travel towel quick dry amazon

Advertisement

The Best Packable Travel Towels

By Ebony Roberts

We love a plush, thirsty bath towel , but a campsite or suitcase just isn’t the place for one—there, we want a quick-drying, packable travel towel.

After putting 20 such towels through 60 hours of testing—including an intense day of sand and surf at the beach—we’ve concluded the PackTowl Personal offers the best balance of drying time, packability, and odor resistance without compromising comfort and design.

A good option for nearly every towel-related scenario, it’s lightweight, extra-large, and supersoft, making it usable for both car camping and travel into the backcountry.

Everything we recommend

PackTowl Personal

The best packable camp towel.

Whether used for camping, hiking, traveling, or general outdoor adventuring, this towel is durable enough to handle extended abuse while remaining soft and comfortable.

Buying Options

Budget pick.

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

An inexpensive towel that gets the job done.

Good-enough absorbency and drying time for those on a budget.

(limited colors)

PackTowl Luxe

A plush, comfortable towel.

Good for car camping, day trips, and hanging at the beach, this towel is made of an incredibly soft fabric that also repels dirt.

Scoring well in nearly every performance category, the PackTowl Personal towel consistently surprised us with its ability to handle the elements. It has an antibacterial treatment to help prevent odor, the “body” size (25 by 54 inches) is large enough to wrap around most folks, and it feels soft against the skin. It’s made of a tear-resistant fabric and was the best towel we tested at absorbing water and repelling dirt. Better still, sand from the beach remained on the towel’s surface so it was easy to shake off, leaving the towel clean after multiple uses. Its drying time was faster than most of the towels we tested and it packs down to a small size in a zippered breathable pouch, making it convenient for travel or camping.

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel was nearly identical in design to many of the pricier models and scored just as well in our field tests. The only downsides are that its size large is smaller than most other large towels we tested, and it has lighter-feeling fabric. It didn’t handle our day at the beach quite as well and took a little longer to dry, but otherwise it’s comparable in comfort and packability. And, because it’s treated with an antibacterial coating—something not standard on budget (or even some pricey) towels—it passed our smell test with a perfect score. At just a fraction of the price of our top choice, it’s a good pick if you’re the kind of person who goes camping a few times a year and needs something affordable that works well.

If packing your towel down into a tiny space isn’t a concern for you, the PackTowl Luxe is about as comfortable as a towel can get. Although it does take up a bit more room and takes significantly longer to dry, its “body” size has the same dimensions as our top pick but has a plusher feel against the skin. Unlike similar big and luxurious camp towels, it didn’t smell after being put away wet. It absorbed water off the skin without trapping in the dirt and sand, which left it surprisingly clean for a towel with such a high pile. As it was easy to shake off, we enjoyed having it as a wrap and beach blanket, too.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: packtowl personal, how the packtowl has held up, flaws but not dealbreakers, an inexpensive towel that works fine: rainleaf microfiber towel, a plush, comfortable towel: packtowl luxe, microfibers and the environment, the competition, care and maintenance.

We spoke with three experts to get their takes on what we should look for in a good towel. Mark Knight, a product designer currently with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) , has designed a number of outdoor products, including packable towels, and gave us a breakdown on what he considers to be important when creating products like these.

We spoke via email with Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventures , who has worked as a backpacking, camping, and canoeing guide for the past 15 years.

And we spoke with Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at MEC. He was able to tell us what’s important from a consumer perspective. In addition to these interviews, we read a number of online reviews, pored over camping and backpacking forums, researched microfiber fabrics, and then selected and tested the towels we think cover most activities to determine which one was best overall.

Why doesn’t a regular, everyday cotton towel cut it for most outdoor activities? Knight offered us five reasons your cotton towel isn’t ideal: it’s too big, too heavy, might get damaged or stained, doesn’t get washed at the same frequency it would at home, therefore causing it to smell, and lastly, it’s not always used in the same manner as it would be at home. He added, “As a travel towel, there is also the added functional requirement of being quick-dry. When traveling, you can move around a lot, and a packed wet towel generally means a stinky towel.”

Packable towels are usually made from microfiber , although a few of the ones we tested are made from other materials (which didn’t end up performing as well). These materials are typically a blend of polyester and polyamide, aka nylon, and depending on the blend will produce a towel that feels more suede-like and slick to one that feels more plush like your average cotton towel. There are also packable towels made of nanofabric, which is composed of tiny nanoscopic fibers woven together—think the width of a human hair (or even smaller)—to create a fabric that is incredibly lightweight and small. Though they do the trick, nanofiber towels tend to have a slicker surface, which means they don’t feel much like the towel you’re used to.

According to Oliver, the most popular camp towel size is roughly equivalent to a standard household bath towel—about 26 by 52 inches after washing. Some towels were slightly smaller or larger, but we tried to stay within what would seem like regulation size for most people.

All the experts we talked to shared the opinion that the type of towel you’ll want to purchase depends on the activity you’re using it for. For backpacking or kayaking trips, Newsome told us that “lightweight, small packability and quick drying are the most important factors.” For car camping or other adventures, where weight isn’t an issue, she opts for a larger microfiber towel, and one with an antimicrobial coating, “which means for those longer road trips and tours this towel stays fresh smelling.” Knight’s opinion aligned with Newsome’s: “Some of the lightest towels don’t feel that great against your skin, but the weight means you will actually bring it in your backpack when on a long hike. If you are traveling around the world, weight might not be your primary concern, but comfort will factor highly, as you will be using the towel each day—unless you are a soap dodger ! So, a softer, slightly heavier towel may be the way to go.”

Just as important as how much water a towel can absorb—in other words, how well it dries you—is how well the towel dries after you’re dry. “Nobody wants to put a wet towel into their backpack,” Oliver said.

After surveying online reviews, forums, and user ratings, and asking people what type of towel they preferred for their own outdoor activities, we narrowed our field to 19 packable towels, then threw in a standard cotton towel as a plush baseline. We then tested the towels using seven criteria: price, comfort, design, wicking, drying time, odor resistance, and packability.

We washed and dried all of the towels, giving them all an equal starting point, then we scored them in each category. We didn’t score weight or size, but we did make note of whether these features made a difference when comparing similar options.

Comfort: This was a tough one because of the people we asked, some preferred a more textured fabric and others liked the smooth feel of the microsuede towels. We asked individuals to feel each towel against their skin, asked for their comments, and then asked what their overall top picks were.

Design: Here, we looked at how well the towel is made, and whether there were any particular features—good or bad—that made drying off more or less of a pleasure. Key among them was fabric quality, stitching, and what kind of hanging loop—essential!—the towel came with. We also looked at texture, an important attribute for both water absorption and grabbing dirt and grime, rather than just pushing it around. A too-slick towel won’t do much of anything except leave your skin feeling yucky and wet.

Wicking: One of the most important tests we conducted was how well the towel could wick away water and leave the skin feeling dry. When we took our test towels to the beach, we wanted to see how they performed against sandy salt water and whether they were able to clean the skin in addition to drying it.

Drying time: To determine which towel dried the fastest, we applied the same amount of water to each towel and then timed how long it took for them to dry. But how much water to use, and how dry is dry, exactly? We used 4 ounces of water, a quantity we settled on after having multiple testers shower and weigh their towels before and after use. Once the person was dry enough to feel comfortable putting their clothes on, we called that “dry.” We did this a couple of times with each person and used a couple types of cotton towels to get a base number. The average amount of water people removed from their bodies after showering was a ½ cup, or about 225 milliliters. We hung our entire assortment of high-tech, portable towels on the same line and recorded the time it took to leave each one dry to the touch.

Odor resistance: Another important criterion is how the towel smells after multiple uses. “An antimicrobial finish helps with odor management and decreases the frequency you need to wash the towel,” Knight told us. A towel may be used a dozen times before it gets properly washed, and if a towel smells musty or dirty after a couple of uses, it probably is. Many of the towels advertise a protective antibacterial coating and we wanted to see if these coatings actually made a difference.

