Shop our full range of beach towels — available in microfibre, cotton and velour for the beach, pool, holiday and travel. From quick-dry printed microfibre towels at £3.48 to plush velour styles for sunbathing, find the right towel at a competitive price with free UK delivery on orders over £35.
UK manufacturer. No minimum order. Rated Excellent on Trustpilot by 12,000+ customers.
Shop by Type
Microfibre Beach Towels → Lightweight, fast-drying and sand-resistant. Our microfibre towels pack small and weigh under 300g — perfect for holidays, travel and swimming. Dries up to 5× faster than cotton.
Velour Beach Towels → Soft, plush surface that's genuinely comfortable to lie on. A more premium feel for sunbathing and poolside relaxing. Available in printed designs and bright colours.
Chlorine-Resistant Pool Towels → Built for repeat pool use. The fabric treatment maintains colour and softness even after heavy chlorine exposure — ideal for regular swimmers, gym pools and leisure centres.
How to Choose a Beach Towel
Travelling or going on holiday?
Choose microfibre. Lightweight, dries fast and takes up minimal space in a suitcase or backpack. → Looking for the best beach towel for your next holiday? Read our guide: Best Beach Towels for Travel — Lightweight and Quick-Dry Options.
Sunbathing or relaxing by the pool?
Choose cotton or velour. Larger surface area, softer feel, more comfortable for long periods flat on the sand.
Swimming or gym pool use?
Choose microfibre or chlorine-resistant. Fast-drying between sessions and won't degrade from chlorine over time.
Buying for children?
Smaller sizes with bright printed designs work best. All machine washable at 40°C.
Beach Towel Size Guide
|
Type |
Approx Size |
Best For |
|
Standard |
75 × 150 cm |
Swimming, everyday beach use |
|
Large |
90 × 170 cm |
Lounging on sunbeds |
|
Extra Large |
100 × 180 cm |
Full body coverage, couples |
|
Oversized |
150 × 200 cm |
Families, picnics |
Most adults prefer at least 90 cm wide so the towel covers full shoulder width when lying flat. If in doubt, go bigger.
Microfibre vs Cotton Beach Towels
|
Feature |
Microfibre |
Cotton |
|
Weight |
Very light |
Heavier |
|
Drying speed |
Very fast |
Slower |
|
Softness |
Smooth |
Plush |
|
Sand resistance |
Excellent |
Traps sand more |
|
Best for |
Travel, swimming |
Sunbathing, lounging |
Not sure if microfibre is right for you? Read our full comparison: Microfibre vs Cotton Beach Towels — Which Is Better?
What to Look for in a Beach Towel
Absorbency — Cotton absorbs more per gram; microfibre transfers moisture very quickly. Both dry you effectively after a swim.
Drying speed — Critical if you swim multiple times a day or need to pack the towel away wet. Microfibre wins significantly here.
Size — Bigger is generally better for beach use where you lie on it. Don't confuse beach towel sizing with bath towel sizing — they differ considerably.
Sand resistance — Microfibre and tightly-woven fabrics release sand far more easily than fluffy terry cotton. If sand is a daily reality, this matters.
For a full breakdown of what to look for when buying beach towels, read our complete buying guide.
Why Buy From The Towel Shop?
We've been manufacturing and supplying towels from Bolton, Lancashire since 1999 — which means no middleman, no inflated pricing and direct control over quality.
- UK manufacturer — competitive pricing direct to you
- No minimum order — one towel or one thousand, same price
- Free UK delivery on orders over £35
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot — 12,000+ verified reviews
- 365-day returns — complete buying confidence
- Price match promise — found it cheaper? We'll match it
Buying Beach Towels for Hotels, Holiday Parks or Leisure Centres?
We supply beach and pool towels in trade quantities to hotels, holiday parks, Airbnb properties, leisure centres and gyms across the UK — with no minimum order at the same competitive prices. Our microfibre towels launder quickly and hold their quality through high-frequency washing cycles.
Call 01204 455755 or visit our wholesale towels page for trade pricing and custom branding options.
FAQs
What is the best beach towel for travel?
Microfibre. Lightweight, dries 3–5× faster than cotton, packs down small. A standard 75 × 150 cm microfibre towel weighs under 300g and fits in a day bag. See Best beach towels for travel.
What size beach towel should I buy?
Most adults need at least 75 × 150 cm for comfortable use. For lying flat on the beach, 90 × 170 cm or larger is better. Children manage comfortably with 60 × 120 cm.
What's the difference between a beach towel and a bath towel?
Beach towels are larger, more colourful and designed to be laid flat on sand or a sunbed. Bath towels prioritise absorbency and softness for bathroom use. Many beach towels are microfibre — rare in bath towels.
Are microfibre beach towels good?
Yes, for most purposes. They dry very quickly, weigh almost nothing and resist sand. The trade-off is a smoother rather than plush feel. For sunbathing comfort, cotton or velour is better. For travel and swimming, microfibre wins.
Do you sell beach towels wholesale?
Yes. Hotels, holiday parks and leisure facilities, no minimum order. → Wholesale towels page or call 01204 455755.
How do I wash a beach towel?
Machine wash at 40°C. Shake sand off thoroughly before washing — sand damages drum bearings over time. Avoid fabric softener as it reduces absorbency. Tumble dry on low or line dry.
Explore More From The Towel Shop
Looking for more towels for your home, business or accommodation? Browse our wider collection:
- Bath Towels
- Bath Sheets
- Hand Towels
- Face Cloths
- Hotel and Institutional Towels
- Bamboo Towels
- Towel Bale Sets
Looking for beach towels on sale or clearance deals? Explore our beach towel sale and clearance section for discounted lines and end of season offers on large and extra large beach towels.