Beach towel test - Which material is right?

Infografik Vergleich von Strandtuchmaterialien

Beach towelsare indispensable companions for vacations by the sea or pool , and are both practical and a fashion accessory. A good beach towel meets certain quality characteristics, especially high absorbency to effectively dry the body. It is equally important that the beach towel dries quickly, is soft and fluffy to provide a comfortable feeling on the skin.


TheMaterial of the beach towel is also of great importance.  Cotton is the most used material, because it is soft, absorbent and durable, also easy to maintain.


In this article, we present a variety of materials with their specific quality characteristics, advantages and disadvantages to find the perfect beach towel for your next vacation.


Terry beach towel

The terry beach towel is a favorite companion on the beach or in the swimming pool. It is characterized by its special structure, which gives it a high level of absorbency and leaves a pleasant feeling on the skin. 


In this text, we will take a closer look at terry beach towels, covering issues such as the differences between terry and terry, as well as the features and advantages and disadvantages of terry beach towels.


Which material is terry?

Terrycloth is a fabric made of cotton and characterized by its unique fluffy surface. The fabric is made by a special weaving technique, forming loops on the surface. 


This creates a fluffy texture that is particularly absorbent and ideal for making towels, bathrobes and other textiles. 


What is the difference between terry and terrycloth?

Terry and Terrycloth are terms that are often used together.Technically, there is a difference, however: terry refers to the weaving technique in which loops are formed on the surface, while terry is a fabric made by this technique. So terry is a part of the manufacturing process of terry textiles.


Was ist Walkfrottee?

Fulling terry is a special type of terry where the cotton fibers are rolled before the fabric is made. This means that the fibers are mechanically processed to make them softer and fluffier. The result is a particularly soft and fluffy fabric that feels very comfortable against the skin.

Frottee Gewebe

The 4 best advantages of terry beach towels

  • High absorbency: Terry beach towels have excellent absorbency, making them ideal for use on the beach or in the pool.
  • Softness and comfort: Terry beach towels are very soft and comfortable against the skin, which makes them a pleasant choice for use on the beach or in the pool.
  • Durability: Terry beach towels are very durable due to their sturdy and hard-wearing structure and can last for years if properly cared for.
  • High durability: Terry beach towels are very durable and robust due to their dense fabric and special weaving technique. So even with frequent use and regular washing, they can be used for a long time without losing their shape and quality.

The 4 biggest disadvantages of terry beach towels

  • Space consumption: Due to their thick structure, terry beach towels take up a lot of space in bags or suitcases, which makes them less travel-friendly.
  • Weight: Terry beach towels can be quite heavy due to their thick and heavy structure, which makes them more difficult to carry and handle.
  • Prone to staining: Terry beach towels tend to collect dirt and sand, which can lead to faster wear and tear.
  • Slow drying time: Although terry beach towels dry quickly, they may take longer than other materials to dry completely due to their thick structure.

Are terry beach towels suitable for beach vacations?

Jyes, terry beach towels are a good choice for beach or pool trips despite their thickness and fluffiness, as they absorb moisture effectively and are durable. 


However, when high temperatures prevail, it may become uncomfortable as they retain too much heat. In this case, it is recommended to use thinner beach towels made of materials such as thin cotton or linen to maintain comfort.

Cotton hammam towel

Hammam towels are traditional Turkish towels made of cotton. They are thin, light and extremely versatile. Hammam towels have their origin in the Turkish bathhouse, where they were used as dry towels and shawls. In the meantime, they have also found their way to the beach and are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to conventionalbeach towels.


Want to know how to properly wash and care for hammam towels? Then we recommend you our article on washing and care instructions for hammam towels: Click here

Where does cotton come from?

Cotton is a plant fiber obtained from the seed hairs of the cotton plant.The cotton plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and is grown in many countries such as the USA, China, India, Brazil, Pakistan and Egypt. 


The fibers are harvested, cleaned and then spun into yarns that are used to make fabrics and textiles such as clothing, bedding and towels. 


Cotton is one of the most popular and widely used fibers in the textile industry due to its softness, air permeability and durability.

The 4 best advantages of hammam towels

  1. Space-saving: Hammam towels are thin and lightweight, which means they take up less space in your beach bag than traditional beach towels.

  2. Quick drying:Unlike beach towels made of a thicker material, hammam towels dry very quickly, which means that they are quickly ready for use and prevents the formation of mold.

  3. Versatile: Hamam cloths can be used not only as beach towels, but also as scarves, pareos, picnic blankets and even tablecloths.

  4. Soft and comfortable on the skin: hammam towels are very comfortable on the skin due to their soft and fine texture and provide a luxurious feeling on the beach.

The 4 biggest disadvantages of hammam towels

  1. Reduced absorbency: Hammam towels have lower absorbency than traditional terry beach towels due to their thin texture and light weight. However, they can absorb up to three times their own weight.

  2. Less heat insulation:  Compared to other beach towels, hammam towels offer less thermal insulation, which can be a disadvantage in cooler temperatures. However, in very hot temperatures, it can be very pleasant to have a light material that does not unnecessarily heat the body.

  3. Less robust: Hammam towels may be less durable than beach towels made of a thicker material due to their thin texture.

  4. Less padding: Compared to thicker beach towels, hammam towels offer less padding and may therefore feel slightly less comfortable.

