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10 Best Turkish Beach Towels

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Buying Guide for the Best Turkish Beach Towels

Turkish beach towels, also known as peshtemals, have become popular for their lightweight design, stylish look, and practical functionality. When shopping for one, you'll want to consider how you'll use it—whether for the beach, pool, travel, or even as a bath towel—and choose one that fits your routine and comfort preferences.
Material QualityThe material most commonly used for Turkish beach towels is 100% Turkish cotton. This cotton is appreciated for its long fibers, meaning the towel can be woven to be thinner yet still strong and soft. High-quality Turkish cotton gets softer and more absorbent with each wash, making it a top choice for comfort and longevity. When choosing, look for labels that specifically state '100% Turkish cotton' to ensure you're getting the real deal. If you're looking for extra softness or a more luxurious feel, check if the towel is prewashed or stonewashed.
Weight and Thickness (GSM)GSM stands for grams per square meter and indicates how thick and heavy a towel is. For Turkish towels, the GSM typically ranges from 200 to 400. Towels on the lower end (200–300 GSM) are very thin, lightweight, and dry quickly, making them excellent for travel, carrying in a beach bag, or using as a sarong. Higher GSM towels (350–400) are a bit thicker and more absorbent, offering more of a traditional towel feel. If you need a towel mainly for portability and fast drying, go for a lower GSM. For more absorbency or warmth, a higher GSM may suit you better.
SizeTurkish beach towels come in a range of sizes. Standard sizes often range from about 35 x 65 inches to larger ones around 40 x 70 inches or even bigger. A larger towel is ideal if you want to fully lie down at the beach or need more coverage after swimming, while a smaller towel is easier to carry and may be better for kids or as a wrap. Think about your main use: for lounging and sunbathing, go larger; for compactness and ease of packing, consider a smaller option.
AbsorbencyWhile all Turkish towels are designed to be absorbent, thinner variants might feel less so compared to traditional plush towels. However, Turkish towels generally improve in absorbency after a few washes. If maximum quick-dry capability is needed, such as for travel or gym use, prioritize thinner, flat-woven towels. If you use the towel primarily for full drying off after swimming or bathing, look for descriptions highlighting higher absorbency or a thicker weave.
Weave StyleTurkish beach towels come in flat-weave or terry weave styles. Flat-weave towels are the classic peshtemal: thin, smooth, lightweight, and fast to dry, perfect for beach or travel. Terry weave adds tiny loops, much like a standard bath towel, which increases absorbency and feels fluffier but may take longer to dry and be a bit bulkier. If you're after lightweight and fast-drying, stick to the flat weave. If you want a more towel-like texture and plushness, choose terry.
Design and ColorStyle is a fun and personal aspect of Turkish towels. They come in a wide variety of colors, stripes, and patterns, often with hand-tied fringe. While this doesn’t affect performance, it’s worth choosing a design that suits your taste or that stands out at the beach. Darker colors may show less staining, while lighter tones look fresh and summery. Consider what matches your personality and where you’ll be using the towel most often.
Care and MaintenanceEase of washing and drying is important for any towel you’ll use frequently. Most Turkish towels are machine-washable and actually get better with use, becoming softer and more absorbent over time. Quick-drying is also a plus, since it prevents musty odors and makes them easy to use on the go. If you want minimal fuss, check for towels that are prewashed and guarantee shrink resistance for easy maintenance.