Are Turkish Towels Good for the Beach? 7 Reasons to Have One

You must’ve noticed people laying on colorful striped or patterned towels on the beach and may have wondered, wouldn’t their towels get too wet or filled with sand and take days to become normal? Well, No, because they’re typically using Turkish beach towels, and here are 7 reasons why you should too:

1. Turkish Beach Towels Have Quick-Drying Properties

Turkish towels, also known as peshtemal, fouta, pestemals, or hammams, were invented in the 17th century in Bursa, Turkey. They have been used in Turkish bathhouses for centuries due to their quick-drying properties. Their flat weave design isn’t just for looks – it’s engineering genius at work.

The science behind it is straightforward: less bulk means more surface area for water to evaporate. While your regular beach towel is holding onto moisture like it’s going out of style, Turkish towels are already drying out in the sun. Users consistently report their towels drying in about 15-20 minutes of sun exposure – that’s fast enough to be ready for your next swim.

You can hang these towels pretty much anywhere – over your beach chair, on pool fences, or just spread them out on the sand. The best part? You won’t get that funky mildew smell that regular towels develop when they stay damp too long. This means you can use your towel multiple times during your beach day without feeling like you’re drying off with a wet sponge. Even at homes with HVAC systems, they’re a more energy-efficient choice since they require less drying time.

2. Lightweight & Packable

If you’ve ever lugged traditional beach towels for the whole family, you know the struggle is real. Turkish towels are changing the game when packing for beach days. These towels are incredibly light—250-450 grams, which is about the weight of your morning coffee.

You can literally roll these bad boys up to the size of your favorite burrito. You can pack two or three Turkish towels where you’d normally fit one fluffy beach towel. This means you can bring backup towels for the kids without feeling like you’re training for a weightlifting competition.

3. Superior Sand Resistance

Let’s talk about one of the biggest hassles of beach days – dealing with sandy towels. Authentic Turkish towels have tightly woven flat construction, creating a smooth surface that sand just doesn’t want to stick to. You won’t find those loopy fibers that regular towels have, which act like tiny sand traps.

Think about those times you’ve tried to shake sand out of a regular beach towel. With Turkish towels, a quick shake is all you need. Even when the towel’s wet (which is usually when sand becomes super clingy), it still releases sand easily. This means you won’t be bringing half the beach back to your car or house.

4. High Absorbency Characteristics

Now, you might wonder how such a thin towel could dry you off properly. The magic lies in the extra-long fiber of Turkish cotton, which is similar to the fancy Egyptian cotton you might have heard about. These towels are actually overachievers in the absorbency department – they can soak up water faster than your regular beach towel.

Each wash makes Turkish towels softer and more absorbent. 

Pro tip: give your new Turkish towel an overnight soak before first use. This little trick “trains” the fibers to be super-absorbent right from the start.

If you’re really serious about absorbency, look for Turkish towels with a waffle weave pattern. These versions have extra texture built into the design, creating more surface area for water absorption. They work great whether you need a quick pat-down after a splash in the waves or thorough drying after a long swim.

5. Generous Size & Coverage

With beach towels, size really matters. Turkish towels don’t skimp on dimensions – they give you plenty of room to stretch out and get comfy. Most manufacturers make these towels in generous sizes that put standard bath towels to shame.

Here’s what makes these dimensions so practical: you can actually wrap yourself up completely after a swim. No more awkward moments trying to change under a too-small towel! The most popular size (39″ x 70″) like our Brooklyn Beach Towel gives you enough fabric to lounge comfortably without feeling cramped. You’ll even have space to share with a friend or spread out your beach snacks.

Their Coverage and aesthetics are another reason why these towels are popular among real estate professionals for home staging due to their elegant appearance and practicality

6. Multi-Purpose Versatility

Turkish towels are beach multitaskers – one minute, they’re your sand-free sitting spot; the next, they’re providing privacy while you change out of wet swimwear. When the sun gets too intense, just drape one over your beach chair for instant shade.

But here’s where they really shine – you can take them way beyond the beach. Heading to dinner after your beach day? Your Turkish towel transforms into a stylish wrap for those breezy evening restaurants. They make perfect airplane blankets because they’re light and warm but don’t hog space in your carry-on. 

They’re also perfect for RV living and camping due to their compact size and quick-drying properties that prevent moisture buildup in small spaces. At home, they look great tossed over your couch or outdoor furniture.

7. Durability & Proper Care

Let’s discuss why Turkish towels aren’t just a temporary addition to your beach gear. Thanks to their long-staple cotton construction, these towels are built to last. Think of long-staple cotton as the premium version of regular cotton—its fibers are longer and stronger, which means they can take a beating without falling apart.

The cool thing about these towels is that they actually get better with age. Unlike regular towels that start pilling and thinning out, Turkish towels become softer while maintaining their strength. With proper care, they can easily last several years of regular beach trips.

Should Beach Towels Be Thick or Thin?

This is one of those questions that sparks debate among beach-goers everywhere. Traditional wisdom might make you think thicker is better, but that’s not always true. Think about what you really need from a beach towel: quick drying, easy packing, and effective absorption.

Turkish towels prove that thinner can be better. Their slim profile actually works in your favor, allowing faster drying and easier packing without sacrificing absorbency. The tight weave means they can still dry you off effectively while taking up less space in your beach bag.

Are Turkish Towels Good for Sand?

You’ll appreciate this answer if you’ve ever spent 20 minutes trying to shake sand out of a regular beach towel. Turkish towels are basically sand-resistant. Their flat weave construction creates a smooth surface that sand just doesn’t want to stick to.

Here’s why they work so well: regular towels have those tiny loops that trap sand like miniature nets. Turkish towels, with their smooth surface, give sand nowhere to hide. Even when they’re wet (which is usually when sand becomes super clingy), a quick shake is all you need to get rid of most sand.

The practical impact? You won’t be finding sand in your car three weeks after your beach trip. Plus, you can actually sit on your towel multiple times during the day without feeling like you’re on a sandpaper cushion. For anyone who likes to separate their beach experience and home life, this feature makes Turkish towels worth considering.

Atribe Holds An Awesome Beach Towel Collection For Every Need:

Whether you’re going to the beach or need a Turkish beach towel for home decorations, Atribe has an amazing lineup of authentic Turkish beach towels in various shapes, sizes, and weights. Explore our shop and different towel categories, pick the ones you like, and receive your order quickly.