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How To Choose The Perfect Beach Towel

When summer is in the air, it's time to stock up on swimwear, sunscreen and new beach towels. You might be wondering why we've written a guide to choosing the best beach towel, but with so many beach towels available it can be hard to decide which one is the perfect match for you. That's why we've created this definitive guide to beach towels to help. Whether you're looking for sand-free comfort or a luxuriously large beach towel, we have the perfect beach towel to go with your perfect summer's day!
Because with the right beach towel in your arsenal, the gorgeous Aussie coastline becomes the ideal playground for your next adventure - and it all starts at Harris Scarfe!
Quick Links
- Assess The Absorbency
- Size Matters
- Feel For Softness & Comfort
- Look For Sand-Free Beach Towels
- Play With Funky Fabrics
- Choose Quality Over Quantity
Assess The Absorbency
There's nothing worse than trying to dry yourself off with a towel that simply will not absorb any water. A good beach towel should suck up water like a sponge, then dry quickly in the sun so it can be used again. A beach towel that absorbs water well will quickly wick moisture away from your skin, preventing you from staying damp for too long.
To assess absorbency, feel the towel's fabric - cotton and microfibre are popular choices for their moisture-wicking properties. Beach towels made with cotton or terry fabrics are great absorbers! Additionally, check the weight, heavier beach towels tend to absorb more water. Look for large beach towels with a thick, plush texture for maximum absorbency and comfort.

Choose the Right Size Beach Towel
The last thing you want upon arriving at the beach is to lay out your beach towel - only to realise it's barely the size of a face cloth! Bath towels tend to be around 70 x 130 cm, which does the job when it comes to drying our bodies after a shower. But beach towels need to be much more versatile than that. If you're planning on laying back and relaxing in the sunshine (after applying plenty of SPF50+ sunscreen, of course), you need a beach towel that will allow you to stretch out and relax, and accommodate the length of your body.
For a large beach towel, look for one that measures around 80 x 160 cm or larger. This size offers plenty of space to stretch out and dry off comfortably, and it can be used as a makeshift blanket. Larger beach towels provide extra coverage, making them perfect for lounging at the beach or poolside.
Feel For Softness & Comfort
Don't be afraid to give beach towels a good feel when you're shopping. Remember, you'll be spending hours lying on them, so they need to be gentle and luxurious on the skin. You don't want a beach towel that's as abrasive as your exfoliator. When selecting a soft and comfortable beach towel, focus on the fabric and weight. Cotton towels, especially those made from Egyptian or Turkish cotton, are known for their softness, durability and absorbency.
Microfibre towels, while lighter and quick-drying, also offer a soft feel. Consider the towel's thickness too, a thicker towel provides a plush and cosy feel. Check for a high GSM (grams per square meter) rating, as this indicates a denser, more luxurious fabric. Finally, pay attention to the towel's texture - smooth, velvety towels are typically softer and more comfortable against your skin. In the end, remember to choose a soft and comfortable beach towel that you'd be happy to lounge on all afternoon.

Look For Sand-Free Beach Towels
Yes, it's a thing! For example, our Cotton Beach Sand Free Towel is designed to give you all the comfort and absorbency of a regular beach towel, without being a magnet for sand. A sand-free beach towel is made from specially designed fabric that allows sand to slip off easily, preventing it from sticking to the towel. The microfiber material is lightweight and quick-drying, making it perfect for beach days.
Its unique weave lets sand fall through the fibres, ensuring you stay sand-free and comfortable throughout your day at the beach. Cotton sand-free beach towels have a different texture on each side. The top side, where you'll be planting your delicate skin, is made from a gentle terry cotton. On the reverse, you'll find a velour side which is virtually impervious to sand. This side is flatter, so that sand can't become trapped between any loops of cotton. That means less shaking when you pack up your sand-free beach towel and less sand traipsed into the car or house.
Play With Funky Prints
Big beach towels are a great way to make a style statement. When shopping for beach towels, consider funky fabrics such as velour, jacquard or printed microfibre. Velour beach towels offer a soft, plush feel with a velvety texture that's gentle on the skin, so they're perfect for lounging. Jacquard fabric allows for intricate patterns and designs, adding a stylish touch while maintaining absorbency and comfort.
Microfibre beach towels come in vibrant prints and are quick-drying, lightweight and absorbent, making them both fun and functional. These fabrics combine playful designs with softness and high moisture-wicking capabilities, ensuring you stay comfortable and dry, all while showing off your personality at the beach.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
A good-quality beach towel is a great investment that will serve your family for years. Unlike cheaper imitations, quality beach towels won't wear and tear easily and will retain their shape and vibrancy wash after wash. Overall, to ensure you're buying the best quality beach towel, consider fabric, weight and absorbency. Cotton, especially Egyptian or Turkish, is renowned for its softness, durability and excellent moisture-wicking properties.
Weave style matters too - thicker loops or terry cloth offer superior absorbency and plushness. Check the beach towel's size to ensure it's large enough for comfort. Durability is key, so choose beach towels with reinforced edges that prevent fraying. Lastly, a vibrant fade-resistant design will keep your beach towel looking fresh for longer.
Find Your Ideal Beach Towel At Harris Scarfe
Make sure you have everything you need this summer by exploring our massive range of beach towels and summer products, including women's swimwear, men's swimwear, women's sandals, women's slides & thongs, outdoor diningware and much more. Visit us online or in-store and head over to the Hub for more beach tips, ideas and inspiration! Some great articles you'll love include: