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They’re basically Instagram backdrops that dry you off.
Not to get too deep here, but towels are the unsung heroes of warm weather. They’re your sunbathing mat, your midday nap blanket, your accidental sarong. Needless to say, they deserve a little personality!
Sure, you could bring out that faded, striped one you’ve had for one too many years (don’t lie—we all have one), but your design tastes deserve better. An upgrade to something bold will make you feel like you have your own poolhouse, even if you’re just taking in the kiddie pool. Whether your summer plans have you posted up at the beach or taking advantage of your neighbor’s pool, a vibrant towel is the summer sidekick you didn’t know you needed.
Our design-loving editors rounded up the coolest, most colorful, most “Wait, where’d you get that?” towels from some of our favorite brands and designers. Think: punchy color combos, graphic prints, and options that not only look good but are made with good in mind (a.k.a. Oeko-Tex certified, which means they’re processed without harmful chemicals).
Basically, if your towel doesn’t make you smile and stand out in the sand, it’s time for a refresh. Now grab your shades, a cooler, and your emotional support water bottle. Ahead, the most joyful, eye-catching towels that’ll make drying off (or just showing off) a whole lot more fun.
Jonathan Adler’s Michaels collection brings his signature playful style to the beach. Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie tested out this Cabana Service towel, and now it’s her favorite beach companion. “This follows me any time I’m going to swim,” McKenzie says. “It’s super soft and fluffy, so I love wrapping myself in its warmth after getting out of the water. And as a plus-size person, a towel that completely wraps around me and envelops me is always appreciated.”
This quick-drying beach towel is perfect for vacationers. It’s made from 100 percent recycled materials and is impressively lightweight. A travel bag is included for easy transportation, and shaking off sand is a breeze.
McKenzie first tested this towel in 2024, and she still swears by it for a resort-style feel. “Turkish cotton is beloved for how quickly it dries, and this towel lives up to that promise,” McKenzie says. “The fringe and seaglass striping look like I just got back from a spa day.”
This beach towel has such a stylish botanical pattern, you’ll want to leave it on display on your lounge chair. It’s made from hypoallergenic, long-staple cotton and is Oeko-Tex certified to be free of harmful materials. It’s even low-linting, so it won’t clog your dryer trap when you wash it. If you want it to feel uniquely yours, you can embroider it with your name or the playful phrase of your choosing.
It's no secret that scallop details are having their moment, and now it's time to bring them to the beach if you haven't already. Grab whichever of the six colorways matches your suit and hit the sand with this 100 percent Cairo cotton terry towel.
Made from post-consumer recycled materials, this cheeky graphic towel literally tells you to sit back, relax, and drink a spritz. Its quick-drying and absorbent design makes it the perfect waterside companion, whether you get the standard 65” x 31” size or the even bigger blanket.
If you must have a striped towel, let me suggest—no, insist—that you get a cabana stripe towel. Bonus points if you get a two-sided contrasting color one, like this new towel from Parachute.
Give the sun a run for its money with this bright yellow beach blanket. The 100-square-foot textile, which is seven times bigger than a beach towel, folds into a carrying case you can throw in your beach bag just as easily as a regular towel.
Never lose your spot in the sand again with this Greece-inspired black and white graphic beach towel. The chic design will not only make you look like the most stylish person at the beach, but will also keep you from forgetting where you set your stuff up after a dip in the water.
This towel is a design lover's dream. Available in four colorways featuring mixed materials, including a terry middle, flat woven edges, and hand-knotted fringe, it says, "I have taste." Bonus: It's verified by Oeko-Tex Made In Green, so it's also Mother Nature-approved!
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