You may not consider the humble beach towel as a statement piece, but you surely can’t deny the happiness that strolling onto the sand and unfurling a brand new towel under the shade of the beach umbrella provides. If a beach towel is something you don’t put a lot of thought into buying, it’s time to make a new habit and explore some of the best beach towels on the market in Australia.
Oftentimes, when we opt for the towel that’s on sale or has a cute pattern, you may be left feeling let down when your towel gathers sand, becomes thin or is totally ineffective at drying you off after a dip.
The best beach towels to shop in Australia
This season, it’s time to upgrade to a towel that not only does the job, but looks good whilst doing it. Scroll down for our picks for the best beach towels in Australia that tick the boxes when it comes to style, practicality and budget.
The best stripe beach towels
01
Australian House & Garden Pinstripe Beach Towel Blanket in Sage
from $89.95, Myer
Best for: reason
Make your beach days even better with a Beach Towel Blanket. Perfect for lounging, this oversized blanket offers plenty of space for you to relax. Crafted from soft, absorbent cotton, it doubles as a towel, keeping you dry after a swim while providing a cosy spot to soak up the sun. Your go-to companion for beach days, picnics, and outdoor adventures.
Key features:
- Carry strap
- Frayed edges
- Pinstripe print
- Sage green
02
Cancun beach towel
from $89.99, Sheridan
Best for: reason
Designed in Australia and made in Portugal, this 100 per cent recycled cotton towel makes the perfect statement piece on the shoreline. As no two colourways are the same, and you can personalise with initials, you’ll be investing in a unique towel for the summer.
Key features:
- Yarn dyed stripe
- Soft and absorbent
- Leftover cotton yarns
- Woven in Portugal
- Made to last
The best oversized sand-free beach towel
03
Extra Large Zebra Sand Free Beach Towel
from $119.95, THE ICONIC
Best for: reason
This oversized Sand Society towel is all you’ll ever need for your beachside or poolside days. Completely sand-free, this towl will leave a lasting impression and get rid of your worst fear: getting sand everywhere after your beach visit.
Key features:
- Measurements – 160cm x 160cm.
- Sustainably made.
- Sand free.
- Super absorbent – up to 1 litre of absorbency.
- Quick drying – half the time of a regular beach towel.
- Odourless from damp smells.
- Includes small carry bag.
- 400 GSM – for the premium and soft touch.
04
Tesalate beach blanket in The Swell
from $119, Amazon
Best for: reason
Available in seven playful patterns, this oversized 1.6m x 1.6m beach towel from Tesalate dries in half the time of a regular towel, has a handy hook for hanging and comes in a pouch. The perfect beach picnic blanket.
Key features:
- Made of linen
- Free delivery
- Dimensions: 160 x 160 x 0.5 cm
The best Turkish beach towels
05
Ozoola Beachlife waffle beach towel in charcoal
from $59, SurfStitch
Best for: reason
Love the waffle towel trend? Take it to the beach with this Ozoola Beachlife tasselled towel. Made from 100 per cent Turkish cotton, this charcoal towel is ultra-soft to the touch, so you’ll love spending your day lazing on it in the sun.
Key features:
- Style: Towel
- Colour: Charcoal
- Soft hand touch
- Waffle design with hand-tied tassels
- Sized at 170 x 85cm
- 100% Turkish Cotton
The best hooded beach towels
06
Australian House & Garden Moon Rise Recycled Cotton Beach Poncho in Dusk
from $69.95, Myer
Best for: reason
The perfect accessory for any beach day. This beach poncho has a hooded neckline and super soft feel, making it easy to throw over your swimmers.
Key features:
- Hooded
- Striped print
- Soft hand feel
07
Hooded Towel – Unisex
from $70, THE ICONIC
Best for: reason
Effortlessly cool, this unisex hooded beach towel from Speedo is a timeless post-laps wear.
Key features:
- Cotton French terry; minimal stretch; unlined
- Hooded
- Cap sleeves
- Branded design
The best personalised beach towels
08
Country Road cotton Beau beach towel
from $89.95, Country Road
Best for: Gifting
Country Road offers a slew of timeless and understated beach towels, including this beach towel made from 100 per cent Australian cotton that is personalisable.
Key features:
- Sand, navy and charcoal colours
- 95cm x 175cm
- 100% Australian cotton
- Terry towelling reverse
- Fringing detail at ends
09
Lottie & Liv personalised embroidered stripe terry beach towel
from $84.99, Hardtofind
Best for: Gifting
Made from 100 per cent cotton with absorbent terry weave front and back, this striped towel is personalisable and makes a great gift for spring and summer birthdays.
Key features:
- International shipping
- Dimensions: 160w x 80h cm (62.99w x 31.49h)
- Embroidery (First name only)
- Made from 100% cotton. Absorbent terry front and reverse
- Comes in a range of colours
The best kids beach towel
10
Kids Dinosaur Hooded Towel
from $27.95 (was $39.95), Pillow Talk
Best for: Kids
Bring playtime to the beach with these fun dinosaur-hooded towels. The kids will love roaming around the beach even more thanks to the soft, durable and quick-drying cotton.
Key features:
- Made from Cotton 350gsm
- 70 x 130 cm
- Hooded Towel
11
Kids Hooded Beach Towel – Cooper the Crab
from $18, Target
Best for: reason
Transform your child’s beach days with our Kids Hooded Beach Towel featuring the charming Cooper the Crab print. Made from soft, absorbent cotton, this towel is perfect for keeping your little one warm and dry after a dip in the sea.
Key features:
- Kids Hooded Beach Towel
- Made from soft, absorbent cotton
- Cooper the Crab print all over
- Velour front feel
- Terry reverse
- Hooded design
- Product dimensions: 60cm (W) x 1.2m (H)
What type of beach towel is the best?
An answer of personal preference, the best type of beach towel is one that works to your own needs. Microfibre towels are lightweight, quick-drying and sand-resistant; recycled cotton towels are soft, absorbent, eco-conscious and often plush; Turkish towels are soft, luxurious and versatile for travel. The best towel is one that suits your taste and budget.
Are beach towels and bath towels the same?
Beach towels are typically larger, thinner, and more quick-drying than bath towels – designed for lounging at the beach or pool, where they need to be able to dry quickly and resist sand. Whereas bath towels are designed for, you guessed it, bathing or showering, and need to be more absorbent.
Are microfibre towels good for the beach?
Absorbent, quick-drying and lightweight, microfibre towels are a great pick for the beach. And as their smooth surface make sand grains hard to cling to, they’re a particularly good option for those who can’t bear a sandy towel and the subsequent sandy car.
