13 Super Cute Beach Towels for the Summer

By Katie Fish
March 30, 2018
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A good beach towel is arguably the most underappreciated summer essential.

Think of how miserable it would be to spend a day at the beach without one: sand would get into places you didn’t know existed, and when you attempt to wash it off in the water, you have to stand for 20 minutes drip drying before you can sit anywhere again.

There would be nowhere to set your bag, your sweaty water bottle would be covered in sand, and you’d have no soft place to lay down and get your tan on.

Don’t take yours for granted. Make it easy on yourself and get one (or more) of the amazing styles that are offered this season.

The beach isn’t the only place to bring these beauties, though. Take them poolside, so you can avoid using the dreaded communal hotel or resort towels that offer no comfort (and just aren’t as cute).

Or pack them on your next trip to the park and use them as a picnic blanket. If you are going house boating, sailing, canoeing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, or anything on the water, a great towel is key.

With so many options, you won’t have difficulty finding a cute beach towel that suits you. There are all kinds of shapes, colors, textures, and details to choose from. Read on for our favorites.

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Kassatex

Courtesy of Kassatex

This thin yet absorbent beach towel is super easy to pack and comes in a bunch of colors.

To buy: macys.com, $30 (originally $50)

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Tory Burch

Courtesy of Tory Burch

The thick, brushed-cotton yarns on this beach towel make it extra absorbent—a.k.a. the perfect towel to tote to the pool. 

To buy: toryburch.com, $128

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John Robshaw

Courtesy of Nordstrom

The bright pattern makes this stylish option stand out on the sand.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $40

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Ralph Lauren

Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

This towel, with styles that feature the Caribbean and the Hamptons, is meant for the traveler.

To buy: ralphlauren.com, $70

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L.L. Bean

Courtesy of L.L. Bean

What better way to get into the oceanic spirit that with a good old-fashioned oar motif?

To buy: llbean.com, $30

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Kassatex

Courtesy of Nordstrom

To buy: nordstrom.com, $90

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Urban Outfitters Pendleton 'Los Ojos' Oversized Jacquard Beach Towel

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Soak up the sun while lying on this jacquard beach towel.

To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $50

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Skova 'The Beverly' Travel Towel

Courtesy of Skova

Here's a beach towel that's pretty enough to double as a stylish wrap.

To buy: skova.co, $58

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Free People Flower Child Towel

Courtesy of Free People

A vivid option for those feeling the Bohemian spirit.

To buy: freepeople.com, $80

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Free People 'Lucky Stripe' Beach Towel

Courtesy of Free People

Perfect for simply lounging on the beach.

To buy: freepeople.com, $48

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Anthropologie 'Montauk' Beach Towel

Courtesy of Anthropologie

One that could double as a plane blanket? Sold.

To buy: anthropologie.com, $138

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Ban.do

Courtesy of Shopbop

An option for making a statement.

To buy: shopbop.com, $38

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Martha Stewart Collection Flamingo Sprinkle Cotton Graphic-Print Beach Towel, Created for Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

The bright flamingos on this style are bold and playful, perfect for after a dip in the pool or lounging on the shore.

To buy: macys.com, $22 (originally $40)

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