How to choose the best beach towel?

Hey friends! 🌞 Summer is just around the corner, and summer means beach, sun, and relaxation. But before you lounge on the warm sand, choosing the right beach towel is essential. This often-underestimated accessory can greatly influence your comfort during your summer getaways. So, how do you find the perfect beach towel? Follow our guide!

1. Understanding the importance of a good beach towel

Before delving into the selection criteria, it's crucial to understand why choosing a beach towel is so important. A suitable towel not only offers optimal comfort for lying down, but it also facilitates drying after swimming, protects your skin from the hot sand, and can even serve as a sarong or light blanket. In short, it's an essential part of your summer gear!

2. The essential criteria for choosing your beach towel

a. Matter

The choice of material is essential to ensure comfort and practicality. Here are the main options available:

Cotton

It's the most common material for beach towels. Cotton is valued for its softness, absorbency, and durability.

• Advantages: highly absorbent, soft, resistant to washing.

• Disadvantages: can be bulky and take a long time to dry.

Microfiber 

Lightweight and ultra-absorbent, microfiber dries quickly and takes up little space in the bag.

• Advantages: compact, quick-drying, easy to transport.

• Disadvantages: less pleasant sensation on the skin, less absorbent than cotton.

Velvet

For a touch of luxury, velvet is a soft and comfortable option.

• Advantages: pleasant texture, high-end appearance.

• Disadvantages: heavier, absorbs moisture less well.

Flax

Lighter than cotton, it dries quickly and is appreciated for its natural and elegant look.

• Advantages: ecological, durable, lightweight.

• Disadvantages: less absorbent, rougher to the touch.

Innovative materials

Some brands now offer towels made from bamboo or recycled fibers, combining ecology and performance.

b. The size

• Standard (80 x 160 cm) : Ideal for one person, easy to transport.

• Large size (100 x 180 cm or more) : Perfect for lying down comfortably or sharing with someone.

• XXL size (over 140 x 200 cm) : Ideal for families or for those who like to have plenty of space.

• Round format : Increasingly popular, perfect for picnics on the beach.

c. The weight

The weight, expressed in grams per square meter (g/m²), indicates the thickness and quality of the towel. Recommendations:

• Less than 300 g/m²: Lightweight, low absorbency, dries quickly (ideal for athletes or travellers).

• 400-600 g/m²: Balance between absorption and drying (good compromise for all uses).

• Over 700 g/m²: Very thick, ultra-absorbent, but slow to dry (perfect for maximum comfort).

d. The design

Beyond its functionality, the design of your towel reflects your personality. From vibrant colors and exotic patterns to classic stripes and trendy prints, there's something for everyone. Don't hesitate to coordinate your towel with your swimsuit or beach bag for a harmonious look.

If you like to follow trends and show off a towel with a modern and elegant design, discover the 23 trendiest beach towels of the summer selected by Vogue France.

e. Practicality

• Sand-free towels : Designed with materials that prevent sand from sticking.

• Compact towels : Ideal for hikers and travelers.

• Multipurpose towels : Can be used as a blanket, sarong or picnic blanket.

3. The different types of beach towels

a. The classic terry towel

Made from cotton, it is soft, absorbent, and comfortable. However, it can be bulky and take longer to dry.

b. The fouta

Originating in Tunisia, the fouta is a lightweight cotton towel, often adorned with fringes. It dries quickly, is easy to carry, and can also be used as a sarong or tablecloth. However, it is generally thinner than a traditional terry towel. Are you hesitating between a fouta and a classic beach towel? This detailed article from Bouchara will help you make the right choice: Which beach towel should you choose? Fouta or beach towel ?

c. The microfiber towel

Lightweight, compact, and quick-drying, it's ideal for travelers. However, it may lack the softness of cotton.

4. Personalized recommendations tailored to your needs

• Travelers : Opt for a microfiber towel (e.g., Kima Rolls) for its lightness and quick drying time.

• Families : Opt for an XXL size in cotton for maximum comfort (e.g., Kima Rolls).

• For athletes : A compact, sand-resistant towel would be ideal.

• Lovers of luxury : Velvet or linen foutas will be perfect.

5. Brand comparisons

a. Kima Rolls: the perfect blend of style and functionality

If you're looking for a stylish and practical beach towel, Kima Rolls is a must-try. Their towels combine modern design, high absorbency, and eco-friendly materials . They're perfect for those who want a stylish and functional product, ideal for everyday use at the beach.

b. Other recognized brands

• Hammam34 : Offers high-quality, lightweight and elegant foutas.

• Tesalate : Known for its "sand-free" towels, which do not retain sand.

• Yves Delorme : Luxury brand offering Egyptian cotton towels.

• Le Jacquard Français : High-end home linens with refined designs.

To help you make an even bigger choice, GQ France has listed the 10 coolest beach towels of the summer , a perfect guide for lovers of style and comfort.

6. How to care for your beach towel

• Washing instructions : Wash your towel before first use. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener.

• Drying : Air drying is preferable, but gentle machine drying is possible.

• Storage : Make sure your towel is completely dry before storing it to avoid mold.

7. Where to buy your beach towel?

• In stores : Supermarkets, sports stores or stores specializing in home linens.

• Online : Amazon, La Redoute, or specialist shops.

• Kima Rolls : Available online with a diverse range of ultra-stylish and absorbent sanitary pads.

8. Conclusion

Choosing the right beach towel ensures your comfort all summer long. With these tips, you have everything you need to make the right choice and fully enjoy your relaxing moments in the sun. For a more detailed comparison of the different towels available on the market, you can consult the comparison of the best beach towels of 2025 compiled by Futura-Sciences.

Alternatively, we give you all the places where you can enjoy it in this article .

So, ready to find the perfect towel? 🌞