Our test involved taking the towels to the beach, soaking them in 16 ounces of ocean water, wringing out the excess water as best as we could, and then placing each towel in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours. After that, we opened the bags and took a whiff. Though most remained odor-free (especially those coated with an antimicrobial treatment), we were taken aback by how seriously a few of them reeked.

Packability: As important as drying you—and drying out—are, the other key thing a camp towel has to do is pack small for travel. Some towels came with cases, some didn’t. Our focus was simply how tiny a towel could get.

Price: More expensive doesn’t really seem like a good thing when it comes to something like a packable travel towel, given that there’s such a variance in price and that most towels pretty much claim to do the same thing.

The PackTowl Personal is our top choice because it handled every test we put it through. It’s the perfect option for nearly any outdoor activity that requires a towel. It’s large and durable while still being comfortable and comes with an antimicrobial treatment, which means it won’t smell after multiple uses. Its snap loop for hanging was one of the easiest to use, and the towel packs down to a small size, making it easy to travel with. Its drying time was comparable with that of the fastest-drying towels we tested, and it didn’t absorb dirt or sand into its fabric, an essential feature if you’re taking a towel into the backcountry.

Made of a soft microsuede, this towel was consistently chosen as a top pick by those we asked to rate its comfort. It is soft and light, but still has a bit of texture, so it doesn’t feel slick against your skin the way a nanofiber towel like the Matador NanoDry Shower Towel does. The PackTowl seems built to last, with a nicely seamed edge that should hold up over time. On top of feeling soft, it dried our skin much more readily than the non-microfiber towels we tested, like the Coleman or Outlier. It even dried a bit more quickly than other microfiber products in our test group. We were impressed by how well it repelled sand and dirt from being absorbed into its fabric. The sand that did stick to the towel was easy to shake off—which wasn’t the case of some of the other models we tested that looked like dirty rags after just a short time at the beach.

In our drying-time test, the PackTowl dried much faster than most, with the exception of the linen towel and the Biospired Footprint, which beat the PackTowl’s dry time by 30 minutes. (The towels we tested dried in a range from 1 hour, 45 minutes to nearly 4 hours.) We noticed that the towels with an additional antimicrobial coating took a little longer to dry. We think the extra odor protection is worth the few extra minutes of drying time. As the PackTowl dried, some water initially beaded on the surface, but was then absorbed, compared with towels that still had visible water beads after almost an hour of drying. (Beads of water were a good indication of extended drying times.) Water also dispersed evenly through the towel rather than leaving wet spots, which likely contributed to its fast drying time. We dried the towels in overcast conditions, and noticed that at just over 1 hour, 30 minutes the PackTowl was only minimally damp, and could be packed back into its carrying case if you were in a rush to pack up and go.

We tested the PackTowl’s “body” size, which weighed 6.7 ounces, fairly average compared with the other suede-type towels, and measured 25 by 54 inches, just shy of being the same size as our standard bath towel, and larger than many of the towels in our testing pool.

Wirecutter staffers have owned this towel for multiple seasons and it continues to hold up, with no loose threads or unraveled seams after use.

We didn’t love the PackTowl’s pouch: it doesn’t attach easily to a backpack, and the zipper seemed flimsy. But the pouch is made of breathable fabric, so it won’t trap moisture the way a plastic bag or pouch might. Although the PackTowl is antimicrobial, it did have the slightest ocean water odor to it after our 48-hour smell test, which is not something we noticed in previous tests.

Costing about half the price of our top pick, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a great choice for those that don’t want to shell out almost $30 for a towel. A major bonus is that unlike most of the inexpensive towels we considered, this one actually comes with an antimicrobial treatment and passed the smell test after being sealed up wet for two days. It’s also comfortable, easy to dry off with, and just as packable as the PackTowl.

It didn’t dry quite as fast as our top pick and that may be due to the fact that some of the water beaded off and remained on the surface before being absorbed directly into the towel. The size we tested (L) is also slightly smaller than some of the pricier options but still big enough to wrap around the average person’s body.

Because it is so inexpensive, there’s the option of upgrading to the XL or XXL sizes for just a few bucks more and still have it come in well below price of most other towels. On top of that, it has a functional carrying pouch that is both breathable and easy to fasten onto a backpack so you can pack the towel damp and hang it to dry when it’s time to hit the road.

That said, though it did well drying our testers at the beach, it didn’t handle sand as well as our top pick, leaving a good amount behind on both their skin and the towel itself. If you’re a serious outdoor adventurer who’s going to be putting it to work against the elements, we recommend a towel that can handle gritty, sticky stuff a bit better.

If size and volume aren’t issues and you’re looking for something more soft and comfortable, the PackTowl Luxe performed the best of the plush cotton-like microfiber towels. Not only did it dry the quickest of these towels, it was good at removing sand from the skin and didn’t absorb dirt and mud into the fabric. It also didn’t have any odor after the smell test. A few of the other thicker towels we tested simply reeked—testers used the term “rotten fish”—after a couple days crunched into a ball, but not the Luxe.

If comfort is a primary concern, this towel feels much closer to cotton, avoiding the slick skin-feel common to many microsuedes and nanofibers. As we did with our pick, the PackTowl Personal, we tested the extra-large “Body” size. Also like our pick, at this size the Luxe is a few inches larger than the others we tested of the same type, measuring 25 by 54 inches, offering that extra little bit of coverage.

It does come with a carrying pouch, and though not as stylish or durable as the Sea to Summit Pocket Towel ’s silicone carrying case, it’s adequate for what it needs to do. We consider this towel a solid option for car camping and day trips, when taking up a little extra space won’t matter.

Although durable and light, there’s an environmental downside to microsynthetic fibers: Every time you wash that gear, small quantities of its fibers are shed, ending up in our waterways and oceans. (Here’s a study from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management on the issue.) For more about the problem and some advice on combating it, see our article Your Laundry Sheds Harmful Microfibers. Here’s What You Can Do About It.

We tested a standard white bath towel—the Fieldcrest Luxury Solid Towel, which has since been discontinued—that was the same size as the majority of the towels we tested. It performed as expected: It was great at drying skin and was comfortable, but it didn’t pack down and had a bit of a funky smell after our odor test. Surprisingly, it didn’t take that much longer to dry than some of the plusher microfiber models we tested and actually outperformed a few of the towels that are marketed specifically for camping.

Biospired Footprint Towel: This had been our runner-up pick, but the size we tested has cycled in and out of stock. If you do happen to run across one, it’s still a good towel, though. We had also tested, and dismissed, the Biospired Endurance Camping & Fitness Towel and the Biospired Trek Pack Towel; for what it’s worth, those towels also tend to have stock problems.

Matador NanoDry Shower Towel : For backcountry campers and hikers that are concerned about weight, this is by far the lightest towel we tested (2.4 ounces). It performed well, but it is very thin and not as comfortable as the others. We decided it was too specialized to be best for most people.

Outlier Grid Linen Towel : Made of a natural linen fabric, this towel was the fastest-drying towel, and it performed well at the beach. But it doesn’t pack down very small, doesn’t come with a carrying case but rather a thick elastic band, and had a faint smell after our odor test. Those drawbacks made it hard to justify its high price.

Sunland Microfiber Towel  (currently unavailable): One of the least expensive microfiber towels, but no antimicrobial treatment and very average performance.

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel : One of the slowest to dry. Another note of caution, many online reviews have reported a problem with the cobalt blue dye running. We didn’t run into this problem, but we tested an orange towel, so it’s likely the issue is with only the darker-colored towels. Another drawback is that the carrying case comes with a Velcro closure, making it possible to snag the fabric when maneuvering the towel into and out of the case.

