Best swimming towels and towel robes

LONDON LIDO Prospect Towel

£25

They say: Inspired by city living and outdoor adventures, these are the towels that travel with you anywhere. Use in the park, take to the pool or beach, or at your favourite yoga studio. They’re lightweight, compact, dry really fast, super absorbent and sand proof. The Prospect Towel design is inspired by the colourful US state of Colorado with the columbine state flower, Rocky Mountain pine trees and aspen leaves.

We say: We love the botanical print of the Prospect Towel. The fabric, which is made with recycled plastic bottles blended with nylon for softness and strength, feels thicker and heavier (500g) than microfibre or cotton haram towels, but we actually really liked this as it felt premium and had a nice feel on our skin. Measuring 76cm x 178cm, it’s long and slightly slimmer than others, still substantial enough for a swimming towel but equally works well as a yoga mat – in fact, the fabric has moisture activated slip resistance and two loops to hook onto a yoga mat.

HORIZON 100% Recycled Quick Dry Travel Towel

£26

They say: Say farewell to bulky, space-consuming towels and embrace the practicality of our eco-friendly collection. Created with the modern traveller in mind, it boasts a lightweight and compact design, ensuring effortless packing and portability for your every adventure. This eco-friendly towel is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, sand resistant and odour free.

We say: This bright and appealing travel towel was the lightest and most compact on test. It comes with a drawstring bag, in the same bright print, and an elastic hook for hanging. We tested the towel on a multi-day swim trip, and it dried quickly between dips, was easy to pack and lightweight to carry. At 90cm x 180cm, it’s a generous size, ideal for lounging on the grass after your swim. We also tested it on the beach and it was somewhat sand resistant. Soft and absorbent, it has the feel of a microfibre towel.

DRYROBE Beach Towel

£40

They say: This vibrant and versatile beach towel is made for days spent by the water – on the beach or around the pool. The oversized dryrobe Beach Towel is big enough for the entire family and its vibrant colours make it stand out on a crowded shore. Soft and velvety to the touch, this super-absorbent, premium towel is made with 100% organic cotton.

We say: This is a thick and super absorbent beach towel, rather than a travel towel, so naturally it takes up more space in your kit bag. If you have the space, it’s well worth it for the extra softness and warmth. Made with organic cotton, the dryrobe Beach Towel has a plush, velvety feel and is extremely absorbent. Measuring 100cm x 180cm, it’s the widest towel on test, coming to mid-calf length on our female tester, and is available in three vibrant reversible designs featuring a large logo print.

RAPANUI Limited Edition Surf Towel

£60

They say: Meet the limited edition of our iconic surf towel in fresh beach stripes. Whether warming up after a sea swim or changing out of your wetsuit, this surf towel will keep you cosy. The surf towel features thick and absorbent organic cotton terry-loop towelling, roomy hood, cosy hand-hugging pocket and is the perfect length for changing. Made powered by renewable energy, our drying changing robe is soft, warm, cosy and sustainable.

We say: This is a classic towel robe, in retro orange and blue or green and white beach hut stripes. It has a roomy hood, short sleeves and comes down to below the knees, which is a great size and shape for easy changing, and has a cosy poncho pocket at the front. The organic cotton terry-loop towelling fabric is super absorbent, more so after the first wash, and felt soft and warm against our skin post-swim. It’s available in one size.

SO ENGLISH Bude Long Hoodie

£155

They say: Introducing the all-new Bude Long Hoodie made in soft, double-sided, mid-weight Italian cotton towelling. Taking the much-loved hoodie style, we’ve added the new stretch panel on the side body and sleeves. The Bude has plenty of room to move around, sits comfortably above the knee and is so easy to slip on after a swim. It has handy side pockets with bronze poppers to keep your phone or your goggles safe.

We say: Sophie at So English designs elegant beach and lounge wear that you can throw over a costume after a swim but equally feels stylish enough to head to a cafe afterwards. Available in two sizes, the Bude has a slimmer profile to more roomy towel robes with a relaxed rather than oversized fit. The contrast stretch panels, cuffs and pockets and above the knee length make it feel more like a hooded dress. The breathable natural fibres feel gentle against salty, post-swim skin; we didn’t want to take it off.

SEASHELL Towelling Robe

£48

They say: The Seashell Towelling robe gives you enough room to change inside while being covered and protected from the elements. Made from organic cotton, prioritising environmental health. This choice supports eco-friendly agriculture, reduces pesticide use and ensures better conditions for farmers.

We say: We really rate this towelling robe, with its beautifully embroidered ammonite shell on the back. The 340gsm terry cloth feels weighty and takes up more space than the other towel robes tested, but after a cold water swim we appreciated the extra thickness; it felt warm and cosy with a roomier hood and kangaroo pocket than others tested. We also like that it’s available in three sizes: small (child), medium and large; all are oversized with generous three-quarter sleeves for easy changing. For the quality, we were (pleasantly) surprised by the price!

Finisterre Vean Changing Robe

£55

They say: The Vean is our go-to changing robe made using our favourite super-soft organic cotton towelling fabric. A staple bit of kit for any beach-goer, swimmer and surfer, this simple changing robe eliminates the chance of an embarrassing towel mishap. Made from 100% GOTS organic cotton.

We say: This changing robe comes in four stylish colours and the organic cotton used results in a comfortable and snug fit. The generous size allows for an easy change wherever you are and it’s warm enough to use all year round.

Cosimac Poncho Towel

£35

They say: Our luxury, super soft towel robe is absorbent and super soft against the skin. It is an essential piece of kit for changing at the beach or pool and the unique material allows for quick water absorption and fast drying times. Stay COSI with a handy pocket and extra large hood. It’s an essential for all outdoor watersport enthusiasts – also perfect as a COSI dressing gown for lounging on the sofa!

We say: A high quality towel robe at a reasonable price. I really appreciated the large pouch pockets to warm my hands up after a cold swim and the length meant I felt well covered throughout changing. The microfibre material is convenient – drying time is much quicker than a traditional towel and much less bulky too.

OLAIAN Adult Surf Poncho 500

£29.99

They say: Our surf-loving designers created this poncho to dry yourself off and get changed easily before or after your surfing sessions. Fits everyone. Stretchy underarm panels and side openings at the hips make it easier to get changed and protect your modesty.

We say: This towel not only dried me quickly, but it’s also compact enough to fit neatly in any kit bag. The slits at the side were a winner for me; they helped make changing underneath easier whilst keeping my modesty! Great for those more adventurous swimming trips.

DRYROBE Organic Cotton Towel Robe

£60

They say: The lightweight, super-soft-to-touch Organic Towel dryrobe® is designed to give you enough room to get changed and dry quickly, whilst staying covered up and protected from the elements. The unique short-length sleeve design allows you to use both hands to free yourself from the clutches of the super-stretch wetsuit or get your kit off and back on without overexposing yourself.

We say: Just like their traditional changing robes, dryrobe’s towel robe would be a fantastic addition to any swimmer’s kit bag. The material of the robe is soft against the skin and the design supplies ample room for an easy change. A solid choice.

Charlie Mcleod Driathlon

£20

They say: Manufactured in a highly absorbent Performance Microfibre. The Charlie McLeod Driathlon will dry you in seconds and offers a changing system water side. The Driathlon is a great addition to the Charlie McLeod range alongside the incredibly popular Sports Cloak. This will prove to be an essential part of your training and competing kit. Quick drying fabric, to ensure the garment is ready for your next session.

We say: Another towelling robe made from microfibre material, allowing for super quick drying. It comes with an elastic strap, which after being rolled up took up barely any space in my kit bag. I like how it comes in four sizes and several colours.