The Best Designer Beach Towels
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
Sat on the sandy shores of Verona beach, a perfectly salt-rimmed cocktail is shaded by a tall sun umbrella. You look amazing in your Gucci sunglasses, not to mention the Zimmerman bikini set that does wonders in highlighting your hard-earned tan.
Luxury was made for beach life. This fun, flirty attitude can bring out the best patterns, shapes, silhouettes, and colors. You can say it’s a kaleidoscope of creativity.
Within the usual mix of swimsuits, cocktails, and sunhats, designer beach towels are often overlooked in the packing department—but why should it be this way?
Like the luxury bathrobe, it offers a subtle flex for those fashionably inclined. If anything, it can turn any Hawaiian-shirt tourist into Megan Thee Stallion at her next hot girl summer party.
Convinced yet? If so, let us introduce you to some of the best designer beach towels on the market right now. From tutti-frutti cotton spreads to logo-stamped statement-makers, we’ll only showcase the cream of the crop to help pair with your crème de cacao cocktail.
How to Shop for the Best Designer Beach Towels:
Style is meant to make a statement. The best designer beach towels are often bold, bright, and attention-grabbing. You should also feel like a million bucks using it.
Think of Sophie in Mamma Mia or Araminta Lee in Crazy Rich Asians. The towel should signify your personality and taste. Oh, and of course, purposefulness is important as well.
Before we dive right in, let’s review some highlights of designer beach towels:
- Considered a statement-making piece for beach days
- Acts as the final piece to complete any swimsuit set
- Often features high quality construction
- More carefully designed than most regular beach towels
- A great self-present or gift for any fashionably inclined friend
Here’s what separates a normal beach spread from a luxury towel: print. Logos, color stories, and designer-specific patterns are usually the main point of difference.
Ultimately, you’ll need to assess your personal taste in towels. Do you prefer the loud and bold Louis Vuitton monogram? Or is the trademark-free Hermes calling your name? Don’t worry; these two will be included in our best designer beach towel lineup.
Material
Aside from color, the best designer beach towels should be practical. Like a regular poolside spread, an ideal example should be drying, soft in texture, and thick enough to prevent any debris from puncturing the fabric.
Materials usually include terry cloth, microfiber, and sometimes bamboo. It’s also a big plus if the towel in question offers water-wicking abilities.
Size
We don’t want any shorties here. The best designer beach towel should be large enough for lying down. Cotton spreads are offered in a wide variety of sizes, so it’s important that you take a look at the measurements before checking out.
After all, nothing’s more disappointing than ordering something and having it arrive twice as small.
Price
So, how much are you willing to spend on a luxury towel? Compared to high couture clothing and handbags, the poolside spread isn’t going to be used all the time—unless you live in a winter-less climate and have access to water 24/7.
The best designer beach towels can range up to $100 to $600, so it’s important to account for your overall budget before venturing out. Of course, they’re prone to getting dirty a lot, so that’s also something worth considering.
The 12 Best Designer Beach Towels of 2022
Take this as a sign to order a ‘sex on the beach’ and don your itty bitty yellow polka dot bikini; we’ve rounded up the best designer beach towels that money can buy.
From the Alexander McQueen skull number to the oh so extravagant Tom Ford, you’ll be planning beach parties months away before summer hits.
#1 – Alexander McQueen Black Skull Beach Towel
She’s edgy, alternative, and perfect for those who don’t want to conform. The Alexander McQueen Black Skull Beach Towel is definitely made for any aspiring Morticia Adams.
Finessed with ghoulish heads, this gray and black poolside spread is large enough for tanning, napping, and casual magazine reading. Bonus points if you’re wearing a black-clad bikini to match.
Set in cotton terry cloth, this towel features a jacquard woven logo at the bottom right-hand corner. The Alexander McQueen Black Skull Beach Towel is considered one of the larger designer beach towels on the market.
Who knows? Maybe it offers enough room to invite your fellow ‘Gomez’ to the next poolside party.
- Alexander McQueen Black Skull Beach Towel, $260
#2 – Louis Vuitton Monogram Classic Beach Towel
You can’t get more traditional than the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram Classic Beach Towel. Considered ‘old money’ in the fashion industry, this super extravagant cotton spread is speckled with caramel-coated blossoms atop an espresso-stained background.
It’s further accentuated with a bold-rimmed border and the LV’s logo printed on the lower half of the print.