Shandali Yoga Travel Towel  (currently unavailable): Average performance, no carrying case, and though it does have a little loop for hanging to dry, most of the towels we tested had a loop with a snap, making them more versatile.

YogaRat SportLite Sport + Bath Towel  (currently unavailable): Though this towel did dry quite quickly and was resistant to odor during our 48-hour test, the lack of an antibacterial treatment gave us odor concerns for people taking it on longer trips. And with no carrying case and a snapless loop, this towel was a few steps below our top choices in convenience.

Sea to Summit Tek Towel : Sand stuck to the towel, leaving it quite dirty. Drying time was slow.

REI Co-op Multi Towel  (currently unavailable, but we're looking into a possible new version): Everything stuck to this towel: dryer lint, grass, sand, and dirt, and even though we tested a darker color, it looked dirty after our day at the beach. It also didn’t smell great after our odor test, and it took over four hours to dry.

Lightload Towel : Not really built to be used multiple times, this towel is made of an almost paperlike viscose material, and although very small, once unpackaged it can’t be squished down to its original size (although it does fit in a smaller Ziploc bag). It is incredibly large though, dried quickly, and would probably perform as an ad-hoc firestarter or outdoor survival tool (non-cleanliness-oriented usage scenarios suggested by the manufacturer). Whether being able to set the world on fire is a worthwhile trade-off with this towel’s lack of odor resistance—it was the worst performer in our stink trial—is something we hope we’ll never have to decide.

Coghlan’s Deluxe Camp Towel (currently unavailable): This is the classic outdoor towel that’s been around campsites for years. Some backcountry campers still prefer these towels because they’re small, lightweight, and cheap, but they didn’t perform as well as the microfiber towels that we tested. They dry very slowly, stink up easily, and don’t feel good against the skin.

Coleman Camp Towel  (currently unavailable): Similar in nearly every aspect to the Coghlan’s towel, just with slightly different dimensions—neither is big enough to really function as a full-body wrap—this model also had the drawbacks of rough fabric, odor retention, and delayed drying. (It appears to have been discontinued.)

Most packable towels are designed to repel dirt and bacteria, so they don’t need to be cleaned after every use. Excessive washing can also break down the fabric and any additional antimicrobial technology the towel might be treated with. So, wash only when dirty and don’t dry your towel on high heat unless absolutely necessary; way better to hang it when you can and let the air take care of it.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Nicholas J. Bruce, Niko L. Hartline, Stephanie N. Karba, Elizabeth O. Ruff, Shreya U. Sonar, and Patricia A. Holden, Microfiber Pollution and the Apparel Industry , Bren School of Environmental Science and Management , September 30, 2016

Mark Knight, product designer for Mountain Equipment Co-opand member of the Outdoor Industry Association , email interview , April 21, 2017

Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventure and Kilimanjaro Bliss , email interview , March 31, 2017

Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at Mountain Equipment Co-op , phone interview , March 29, 2017

What Are The Coolest New Small Gear Companies? , Outside , January 15, 2016

Anne Trafton, Tiny particles may pose big risk , MIT News , April 8, 2014

Meet your guide

Ebony Roberts

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

Essential Gear for Traveling Solo

by Ria Misra

Traveling solo is freeing but poses some unique challenges. Wirecutter’s picks help you travel comfortably and securely—and bring home great pictures too.

The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More

by Kit Dillon

After seven years of relaxing in the sand and playing in the surf, we’ve chosen the best picks to help you enjoy a perfect beach day.

The Best Duffle Bags

After lugging 34 duffles through airports, to beaches, and on weekend trips, we chose seven bags that’ll carry what you need carried in a range of scenarios.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products

The 10 Best Quick-dry Towels of 2024

You’ll banish your old towels to the closet after trying these quick-dry wonders.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Any good towel has your back — and your front. But for a towel to be considered truly great, it needs to be constructed with quick-dry material, such as cotton loops, finely-weaved microfiber, or waffle weaves. These towels are ultra-absorbent, durable, and as lush on the skin as the towels found at affluent spas or hotel resorts. 

So, we’ve researched the market for the best quick-dry towels. All the towels on our list score high marks on absorbency, durability, portability, and overall value. Some are rated by Grams per Square Meter (GSM) — towels with a low GSM (300-400) are thinner and light, while towels with a GSM of at least 450 are heftier and softer. They also come in a range of sizes and are capable of being used as everyday towels, workout towels, beach towels, and hair-drying towels. Never reach for a damp, smelly towel again with our list of the best quick-dry towels out there.

Best Overall

Everplush diamond jacquard bath towel set 2 pack.

These dual-powered towels have the soft feel of cotton and the super-absorbency of microfiber. 

This particular set is only available in one size. 

The Everplush Diamond Jacquard Towel Set is top-shelf worthy. Made from a combination of microfiber and cotton, this set of two is the ultimate fusion of quick-drying material and ample comfort. Microfiber weaves absorb eight times more water while cotton fibers give it that irresistibly soft feel.

This is the kind of towel you have for life; even after repeated washes, there are no visible signs of wear and tear. With cloud-like softness, you’re always engulfed in fluff. Although, this means the towels can sometimes shed and end up on wet skin, but this should even out after a few washes. There is only one size offered but the company sells other items with the same fabric, like a six-piece set with hand and face towels, so you can fill out your roster. 

The Details: Cotton and microfiber | 30 x 56 inches 

Best for the Beach

Lands' end school uniform beach towel.

The all-cotton velour dries quickly in the sun.

The fabric may pill after a few washes.

The Lands’ End School Uniform Solid Beach Towel is any beachgoer’s dream. Luxe cotton velour fabric dries quickly, so you can focus on more important things, like catching a wave or simply relaxing in the sun. The towel reaches six feet, which is long enough for most to wrap around their body or spread out on comfortably without feet spilling over the edge onto the hot sand (but those who like the space of a beach blanket may wish this towel was available in a larger size). Washing is a breeze thanks to the reinforced flat-weave edges that prevent snags, pills, or frays — perfect for longevity’s sake. And the lightweight material makes it easy to roll or fold up into your tote bag at the end of the day. Soak up the sun — and water — with any of the six colors. 

The Details: 100 percent cotton velour | 30 x 72 inches 

Best for Workouts

Lululemon the towel.

It dries quickly to prevent items in your gym bag from getting soaked. 

After a few washes, some yogis may find the material too slippery for hot yoga classes. 

A quick-dry towel is as essential to a workout as a water bottle or fitness tracker . It sops up moisture on the double to prevent dampness that can harbor unpleasant odors and bacteria. 

We recommend Lululemon’s The Towel (available in three sizes: small, original, and big) since all are made with microfiber fabric that absorbs moisture better than the cotton towels. Plus, having your own workout towel means that you avoid extraneous towel fees. 

While The Towel is most associated with hot yoga (instructions say to lightly spritz water on the top for more grip), functionality isn’t limited to the mat. This versatile pick can be used for any workout that turns you into a human sprinkler. This runs the gamut of wiping away sweaty palms for better grip between weight sets, wiping down machines between exercises, or for golf and yoga. It’s also large enough to be used as a towel for your post-workout shower. It may be generously-sized, but The Towel (available in two colors: black and hail), packs down small so it’s portable and convenient for travel . 

The Details: Polyester | 26 x 71 inches

Best for Showers and Baths

Brooklinen classic bath towels.

The extravagantly plush fabric has been tested for harmful substances, so it’s safe for pets and babies.

It comes in a set of two so it costs more money than most individual towels, and we wish there were more color options.

