11 Best microfibre beach towels UK 2023, including lightweight and quick dry towels

Publish date: 2024-04-18

SMART packing for summer holidays means doubling up and going light – and with the best microfibre beach towels you’ll be set for both sunbathing on the beach and drying off after a dip in the pool.

They weigh so much less than traditional towels, fold up really small (so you can easily fit a few of them into your suitcase, alongside your shades and sun cream), are just as absorbent and they’re quick drying – depending on the brand they dry three to eight times faster than a cotton towel.

They're also great for the gym and perfect if you get caught in the rain while walking your dog.

You'll find microfibre beach towels in the same array of colours and prints as traditional beach towels, whether you're looking for simple, solid colour or summer-ready stripes.

Lots of different shapes and sizes are also available, from extra-large versions to cosy ponchos that wrap you up warmly after a chilly sea swim.

There are also extra-thick varieties for when the cold weather hits, and some microfibre beach towels even repel sand – a big bonus for anyone who wants to leave the beach at the beach.

Check out our selection of the best microfibre beach towels to buy this summer.

Best microfibre beach towels at a glance:

Dock & Bay Lightweight Beach Towel

Since the brand's launch in 2015, Dock & Bay has shaken up the beach towel market - and even landed a Dragon's Den investor, Deborah Meaden, after they appeared on the hit TV show.

The towel is said to repel sand – simply give it a shake and all sand will swiftly fall off, making it the ultimate beach BFF.

Dock & Bay's stylish towels also come in a range of prints and they're definitely some of the most fashion-forward we've seen, including animal prints, tropical leaves, flowers and our personal favourite - the classic bright stripe.

The towels are available in two sizes: Large, which measures 160x90cm and Extra Large, which is 200x90cm, both of which are more than enough to envelop you nicely after a swim.

The company's microfibre beach towels dry three times faster than a normal towel, roll up to be ultra-compact (they each include a travel carry case) and the design even includes a hook, so they can hang when not in use.

Oh, and did we mention that every towel is made from 100% recycled materials? Sold.

Material: 83% polyester and 17% polyamide, size: 200cm x 90cm colours: various

Matalan Pink Geo Microfibre Beach Towel

We love the geometric print design of this microfibre beach towel, it has a vibrant summer feel to it and will look great on the beach or by the pool.

The size makes it an ideal towel for lying on, or for drying off after a dip in the pool – and it’s so inexpensive you could treat yourself to two of them, one for each task! The towel is of course also lightweight so will roll up small and won’t take up too much room in your favourite beach bag.

Material: 100% polyester, size: 150cm x 70cm, colours: pink, blue, yellow and teal

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John Lewis Kids’ Microfibre Striped Towelling Poncho

This striking stripey microfibre poncho is a great idea for kids – especially younger ones who never want to stand still to be dried after playing in the pool. Not only will it dry them quickly but it also means they’re covered from the sun, which can only be a good thing.

The large hood is an added bonus as it not only keeps the sun off, but dries hair quickly as well.

Material: 90% polyester, 10% polyamide, size: age 3-4. 4-5, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12 years, colours: red and white

Mountain Warehouse Steve Backshall Recycled Microfibre Towel

This all-rounder microfibre beach towel is on the pricier side of things, but it's got a lot going for it. Designed by wildlife adventurer and children's TV legend Steve Backshall, it's soft, fast-drying, extra absorbent and it's partly made from recycled polyester.

We're also rather taken with the design – this teal print is inspired by the whale shark, which is guaranteed to delight mini explorers.

In terms of size, it's compact and travel-friendly, making it essential for any traveller's backpack, wild swim sessions and camping jaunts.

Material: 65% recycled polyester, 35% polyester, colours: blue

Decathlon Nabaiji Compact Microfibre Towel

This ultra-portable microfibre beach towel from Decathlon comes in a fun selection of colours – including beach-ready neon brights – and is quick-absorbing and super-compact to pack away.

Fans love it for swimming, showering, gym use and travel, citing that it's compact and dries quickly.

It's also excellent value for money and a fantastic budget buy if you need to purchase a few for big family camping trips or days out at the beach.

Material: 88% polyester, 12% polyamide, size: 130cm x 80cm, colours: pink, black, teal, jungle green, Prussian blue, green

M&S Microfibre Flamingo Beach Towel

We love the vivid flamingo and toucan pattern on this family-friendly beach towel from high-street favourite M&S.

It's quick-drying and super-absorbent, making it ideal for the gym, pool or beach, so you can say bye-bye to cold soggy towels bunched up in your backpack.

