When you’re planning a day at the beach, what items you’re going to bring might not seem too important. However, choosing the right towel can definitely boost how comfortable your day is.
There are several types of beach towels available, and picking one that’s the right size for you can make your beach day much more enjoyable.
How big is a beach towel?
Beach towels are available in a few sizes, but most standard beach towels are 31 inches wide and 60 to 63 inches long. Oversized beach towels are about the same width but are around 70 inches long. You can also sometimes find smaller beach towels that measure 27 or 30 inches wide and are 52 to 58 inches long.
Beach blankets are also available, and these large pieces of cloth are sometimes considered a type of beach towel. Beach blankets are not meant to wipe away sand or wick away water but should instead be spread on the beach so that you can sit comfortably.
Beach blankets are usually 50 inches wide and 80 inches long, but smaller beach blankets are 50 inches by 60 inches, while larger versions are 80-inch squares.
What size beach towel do I need?
For most people, a standard-sized beach towel measuring 31 inches wide and roughly 60 inches long is a good size. This is big enough for most people to wrap up in to dry off. It’s also a decent size for spreading on the beach and sitting.
However, if you’re a bigger person, you might want to think about an oversized beach towel. Oversized beach towels are also a good option for anyone who wants to be able to wrap the towel fully around themselves.
If you want a beach towel that you can spread and lounge on with plenty of room, an oversized beach towel or a beach blanket is a better option.
Beach blankets are the best choice if you want enough room for two or more people to sit comfortably.
Can I use a bath towel as a beach towel?
There’s no reason that you can’t use a bath towel as a beach towel. Most large bath towels are the perfect size for drying off at the beach. However, bath towels are significantly smaller than most beach towels.
Most bath towels are only 20 inches wide and 40 inches long, although oversized bath towels are very close to a beach towel’s size and usually measure 30 inches wide and 58 inches long.
There are also some other differences between beach and bath towels. Bath towels are designed to completely dry you after you get out of the shower or the bath, so they’re usually much thicker than a beach towel.
Because they’re made of a lighter, thinner material, beach towels often fold or roll up into a smaller size than a bath towel, even though beach towels are usually bigger. This makes it easier to pack and carry a beach towel.
If you decide to use a beach blanket, it’s important to remember that, although they will wick away some water, they aren’t too absorbent, so they’re not a good choice for drying off after a dip. Some people prefer to bring two beach cloths.
They dry off with a beach towel or bath towel and then sit on their beach blanket.
Are there different types of beach towels available?
Aside from size, there are several types of beach towels available, and it’s important to consider the fabric and specific function of a beach towel before deciding which one is right for you. Cotton beach towels are the most common type.
These towels are soft and very absorbent, and it’s also easy to clean them.
Microfiber towels are also a popular choice. These towels are incredibly soft, and they don’t pick up as much sand as cotton towels. They also wick moisture away effectively and dry quickly.
Microfiber towels can be a little bit more expensive than cotton towels, however.
Some beach towels or beach blankets also come with a handy strap or long handle at one edge. When the towel is rolled up, it can be strapped or snapped into place.
You can sling the handle over your shoulder, making it much easier to carry your towel, cooler, umbrella, and any other beach gear.
No matter what type or size beach towel or blanket you choose, it’s also important to choose something soft and comfortable. You will be using the beach towel to dry off, and you might sit on it.
For these reasons, something that feels soft on your skin instead of abrasive is crucial.
It’s also a good idea to remember that your beach towel or blanket will be out in the sun. Beach towels and blankets are available in many colorful prints and patterns, but it’s essential that you choose something that is fade-resistant.
Otherwise, your towel can become bleached and pale-looking after just a few uses.