A beach towel is one of the simplest summer essentials, but its size, material and weave can make a considerable difference to how practical it is for a day by the sea.

Traditional terry towels are designed to absorb water quickly, which makes them useful after swimming. Their looped cotton surface holds more moisture but also makes them heavier and slower to dry once wet.

Flat-woven cotton towels provide a lighter alternative. Mediterranean hammam-style towels and foutas take up less space in a beach bag, dry relatively quickly and can be large enough to use on the sand or a sun lounger.

Size matters when choosing one for the beach. A larger towel provides enough space for lying down, while smaller versions are easier to carry when walking to a secluded beach or travelling by boat.

Stripes have become particularly associated with seaside textiles. Navy, white and softer neutral combinations reference classic coastal style, while brighter colours can make towels easier to recognise on a busy beach.

A lightweight towel can also serve more than one purpose. Wrapped around the body, it becomes a simple cover-up, while larger versions can be used as a picnic cloth, sunshade or extra layer when the temperature drops later in the day.

For a Riviera beach bag, the most useful choice is therefore not necessarily the thickest towel. A lightweight, absorbent design that dries quickly and packs easily is often better suited to a full day along the coast.

Turn a Beach Day into a Coastal Stay

A day by the sea can easily become a short coastal escape. In our second edition, discover Mercure Oostende and Mercure Blankenberge, two stays for exploring the Belgian coast.

Discover Mercure Oostende & Blankenberge in our second edition →

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