Buying Guide for the Best Swimming Towel For Swimmers
Choosing a swimming towel for swimmers is all about matching your needs with the right features. A good swimming towel isn’t just something to dry off with—it also needs to be quick-drying, easy to carry, comfortable on the skin, and durable for frequent use. Before you buy, think about where and how you’ll be using your towel most: at the pool, for open-water swims, or for travel? Consider your personal preferences—do you like a big wrap-around towel, or do you want something compact and portable?MaterialThe material of a swimming towel determines how quickly it dries, how absorbent it is, and how gentle it feels on the skin. Common materials include microfiber, cotton, and bamboo. Microfiber towels stand out for swimmers because they dry fast, are lightweight, and pack down small, making them great for travel or daily use at the pool. Cotton towels are plush and soft but take longer to dry and can get heavy when wet. Bamboo offers softness and is more eco-friendly, but also tends to be bulkier. When picking material, think about how portable you need your towel to be and how important quick-drying is for you.
SizeSize impacts how much of your body you can cover and how easy the towel is to pack. Towel sizes range from compact face towels (about 30x30 cm) to large bath sheet-size towels (over 140x70 cm). For swimmers, a medium-size towel (around 100x50 cm) is popular because it's big enough to wrap around the body but still compact for your swim bag. If you want to change clothes under your towel or prefer full-body coverage, go for a larger towel. For super portability, travel, or kids, a smaller size may work best.
AbsorbencyAbsorbency refers to how well the towel can soak up water from your skin and swimwear. Microfiber towels are usually highly absorbent despite being thin and lightweight, while thicker cotton towels can hold a lot of water but may become heavy and slow to dry. If you often swim multiple times a day, or need a towel that you can quickly re-use, prioritize high absorbency with quick drying; if comfort is key, a plush cotton towel will feel more luxurious but may not be as practical.
Drying TimeDrying time is how quickly a towel dries out after use. This is very important for swimmers who use their towel multiple times in one session, travel often, or need something that won’t stay damp in their bag. Microfiber towels are the best choice here, often drying in minutes, while cotton towels can take hours. If you need convenience and don’t like carrying damp towels home, focus on towels marketed as quick-drying.
PortabilityPortability combines the size, weight, and ability to pack a towel into a small space. For swimmers going to public pools, traveling, or using gym lockers, portability matters a lot. Microfiber towels are generally light and can be folded or rolled into a small pouch, making them great for people on the go. If you always have a large bag and don’t mind some bulk, any towel will work, but frequent travelers will want the lightest, most compact option.
DurabilityDurability covers how well a towel holds up to repeated washing, stretching, and use in moist environments. Swim towels get washed often, so choosing one with strong stitching and colorfast materials will make it last longer. Microfiber towels are generally robust, but thinner ones can snag or tear if not handled carefully. Heavier cotton towels are tough but can fray at the edges over time. If you expect to use and wash your towel several times a week, look for reviewers’ comments about long-term durability and stick with towels that highlight reinforced edges.