Don’t take the wrong beach towel to the seaside again! A professional guide teaches you to select the most suitable one

When summer comes, Moments is filled with photos taken by the seaside. Have you noticed that those who look relaxed yet still look great always have a “decent beach towel” by their side? It’s not a random bath towel from home, but one that’s big enough, soft enough and has a decent appearance.

I’ve fallen into quite a few traps before: taking a bath towel to the seaside, when I lay down, the sand all stuck to my legs, making it hard for me to turn over. I once bought a cheap beach towel as thin as paper. It dried quickly after absorbing water, but it pilled after just two uses. Another time, I chose the super thick one. When it got wet, it was as heavy as a brick and took up half of the space when stuffed into the bag…
Later, I asked my classmates who make textile beach towels and friends who often go to the seaside, and summed up this super practical guide to beach towels. Next time before going out, just follow this one and you won’t make a mistake!

  

 

Step 1: Choose the right size and double the comfort
Why can’t bath towels replace beach towels? The core issue is that the size is not sufficient! The standard bath towel at home is approximately 70×140cm to 80×160cm. When laid on a lounge chair, it can only cover the upper body, while the legs are still exposed and covered with sand.
A truly suitable beach towel for the seaside should be at least 160cm in length. The 100×180cm model I’m currently using covers me from head to toe when I lay it on the lounge chair. It not only prevents sand but also shields my arms and legs from ultraviolet rays when I’m basking in the sun in the afternoon.
If you are going with children or a couple, bring a 150×200cm beach blanket directly. It can create a private small space. The adults can lie down and rest, while the children can build sandcastles beside them. They won’t disturb each other, which is extremely pleasant.

 

Step 2: Thickness and material. Don’t blindly follow the trend
The most common mistake made when choosing a beach towel: thinking that the thicker, the better. In fact, in the industry, thickness is measured by GSM (weight per square meter). As consumers, there is no need to remember complex numbers; just choose according to the scenario:

• 300-400 GSM: It is particularly thin and light, dries quickly, and is suitable for going to the gym or temporarily wiping water. However, it is a bit not very durable, and it is prone to pilling when used at the seaside.
• 400-600 GSM: This is the “gold thickness”! It has sufficient water absorption. After wiping, it doesn’t feel sticky on the body. Moreover, it’s not difficult to wring it out. Just shake the sand and it will fall off without sticking to it. It’s not heavy when taken out.
• 600+ GSM: This is a luxury model. It feels extremely soft but dries slowly. Once it gets wet, it becomes very heavy and is prone to getting covered with sand. It is more suitable for use as a bath towel at home. Taking it to the seaside is just adding to your burden.

In terms of material, long-staple cotton is preferred, such as Egyptian cotton and Turkish cotton. They have long fibers, good toughness, feel soft to the touch, and have strong water absorption. No matter how many times they are washed, they are not easy to harden or pill. Although it is a little more expensive than ordinary cotton, it can last for several years. Calculated, it is more cost-effective.

 

Step 3: Appearance level is secondary; suitability for the scene is what matters
Beach towels are also “part of your outfit”. Choosing the right pattern not only makes for good photos but also matches different styles
Classic stripes: Never out of style, exuding a Mediterranean or French vacation vibe. They go well with both solid-colored and patterned swimsuits.
Tropical prints: palm leaves, flowers and the like, once spread on the beach, the vacation atmosphere is immediately filled up. There’s no need to specially look for a background; the towel itself is the scenery.
Personalized patterns: Cartoon, retro illustrations or color-blocking designs, suitable for those who want to stand out in a crowd, especially families with children. The bright colors are not easy to lose.
Solid color style: Simple and elegant, suitable for those who prefer a low-key look. Paired with bright-colored swimming rings and sun hats, it actually adds more quality.

  

 

Must-read for families with children: Pay attention to these two points when choosing children’s products

Children’s skin is more delicate and they have higher demands for comfort. Many brands have launched children’s bathrobe towels with hood pockets. This design not only can quickly absorb the moisture from the hair and body, eliminating the need to use an extra bath towel to wipe the hair, but also the hood can provide sun protection.

The material must be 100% pure cotton, which feels soft and won’t hurt the skin. The pattern can be a cartoon character that children like, so that they will be willing to wrap themselves up voluntarily and won’t run around and catch a cold.

 

  

Maintenance tip: Make the beach towel last longer

• Before using a new towel for the first time, be sure to wash it once! It can remove the floating hairs and residues during production, and it is softer and has better water absorption when used later.
• After coming back from the seaside, first shake off the sand outside or rinse it with clean water before putting it in the washing machine. Otherwise, the sand will wear down the machine and the fibers of the towel.
• When washing, use warm water at 30-40℃. Do not add fabric softener (it will make the towel slippery and reduce its water absorption). Occasionally soak it in half a cup of white vinegar. After drying in the sun, it will still be soft.
• Don’t expose yourself to the sun! Hang it in a well-ventilated and cool place to dry, or use a dryer to dry it at a low temperature. Otherwise, the towel will become hard and its color will fade easily.

 

 

In fact, choosing the right beach towel is not that complicated. The key points are “big enough, moderate thickness and comfortable material”. It is not merely a cloth for wiping water; it is the soft cushion for you to lie down and watch the clouds, the “castle wall” for children to build sandcastles, and the warmth that wraps around the body after swimming. This summer, don’t just grab a towel and go to the beach. Follow this guide to choose a beach towel that suits your taste and enjoy a truly pleasant and carefree vacation~

 

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