Summer is fast approaching- perhaps it's probably here already. Despite the pandemic and travel restrictions, tourist spots will soon open again in the hopes of reviving the economy. While waiting for your next trip to Boracay, Palawan, Batangas, or Cebu, for now, you can prepare your summer essentials- sunscreens, your favorite swimwear, and of course, a comfortable beach towel.
Beach towels are primarily created to serve as a protective blanket that prevents sand from sticking on your body and belongings while on the beach. They can also be used for covering up and drying one’s body after getting wet. In this article are factors to consider when buying a beach towel together with our 10 best picks that will make your shopping easier.
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Table of Contents
With lots of available shapes, designs, and styles of beach towels on the market, it can be tough to find which one will work best for you. To make your shopping easier, we have collated a list of considerations you should look into before getting one. Read on to know more.
The main difference between a regular towel and a beach towel is the size. The latter is generally broader and longer than the former. The size is an essential factor because it will determine how much of your body will be protected from the sand. Ideally, the towel’s size must be as long as your height.
A regular beach towel is about 31 inches by 61 inches; this dimension is enough for a beachgoer with average body size. Folks who have smaller body frames will also benefit from this beach towel measurement.
Meanwhile, if you prefer bringing along other items such as food, a summer bag, speakers, and beach toys while sunbathing, go for a beach blanket to get the extra space.
Unlike regular body towels, beach towels are not supposed to be too thick for more efficient use. However, they must be strong enough to accommodate the roughness of the sand and the wear-and-tear of beach activities.
The ideal beach towel must be lightweight and quick-drying. When a towel is too thick, it will get heavier once wet and it will take a lot of time to dry. Moreover, a beach towel must be reasonably thick to avoid occupying too much space in your luggage or summer bag.
Most beach towels are often made of either cotton or microfiber. Each type of fabric offers additional functionalities, and both have their pros and cons. Select one depending on your needs and preference.
A cotton material is significantly much more breathable and quick-drying. Note that the quicker the beach towel dries, the faster you can shove away the sand. It is one of the most absorbent fabrics, making it ideal for drying your body after swimming.
Unlike other materials, cotton is also skin-friendly- promoting less irritation even when rubbed against the skin. However, you must also note that it is prone to fraying with constant rubbing.
Microfiber is one of the most popular cotton alternatives that's used in making beach towels. It consists of artificial fibers made of polyester and polyamide blend. It is also more compact once folded, occupying only a tiny space in your luggage, which makes it a great travel companion. Besides, this synthetic material is lightweight and more durable than natural fibers.
Beach towels come in different styles and shapes. You can opt for a rectangular one for sunbathing or a round beach towel to accommodate a bigger group.
Beach, even bath towels, are typically rectangular. The difference is mainly the thickness and size, wherein beach towels are bigger and should be less thick but more robust. Although there’s not much difference in functionality, rectangular beach towels offer a more traditional use than the modern round one.
You can use it as protection from the sand or for drying the body. However, rectangular ones allow for more individual use that can accommodate one person at a time with its standard size. These beach towels are equally fun, colorful, and stylish—it's just a matter of preference.
Laying under the sun is indeed a relaxing activity. A round beach towel adds extra comfort and style to your already Instagrammable getaway. This style will also make you stand out from the crowd of beachgoers, making it easier for you and your family to find your beach spot.
Unlike the usual rectangular beach towel, a round one is big enough to share with your friends. If you opt to have a picnic on the beach, you can easily convert a round beach towel into a picnic mat. Most round beach towels are also lightweight and quick-drying.
Last but not the least, select a beach towel based on the color and design that you like. Most towels come in basic colors, while some have patterns and printed designs such as stripes, seashells, and bohemian-inspired. Others even have fringes for that extra detail. Whichever design that you choose, always take note of the care instructions so that your towel will look good as new for many years.
From ₱650
Since beach towels are made to protect you from the sand, it is just right to get one with an exceptional sand-repellant feature. This beach towel from Fitlab will do the work for you. The product is made of microfiber fabric that is lightweight, quick-drying, and strong, with a cozy feel when wrapped around the body.
It functions not only as a reliable beach companion but also as a yoga, sports, and travel towel essential, making it one of the most functional and versatile towel products. The fabric material makes it a perfect travel partner with its compact size, which is only about 20 x 25.5 cm when folded.
This absorbent towel is available in a vast range of colors that can suit any preference or beach color motif that you have in mind. Regardless of your lifestyle, whether you are a beach lover, a sports enthusiast, or someone who finds peace in meditation like a yogi, this multipurpose towel is the perfect find for you.
From ₱899
Stripes and fringes on the ends are two of the most common features of a beach towel. No wonder that despite a wide range of styles, people will always go back to this popular design. This beach towel from H&M gives a subtle yet classic summer vibe that can level up your trip to the beach.
