Best Swim Towels of 2026

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 9 Feb 2026

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Swim towels are a must-have accessory for any swimmer. These towels are designed to be highly absorbent and quick-drying, making them perfect for use at the pool, beach or gym. They come in a variety of sizes and colours, and are made from materials that are soft and comfortable against the skin. Swim towels are also lightweight and easy to pack, making them ideal for travel. Whether you're a professional athlete or a casual swimmer, swim towels are an essential item to have in your kit bag.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Big Jim XL Microfibre Quick Dry Towel Cover #TOP 1
Big Jim XL Microfibre Quick Dry Towel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Brentfords Adult Hooded Towel Poncho Cover #TOP 2
Brentfords Adult Hooded Towel Poncho
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Speedo Quick Dry Microfibre Towel, Blue Cover #TOP 3
Speedo Quick Dry Microfibre Towel, Blue
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Swim Towels

Big Jim XL Microfibre Quick Dry Towel

Big Jim
8K-QR5K-7Y3S
Blue
Big Jim XL Microfibre Quick Dry Towel Cover
Microfibre Towel, Quick Drying - EXTRA LARGE for Gym, Fitness, Swimming, Sports, Travel, Camping, Hiking, Beach, Yoga, Pilates, Bath, Shower | Super Absorbent, Compact, Lightweight | Extra Large | 180 x 90 cm | by Big Jim (X-Large)

The Big Jim Quick Dry Towel is an extra-large microfibre towel, measuring 180 x 90 cm, providing ample coverage for everyone. Its superior absorption capability allows it to soak up to eight times more water than a regular towel, enabling you to dry off quickly after exercise. Lightweight and compact, this towel is only 2 mm thick, making it easy to carry in your gym or swim bag. Additionally, it dries rapidly, so you can use it multiple times without the hassle of a wet towel weighing you down.

What We Like
Extra-large size for full coverage
Highly absorbent for quick drying
Lightweight and compact design
Dries faster than standard towels

Brentfords Adult Hooded Towel Poncho

BTADPONSB28
Sky Blue
One Size
Brentfords Adult Hooded Towel Poncho Cover
Brentfords Towel Poncho Adult Hooded Large Bath Swim Surf Beach Absorbent Dry Microfiber Changing Robe for Men Boys Quick Dry, Sky Blue

The Brentfords Hooded Poncho is an excellent choice for those needing a changing robe after a swim or bath. Its oversized design, measuring 108cm in length, provides ample coverage and comfort, ensuring you stay warm and dry. Crafted from 100% soft microfibre, it dries quickly and absorbs moisture effectively, making it ideal for beach or pool outings. Lightweight and compact, you can easily roll it up and take it with you, whether for travel or gym sessions.

What We Like
Quick-drying microfibre material
Generous size for comfort
Lightweight and portable
Great for privacy after swimming
Ideal gift for various occasions

Speedo Quick Dry Microfibre Towel, Blue

8-004137
Blue
One Size
Speedo Quick Dry Microfibre Towel, Blue Cover
Speedo Unisex-Adult Microfibre Towel | Quick Dry, Blue, One Size

The Speedo Microfibre Towel is designed for convenience and efficiency. Its quick-dry and absorbent fabric means you can dry off swiftly after a swim or workout, making it perfect for pool or gym use. Being compact and lightweight, it is easy to carry around, fitting effortlessly into your bag. The durable material ensures it lasts through multiple washes while retaining its functionality. With dimensions of 80cm x 130cm, it offers ample coverage without being cumbersome.

What We Like
Quick-drying feature
Lightweight and portable
Durable construction
Versatile for different uses
#TOP 4

adidas Unisex Recycled Large Towel

IR6241-500
Royal Blue / White
adidas Unisex Recycled Large Towel Cover
adidas Unisex Brand Stripes Towel, Royal Blue/White, L

The adidas Large Towel is a practical choice for your swimming needs. With dimensions of 70 cm by 140 cm, it offers ample coverage, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable after a swim. Made from 100 percent cotton, it provides a soft touch against your skin, enhancing your drying experience. The towel also features a handy hanger loop on the short edge, making it easy to hang up when not in use. Additionally, the three bar logo adds a stylish touch to this essential swim accessory.

What We Like
Soft cotton material
Large size for better coverage
Convenient hanger loop
Stylish three bar logo

Zoggs Blue Pool Towel 140 x 70 cm

300798
Blue
140 x 70 cm
Zoggs Blue Pool Towel 140 x 70 cm Cover
Zoggs Unisex - ( ) ZOGGS POOL TOWEL BLUE 300798 , Blue, 140 x 70 cm UK

The Zoggs Pool Towel is perfect for your trips to the pool or beach. Its high-quality terry fabric offers great absorbency, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable after a swim. Measuring 140 x 70 cm, it provides ample coverage for lounging or wrapping up. The towel's vibrant blue colour makes it a stylish choice, allowing you to stand out while enjoying the sun. With this towel, you can relax in comfort and style, making your leisure time even more enjoyable.

