checkout right now!)

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "I love the print of this towel, and it's very large. Great for a beach or pool day. The material is soft and the tassels make it even cuter."
• Material: terry cloth 
• Dimensions: 40 inches by 72 inches

Why settle for one color of towel when you can have double the fun? This reversible pick from Target will let you choose between two colorways while you soak up the sun. Its lightweight construction will let you lounge your way, without being stifling or too heavy, while its terry cotton fabric should still be absorbent and have some decent fluff. I also love that it comes included with a built-in hook loop, so you can easily hand it up to dry after your day at the beach.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "If you’re looking for thick nice 100 percent [cotton] towels, these are it! It’s reversible: yellow on one side, purple on the other, which I like about it. Also comes with a hook to hang. It’s longer, so great for beach and pool. Washes well. Good quality."
• Material: cotton
• Dimensions: 36 inches by 72 inches 

If you want to knock out a few needs in one go, this is the lightweight towel for you. The Fit-Flip travel towel is the perfect multi-purpose solution that’ll have your back for beach trips and more. Take it camping, hiking or just to the shore and bask in its durability, and sand-repellent, quick-dry capabilities. It’s easy to pack in its accompanying mesh bag, so you’re sure to stay dry and clean wherever the summer takes you.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "I purchased two of these to take to Hawaii. I didn’t want to lug around giant beach towels. These were very compact, which made them easy to pack with us to the beach. They dried quickly and the sand didn’t stick to them as much as it does to a normal beach towel."
• Material: polyester and polyamide 
• Dimensions: 31.5 inches by 65 inches

If you’re ready to indulge in a big cozy towel, you’ve met your match. The Kassatex Amalfi Beach Towel gives luxury resort vibes with its elegant design and super plush feel. Vibrant colors make it modern, and you’ll love the size and comfort. Yes, it's pricey, but given that it's crafted from high-quality Turkish cotton and finished with an elegant embroidered trim, I'd say it's an investment that'll last you for many beach and pool days to come.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "So soft! Heavy. Big. Luxurious. It will feel like The Riviera in our backyard this summer! Can’t wait."
• Material: cotton 
• Dimensions: 40 inches by 70 inches

Gather 'round! This circular beach blanket is perfect for picnics and gatherings, not least of all because of its gorgeous pattern. Its lightweight build makes it easy to roll up and carry around, while a tasseled edge ensures your picnic is picturesque. Plus, it’s super soft, sturdy and repels sand like a charm.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "This is the BEST round towel ever! I got five of them for my bridesmaids on my beach bachelorette trip. They are so soft and big enough for two people to lay on! They are super absorbent and do not hold on to ANY sand! We laid on them wet on the sand and as soon as we picked them up all of the sand instantly came off. Highly recommend!"
• Material: microfiber 
• Dimensions: 59-inch diameter 

In search of the ideal gift for your favorite beach bum? This towel is thick, plush and personalized. Simply type in the initials and select your preferred towel color, thread color, font and which side of the towel you’d like embroidered, and this Etsy seller will make it happen. Reviewers love the high-quality feel and amazing customer service. And, hey, at this price, you might even want to snag one for yourself.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "Y'all...this is THE BEST towel to buy for you, your kid, your husband...whoever! Nice and fluffy, great weight and beautifully done monogram. Love it!"
• Material: cotton 
• Dimensions: 40 inches by 72 inches

A smooth and comfortable towel is a major beach necessity, and this one is also as cute as can be. An iconic Lilly Pulitzer palm pattern stands out on a crowded beach, and will let you sunbathe with serenity. As part of the Suite Views collection, it has the potential to rival the feel of towels from a 5-star resort. Speaking of, it's received 5-star ratings from over 200 buyers.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "So, so big and soft and adorable. I can’t say enough good things about it, it’s just beautiful."
• Material: cotton 
• Dimensions: 40 inches by 70 inches

At a whopping *seven times* the size of a standard beach towel, I'm willing to call this one seven times the fun! Made of a soft cotton and bamboo blend, this towel provides enough room for friends, friends of friends and anything or anyone else that’s tagging along. It folds up super compact for easy traveling, while the sand-resistant, moisture-wicking material should keep everyone cool and comfortable.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "Super big beachy blanket that is big enough for the entire family. Sand shakes off easily. Material is soft and not scratchy."
• Material: cotton and bamboo 
• Dimensions: 100 square feet 

This towel is perfect for packing—it’s not only a champion when it comes to repelling sand (so say goodbye to car messes), but its light construction allows it to roll up nice and compact to fit perfectly in your beach bag. Plus, reviewers confirm that the 100 percent organic Turkish cotton fabric touts all the qualities you'd expect: soft, absorbent and quick-drying. Choose between this lovely sunset print, or the multiple other boho patterns available.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "Great size, soft, good quality and perfect for a travel blanket."
• Material: cotton 
• Dimensions: 36 inches by 64 inches

This is a towel you can count on with its long length, ability to roll up and quick-drying, sand-free properties. After a simple shake, the sand will fall off with ease, per shoppers, and you can pack it up in its accompanying pouch. It claims to dry three times faster than standard cotton towels, so it's no surprise reviewers rave about its functionality and convenience. The fact that is looks pretty too certainly doesn't hurt.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "They are lightweight and dry quickly outside after using. My favorite part was that the sand did not stick to the towel. They are somewhat thin and feel a little like suede. They absorb the water just as well as a terry cloth towel."
• Material: microfiber
• Dimensions: 35 inches by 78 inches

Looking for a towel that just speaks to you? Look no further than this baby, which comes in ten funky colorways personalized with your name! Whether you're traveling to a beachy destination on holiday or lounging at your everyday spot, this eye-catching essential is paramount for the perfect summer—and you'll never get it mixed up with anyone else's at the pool.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "Gave this to my daughter for Easter and it’s easily the favorite beach towel. It’s the thickest, softest, most durable towel we own. I wish it came in more patterns!"
• Material: cotton and polyester 
• Dimensions: 30 inches by 60 inches 

Trying to get your kiddo to keep their towel on for more than three seconds is a battle parents will never win. But thanks to these ingenious towel ponchos, you might be able to buy extra drying time. The hooded design is wearable, rather than a classic wrap-around style, which means your little one can have both hands free to continue playing while they dry off. Featuring designs that range from sharks to ballerinas, there’s bound to be at least one style they love.

Fast Facts

• Glowing Review: "I bought this for my granddaughter who is 2 years old. It has a snap in the front so she can wear it after her bath and hood on top to really look like a mermaid! She loves it. It washed well and is soft." 
• Material: microfiber 
• Dimensions: 24 inches by 48 inches