Beach towel

A beach towel is indispensable when you're packing your bag for a day by the water – whether you're heading to the beach in Ireland or south to the sun. It not only gives you something to dry off with after a refreshing dip but also provides a comfortable surface to relax on without getting covered in sand.

Along with your bikini or swim shorts, a good beach towel is one of the first things you should bring. And when it gets a bit chilly, it also works perfectly as a large blanket you can wrap yourself in.

Find the right towel for the beach

What is the right towel to take to the beach? It obviously depends on who you ask – but here at Watery, we see some clear characteristics of what makes a beach towel really good.

It should be soft.
There's not much point in drying off with a stiff towel, especially if your skin is a bit red after a day in the sun. Here, cotton is still the best solution if you want maximum comfort and absorbency after a dip.

It should be large.
The bigger the towel, the better. A large beach towel gives you space to lie properly and turn without getting covered in sand – and with our extra-large models, there's almost room for the whole family. The model is our Nebraska family.

It should dry quickly and repel sand.
For the practical beachgoer, we almost always recommend a microfiber beach towel. It's quick-drying, easy to pack, and has a sand-repellent surface, making it ideal for both hot beach days and travel.

And it should match your style.
Whether you prefer muted tones or colorful patterns, we have beach towels for every taste – all with a focus on both functionality and design.

Choose between cotton and microfiber – what suits you best?

The choice of beach towel largely depends on what you value most – comfort or functionality. Both materials have their strengths, and at Watery, we find that customers often choose based on the purpose of their beach trip.

Cotton is the classic choice for those who want the softest and most absorbent experience. It feels luxurious against the skin and is especially good when you come out of the water and need a proper towel to dry off with.

Microfiber, on the other hand, is the obvious choice for those who focus on practicality. It's lightweight, dries quickly, takes up minimal space in the bag – and most importantly: it's sand-repellent. That's why we recommend it as the first choice for the beach, especially if you're on the go, travel light, or just want to avoid sand in your entire bag afterwards.

Many also choose to combine the two: a large cotton towel to dry off with – and a microfiber towel to lie on and take with you in your backpack.

Comparison: Cotton vs. Microfiber Beach Towel

Popular alternatives to the beach towel

Although the beach towel is a classic, there are several smart alternatives – depending on who you are and how you use it.

For kids, many parents choose a children's bath poncho, which is easy for the little ones to pull over their heads and keep warm in when they come out of the water. It covers more than a regular towel and quickly becomes the kids' favorite on the beach.

For adults, a bath poncho for adults is a great alternative to the towel, especially if you want to change discreetly or have your hands free. It works perfectly both at the beach, in the swimming pool, and for winter bathing.

If you're often on the go, a compact travel towel in microfiber might be the obvious choice. It takes up almost no space, dries quickly, and can be used multiple times in one day – ideal for backpacking, training, or hot holiday destinations.

For winter bathers and surfers, we instead recommend a surf poncho, which is thicker and better suited to retaining warmth in cold environments – without compromising on functionality or comfort.

Buy your beach towel at Watery

At Watery, we've spent many hours testing and selecting beach towels that actually work in practice – both in the Irish coastal landscape and on the warm southern sandy beaches. We know what's required: Materials that withstand sun, saltwater, and repeated use, and designs that you actually want to show off.

Whether you prefer soft cotton or functional microfiber, you'll find a beach towel with us that matches both your needs and your style. We have everything from compact models for travel to extra-large towels with room for the whole family.

In addition, we offer:

• 3 - 5 days delivery, on weekdays.
• Free shipping on purchases over €79.
• Customer support from 08:00 - 22:00 on weekdays
• 100 % price match so you can get the best at the best price

So when you choose your next beach towel, choose one that's thoroughly tested, practical, and pretty – and choose it at Watery.