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Getting out of the water can sometimes be the worst part of swimming, but having a cozy towel waiting for you on shore makes it much easier. The best swim towels are made from quick-drying, absorbent materials that will make coming out of the pool or ocean feel amazing.
Cotton is a good choice for any towel because it’s a natural material that’s absorbent. Cotton towels also tend to be softer and thicker than those made from other materials, so if you want a luxe-feeling post-swim experience, a cotton towel is your best bet.
On the other hand, polyester-blend towels can be especially great for swimming at the beach, because polyester dries quickly and is sometimes sand-repellent. Polyester-blend towels are often thinner and have a smoother feel than towels made from 100% cotton, and their quick-drying design makes them very versatile, coming in handy for yoga classes or camping trips too. Whichever material you choose, both cotton and polyester-blend towels can usually be tossed in the washing machine after use.
The function of your towel is important, but so is the form, which is why swim towels come in a variety of colors and styles. Some have bright patterns and hues that are easy to spot on the beach or poolside, while others come in trendy prints and pastels. You may also want to check out peshtemal-style Turkish towels, which have knotted tassels and are usually quick-drying, too.
If you’re looking to bring softness and style to your swim sessions, dive into this list of the best swim towels on Amazon.
1
A Quick-Drying Travel Towel With Over 8,000 Fans On Amazon
This microfiber swim towel weighs under a pound, and can be easily rolled up and stored in the small included bag. It’s made from a polyester-blend, which has a suede-like feel and can absorb up to five times its weight in water to help you dry off faster. The towel itself is quick-drying, and it has a convenient buttoned loop to help you hang it securely. It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes, ranging from smaller options that are great for wiping off your hands and face to larger ones that can be laid out on the beach or by the pool. When you get home, simply throw this microfiber towel in the wash to clean it off.
One fan raved: “I have purchased 3 of these towels, in successive sizes. The first two I use for swimming. I've been so pleased with them that I purchased the largest size for after the shower. The towels dry me quickly and thoroughly, which is very useful to me when I'm in a hurry to shower and go out. The towels themselves also dry quickly.”
- Available colors: 10
- Available sizes: [6 Cite the range of sizes here instead of the number]
2
A Luxurious Turkish Cotton Towel
If you love lying out on the beach as much as you love to swim, this large Turkish towel is the perfect pick for you. It’s made from 100% Turkish cotton, making it both soft and absorbent, and it also has a Turkish towel design complete with a geometric pattern and knotted tassels. For an extra pop of style, check out the variety of chic, pastel colors available, which are created using organic dyes. This towel has also been pre-washed, so you can throw it in the wash with your other towels without having to worry about bleeding dyes or shrinkage. It measures 71 by 36 inches, so it’s large enough to use as a beach towel.
One fan raved: “We took these towels to Hawaii. They were perfect because we didn't have a lot of space. They are full size, and we used them for ten days of picnics, beaches, and swimming - they held up wonderfully (and we didn't wash them in those ten days!). Super pleased and will be purchasing more for so many uses (also makes a great little blanket/shawl)”
- Available colors: 19
3
This 4-Pack Of Classic Cabana Stripe Towels
Whether you’re swimming multiple days a week or preparing for visiting friends, this four-pack of striped cabana towels is a great way to stock up without breaking the bank. These towels are made from soft and absorbent cotton, and they have a cabana stripe pattern for a classic beach look. Each towel in this pack has a different bright color that’s easy to spot on shore, but there are also packs available in one color if you prefer a more uniform look. Each towel measures 30 by 60 inches, and the set is machine-washable.
One fan raved: “I bought these for a recent trip to the beach. I had low expectations, buying a pack of towels without being able to feel them first. I was pleasantly surprised at the thickness of the towels, much better than some thinner cheap beach towels I had bought in the past. I have used them several times at the pool since taking them to the beach and I am still very happy with my purchase. I wasn't looking for a Spa towel as I expected these to get full of sand, but I did get a very comfortable towel and the size was good too. I Would definitely recommend these to anyone who was looking. Overall - This is a perfect towel for what I purchased it for. I would recommend this towel to my friends for the same purpose and if I need additional towels, I will purchase this type again.”
- Available colors: 5
4
A Swim Towel That’s Also Great For Yoga And Camping
This quick-dry towel is not only excellent for swimming, but it’s also perfect for yoga thanks to its nonslip design that helps you master tricky poses. It weighs under a pound and is made from recycled polyester and nylon, so it can dry quickly whether you’re hanging it in your bathroom or at your campsite. To help you show off your personal style, this towel comes in 40 different patterns and colors, including leopard print, monstera print, and retro stripes. It measures 27.5 by 72.5 inches, and can be machine-washed on cold.
One fan raved: “I've now had my original [towel] for two years and it still has its colors, feels good and works just as well as the day I got it I bought VW Bus to travel in and got three more Nomadix towels for my guests [...] I really believe in spending a few extra $$ for a quality product and I'm happy I sprung for the Nomadix I've been backpacking for 13 months and I got one of these back in January. I previously owned a Sea-to-summit microfiber towel which was the same price but was half the size, folded it took up the same amount of room. After 10 months of using it, it still feels pretty new. I use it almost everyday”
- Available colors: 41
5
This 100% Cotton Towel With A Tropical Flair
Get into the beachy vibes with this tropical beach towel. The bright colors mean you’ll never lose sight of your spot on the beach, and the fun designs will ensure that your towel doesn’t accidentally get swapped with someone else’s. This machine-washable towel is made from 100% cotton velour for a soft feel, but it still dries quickly, according to reviewers. It measures 34 by 63 inches, and is backed by hundreds of perfect five-star ratings on Amazon.
One fan raved: “Really beautiful towel. The quality is excellent and is the perfect size. I've had numerous folks ask me where I bought it. Does not come apart in the wash the way some second rate towels do. It was a little expensive, but otherwise, perfect!”
- Available colors: 4
6
An Extra-Large, Sand-Resistant Towel
If you hate the feeling of lying down on your towel after swimming only to be covered in sand, this sand-proof towel offers the perfect solution. It’s made from a quick-drying, sand-resistant polyester-blend and has a smooth feel that’s more akin to bed sheets or shammies than cotton towels. Measuring 78 by 35 inches, it’s great for relaxing on the beach, and the cabana stripe pattern gives it a classic look.
One fan raved: “Best microfiber towels on the market. I have purchased various brands of microfiber towels over the years and the fabric has always been off. Either it was too stiff or it pilled and felt like sand paper. These are very soft, remarkably absorbent and HUGE. The extra large is about a quarter of the bulk of a standard towel, meaning you can easily fit 4 in a beach bag without feeling like you need a suitcase. I have already replaced all of my beach towels with these...now I am eyeing my bath towels and contemplating replacing them too.”
- Available colors: 23
