Checklist for Picking the Best Beach Towel

　　100% cotton or 86/14 cotton-polyester blend: Body-use towels usually consist of 100% cotton or an 86/14 cotton-polyester blend. Cotton is naturally durable and soft, while polyester makes fabric even more durable and long-lasting. Both are great options when buying a beach towel and will last you a long time.

　　300 to 400 GSM: When describing a towel’s weight and density, we use grams per square meter. The higher the GSM, the heavier and denser the towel feels. You don’t want your beach towel to feel too heavy, or it will retain a large amount of water and feel uncomfortable. The ideal GSM range for a beach towel is between 300 and 400 GSM.

　　Low water retention rate: Closely related to GSM is absorbency, which describes how well fabric holds onto water. A beach towel should have a low water retention rate because it needs to dry quickly. That way, it won’t get too damp and feel uncomfortable to sit on.

　　Size: Beach towels are larger than bath towels, sitting at around 30 inches by 58 inches. Make sure yours is large enough to protect your body and other beach activities from the sand.

　　Comfort: You don’t want to use a scratchy, thin or otherwise uncomfortable towel. High-quality towels have longer piles with a low twist that makes the fibers feel more comfortable against the skin. Make sure to brush your hand against the towel before buying. You can quickly tell if the towel is comfortable enough for long-term use.

　　Style: Abundant color and design options are some of the best things about beach towels. Choose a towel style that reflects your style and personality. With a design you love, you’ll want to use your towel on every beach trip, maximizing your return on investment.