It is made with terry cotton fabric, which is usually a blend of cotton and polyester. This material is soft-to-touch and highly absorbent as well. However, it is a bit thick that might get heavy once wet. Nonetheless, if you are after a minimalist, simple, and comfortable beach towel, you might want to consider this product.
From ₱232
Mandala, which means circle in Sanskrit, is initially a spiritual symbol representing the never-ending idea of life. With its appealing look, it has become one of the most famous designs that people are fond of in this modern time. This next beach towel on the list will surely achieve your Pinterest goals.
This color-gradient mandala towel is made with durable dacron polyester fabric that will protect you from hot and rough sand while on the beach. Also, its catchy and vibrant hues complement well with any summer motif you want to pull off. If you want some cool photos as a souvenir of your beach adventure, this product is the perfect find for you.
From ₱799
Kids love the beach as much as adults do. They also need protection, particularly with their sensitive skin, whether from the harsh and damaging sun rays or the rough sand. This adorable slip-on hooded towel will make your kids enjoy the beach more than before. It is made of 100% cotton that is soft and absorbent.
Its relaxed size is compatible with any body type- it can fit even bigger kids. What makes this beach towel even more appealing, apart from its design, is the hoodie that can protect your children's face from the sun when they're not swimming in the water. It will also keep them cozy and dry while playing on the sand or eating with the family.
From ₱200
Let your kids have fun on the beach with this cute towel in a donut design. Topped with colorful sprinkles, it looks like the real thing. It is made of a soft, breathable, and lightweight chiffon polyester fiber. This beach towel can also function as a picnic mat. It is 150 cm in diameter that can accommodate 2-3 persons.
It makes a perfect beach mat that you can share with your barkadas. Its unique appearance can also make your social media profile even more appealing with its Instagram and Pinterest-worthy look. If you want an affordable yet catchy beach towel that will complete your water adventure, you might want to consider this one.
From ₱599
Another find from H&M is this beach towel made of 100% cotton. The material is not just the typical cotton but rather a Jacquard-weaved for a timeless pattern on the towel. This beach towel is lightweight, soft, and breathable, which makes it very comfortable against the skin.
The towel is available in pastel colors- pink, orange, and blue, all of which are cool to the eyes. It is adorned with white horizontal line patterns as well. It comes with fringes at the ends, which give the towel a more beachy feel. This durable and pleasant-to-touch beach towel can match your minimalist style and preference.
From ₱266
Indulge under the sun with this round beach towel in a mandala-inspired design. You can choose from 18 eye-catching designs, including this pattern with an elephant figure in the middle. It is believed to be a majestic royal beast in Indian culture. It is also regarded as the remover of obstacles and provider of good luck and fortune.
This beach towel has vibrant colors perfect for your mini vacation. It is made of a chiffon polyester material. With this type of fabric, the beach towel is soft, lightweight, and comfortable. This product is suitable for families who want to watch the sunrise or sunset together.
From ₱120
Rectangle beach towels can be as intricate and colorful as their round counterpart. This next beach towel on the list will definitely match any style that you want to flaunt on the beach with its radiant hues and appealing floral prints. Its cotton material allows for a lightweight, breathable, and soft-to-touch towel.
This beach towel is also versatile- you can use it not only as a beach towel but also as a shawl and scarf that you can use before, during, or after swimming. With its affordable price, an attractive beach look is just one checkout away.
From ₱199
Summer is not complete without refreshing fruit drinks that make the season even more inviting. Fruits are abundant in a tropical country, and with their revitalizing flavors, they have become popular beverages during the hot season. Our beloved tropical fruit, pineapple, inspires this unique beach towel on the list.
Besides its adorable appearance, it can protect you from harsh and hot sand while matching the summer beach vibe you aim to achieve. It is made with lightweight yet strong silk fabric material that gives a luxurious feels even on the beach. Pair this budget-friendly beach towel with a pineapple fruit shake or a piña colada.
From ₱120
Lay under the sun while munching your favorite snack using this multipurpose mat. It is made with durable, wear and tear-resistant PVC material that makes it the perfect beach companion. This material guarantees premium protection against the rough and hot sand. It is also compact and portable when folded due to its Velcro strap locks that bind the mat together.
You can use this product not only as a beach mat but also for other outdoor activities such as picnics, camping, or when simply hanging out in the backyard to chill. It is available in various colors including red, green, and blue as well as patterns like flowers and stripes. If you are looking for a beach essential that you can use even after your getaway, this one is for you.
Going on a trip to the beach soon? Certainly, you will need more than just beach towels. Check out the articles below to read our other buying guides and product recommendations on beach essentials that will complete your summer checklist.
Author: E. Hubilla
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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