Whether you're planning a summer holiday, exploring the British coastline or enjoying a spontaneous afternoon by the sea, having the right beach towel can make a surprising difference.

But what actually makes the best beach towel in the UK?

It isn't necessarily the biggest, thickest or most expensive towel. A good beach towel should be comfortable, practical, easy to carry and suitable for the conditions you'll use it in.

From traditional cotton towels to lightweight microfibre designs, there are several options worth considering. In this guide, we'll explain what to look for and why a thoughtfully designed towel can make your next beach trip that little bit easier.

What Makes a Good Beach Towel?

A beach towel needs to do more than simply dry you after a swim. It should make your time outdoors more comfortable without becoming another bulky item to carry.

Here are some of the most important things to consider when choosing one.

1. Quick-Drying Material

Nobody enjoys packing away a soaking-wet towel at the end of a beach day.

A towel that dries quickly is particularly useful if you're swimming more than once, travelling between beaches or packing light for a holiday.

Microfibre is a popular choice because it is lightweight and designed to dry quickly compared with many traditional thick cotton towels.

It can be especially useful for:

• Beach holidays and swimming trips

• Wild swimming and outdoor adventures

• Camping and travelling

• Poolside days

• Anyone who wants to avoid carrying a heavy, damp towel

2. Comfort Matters

Your beach towel is somewhere to relax, read a book, sunbathe or simply enjoy the view.

Comfort should therefore be an important consideration.

Look for a material that feels pleasant against your skin and a design that gives you enough room to stretch out. If you enjoy spending hours relaxing on the beach, additional comfort features can make a real difference.

3. Lightweight and Easy to Carry

A traditional thick towel can take up a surprising amount of space in your beach bag.

If you regularly walk to the beach, travel abroad or visit different coastal locations, a lightweight towel is worth considering.

A more compact design leaves additional room for your sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses and other beach essentials.

4. A Design That Stays Put

Anyone who has spent time on a windy British beach knows how frustrating it can be when their towel starts blowing away.

A towel with a way to secure it to the ground can be particularly useful on exposed beaches.

This is one feature that is often overlooked when comparing ordinary beach towels, but it can make your day considerably more relaxing.

5. Useful Extra Features

Some modern beach towels offer more than a simple surface to sit or lie on.

Depending on how you spend your time at the beach, useful extras might include:

• A built-in or removable pillow

• Secure storage for personal belongings

• Ground stakes to help prevent the towel blowing away

• Quick-drying fabric

• A lightweight design for travelling

These features can turn an ordinary towel into a much more practical beach companion.

Cotton vs Microfibre: Which Beach Towel Is Better?

One of the biggest decisions when buying a beach towel is choosing the material.

Both cotton and microfibre have advantages, and the right option depends on what matters most to you.

Traditional Cotton Beach Towels

Cotton towels are popular for a reason. They offer a familiar, soft and comfortable feel, making them a good option for people who prioritise a traditional towel experience.

However, thicker cotton towels can be heavier to carry and may take longer to dry.

Cotton could be right for you if:

• You prefer a traditional fluffy towel.

• You mainly use your towel at home or beside a pool.

• You prioritise a plush feel over portability.

Microfibre Beach Towels

Microfibre towels are designed with practicality in mind.

They are generally lightweight, compact and quick-drying, making them a popular choice for people who travel frequently or enjoy spending time outdoors.

Microfibre could be right for you if:

• You want something lightweight.

• You regularly swim or visit the beach.

• You want a towel that dries quickly.

• You need to save space when packing.

There isn't one perfect material for everyone. The best choice depends on how you plan to use your towel.

Why We Created the Practi Towel®

At Drift & Dune, we believe beach products should make your time by the coast easier, not more complicated.

That's the thinking behind our Practi Towel®.

Rather than simply creating another ordinary beach towel, we wanted to bring together several useful features into one practical design.

The result is a lightweight, quick-drying microfibre beach towel with some clever extras.

Built-In Ground Stakes

Fed up with chasing your towel across the beach?

The Practi Towel® includes stakes to help secure it in place, making it particularly useful on breezy coastal days.

Removable Pillow

Sometimes you just want to lie back and relax.

The removable pillow provides additional comfort when you're sunbathing, reading or enjoying a little downtime by the sea.

Lockable Storage Pouch

One of the standout features is the large storage pouch at the foot of the towel.

It provides somewhere to keep your belongings, with a supplied mini padlock for an added layer of security.

It's a particularly useful feature when you want to go for a swim and don't want your valuables simply sitting out in the open.

Quick-Drying Microfibre

Made using ultra-soft, quick-drying microfibre, the Practi Towel® is designed to be lightweight and convenient for beach trips, holidays and outdoor adventures.

It's a clever alternative to carrying a bulky traditional towel.

Discover the Practi Towel® here:

Shop the Drift & Dune Practi Towel®

What Should You Pack for a UK Beach Day?

A good towel is only one part of a successful beach trip.

If you're heading to the British coast, here are a few other essentials worth taking:

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin, even when the weather looks overcast.

• Water bottle: Keep hydrated throughout the day.

• Sunglasses: A seaside essential.

• Beach bag: Somewhere to keep everything organised.

• A spare layer: Coastal weather can change quickly.

• A comfortable towel: Somewhere to relax between swims.

You can explore more coastal accessories and beach essentials in the Drift & Dune Beach Towel Collection.

So, What Is the Best Beach Towel in the UK?

The best beach towel ultimately depends on your priorities.

If you love a thick, traditional towel, cotton may be the right choice. If you travel frequently or prefer something lightweight and quick-drying, microfibre is well worth considering.

But if you're looking for something that goes beyond the basics, the Practi Towel® by Drift & Dune offers a combination of practical features designed for modern beach days.

With its quick-drying material, securing stakes, removable pillow and lockable storage pouch, it brings together several useful features in one product.

Whether you're heading to Cornwall, exploring the Norfolk coastline, enjoying a seaside weekend or jetting off on holiday, the right towel can make your experience that little bit better.

Ready to upgrade your beach days?

Discover the Practi Towel® at Drift & Dune

Explore the rest of Drift & Dune for thoughtfully selected coastal accessories and beach essentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material for a beach towel?

Cotton is a popular choice for softness and a traditional feel. Microfibre is generally lighter, more compact and quicker to dry, making it useful for travel and outdoor activities.

Are microfibre beach towels worth it?

They can be an excellent choice if you want a lightweight towel that dries quickly and is easy to pack. They are particularly convenient for holidays, swimming and frequent beach visits.

What makes the Practi Towel® different?

The Practi Towel® combines quick-drying microfibre with ground stakes, a removable pillow and a lockable storage pouch. These features make it more than a conventional beach towel.

What should I look for when buying a beach towel?

Consider the material, comfort, size, drying time, portability and any additional features that could make your beach trips easier.

Can I use a beach towel for swimming and holidays?

Absolutely. A good beach towel should be suitable for the beach, swimming pool and travel. Lightweight quick-drying options are particularly convenient when you're moving between locations.