For a comforting hug every time you step out of the bath or shower, reach for the Brooklinen Classic Bath Towels. Premium Turkish cotton yarn means that the towel dries in a few hours — ideal for those who bathe multiple times per day. The fluffy feel of soft cotton is a nice touch, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to bury your face in it. The towels come in a set of two, which may be a pain for those on the hunt for a single towel — but they're so durable and elegant that it's hard to be mad about having two. Make the bathroom your sanctuary by choosing from seven eye-catching colors, including eucalyptus, ocean, and classic white. At 30 by 58 inches, they fit around most body types and have 550 GSM, so the towels are neither too thick nor too thin. This is great for when you’re traveling or short on cabinet space. When it comes to laundering, you're not likely to have issues with common problems related to towels, such as color fading, snags, or pills. 

The Details: Turkish cotton | 30 x 58 inches

Best Budget

Rainleaf microfiber towel.

This well-priced pick is a great option for those who live in humid climates.

The hanging snap loop can be flimsy and come undone. 

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a major steal for anyone who’s money-conscious but not about to skimp on quick-drying performance. The suede-like microfiber fabric delivers an impressive drying time: eight hours when hung in the bathroom and two hours in the sun. If you’re away from home and lacking a door hook, you can use the snap-on loop to accelerate drying when hung from something else, like a tree branch. Speaking of traveling with it, the lean, lightweight material makes it easy to bring along for all your adventures, whether that’s to the beach or on a multi-day backpacking excursion. Sand-repellant fabric ensures that the only thing you’re bringing home is good memories. 

There are seven sizes and 10 vibrant colors to choose from. The XXL is the perfect beach towel since it has a zipped corner pocket that lets you discreetly hide keys, cash, or headphones while you take a dip. It’s so useful and convenient, we wish that all the sizes had this. 

The Details: Microfiber | ‎48 x 24 x 0.04 inches | 8 hours to dry in the bathroom and 2 hours in the sun

Cotton Paradise 6 Piece Towel Set

This soft cotton towel set comes with everything you need to elevate your bathroom. 

Traces of lint may come off the towel over time. 

If you’re in the mood to elevate your linen closet, break up with your current towels and replace them with this six-piece set from Cotton Paradise. You’ll receive everything a well-stocked bathroom needs, including two hand towels, two bath towels, and two washcloths. With 18 colors to choose from, including snow white, charcoal gray, and sage green, you’re sure to find a set that upgrades your space. 

The spa-like feel of the 100 percent Turkish cotton fibers will have guests in your home asking where you got these towels. You’ll feel good about sharing since they have an Oeko-tex certification , which means the company tested the fabrics for potentially harmful substances. While the whole set is easy to wash, be on the lookout for fuzzies that could stick to wet skin. It’s also wise to wash the lighter colors separately. 

The Details: Turkish cotton | 27 x 54 inches (bath towels), 16 x 28 inches (hand towels), and 13 x 13 inches (washcloths)

Best Microfiber

Jml microfiber bath towels.

The quick-drying microfiber actually dries your body instead of leaving it slightly damp.

If you’re not used to microfiber, it can take some time to get used to.

Thick, plush towels may be soft against your skin, but the dense loops take a long time to dry. Enter the best solution: the JML Microfiber Bath Towel. It is innately quick-drying thanks to the finely-weaved microfiber that absorbs seven times its weight in water, which leaves your body truly dry. 

Crafted with a high GSM, this Amazon-favorite towel is dense, but not so dense that it can’t be tied around your body. The soft fabric never feels like sandpaper, which is a must for those with sensitive skin. The company does recommend washing with fabric softener to maintain its softness. There are three size options and 20 color options, so you can go as large as a beach towel or as small as a hair towel. You also have the option to purchase a pack of four or six. 

The Details: Microfiber | 30 in x 60 inches

Best Cotton

Parachute waffle towels.

The texture is oh-so-soft like a blanket. 

The stretchy, loose waffle weave design makes it difficult to fold the towel into a square — plus, the fabric may warp when hung. 

Cotton towels are the cream of the crop when it comes to premium towel material. The open honeycomb weaves of this Parachute Waffle Towel (also available as a hand towel ) offer a lightweight, airy feel that streamlines the drying process, so there’s no need to worry about musty towels stinking up your home. 

With a 240 GSM, this lightweight, quick-dry wonder is great to travel with — a welcome feature since you won’t want to leave it behind. The unique texture and design transform any bathroom into a luxury resort spa. Since it’s easy to fall in love with these towels, we wish that they offered more colors and made matching washcloths to complete the set and round out the elevated bathroom aesthetic. 

The Details: Long-staple Turkish cotton | 56 x 30 inches

Best for Hair

Kitsch microfiber hair towel.

Super-absorbent microfiber fabric cuts hair drying time in half.  

Since it’s made with 100 percent rayon, the strict washing and drying instructions can be cumbersome to follow. 

If you’ve been drying your hair with heavy bath towels, it’s time to put a wrap on that. Instead, give your hair the special treatment it needs with this Kitsch Microfiber Hair Wrap. Its gentle weight prevents breakage while the microfiber fabric absorbs excess water to cut drying time in half. This is perfect for days when you’re in a rush and have to air-dry rather than use a blow dryer. Bonus: it’s less damaging to the hair this way. 

Available in several cute designs, the wrap is both comfortable and stylish to wear. You'll use a twisting method to secure each wet strand into the towel while an elastic button loop at the nape of the neck prevents the towel from unraveling and falling off. It also provides the perfect amount of tension, so it’s something you could comfortably sleep with. The hair towel only comes in one size, but it’s large enough to accommodate varying hair lengths and hair textures, including coarse and curly. 

The Details: Microfiber | 5 x 7 inches

Best for Travel

Packtowl luxe towel.

It folds or rolls down to a small, portable size. 

It’s more expensive than other towels on this list. 

A superb travel towel needs to do two things: dry in time for your next flight and boast a lightweight carry. The Packtowel Luxe fits the bill in a way a cotton towel cannot — it dries 30 percent faster and isn’t as heavy to carry around (plus, it folds down to a portable size). The zippered stuff sack offers more convenient packing, while a hang loop is attached for faster drying. Since traveling often means being far away from a washing machine, we appreciate that the fabric has undergone an anti-bacterial treatment to prevent odor. The sand-repellent fabric also prevents you from accidentally taking sand home as a souvenir. We do wish that the fabric better repelled other items you may encounter on your travels, such as grass stems and twigs. The towel comes in five hues and four size options: face, hand, body, and beach.

The Details: Microfiber | 10 x 14 inches (face towel), 16.5 x 36 inches (hand towel), 25 x 54 inches (body towel), 36 x 59 inches (beach towel) 

Tips for Buying a Quick-dry Towel

Consider what you'll use it for.

Quick-dry towels are built to be versatile, but it still helps to narrow down your needs before purchasing. This will help you determine which size, fabric, and absorbency level is best. 

For example, if you’re traveling or working out, opt for a waffle weave or microfiber fabric. Both are absorbent, lightweight, and breathable, meaning they’ll dry quickly and prevent bacteria and odor. 

For everyday towels, you can get away with cotton since it’s still absorbent but provides that extra layer of plush softness on the skin. 

Choose the right size for your needs

For baths and showers, choose a standard bath towel size (either 20 x 40 inches or 28 x 54 inches). These ensure you can dry your whole body and wrap around as needed. Hand towels and washcloths unsurprisingly require less surface area. 

Beach towels are generally oversized (at least 70 inches long) in order to keep your body from touching hot sand or rocks. They also give you more space to relax. A beach towel should also be thinner than a standard bath towel so that it dries quickly and doesn’t hold onto sand. 

Quick-dry towels should be the preferred choice when you don’t have time to wait for a towel to dry — this could be while traveling or following a sweaty workout. 

These towels are also convenient to have on hand if you bathe or shower multiple times per day. Essentially, if you’re fed up with damp towels that harbor odor and bacteria, a quick-dry towel is worth trying.

Cotton quick-dry towels are made from thick, plush fibers that are tightly stitched to prevent unraveling, and they typically last for a long time. While they don’t dry as quickly as microfiber, they do feel exceptionally soft against the skin. 

