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Think a towel is just a towel? Think again. A great beach towel does more than dry you off — it defines your comfort on the sand, saves you space in your bag, and even speeds up how quickly you can pack up and get back to your day. Whether you’re chasing the last rays on a pebble beach, lounging on sand with a soft breeze, or hopping between rock pools, the right towel is like a trusty beach chair you can fold up and carry under your arm.
If you’ve seen stylish, well-made towels online, there’s a good chance they come from brands sold via retailers like Nordic Nest. Ferm Living is known for minimalist Scandinavian design and luxurious textures, while Mille Notti brings Italian craftsmanship and often an eco-focused angle. These names pop up when you want towels that look great on Instagram and last more than a single summer.
The Ferm Living Ebb towel blends subtle design with a plush hand, making it a strong pick if you want a towel that doubles as a luxury bath wrap or beach companion. At around 39 by 59 inches, it’s roomy enough to lie on yet compact enough to fold small for a tote. Expect a tactile, velvety face with absorbent backing — perfect if you love a towel that feels like a small seaside robe.
Mille Notti’s Elba Eko towel stretches out at roughly 34 by 71 inches, giving you full coverage for stretching out on sunbeds or sand. The “Eko” label signals a focus on environmentally friendly materials or production, which is a nice bonus if you’re mindful about the planet while packing your seaside kit. The elongated shape makes it especially good for taller users or for using as a picnic-style blanket.
Beyond specialist retailers, mainstream UK stores stock tons of excellent beach towels that balance price and quality. John Lewis is a go-to for classic, well-made pieces; Marks & Spencer blends fashion and durability; Dunelm carries a wide range at accessible prices; Next offers seasonal colors and patterns; and small independent shops or boutiques often carry artisanal or limited-edition designs. If you like browsing, these options have you covered.
John Lewis tends to stock towels that look timeless and stand up to regular use. Many of their towels come in practical large sizes — think extra-large beach towels around 35 to 75 inches — and they often carry recognizable certifications for textile safety and dyeing standards. Shopping here feels dependable: classic colors, reliable stitching, and a selection that suits families and design-conscious buyers alike.
Need a few towels without breaking the bank? Dunelm and Marks & Spencer strike a good balance between price and performance. They run simple, effective designs that dry relatively quickly and wash well. These stores are perfect if you want matching towels for a family trip or a durable option for regular use — think strong hems, bold stripes, or playful prints that are easy to spot on a crowded beach.
Choosing towel material is like choosing a car: do you want luxury, economy, or something super-efficient? Cotton is the classic — soft, absorbent, and familiar. Turkish-style towels (often lightweight with a flat weave) are lighter to carry and repel sand, while velour-faced towels deliver a plush, hotel-style feel but may trap more sand. Microfibre dries very fast and packs small, making it ideal for compact luggage or active beach days.
Cotton towels feel luxurious and absorbent but can be bulkier when wet. Microfibre is featherlight and dries quickly, yet some people find it less soft against the skin. Turkish-style towels offer a middle ground: they’re flat, breathable, and repel sand better than thick terry toweling. Pick by what you value most: softness, portability, or sand-resistance.
Size is more than vanity — it determines comfort and how easy a towel is to carry. Smaller towels are great for kids or quick dips; mid-size towels around 30 to 60 inches are flexible for lounging; and large towels — think 35 to 75 inches — let you fully stretch out and double as a picnic blanket. If you’re tall or like a towel that covers a sunbed, aim for the longer, wider dimensions.
For solo lounging, a long towel around 65 to 71 inches gives you room to sprawl. If you want a multi-use towel that doubles as a blanket, go for something wider, 35 to 75 inches or more. Smaller sizes, roughly 24 to 40 inches, work well for kids or quick beach showers. Always check the dimensions before you buy — a few extra inches can make a big difference when you’re trying to nap in the sun.
Design choices are personal, but there are practical angles to consider. Bold patterns and stripes hide sand marks and stains better than pale solids, while bright colors make it easier to find your spot among umbrellas. If you plan to snap scenic photos, think about colors that complement seaside blues: warm corals, muted earth tones, or crisp off-whites. And if you want a towel that ages gracefully, neutrals and classic stripes are a safe bet.
Towels are deceptively simple to care for, yet a few smart habits make them last. Wash towels separately the first few times to remove excess dye or fibers, avoid heavy use of softeners that reduce absorbency, and give them a thorough shake after use to get rid of sand. If you air-dry them between outings, they’ll last longer than constant tumble drying, though an occasional tumble helps fluff the pile.
Use a gentle detergent and wash on warm cycles to keep fibers strong. Skip fabric softeners or use them sparingly — they coat the fibers and reduce absorbency over time. When drying, a low-heat tumble will revive plush towels, while air-drying is kinder to eco-conscious buyers. For microfibre towels, shake them out and hang; they dry lightning-fast and don’t need heat.
If sustainability matters to you, look for towels made from organic cotton, recycled materials, or those labeled with certifications like OEKO-TEX or GOTS-style assurances. Brands like Mille Notti often highlight “Eko” lines that focus on lower-impact dyes and manufacturing. Choosing eco-friendly towels is like choosing a reusable bottle over single-use plastic — a simple swap that reduces long-term waste.
There’s a point where spending more delivers real value: superior stitching, longer-lasting fibers, better dyes, and a towel that resists thinning after many summers. If you hit the beach every weekend, a premium towel from brands associated with Nordic design or Italian craftsmanship may end up being cheaper in the long run. For occasional use, mid-range options from John Lewis or Marks & Spencer are sensible and look good too.
Searching for bargains? Keep an eye on seasonal sales, end-of-summer clearances, and multi-buy deals at UK retailers. Online marketplaces and specialist sellers often release new colors at the start of the season, then discount them later. If you want a classic that won’t go out of style, look for neutral hues and sturdy hems rather than chasing every trend.
Here’s a short checklist to save you time: check the towel’s size in inches, identify the fabric and weave, look for secure hems and consistent stitching, consider eco-certifications if that matters, and decide whether you want plushness or portability. Keep your lifestyle in mind — do you travel light, or do you want hotel-style luxury? That answer will steer you to the right pick.
Want to travel lighter? Use a Turkish-style towel as both a wrap and a beach blanket, or roll a plush towel around wet swimwear to keep your bag dry. Fold a medium towel into a compact rectangle and tuck it into a daypack — it can cushion fragile items on the way home. A good towel is not just for drying; it’s a multi-tool for sunny days.
A towel performs best when paired with the right accessories. A small, packable beach mat or sand anchor keeps your towel steady on windy days. Waterproof pouches protect phones and wallets, while a breathable tote prevents damp smells from settling into cotton. Think of the towel as the centerpiece — add practical players around it.
Whether you pick a sleek Ferm Living piece, a practical Mille Notti Eko towel, or a tried-and-true option from a UK high street store, the best beach towel is the one that fits your habits. Prioritize size, material, and how you’ll carry it, and you’ll be smiling in the sun instead of wrestling a soggy mess. Treat your towel as an investment in comfort — it’ll reward you every summer.
Conclusion: Choosing the right beach towel makes all the difference. From the designer vibes of Ferm Living and Mille Notti to the dependable options at John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Dunelm, there’s a perfect towel for every type of beachgoer in the UK. Keep in mind size, material and care, and you’ll walk away with a towel that feels like it was made for your shore-side life.
| Beach Towels | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington Icons Original Towel 30x30 Cm Tan | £ 8,- | |
| Mille Notti Fontana Towel Eko Grey Green - 70x140 Cm | £ 51,60 |
