When it comes to pulling off the perfect beach day, planning ahead is vital. Whether you’re getting in some solo time or planning a day-long jaunt with your day-ones, there are a couple of key items that can bridge the gap between an uncomfortable, sweaty time and an Instagrammable paradise you’ll never want to leave. For starters, you want a swimsuit that’ll make you feel your best and a pair of stunning sunnies to match. Hot sand can wreak havoc on your feet, so travel-friendly sandals should be in your bag too. Sunscreen, waterproof preferably, is non-negotiable. Snacks and water—transported in a waterproof bag or cooler—will ensure you stay hydrated and energized in humid temps. Still, even if you have all of these things, forgetting a beach towel can put a dark cloud over the entire day.
Without one, it can be difficult to claim your space on a crowded beach—and keep it. A beach towel also keeps sand from getting into everything, including the underside of your swimsuit. Plus, a stylish beach towel or beach blanket is just fun to take pictures on top of. In other words, it’s the must-have beach accessory that effortlessly combines fashion and function. Of course, finding options that have this irresistible combo can be tricky, which is why we’ve surfed our way through the endless waves of options to find the absolute best beach towels and blankets out there. Though they vary in price, style, and size, each and every one has an impressive track record.
How We Found The Best Beach Blankets And Towels
We know all this because we discovered them with the help of our proprietary algorithm tool. It chooses products by analyzing a wide range of data, including editor reviews, social media buzz, and best-seller lists. Keep reading to see the beach towels and beach blankets that made the cut.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Swimsuit Cover-Ups. Opening image: serenaandlily.com
April 21, 2022
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Local Beach Cardiff Beach Blanket
Overall Score
4.15
10
Local Beach Cardiff Beach Blanket
5
5 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: From the neutral pattern to the Peshtemal cotton fabric, this stylish blanket is one that can also function as a throw in your living room or a bedspread in your bedroom. It’s also machine-washable and extra large, so you can share space with more than one person.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: The adorable tassels give it true indoor-outdoor appeal.
Aisparky Beach Blanket
Overall Score
4.15
09
Aisparky Beach Blanket
4.2
1077 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: If you’re headed to a crowded beach, this brightly colored beach blanket will be easy to spot in a sea of towels. The fabric is also water- and sand-resistant with corner pockets and anchor stakes to prevent it from flying away.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: It’s also foldable, so you can easily store inside a bag.
More Colors
Serena & Lily Capri Fouta Beach Towel
Overall Score
4.2
08
Serena & Lily Capri Fouta Beach Towel
4.6
2 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Available in five pastel shades and made of Turkish cotton, here’s a beach towel with a “splash of style.” The fringe is also hand-knotted, adding a special touch to the stripe design.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: The fabric is eco-friendly and Oeko-Tex certified.
More Colors
Mainstays Beach Towel
Overall Score
4.25
07
Mainstays Beach Towel
4.5
205 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Looking for something in single-digit territory? Look no further than this super plush, 100% cotton towel that's available in a variety of bright colors and patterns.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: It’s also easy to care for—machine-washable and dryer-friendly.
More Colors
JML Quick Dry Beach Towel Set
Overall Score
4.25
06
JML Quick Dry Beach Towel Set
4.5
12578 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Though cotton is absorbent, it can often feel heavier once hit by water. The same can’t be said for microfiber, as it’s much more lightweight but just as durable. This microfiber towel can absorb up to seven times its weight in water and at 60 inches long, it covers a lot of ground, literally.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: This is available in three different colorways.
More Colors
Weezie Beach Towel
Overall Score
4.3
05
Weezie Beach Towel
4.9
86 User Reviews
2.5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: The Weezie Beach Towel was made with allergy-prone people in mind. The fabric, organic long-staple cotton, is hypoallergenic and low linting. Still, it feels ultra-plush despite being cut close to avoid picking up sand.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: Avoid high heat washes and fabric softener to keep this towel in tip-top shape.
More Colors
Missoni Home Adam Beach Towel
Overall Score
4.4
04
Missoni Home Adam Beach Towel
4.6
2 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: It doesn’t get more luxe than this bold designer towel from Missoni. The chevron design is made up of cotton terry velour that has a nice amount of weight and won’t be blown away by seaside winds.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: This is one of the lengthiest towels on this list at a whopping 40 x 71 inches.
Cacala Pestemal Turkish Towel
Overall Score
4.45
03
Cacala Pestemal Turkish Towel
4.6
3722 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Turkish towels are loved for many reasons, including but not limited to: their quick absorption, travel-friendly fabric, and ability to get softer with more washes. This one is also affordable and available in a wide range of colors.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: Reviewers also say it’s one of the best options for humid climates.
More Colors
Brooklinen Beach Towel
Overall Score
4.5
02
Brooklinen Beach Towel
4.9
47 User Reviews
2.4
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Whether you want to lounge on the living room floor or hit the sand, Brooklinen’s '70s-inspired, beach towel will put you in the mood for a free-flowing summer day. The print, available in a few color combinations, is directly inspired by the water, sand, and waves.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: The fabric is a velour and terry combo that's slightly softer than cotton.
More Colors
Wekapo Beach Blanket
Overall Score
4.5
01
Wekapo Beach Blanket
4.7
7271 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Once you take it out of the nearly pocket-sized bag, you’ll be surprised by just how big this extra-large beach mat is. The quick-drying, sand-resistant surface comes with four pockets and anchor stakes for keeping your surface area in place for up to three bodies. Thanks to the durable nylon material, it would be just as effective on a camping trip or backyard picnic.
USER REVIEW: “We loved that the sand just brushed off, and the material didn’t make us hotter when we laid on it. It was large enough for my family of four. I thought it would be annoying to put it back in thinking we had to fold it or something, but you don’t. We shook off the sand together, and you can just stuff it in the pouch and it all fits! It came with extra stakes, which was nice because we lost a few in deeper sand. Highly recommended!”
More Colors
The Latest