Microfiber towels excel in absorbency and quick drying because they are made with small fibers. They’re also lightweight to travel with. 

To put it simply, microfiber has superior absorbency and quick-drying power. But cotton towels are softer and tend to be more durable. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Sarah Kester researched dozens of quick-dry towels. To narrow down her selection, she relied on her many years of experience as a shopping and lifestyle writer. She never threw in the towel when it came to finding the very best quick-dry options. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

Best travel towels 2023: light to carry & quick to dry

If you're traveling, pack the best travel towel that's specifically designed for hoarding in backpacks

T3's top three

• 1. Best overall travel towel
• 2. Best lightweight travel towel
• 3. Best absorbent travel towel
• 4. Best all rounder travel towel
• 5. Best large travel towel
• 6. Best fast drying travel towel
• 7. Best attractive travel towel
• 8. Best compact travel towel

Best carry-on luggage 2024: Jump Menu

00. T3's top 3 ↴ 01. Best overall : Lifeventure Hydro Fibre UltraLite Travel Towel 02. Best lightweight : Matador NanoDry Packable Shower Towel 03. Best absorbent : Trespass Wickerman Bamboo Sports Towel 04. Best all rounder : Sea to Summit Tek Towel 05. Best large : Mountain Warehouse Micro Towelling Travel Towel 06. Best fast drying : Bodhi Microfibre Towel 07. Best attractive : Syourself Microfiber Sports & Travel Towel 08. Best compact : Nike Cooling Towel

Looking for the best travel towel? Well, you've come to the right place! It’s adventure time, and whether you’re going to be battling your way through the Australian Outback, rambling through rural China or ascending the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, there’s one item that you can’t forget to add to your kit, and that’s the best travel towel.

It’s quite an unassuming item, but a necessary piece of equipment that you’ll be thankful for on the rare occasion where you can grab a shower or rinse yourself off in a waterfall (perfectly possible). Whether you’re looking for large, small, soft or one that you can take to the beach, you’ll find your next backpack necessity right here in our list for the best travel towel.

If you're looking into getting the best kit for your next trip, make sure to check out the best suitcases or if you're looking to travel lighter, we suggest the best backpacks and best travel bags . If you're travelling with a baby or toddler then we recommend travelling with the best travel stroller .

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest Home news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

The best overall travel towel

Hydrofibre is the latest advance in travel towel technology. As we mentioned in the intro, it’s similar in texture to a softfibre towel, but it’s much lighter, so you won’t be lugging around more weight than you need to. For its pure functionality, it’s claimed our first spot as best travel towel. 

Read more below

The best lightweight travel towel

This travel towel is the perfect accessory for people who like to travel light. It weighs a mere 160g and can absorb over twice its weight in water. Better still, the nanofibre material dries super quickly - no one likes carrying wet towels in their bags, after all.  

The best absorbent travel towel

If you get weirded out by the idea of drying yourself off with something that doesn’t remotely resemble the texture you’re familiar with, try this one. It’s made from a mix of bamboo and polyester, so it’s highly absorbent, and despite being much heavier than hydrofibre, it is still technically lightweight.  

Best travel towels 2023 ranking

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. Lifeventure Hydro Fibre UltraLite Travel Towel

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Hydrofibre is the latest advance in travel towel technology. As we mentioned in the intro, it’s similar in texture to a softfibre towel, but it’s much lighter, so you won’t be lugging around more weight than you need to. 

It’s worth mentioning that this travel towel is treated with Polygiene, which prevents a build-up of odour producing bacteria – after all, a smelly towel won’t hang about when it comes to infusing it’s scent into the rest of your backpack contents. It comes with its own carry case, but reviewers say it’s small enough to squeeze into that last remaining space in your backpack if needs be. For its pure functionality, it’s claimed our first spot as best travel towel. 

• Back to the top ⤴

2. Matador NanoDry Packable Shower Towel

High-performance outdoor equipment manufacturer Matador's NanoDry Packable Towel is the perfect accessory for people who like to travel light. It weighs a mere 160g and can absorb over twice its weight in water. Better still, the nanofibre material dries super quickly, which is a boon when you need to make a move in a speedy fashion after you finish skinny-dipping in the lake. No one likes carrying wet towels in their bags, after all. 

3. Trespass Wickerman Bamboo Sports Towel

If you get weirded out by the idea of drying yourself off with something that doesn’t remotely resemble the texture you’re familiar with, try this one. It’s made from a mix of bamboo and polyester, so it’s highly absorbent, and despite being much heavier than hydrofibre, it is still technically lightweight. 

Microfibre towels can get smelly, but because this one’s made from bamboo, it’ll resist turning on you that much longer – it’ll still need washing occasionally to completely prevent it from becoming stinky.  If you’re looking for a towel that you can take to that desert island inspired beach, this one is large enough to lie on, too. 

The best all rounder travel towel

4. Sea to Summit Tek Towel

Thanks to its microfibre composition, this travel towel should feel faintly towel-like. Microfibre creates a large surface area, which means it’s capable of high absorbency and it’s also much quicker at drying than regular towels, too. 

The large towel is similar in sizing to our bamboo selection above, and it’s lighter in weight if you’re conscious that your backpack is starting to feel heavy. The only downside is it doesn’t have antibacterial properties. 

If you know you’ll be passing through some hostels with washing facilities, that’s fine. But you may want to think about the smell-factor if you’re planning on going completely off-grid for a substantial amount of time.

The best large travel towel

5. Mountain Warehouse Micro Towelling Travel Towel

If you’re conscious about covering yourself up in the all-sex showering unit (we don’t blame you), then this towel is pretty substantial in size. Despite being large, it can be compacted into a corner of your rucksack and the weight, too, is fairly light for a towel so hefty. 

Made from microfibre, it’s towel-like in feel, highly absorbent and fast drying, but it doesn’t possess antibacterial properties like our first and second pick, which means it could become smelly after a while. With a variety of colours available, you can make sure yours is easy to spot when it’s on the line. 

Check our Mountain Warehouse discount codes to save on your purchase.

The best fast drying travel towel

6. Bodhi Microfibre Towel

If you can get passed the fact that this towel has a suede-like feel to it, you’ll love that it’s very absorbent and can apparently dry even in the dingiest of hostels. The extra large size is the largest on our list, and with dimensions of 180cmx90cm, should allow you to completely cover up in the shared shower unit. 

It’s also good to know that it has antibacterial properties, so you can get away with not washing it for much longer than a regular softfibre or microfibre towel. It comes in a range of sizes, and can be squashed into your backpack last minute as you leave the hostel for your next destination.

The best attractive travel towel

7. Syourself Microfiber Sports & Travel Towel

Your list of items to purchase for your next trip is probably endless, so it’s good to know that there’s a cheap option when it comes to travel towels. With it’s fleece-like feel, it may be weird using it to begin with, but you’ll soon appreciate its fast drying and fast absorbing properties, thanks to its softfibre composition. 

There’s a range of sizes available, with the substantial extra large size able to compact itself into the smallest corner of your rucksack. If you’re looking to purchase a towel for washing and a towel for beach, this is the perfect towel for sunbathing on icing-sugar sand. 

The best compact travel towel

8. Nike Cooling Towel

If you’re planning on island hopping and hitting the beach, or trekking through the jungle, you’ll want a towel that’s super absorbent, with a cooling effect. Like its name suggests, Nike ’s Cooling Towel does just this. Engineered to lower your temperature and keep you fresh during a workout, it’s brilliant for hotter holidays as the fabric cools when wet to help regulate body temperature, while its woven texture helps sustain the cooling effect for a chemical-free activation. At 91.3 x 45cm it’s a little bit of a sunny shape, but it is machine washable and you’ll be glad you have it if you’re dripping with sweat on your travels.