What We Like
Ideal for pool and beach
High-quality terry towel
Ample coverage
Stylish blue colour

Adidas GM5820 Quick-Drying Beach Towel

GM5820
Adidas GM5820 Quick-Drying Beach Towel Cover
Adidas GM5820 TOWEL S Beach towel unisex-adult team navy blue/white NS

The Adidas GM5820 Towel is a versatile beach towel designed for your swimming adventures. Made from quick-drying materials, it ensures you stay comfortable and dry after a dip in the sea or pool. Its unisex-adult design and stylish team navy blue and white colours make it a fashionable choice for anyone. As a part of the swim towels category, this towel is not only practical but also embodies the quality associated with the Adidas brand, making it a great addition to your beach essentials.

What We Like
Quick-drying material
Stylish design
Unisex-adult size
Quality brand assurance

Fit-Flip Quick Dry Microfibre Swimming Towel

FF_L3_lilac-30x50
Pastel Violet
50x30cm - 1 piece
Fit-Flip Quick Dry Microfibre Swimming Towel Cover
Fit-Flip Swimming towel – quick dry microfibre beach towel - ultra absorbent thin microfiber towels for travel, beach & gym - lightweight swim essentials (50x30cm, Pastel Violet)

The Fit-Flip Microfibre Towel is an excellent choice for those needing a compact and lightweight towel that fits easily into any backpack or gym bag, making it perfect for travel, beach, or gym use. Its highly absorbent and fast-drying material ensures you stay dry quickly, ideal for swimming or fitness activities. The towel features a handy elastic band for easy hanging on branches or umbrellas, and for secure, compact storage. Made from soft, antibacterial microfibre, it prevents odours and is easy to wash, offering both convenience and hygiene.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight
Highly absorbent and quick-drying
Elastic band for hanging and packing
Soft, antibacterial material

Arena Cotton Pool Soft Towel, Black-Grey

001993-550-NS
Black-grey
One Size
Arena Cotton Pool Soft Towel, Black-Grey Cover
ARENA unisex adult Cotton POOL SOFT TOWEL, Black-grey, One Size UK

The Arena Pool Soft Towel is a high-quality, large towel designed specifically for pool use. Measuring 150 x 90 cm, it provides ample coverage, making it perfect for drying off after a swim. Made from extremely soft terry cotton, it feels gentle against your skin, ensuring comfort. This towel is crafted from 100% cotton with a weight of 400g/m², offering durability and absorbency, so you can dry off quickly and efficiently after your time in the water.

What We Like
Large and spacious design
Soft and comfortable material
Durable and absorbent fabric
Ideal for poolside use

Big Jim Extra Large Quick-Dry Microfibre Towel

Big Jim
Purple
Big Jim Extra Large Quick-Dry Microfibre Towel Cover
Big Jim Microfibre Towel - Extra Large XL, Quick Drying Gym, Swimming, Beach, Travel, Camping, Yoga, Pilates, Bath, Shower Towel. Super Absorbent, Compact, Thin, Lightweight

The Big Jim Microfibre Towel is an excellent choice if you need a versatile and effective towel for the gym, pool, or beach. Its extra-large size of 180 x 90 cm offers full coverage, ideal for users of all shapes and sizes. Made from tightly woven microfibre, it soaks up to eight times more water than a regular towel, helping you dry off quickly after exercise or swimming. Despite its size, it is lightweight and compact, so it won’t weigh down your bag. Plus, it dries rapidly, ensuring you won’t be left with a damp towel after use.

What We Like
Extra-large size for full coverage
Absorbs water up to 8x more
Lightweight and easy to carry
Dries quickly after use
#TOP 10

Arena Microfiber Smart Plus Pool Towel

005311-301-NS
Pink-white
One Size
Arena Microfiber Smart Plus Pool Towel Cover
ARENA Microfiber Smart Plus Pool Towel

The Arena Smart Plus Towel is a large, ultra-absorbent sports towel that is perfect for your pool visits, gym sessions, and travels. Its lightweight design makes it easy to pack, allowing you to carry it without hassle. Measuring 150 x 90 cm, it provides ample coverage while being extra thin. Made from soft microfiber, you'll appreciate how quickly it absorbs moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable after your swim or workout.

What We Like
Extra lightweight and portable
Highly absorbent material
Large size for full coverage
Soft and comfortable to use
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What towels do swimmers use?

Cotton & Terrycloth Towels Soft, absorbent towels made of cotton or terrycloth are the most commonly used towels in the aquatic world. Because they are cheap and effective, most swimmers, water polo players, and other aquatic athletes choose these as their drying-off method of choice.

2. What is a swimming towel?

Swim towels are important because they help swimmers dry off faster and warm up. It adds comfort during and after partaking in the sport after hours of training or competing. The absorbency and natural, soft, material of the towels make swimmers enjoy drying off when needed.

3. Are microfiber towels good for swimmers?

Microfiber towels are ultra-absorbent. As we mentioned earlier, the extra absorbency of microfiber towels is the main appeal for swimmers. As the name suggests, these towels are made up of many small, thin fibers.

Editor's Notes

During our swim towels research, we found 306 swim towels products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 103,015 customer reviews through our big data system to write the swim towels list. We found that most customers choose swim towels with an average price of £18.32.

The swim towels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of swim towels, including Big Jim, Brentfords, Speedo, adidas, Zoggs.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.