The 9 Best Beach Towels of 2023

No matter what's on your summer essentials list, it's probably safe to assume that a good beach towel is at the top. Whether you're planning to soak up the sun on the beach, host a picnic, or lounge by the pool, you’ll undoubtedly reach for one all season long.

When it comes to towels, function is certainly key, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style, too. From oversized towels to round designs, there are tons of options out there that'll fit your summer aesthetic—and keep you dry and comfy along the way.

Here, the best beach towels.

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

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Whoever said towels can't double as works of art has probably never seen this Pottery Barn style. Made in collaboration with designer Rebecca Atwood, this 100 percent cotton towel features the look of paintbrush strokes in various shades of blue and green. It's 32 x 64-inches long, so it's the perfect size for a lounge chair as well as curling up after taking a quick dip.

If you like this style, check out the other two options in the Rebecca Atwood collection, which includes a lemon-patterned towel and a striped watercolor-esque towel.

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

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Home décor lovers will appreciate Slowtide's Haven Beach Towel, which pairs the look of a stunning vintage rug with a cotton material that's meant for surf and sand. Though some towels can be quite heavy in your beach bag, this 30 x 60-inch towel is lightweight enough that it won't be a hassle to carry.

Soft and absorbent, this towel features a stylish fringe detail that looks great lying on the sand. And, it's OEKO-TEX certified as well, so you can relax seaside knowing it's free of hazardous chemicals.

Courtesy of Sunnylife

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It's all fun and games when it comes to this towel—literally. The 100 percent cotton design features printed boards for checkers and backgammon and even comes with wooden game pieces, so you'll get the benefits of a towel and the entertainment of poolside games all in one. The pink and white style is lightweight as well, so it's easy to pack up for a day at the beach.

Courtesy of Ban.Do

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Whether you're at the beach with friends or having a picnic in the park, a round towel is a game-changer. And if you're looking for a fun twist on traditional circular styles, ban.do's Giant Daisy Towel is the perfect pick.

Made of terry cloth, the towel is designed in the shape of a daisy, so you get a unique accessory with all the functionality of a regular towel. The 60 x 60-inch design is fairly oversized and features a pom-pom detail around the edges for an extra touch of flair.

Courtesy of Society6

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If your style skews more minimal and abstract, don't miss Flow Line's Thin Flow II Beach Towel. This oversized style features a trendy line design throughout that makes it look like a functional piece of art.

The towel is 74 x 37-inches long, so you'll have plenty of space to lounge comfortably. It also features a polyester-microfiber front and cotton terry back, so it's the perfect combination of soft and absorbent.

Courtesy of Serena & Lily

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It's hard not to feel like you're at a resort with this Serena & Lily style. The towel features wide cabana stripes and has a plush feel that makes it easy to relax beachside all day long. It's available in solid white and six striped colors—navy, coastal blue, black, smoke, poppy, and canary—and features a stylish fringe detail on the edge.

It's made of 100 percent Turkish Aegean cotton and is 40 x 70-inches long. It has a 500-gram weight, so it's a bit thicker than other towels on the market and feels particularly cozy. Each towel is sold individually or as a set of four, so you can either create a set with a few different colors or stick with one shade.

Courtesy of JCPenney

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If you're looking for a budget-friendly pick, consider this citrus-inspired beach towel. The 100 percent cotton style features a lemon motif throughout, and won't break the bank if you need to purchase a few for the whole family.

The towel is 30 x 60-inches long and is fairly lightweight, so it won't make your beach bag too heavy if you want to carry a water bottle and some sunscreen. Plus, it's OEKO-TEX certified, so it's made without any harmful chemicals.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

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Beach towels tend to come in more vibrant colors and patterns, so if you're looking for a more understated look, Kassatex's Amalfi Beach Towel is a great option. The oversized towel is available in multiple colors and has elegant details that make it really special.

The Amalfi Towel is made of Turkish cotton and features a white embroidered pattern throughout that adds an understated yet stylish touch. At 70 x 40-inches, there's certainly room to get cozy while you relax and enjoy the sun. It's definitely on the pricier end, but a standout towel like this is sure to last for a long time.

Amazon

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Laguna Beach Textile Co.'s Cabana Towel is the ultimate summer must-have, and for good reason. The oversized style is made of 100 percent cotton and has a weight of 630 GSM, meaning it's heavier than the average towel on the market.

The towel has a more classic look and is offered in multiple striped color combinations, so you can choose which one matches your aesthetic best. The best part? It's 70 x 35-inches, so it's long enough to lounge comfortably whether you're seaside or in your backyard.