What is a travel towel?

First-timers may be asking why you can’t just stuff a towel from the airing cupboard into your backpack , carry-on luggage or suitcase . One of today's best bath towels is not a good choice for travel. Regular towels aren’t designed to be used and then crammed immediately into a rucksack. They don’t dry quickly enough for starters, which means they’ll go smelly and mouldy after a while. They’re also big and chunky, so they’ll take up far too much room and weigh you down more than necessary.

Travel towels, on the other hand, are lightweight, fast-drying, and smaller in size. They’re also highly absorbent, with the capacity to soak up water far quicker than a regular towel. Many have antibacterial properties too, so your towel-drying experience will be damp-free, smell-free and as pleasant as showering in the middle of nowhere can be.

The texture of travel towels also takes a variety of forms. Hydrofibre is likely to be fleecy to the touch, but deceives you with its amazing ability to soak up water quickly then dry really fast afterwards. Softfibre is very similar to hydrofibre in the way it feels, but it’s slightly heavier and can absorb more water. Microfibre is popular because it provides the closest texture to a towel out of all three options. It’s the thickest and heaviest and doesn’t have quite the same drying capacity as softfibre, but is still certainly one to consider.

Upgrade to smarter living

Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

• Aimée Bradshaw

Confirms that its Find X series of smartphones will be released globally in the future

By Rik Henderson Published 6 June 24

Nothing talks about the Nothing Phone (3) and its AI ambitions

By Chris Hall Published 6 June 24

The best travel backpacks for everything from weekends away and business trips to backpacking and hiking

By Jamie Carter Last updated 20 December 23

Whether you’re travelling, commuting or in the office, the best power banks keep your smartphone, laptop and everything recharged and ready to use

By Jamie Carter Last updated 15 March 24

T3’s roundup of the best underwater cameras available to buy right now

By Amy Davies Last updated 2 January 24

These are the best travel tripods – compact and lightweight enough to squeeze into a backpack, suitcase or even a pocket

By Jamie Carter Last updated 2 January 24

The best electric scooter can make getting around more fun

By Matt Kollat Last updated 29 May 24

Easy to use and difficult to break – choose the best camera for kids with our handy guide

By Gavin Stoker Last updated 29 February 24

It's time to grab a pair of the best headphones for travel, for long flights, train journeys, and car rides

By Spencer Hart Last updated 2 January 24

Attempting travel with a baby? The best travel cot will make sure you’re suitably armed, and they’re suitably snuggly

By Spencer Hart Last updated 4 January 23

Useful links

• When is the next Prime Day?
• Best 5G phones
• Best VPN services
• Best laptops
• Best smartphones
• Best mattresses
• Best phone deals
• Best mattress deals
• Best TV deals
• Discount codes

10 Best Quick-Dry Towels, According to Textile Experts

Say goodbye to damp and smelly towels for good.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Everplush diamond jacquard 6 piece bath towel set.

Amazon Basics 100% Cotton Quick-Dry Bath Towel

Best Waffle

Parachute waffle bath towel.

Best for Travel

Rainleaf microfiber towel.

Best Organic

Pottery barn hydrocotton organic quick-dry towel.

Brooklinen Ultralight Bath Towels

Best for The Beach

Dock & bay microfiber beach towel.

Best for Hair

Hicober microfiber hair towel, 3 pack.

If your towels still feel damp long after you've dried off and have developed a musty odor, a quick-dry towel could eliminate your woes. Whether they're made with shorter cotton loops, flat waffle weave construction or lightweight microfiber pile, quick-dry towels are specially designed to speed up dry time so that you don't have to worry about them making a wet mess in your bathroom or leaving you feeling uncomfortable.

This towel beat out over 40 other styles in our recent bath towel tests with perfect scores for its absorbency and its quick-drying abilities (most towels are usually just one or the other). It has a unique construction combining microfiber on the inside with cotton fibers on the surface, so you truly get the best of both worlds. The towels also proved to be strong and shrink-resistant in our evaluations, but the material did show signs of wear with laundering — pilling and developing fuzz faster than others in our test.

Our Everplush towel testers highlighted how cozy the material felt, and one shared, "I loved how soft the towel was. It was a good size, not too big, and it dried even faster than my Turkish towel. Despite being soft and plush, it was lightweight." A Textiles Lab analyst added, "I love using these towels for my guest bathroom because they're easy to care for, quick to dry and ultra plush."

Pieces: 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels and 2 wash cloths | Material: Cotton, polyamide and polyester blend | Dimensions: 30" x 56" bath towels, 16" x 30" hand towels and 13" x 13" washcloths

Priced for around $10 a piece (or less!) with more than 30,000 five-star ratings, these towels from Amazon are super popular and a total steal. The two-pack of towels stood out in our tests for its soft feel, and one tester was surprised by how cozy the towels felt, sharing that they seemed more expensive than they really were. The towels are on the thinner side, so some testers wished they were heavier weight with a plusher feel, but others appreciated the lightweight design.

While the towels earned only average absorbency scores in our Textiles Lab evaluations, not performing as well as some luxe styles, our at-home testers were impressed by the absorbency during their at-home assessments, and we still think the towels are worth it for such an incredible price point. Amazon reviewers love the towels, as well, emphasizing their quick-drying abilities, with one sharing, "These towels are simply amazing! Not only do they dry super quickly, but they are also incredibly soft and gentle on my skin."

Pieces: 2 bath towels | Material: C otton | Dimensions: 30" x 54"

If you prefer 100% cotton, this towel has a waffle weave construction that is lightweight and dried impressively fast in our Lab tests. Because there are no loops like with a traditional terrycloth towel, it won't feel as plush as other styles — in fact, some testers said it seemed more like a blanket — but it still earned high scores for absorbency, out-performing some terrycloth styles from popular brands.

During our Textiles Lab evaluations, we found the towel held up well in the wash, and one tester agreed, sharing that it was "easy to launder," but there was some shrinkage in the dryer. The chic towel also earned high marks for its attractive appearance, which brings a spa-like feel to any bathroom. The bath towels are available in four neutral colors, and Parachute sells matching hand towels for a cohesive look.

Pieces: 1 bath towel | Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 56" x 30"

This compact towel is a best-seller on Amazon with over 19,000 five-star reviews. Users say they use it for everything from camping and hiking to backpacking and international travel and describe it as the "perfect travel towel" because it packs well in luggage and dries quickly, thanks to the polyester blend microfibers that wick moisture away.

Like with other microfiber towels, reviewers say this one isn't super absorbent, and there are some complaints that the edge stitching unravels with use. It won't be the best option if you're looking for an ultra durable, ultra plush towel, but it is a good choice for someone on the go. It's available in sixteen vibrant colors and six different sizes from XS to XXL, so you can buy the one that best meets your needs.

Pieces: 1 bath towel | Material: Microfiber | Dimensions: 30" x 60"

This luxurious towel from Pottery Barn is the plushest of our picks, more like a traditional bath towel. T he towel has a super soft feel, with some testers describing it as "so fluffy" and the "ideal towel." One tester shared that it stayed soft, even after being used and washed repeatedly. And it performed well in our Textile Lab washability tests, maintaining its shape overall and its soft feel with just some shrinkage after 20 cycles in the laundry.

While the towel is considered to be a quick-dry towel by the brand, it didn't dry as quickly as some of our other picks, but it did dry faster than the ultra-plush styles we tested. Plus, it was ultra-absorbent, which means you'll have no problem drying off after a shower or bath. The towel is also made of Turkish cotton that's organic and even certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Pieces: 1 bath towel | Material: Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 28" x 55"

In the Textiles Lab, we're regularly impressed by Brooklinen's products, including their top-tested sheets and comfy towels, some of which have even earned the Good Housekeeping Seal . While we haven't evaluated these particular Ultralight towels , they're loved by hundreds of online reviewers who say the slightly oversized towels are the perfect balance of thin and absorbent. One five-star review said, "This is the towel you need: soft but absorbent, thin but not sparse, large enough... but not one of those cumbersome towels that is too much."