Hamamtuch am Strand

Microfiber beach towel

Microfiber beach towels are a popular choice among beach goers and swimmers. They are lightweight, quick drying and have excellent absorbency. But what exactly is microfiber and how does it differ from other materials? 


In this section we will answer these questions and also look at the advantages and disadvantages of microfiber beach towels.

What kind of material is microfiber?

Microfiber is a synthetic material consisting of tiny fibers, often made of polyester or polyamide. These fibers are much finer than human hair and can be up to 40 times thinner than a human hair.

Is microfiber harmful to the environment?

Microfiber is a synthetic material made from polyester or polyamide. Therefore, it may be difficult to consider it environmentally friendly because it is a type of synthetic fiber. 


Chemicals are often used in the production of microfiber, and the production of synthetic fibers requires a lot of energy and water.


When microfiber products such as beach towels are washed, the fibers can enter wastewater during the washing process and eventually end up in the ocean, where they can become a problem for marine life.

Mikrofaser Gewebe

The 4 best advantages of microfiber beach towels

  1. Lightweight and space-saving: Microfiber beach towels are very light and compact, which makes them an ideal choice for travel and on the go.

  2. Fast drying and absorbent: Microfiber beach towels can dry quickly and are very absorbent, which means they can absorb moisture effectively.

  3. Less Lint: Compared to cotton and other materials, microfiber beach towels produce less lint, making them a popular choice for people who prefer low-lint products.

  4. Good color and form stability: Microfiber beach towels retain their color and shape even after many washings and exposure to sunlight and chlorinated water.

The 4 biggest disadvantages of microfiber beach towels

  1. Environmental impact: As mentioned earlier, many microfiber beach towels are made from plastics such as polyester, which are manufactured from fossil fuels. This means that they are not biodegradable and can be a burden on the environment when disposed of.

  2. Moisture: Microfiber beach towels often have a slick surface that can cause them to not absorb moisture as well as cotton or linen towels. This can cause them to feel wet and possibly dry more slowly than other materials.

  3. Odor: Since microfiber beach towels tend to retain moisture, they can quickly develop an unpleasant odor if not dried properly. This can be a particular problem if they are kept in a suitcase or in a damp environment for a long period of time.

  4. Skin irritation: Some people report skin irritation or itching when using microfiber beach towels, especially if they have sensitive skin. This may be due to the fact that the smooth surface of the material rubs and irritates the skin.

What other materials are there for a beach towel?

There are a variety of materials from which beach towels can be made, depending on the requirements and preferences of the person using them.


One of the materials used for beach towels is Bamboo viscose. Bamboo viscose is a soft and skin-friendly material that feels pleasant on the skin. In addition, bamboo viscose is environmentally friendly and sustainable because bamboo grows back quickly and uses less water than other plants.


Another material used for beach towels is hemp. Hemp towels are sturdy and durable, as hemp fibers are very resistant. They are also naturally antibacterial and antifungal, which means they are odor-resistant and mold-resistant. However, hemp is less soft than cotton or terry cloth and may need a few washings to soften.

Hammam Towel VS Microfiber Beach Towel

When it comes to beach towels, hammam towels and microfiber beach towels top the list of most popular materials. Hammam towels are made of 100% cotton, lightweight and breathable. They dry quickly and are practical at the beach or pool. Compared to microfiber beach towels, they are also more environmentally friendly.


Microfiber beach towels are made of synthetic materials, are very absorbent and dry quickly. They often have antibacterial properties, but less breathability than hammam towels. Hammam towels let air through and keep you cool in hot weather.


Infografik Vergleich von Hamamtuch und Mikrofaser

Ultimately, choosing the perfect beach towel depends on personal taste and individual needs. For a lightweight, breathable and environmentally friendly beach towel, the Hammam towel is the better choice.

Hammam towel VS terry beach towel

When it comes to beach towels, there are a variety of materials to choose from. Hammam towels and terry beach towels are popular options. Hammam towels are light and thin, while terry beach towels are thick and fluffy.


An advantage of hammam towels is their lightness and portability. They dry quickly and are very absorbent. Another advantage is their smaller size, which makes them less bulky in the beach bag.


Terry beach towels offer a fluffy feel, but are heavier and take up more space. They also require a little more time to dry. Hammam towels are convenient for beach vacations because of their lightness and quick drying. Terry beach towels are softer, but require more space in the beach bag.

Infografik Vergleich von Hamamtuch und Frottee

In conclusion, the choice of the right beach towel depends on personal preferences and needs. 


Hammam towels are a popular choice due to their lightness, absorbency and quick-drying properties. They are thin yet effective at absorbing moisture, making them ideal companions at the beach or pool.Moreover, they offer an elegant and stylish look that makes them a fashionable accessory. 


If you want to know more about Hammam towels we recommend you to read our blog article: Click Here 

Immerse yourself in the world of hamam cloths and discover their history, their many uses and much more.


Microfiber towels are another good option. They are known for their high absorbency and fast drying time. These cloths are also very durable and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for travelers.


Terry towels, on the other hand, are soft and cozy, but also heavier and require more space in your luggage. They are made of cotton and are known for their fluffy surface and excellent absorption capacity.Terry towels are particularly cozy and are ideal for those who prefer a particularly comfortable beach towel.


With the information in this article, you can now make an enlightened decision and choose the perfect beach towel for your next vacation. No matter what material you choose, make sure it meets your needs and provides you with a pleasant and comfortable beach and bathing experience.

Author: Maya

Maya from SOLTAKO

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