Measuring 79 x 152cm, it's a decent size, plus it's sand and chlorine resistant, and it boasts a super soft, smooth surface. It also folds up small for easy storage after swim or gym sessions.

Material: 100% cotton, size: 152cm x 79cm, colours: teal mix

Hiturbo Surfing Swimming Robe

A microfibre towel you can wear? Count us in.

This super-cute peony print microfibre towel is both a beach towel and hooded poncho. It's roomy, lightweight and provides excellent privacy when changing, so you can forget awkward moments flashing the entire beach – this colourful poncho will save your blushes.

The soft poncho is one-size-fits-all and comes in seven fetching patterns, including this vibrant design, which is perfect for summer.

It can be used as a robe, towel or blanket, and it even comes with pockets, so you can keep all your essentials safe while you're at the beach.

Material: 90% polyester, 10% polyamide, size: one size, colours: multi

Trespass Compatto Fast Drying Microfibre Towel

This super-fine microfibre towel boasts fast-drying capabilities and comes with a sturdy, compact zip-up travel case, making it perfect for on-the-go.

It comes in a fashion-froward neon green and is a great size, too – measuring 60cm x 120cm.

Perfect for quick gym trips, it's also great for dog owners who want to dry off their pooch following long, muddy walks or impromptu swims.

Material: microfibre, size: 120cm x 60cm, colours: blue and green

Otso Microfibre Towel

The Otso is a super light towel that is a great addition to any fitness fan's bag.

Made from recycled polyester and polyamide, it is quick-drying and super absorbent, making a post-workout shower quick and easy.

With its daring design and Otso motif, we think this towel would look great at the pool, the beach, in the locker room, or even just on your car seat on a very hot day!

Material: microfibre, size: 150cm x 75cm, colours: blue multi

Trespass Anti-Bacterial Microfibre Towel

A great size microfibre towel for beachside sports or poolside lounging.

It comes compact in a zip-top mesh bag, with an easy-to-carry travel handle. It's also super-soft, lightweight and anti-bacterial, and while it's not huge, measuring 45 x 90cm,  it will definitely keep you clean and fresh when you're camping or at the beach.

With a purse-friendly price tag, it's worth stocking up on a couple to stash in your backpack or travel bag.

Material: microfibre, size: 90cm x 45cm, colours: pink

World Map Microfibre Towel

The World Map print on this microfibre towel is definitely different and will look great spread out at a pool party.

It's also a perfect towel for camping, trips away or even to the beach, so you'll always know how to find your spot on the sand.

The super absorbent material means drying yourself is speedy, plus it folds up super small to pop back in your bag when you're done. It also comes with its own carry case.

Material: microfibre, size: 150cm x 70cm, colours: multi

Where to buy microfibre beach towels

You’ll find microfibre beach towels in both online and high street stores – and as summer comes closer there’s bound to be loads of different colours, sizes and designs to choose from.

Don’t forget to check out the clothing and summer aisles of your favourite supermarkets too, as this is the time of year they unveil their holiday collections so you should be able to pick up microfibre beach towels along with your groceries. Handy.

We found the towels featured in our roundup at

How much do quick dry beach towels cost?

Quick dry beach towels come in at a variety of price points so it’s worth shopping around for the best microfibre beach towel for you. Cost varies, depending on size, design and retailer, but the beach towels in our roundup vary from £6.50 to £34.99.

What are microfibre towels made of?

Microfibre towels are made of a blend of polyester and polyamide - both fibres are extremely soft, stretchy and don't crease.

Working together, the two fibres help the product's durability - so it lasts a long time, even when washed over and over again.

It also has some serious strength and is resistant to abrasion.

Are microfibre towels good for the beach?

Microfibre towels are excellent for the beach and arguably even more suitable than conventional cotton towels as they're lighter, they dry quicker and many can even repel send.

Because they're ultra-lightweight and fold down really compact, microfibre towels will squeeze into tight beach bags with ease and their feather-light feel means you'll hardly even notice them.

Are microfibre towels good for hair?

Yes, definitely. If you suffer from frizz and flyaways, you should be using a microfibre towel. Microfibre towels don't create friction with your hair like normal towels, and absorb water faster - without leaving your hair too dry.

They're way more gentle on your hair than your usual towels, and don't leave any traces of lint or fluff.

How do you clean microfibre beach towels?

You can bung your microfibre towel into the wash with your usual laundry - as long as you don't use fabric softener. Fabric softener clogs the towel's "pores" and renders the fabric useless.

Be sure not to wash the microfibre towel with anything fluffy as lint will transfer onto it.

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