The towels aren't as heavy weight as many we test, so they'll likely dry more quickly than some other traditional towels, but they are a little thicker than a few of our picks and are made of Turkish cotton fibers that are typically absorbent, so you can expect them to take longer to dry than ultra lightweight or microfiber styles. Online reviewers are impressed by the dry time overall, though, sharing that they "air dry super quick" with one reviewer adding, "This is a nice light towel set that doesn't take much room to store and dries very quickly."

Pieces: 2 bath towels | Material: Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 30" x 58"

Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towel

Beach trips are a breeze with this towel from Dock & Bay that's available in four sizes (including an oversized beach blanket option) and over 30 fun prints and patterns. We love the lightweight material, which is a combination of synthetic polyester and polyamide microfiber that's "sand-resistant" — it has a unique structure that keeps sand on the fabric's surface, making it simple to shake the sand loose, and this proved true during our Textiles Lab evaluations..

The synthetic fiber blend dries quicker than a standard cotton beach towel and is extra durable, too, but the material is on the thinner side so it won't feel quite as plush. When you're ready to pack up, the towel can be rolled into its compact carrying case for easy travel. One tester shared, "I like to bring this towel everywhere with me on summer days in case I may have an impromptu picnic."

Pieces: 1 beach towel | Material: Polyester and polyamide blend | Dimensions: 35" x 78"

A microfiber hair towel can speed up your hair’s drying time and help to prevent damage. The lightweight microfibers are smoother than standard cotton fibers, so according to hairstylist Becca Mutchler , they won't tug quite as much and are overall gentler on your tresses. She likes using microfiber materials when she dries her own hair to help prevent unnecessary breakage and frizz.

Hicober's towels come in three packs starting at just $16, so each hair wrap is less than $6 a piece — an incredible value. This particular hair towel features a tapered design with an elastic strap in the back that secures over a button at the top of the wrap, resulting in a neatly twisted style. Because the material isn't as absorbent as standard cotton, it won't stay damp for long once you take it off. This type of towel tends to work best for those with delicate or curly hair, but it may not be able to accommodate thicker hair or longer styles.

Pieces: 3 hair towels | Material: Microfiber | Dimensions: 25.59" x 9.84"

How we test towels

In the Textiles Lab, we put towels through various evaluations using our equipment and with consumer testers who try out the towels for themselves and provide real-user feedback. In recent years, we've tested more than 80 towels and reviewed over 10,000 data points from these tests. Not every quick-dry towel in this roundup has been evaluated in Lab, but we use our categorical expertise when making selections and choose towels from popular brands with tons of online reviews. Here's how towels that are tested in Lab are scored:

What to look for when shopping for the best quick-dry towels

Quick-dry towels are a bit different than your standard bath towel with unique features to speed up the drying process. Here are a few things to look for when shopping for one:

✔️ Fabric construction: The majority of towels are constructed from terrycloth fabric, which is a woven fabric covered in tiny loops of yarn that increase the fabric's surface area and absorbency. That means it's great at soaking up water and keeping you dry!

However, some quick-dry towels are made with woven microfiber fabrics that aren't always looped. Sometimes, the microfibers are brushed for a fuzzy feel that's comparable to suede, and other times the microfiber pile is low and flat. Either way, microfiber fabrics won't soak up as much water as traditional terrycloth, but they will have a shorter dry time.

✔️ Fiber content: Many brands will include fiber content information on the care or fiber content label on the actual product and also list the information in the product description online. Most quick-dry towels are made of synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon or polyamide, which are long-lasting and more durable than natural fibers. Plus, they're inherently hydrophobic, which means they aren't super absorbent and take less time to dry as a result.

Natural fibers like cotton, on the other hand, are typically more absorbent and are loved by testers for having a softer, plusher feel than synthetic fibers. Because they're so absorbent, they are likely to take longer to dry, but this isn't always the case, especially when they're blended with a synthetic fiber; with a combination, you get the best of both worlds — an absorbent, soft and quicker drying material.

✔️ Fabric weight: Fabric weight is measured in grams per square meter, also known as GSM. A plush, ultra absorbent towel is going to be heavier and have a higher GSM, sometimes upwards of 600. A full-size quick-dry towel, on the other hand, will likely be lighter weight with a lower GSM around or less than 300.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute . Lexie has tested dozens of towels using lab equipment, evaluating aspects like dry speed, strength and shrinkage. She has also worked with hundreds of consumer testers, collecting thousands of data points around softness and user satisfaction. Lexie initially wrote this article based on test results and expertise in shopping for bath towels.

Amanda Constantine is a Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst at Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates home goods of all kinds, including towels. She recently covered beach towels and has tested dozens of bath towels in Lab for properties like washability and shrinkage. She used her categorical expertise while updating this article.

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

The Best LGBTQ+ Clothing Brands

The 4 Best Solar Phone Chargers

The 5 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Babies

The Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2024

The Best Shop Vacs

The Best Air Purifiers for Allergies

The Best Dehumidifiers

The Most Popular Products of June 2024

The Best Split King Mattresses

The Best Wavy Hair Products

The Best Hair Dryer Brushes

• Home & Kitchen
• Beach Towels

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Moscow Russia Beach Towels Oversized Microfiber Beach Towel for Adults Quick Dry Sand Free Absorbent Large Beach Blanket for The Swimming, Sports, Beach Travel,74" x 37"

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• 🧁【SIZE AND MATERIAL】The unfolded size is 74 inches x 37 inches, this polyester material is eco-friendly, colorfast, no odor, different from traditional towel material. It has special properties - quick drying, lightweight, super absorbent and baby soft.
• ☔【Super Absorbent】The cute swimming towel is extremely absorbent. Do you need a lightweight, absorbent beach towel to dry quickly to prevent colds and embarrassment? This beach towel will absorb moisture from the surface of your body and keep you warm.
• 🏄【EAST TO CARE】Our large beach towels are machine washable and colorfast. Wash your pool towels after use, the quick-drying feature will save you drying time. Wash sand towels separately from clothing, and do not wash blankets with bleach.
• 🍺【Easy to Pack and Widely Applicable】Pool towels are designed in large size: 74x37 inches can wrap your body. With a foldable design, you can easily put it in your bag, easy to carry, stackable or hang on hooks, saving space and easy to store. Cool beach towels for adults can be easily used anywhere, perfect for beach, pool, spa, sauna, gym, hotel, yoga, travel, bathroom, camping and picnic.
• 👨‍👩‍👧[UNIQUE DESIGN & STYLISH]: This oversized beach towel is digitally printed in super clear variety of patterns to make the pool towel look great and never fade, you are absolutely unique on the beach. Easily stand out from the crowd. This truly is an excellent beach and travel towel, the perfect gift for friends, lovers and family.

Product information

Warranty & support, looking for specific info, product description.

Don’t you want to prepare a cool&fun beach towel for the upcoming summer?

Moscow Russia Beach Towel will be your choice:

This is not a traditional camping towel. Compared with ordinary beach towels, our lightweight beach towels are lighter and thinner. So that it is convenient to pack and carry. You can roll up the large beach towel for travel, camping, hiking. Our lightweight sand-free beach towel will bring you a wonderful travel.

Why Choose Us ?

✦Made of high-quality microfiber, with excellent softness and comfort

✦Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, with excellent portability

✦It has a good touch and high water absorption rate

✦Lightweight and portable, foldable design, and can be hung and stacked

✦Ideal for beaches, swimming pools, spas, saunas, gyms, yoga, travel, camping, and picnics

Description:

size: 74*37in(188*94cm)

Package: 1 Pack Beach Towels

Material:Microfiber

Precautions:

1. The product is not suitable for scalding and washing at high temperature above 40 degrees;

2. There will be slight discoloration when washing with water for the first time, and the product itself will not fade.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

No customer reviews

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

• Beach Towels

Return this item for free

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. For a full refund with no deduction for return shipping, you can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition.

