How to Choose the Perfect Beach Towel: Your Complete Guide

With summer in full swing here in Australia, choosing the right beach towel can make all the difference between a relaxing day by the water and a frustrating experience. Whether you're heading to Cottesloe Beach, planning a pool day, or packing for a coastal getaway, the perfect beach towel is an essential companion. Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Why Your Beach Towel Matters

A quality beach towel is more than just something to dry off with—it's your portable comfort zone. The right towel provides a clean, soft surface to relax on, dries you quickly after a swim, and withstands the harsh conditions of sun, sand, salt, and chlorine. Investing in a premium beach towel means you'll enjoy better performance and longevity.

Key Features to Look For

1. Material Matters - softness and comfort

Organic Cotton is the gold standard for beach towels. Whether you choose plush terrycloth or lightweight waffle weave, organic cotton is incredibly absorbent, soft against your skin, and becomes even softer with each wash. Unlike synthetic materials, organic cotton is breathable, eco-friendly, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Handloomed Waffle Weave offers a unique alternative—these artisan-crafted towels are lightweight, quick-drying, and incredibly versatile. The textured weave creates air pockets that enhance absorbency while remaining compact for travel.

Look for towels made from premium organic cotton that's sustainably and ethically sourced. This ensures you're getting superior quality while supporting environmentally responsible practices.

2. Size and Dimensions: Why Bigger is Better

When it comes to beach towels, size truly matters. Here's why large beach towels are worth the investment:

• Full-body coverage: Generously sized towels (around 160-180cm x 90-100cm) let you stretch out comfortably without any part of you touching the sand
• Multi-purpose versatility: Large towels work as beach blankets, picnic mats, sarongs, shawls, or even light blankets
• Better for sharing: Perfect for couples or families who want to sit together
• More drying surface: Larger towels dry you off more efficiently and provide more coverage when changing
• Travel-friendly styling: Can be worn as a wrap, scarf, or sarong for beachside cafes

The ideal beach towel should be large enough to comfortably lie on without touching the sand, yet still manageable to carry and pack. Avoid towels that are too small (you'll end up on the sand) or excessively bulky (they take forever to dry).

3. Absorbency vs. Quick-Drying

The best beach towels strike a balance between high absorbency and quick-drying properties. Premium terrycloth absorbs water efficiently to dry you off quickly, while the quality of the cotton ensures it doesn't stay damp for hours.

Waffle weave towels excel at quick-drying thanks to their textured construction and lightweight design.

4. Durability

Beach conditions are tough on towels. Sand is abrasive, saltwater is corrosive, and constant sun exposure can fade colours. Choose towels with:

• Reinforced edges to prevent fraying
• Azo-free dyes that are colourfast and safe for sensitive skin
• High-quality stitching that withstands frequent washing
• Premium materials that maintain their softness over time
• Handloomed or artisan construction for superior craftsmanship

5. Design and Aesthetics

Your beach towel is part of your beach style! Look for designs that reflect your personality. Reversible towels are particularly versatile—you get two looks in one, and you can flip to the cleaner side if one gets sandy.

Playful prints, vibrant stripes, and classic checks add fun to your beach days, while timeless patterns remain stylish season after season.

Special Considerations for Australian Beaches

Sun Protection

Australian sun is intense! Choose towels with vibrant, fade-resistant colorus that will maintain their appearance despite harsh UV exposure. Lighter colours can also help reflect heat if you're lying in direct sun.

Sand Resistance

While no towel is completely sand-proof, tightly woven terrycloth and waffle weave textures shake sand off more easily than loosely woven alternatives. Give your towel a good shake before packing it up.

Multi-Purpose Use

The best beach towels work just as well at the pool, in your bathroom, as baby towels, or even as a picnic blanket, scarf, or travel wrap. Versatility means you'll get more use from your investment—especially with large, lightweight options.

Care Tips for Longevity

To keep your beach towel in top condition:

• Rinse after each use to remove salt, chlorine, and sand
• Wash in cold water to preserve colours and fibres
• Avoid fabric softener—it reduces absorbency
• Line dry when possible to extend the life of the fibres

Why Choose Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton towels offer significant advantages:

• Better for your skin: No harsh chemicals or pesticides, with azo-free dyes for sensitive skin
• More sustainable: Environmentally friendly and ethically produced
• Superior softness: Naturally softer fibres that improve with age
• Highly absorbent: Natural cotton absorbs up to 25 times its weight in water
• Durable: Quality organic cotton lasts for years

Our Beach Towel Collection

Baggu Organic Cotton Bath Towels

Our Baggu Organic Cotton Bath Towels offer premium terrycloth luxury:

• ✓ Premium organic cotton terrycloth for superior softness and absorbency
• ✓ Reversible playful prints—two looks in one towel
• ✓ Perfect size at 153 x 76cm for beach, pool, or bathroom
• ✓ Quick-drying and durable construction
• ✓ Sustainable and eco-friendly materials
• ✓ Machine washable for easy care

Handloomed Organic Cotton Large Waffle Weave Towels

For those who love artisan craftsmanship and travel-friendly design, our Handloomed Organic Cotton Large Waffle Weave Towels are exceptional:

• ✓ Generously sized for full-body coverage and multi-purpose use
• ✓ Hand woven in India—sustainably and ethically produced
• ✓ Soft waffle weave texture with superior absorbency
• ✓ Compact and lightweight—perfect for travel
• ✓ Quick-drying design ideal for multiple swims
• ✓ Azo-free dyes safe for sensitive skin
• ✓ Ultra-versatile: Use as a beach towel, bath towel, baby towel, scarf, sarong, shawl, or blanket
• ✓ Available in beautiful colours

The large size of our waffle weave towels makes them incredibly versatile—spread them out as a beach blanket, wrap them as a sarong for beachside dining, or use them as a lightweight travel blanket on the plane. Their compact, quick-drying nature means they're perfect for travellers who want maximum functionality without the bulk.

Make the Right Choice

The perfect beach towel is an investment in comfort, style, and sustainability. By choosing quality materials like organic cotton, considering the benefits of larger sizes, and caring for your towel properly, you'll enjoy countless beach days with a towel that performs beautifully season after season.

Whether you prefer the plush luxury of terrycloth or the lightweight versatility of handloomed waffle weave, choosing organic cotton and generous sizing ensures you're getting the best beach experience possible.

Find your ideal beach towel at Shop Annie G. Make sure you have your beach essentials by explore our collection of premium organic cotton beach towels and tote bags, summer fashion and much more. Read more beach tips and inspiration on the blog!

Happy beach days! 🏖️