When the sun’s shining and a beach trip is calling your name, choosing the right towel can make all the difference.
Among the top contenders and most common in the beach towel world are microfibre and the more traditional cotton towels.
Microfibre towels in particular have gained popularity in recent years, largely due to their quick-drying and compact nature.
But when it comes down to comfort, skin-friendliness, and sustainability, we believe the timeless cotton beach towel still comes out on top.
Ultimately, towel choice is a personal preference - but let us explain why we’re loyal to cotton, and why it may just be the best beach companion you can pack.
Cotton Is Naturally Kind to Your Skin
One of the biggest benefits of cotton is its status as a natural fibre - and with that comes hypoallergenic properties that synthetic materials can’t quite match.
Pure cotton is soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive or irritated skin, making it ideal for babies, children, and anyone prone to allergies or skin conditions like eczema.
Unlike polyester-based microfibre, cotton doesn’t trap heat or moisture, which means less risk of rashes or breakouts after sun exposure.
However, it’s important to note that not all “cotton” towels are created equal. If a cotton beach towel is blended with synthetic fibres, perhaps to cut costs or enhance durability, it may lose some of these natural hypoallergenic benefits.
Synthetics can reduce breathability and increase the risk of skin irritation - so when choosing cotton, look for towels made from 100% cotton to enjoy its full skin-friendly potential.
Microfibre Can Cling When You're Hot and Sweaty
A day at the beach often means sun, sand, and sweat - and this is where the texture of your towel really matters.
While microfibre towels are known for their fast drying, they tend to cling to damp or sweaty skin in a way that some people find uncomfortable. The ultra-fine synthetic fibres stick rather than absorb, which can make drying off feel less satisfying and even a bit sticky.
In contrast, cotton beach towels absorb moisture naturally and offer a more breathable, plush surface.
Instead of sticking to your skin, they gently wick away moisture, leaving you dry and refreshed - exactly what you want after a swim or a hot walk back from the shoreline.
No Microplastics with Cotton Towels
Despite the benefits of a microfibre beach towel, and we aren't questioning that they have their uses, there is growing concern about their environmental impact.
Made from polyester or polyamide, every wash of a synthetic towel can release thousands of tiny plastic fibres - microplastics - into the water system when they are machine washed.
These microplastics are too small to be filtered out and often end up in oceans, harming marine life and entering the food chain.
In comparison, cotton is a biodegradable, renewable resource that doesn't contribute to microplastic pollution.
By choosing beach towels made from 100% cotton, you're making a small but meaningful shift toward a more sustainable lifestyle - one that doesn't come at the expense of the planet.
Cotton Offers a More Luxurious Experience
Now, let’s talk comfort. A cotton beach towel, especially thicker, oversized beach towels, can provide a satisfying sense of luxury.
They wrap you up in warmth as they are generously sized, are highly absorbent, and feel super soft against your skin - all the hallmarks of a high-quality beach essential or pool towel.
Microfibre towels may save space in your bag, but they often lack the plush, indulgent feel of cotton. When your goal is to relax and enjoy every moment, comfort counts - and we believe that cotton delivers.
The Hammam Towel: A Cotton Classic with a History
If you're looking for something lightweight, stylish, and versatile, consider the timeless hammam beach towel - also known as a Turkish towel or peshtemal.
With origins dating back hundreds of years to traditional Turkish bathhouses, these towels are hand-loomed from cotton and prized for their flat-weave design.
A hammam towel is incredibly absorbent despite their thin profile, and they also dry quickly in the sun, making them a beachgoer’s dream.
They're also sand-resistant, lightweight to carry, and double beautifully as a wrap, blanket, or even a scarf.
Their minimalist design and fringed edges add a touch of elegance - proving that functionality doesn’t have to sacrifice style.
Perfect for travel or simply packing light, a cotton hammam beach towel combines the softness of cotton with the practicality of modern beach living.
Our Final Thoughts: Which Towel Wins?
While microfibre beach towels have their uses - especially for squeezing into your beach bag with all your other belongings thanks their compact size or for your tough gym sessions - we still believe that cotton towels remain unmatched for beach days.
They’re kinder to your skin, better for the environment, and generally offer a more luxurious, plush feel.
Whether you opt for thick, large beach towels to stretch out on the sand, or a versatile hammam beach towel to transition from swim to sundown drinks, choosing cotton ensures you’ll dry off in comfort and style on your next beach trip.
There are also a wide range of colours and designs to choose from, such as a popular striped beach towel, or something more bold like an animal print beach towel. The choices are endless!