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select the return method

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Large Beach Towel, Soft and Quick Dry Swim Towels, Beach Towel for Adults with Bag Cool Travel Pool Towel, Family Pool Towel for Swimming, Holiday (Colored stripes)

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• 🌊【Extra Large Size 】 Beach Towel is the large size design, usually measuring 180cm x 90cm or more, is big enough to cover your whole body, allowing you to stretch out freely and enjoy your beach time to the fullest.
• 🌊【Excellent absorbency】 Large Beach Towel for Adults with Bag is made of high quality cotton or blended fibre material, it has excellent water absorbency and absorbs water quickly, allowing you to dry quickly after swimming.
• 🌊【Multifunctional use】Besides beach leisure, it can also be used as a shawl, bath towel, bed sheet and other multiple uses to meet the needs of different occasions.
• 🌊【Fashionable design】The Large Beach Towel for Adults with Bag offers a variety of styles, patterns and colours to choose from, fashionable and trendy, let you become the focus on the beach.
• 🌊【LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE】 The Large Beach Towel for Adults with Bag is lightweight material, quick drying, easy to fold, convenient to carry, ideal travelling companion.

Buy it with

More items you may like for your home

Product information

Technical details, additional information, looking for specific info, product description.

🏊‍♂️Large Beach Towel for Adults with Bag is a stylish and practical beach leisure product designed for adults. It is made of high-quality materials with a comfortable soft touch and excellent water absorbency, providing you with a great experience of using it at the beach, pool or holiday resort. Not only can you enjoy the fun of bathing in the sun and waves, it can also be used as a shawl, bath towel and other multi-functional purposes.🏊‍♀️

🧜 Product Specifications 🧜

• Material : Double-sided velour polyester brocade
• Size : 158cm x 79.6cm
• Available colours and patterns : Colourful stripes, yellow and white stripes, blue, green and white stripes.
• Package : Comes with a packing bag, convenient for you to travel and store at any time.

💎Large Beach Towel for Adults with Bag is a must-have leisure item for your beach holiday or swimming, whether it's comfort, absorbency or versatility, it can meet your needs and let you enjoy your beach leisure time!💦

Compare with similar items

Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings, help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.

No customer reviews

• UK Modern Slavery Statement
• Sustainability
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell on Amazon Business
• Sell on Amazon Handmade
• Sell on Amazon Launchpad
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect and build your brand
• Associates Programme
• Fulfilment by Amazon
• Seller Fulfilled Prime
• Advertise Your Products
• Independently Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Make Money with Us
• Instalments by Barclays
• Amazon Platinum Mastercard
• Amazon Classic Mastercard
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Payment Methods Help
• Shop with Points
• Top Up Your Account
• Top Up Your Account in Store
• COVID-19 and Amazon
• Track Packages or View Orders
• Delivery Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Amazon Mobile App
• Customer Service
• Accessibility
• Conditions of Use & Sale
• Privacy Notice
• Cookies Notice
• Interest-Based Ads Notice

• Home & Kitchen
• Beach Towels

Image Unavailable

• To view this video, download Flash Player

SIYTUAU American Flag Freedom Bath Towels 31.5"x63" Inch Super Soft Quick Dry Bath Towel Travel Gym Beach Towel Picnic Yoga Blankets

27.5"x55"

31.5"x63"

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• Material Description: This American Flag Freedom Bath Towels Made Of High Quality Soft Microfiber (85% Polyester, 15% Nylon）, Softer, Thicker And More Durable Than Ordinary Bath Towels. Super Absorbent And Quick Drying Properties. The Towel Is Lightweight And Compact, Easily Fits Into A Gym Bag Or Backpack. It Can Fully Guarantee The Warmth And Windproof Performance, No Longer Need To Worry About The Ultra-Thin And Poor Quality Beach Towel Will Cause Your Child To Catch A Cold And Get Sick.
• Product Performance: The Delicate Bath Towel Comes With A Unique Bag And Hiking Clips For Easy Packing And Hanging. You Can Hang It Anywhere And Let The Towel Air Dry Quickly. The Towel Is Lightweight And Small Enough To Easily Fit Into A Gym Bag Or Backpack Without Taking Up Too Much Space.
• Multifunctional Use: This Beach Towel Can Not Only Be Used As A Gorgeous Bath Towel, But Also As A Travel Blanket, Picnic Blanket Or Rug, Which Is Widely Used. It Is Suitable For A Variety Of Scenarios Such As Bathroom, Pool, Beach, School, Outdoor, Travel, Tour, Picnic And So On. In Addition, It Is A Meaningful Gift Or Souvenir With Gorgeous And Eye-Catching Patterns That Will Make Others Envious.
• Easy To Clean: This Practical Beach Towel Is Very Easy To Clean, Machine Washable, Wash Before First Use, Simply Hand Or Machine Wash And Air Dry. Do Not Bleach.
• The Perfect Gift: Whether It'S A Housewarming, A Wedding, A Birthday, An Anniversary, Or A Holiday Celebration Such As Christmas Or Thanksgiving, Our High-Quality Bath Towels Are The Perfect Gift Choice. Treat Your Loved Ones To The Ultimate In Comfort And Luxury With These Beautiful Bath Towels.

Looking for specific info?

Product information, technical details, additional information, product description.

This American Flag Freedom Bath Towels Made Of High Quality Soft Microfiber (85% Polyester, 15% Nylon）, Softer, Thicker And More Durable Than Ordinary Bath Towels. Super Absorbent And Quick Drying Properties. The Towel Is Lightweight And Compact, Easily Fits Into A Gym Bag Or Backpack. It Can Fully Guarantee The Warmth And Windproof Performance, No Longer Need To Worry About The Ultra-Thin And Poor Quality Beach Towel Will Cause Your Child To Catch A Cold And Get Sick. The Delicate Bath Towel Comes With A Unique Bag And Hiking Clips For Easy Packing And Hanging. You Can Hang It Anywhere And Let The Towel Air Dry Quickly. The Towel Is Lightweight And Small Enough To Easily Fit Into A Gym Bag Or Backpack Without Taking Up Too Much Space. This Beach Towel Can Not Only Be Used As A Gorgeous Bath Towel, But Also As A Travel Blanket, Picnic Blanket Or Rug, Which Is Widely Used. It Is Suitable For A Variety Of Scenarios Such As Bathroom, Pool, Beach, School, Outdoor, Travel, Tour, Picnic And So On. In Addition, It Is A Meaningful Gift Or Souvenir With Gorgeous And Eye-Catching Patterns That Will Make Others Envious. This Practical Beach Towel Is Very Easy To Clean, Machine Washable, Wash Before First Use, Simply Hand Or Machine Wash And Air Dry. Do Not Bleach. Whether It'S A Housewarming, A Wedding, A Birthday, An Anniversary, Or A Holiday Celebration Such As Christmas Or Thanksgiving, Our High-Quality Bath Towels Are The Perfect Gift Choice. Treat Your Loved Ones To The Ultimate In Comfort And Luxury With These Beautiful Bath Towels.

Customer reviews

No customer reviews.

• Amazon and Our Planet
• Modern Slavery Statement
• Investor Relations
• Press Releases
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Become an Affiliate
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Sell on Amazon Handmade
• Advertise Your Products
• Independently Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard
• Shop with Points
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Amazon Cash
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns Are Easy
• Manage your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Customer Service
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Interest-Based Ads
• Amazon.com.ca ULC | 40 King Street W 47th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 3Y2 |1-877-586-3230