Decadence doesn’t just extend to its iconic pattern. This LV classic is made out of soft, jacquard weave cotton that feels like a dream to lie in. It offers a sizable amount of room to anyone around 5’2 to 5’3.
While the Louis Vuitton Monogram Classic Beach Towel may not be the perfect tanning spread, it’ll do the job in drying after a relaxing backstroke.
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Classic Beach Towel, $640
#3 – Hermès Jaquar Quetzal Beach Towel
Renowned for its uber-exclusive handbags, the Hermès Jaquar Quetzal Beach Towel acts as an example that this designer house isn’t just limited to the crocodile Birkin.
It still offers that punch of exotic flare, as this poolside spread features a majestic rainforest cheetah drawn in intricate line art. Set in a rainbow of colors, it’s only natural to pack this Hermès keepsake in your next Bora Bora escapade.
Woven in terry cloth, the Jaquar Quetzal Beach Towel is bordered in red for an added pop of color. I don’t know about you, but it makes me want to order a pina colada at a fancy pool resort.
- Hermès Jaquar Quetzal Beach Towel, $511
#4 – Stone Island Tonal Logo Beach Towel
The Stone Island Tonal Logo Beach Towel is perfect for spring break.
Stamped with the brand’s iconic ‘football hooliganism’ trademark, this super plush poolside spread helps you remember the good ol’ days of sipping pink cosmopolitans at the Jade Mountain Resort at St. Lucia.
If no such memory exists, the towel at least gives you a taste of what it means to live lavishly.
Made out of 100% cotton, this summer necessity is considered part of the extra-large designer beach towels lineup. It’s offered at 105 cm in width. With that in mind, the Stone Island Tonal Logo Beach Towel can make for a great tanning spread for you and your bestie.
- Stone Island Tonal Beach Towel, $327
#5 – Kenzo Logo Print Towel
Considered a hodgepodge of Asian traditionalism and European high society, the Kenzo Logo Print Towel blends spice and savoir in an alluring design. It features an attention-grabbing tiger with the brand’s trademark settled on its mouth.
Lined in navy blue, this beach-ready cotton spread offers a slight collegiate vibe due to its mascot-like illustration. It’s definitely frat boy chic.
The Kenzo Logo Print Towel offers enough room for one person. But that shouldn’t deter you from making it a sitting blanket as you down a cold beer with your best boys.
- Kenzo Logo Print Towel, $107 (originally priced at $153)
#6 – Versace La Coupe Des Dieux Beach Towel
The Versace La Coupe Des Dieux Beach Towel is heavily inspired by Greek and Milanese architecture. Obviously, you can say the same for Versace’s entire collection, as they all feature that iconic, regal print.
Boldened with gray meander, this luxurious spread features an intricate illustration of golden florets, trumpet-shaped spirals, and lion motifs in a mirrored pattern.
It goes without saying that the Versace La Coupe Des Dieux Beach Towel is made, well, for the beach. But if you’re not a fan of the poolside scene, this French terry spread can make for a decorative piece in your bathroom.
- Versace La Coupe Des Dieux Beach Towel, $424
#7 – Tom Ford Fabulous Cotton Beach Towel in Black
If the Louis Vuitton monogram and the Versace Greek-inspired print are too bold for your liking, then I’m sure that the Tom Ford Fabulous Cotton Beach Towel in Black is right up your alley.
Subtle in print, this monochrome spread showcases the brand’s logo in a slightly lighter shade if you care to squint. It’s definitely faint, which makes it the perfect humble brag.
Set in jacquard, the Tom Ford Fabulous Cotton Beach Towel in Black definitely gives me James Bond vibes. If anything, it reminds me of when Daniel Craig stepped out of the water in Casino Royale.
- Tom Ford Fabulous Cotton Beach Towel in Black, $441
#8 – Fendi Yellow Cotton Beach Towel
The Fendi Yellow Cotton Beach Towel is subtle in its own way if you count ‘big bird citrus’ lowkey. Offered in a bright hue, this poolside spread seems like an ordinary towel, but it’s decorated with the iconic Fendi logo in an offset color.
Of course, vibrant yellow isn’t for everybody, and thankfully this design is available in other options such as black, red, and brown.
The Fendi Yellow Cotton Beach Towel is one of the thick designer beach towels you can get on the market. It’s plush, velvety soft, and super absorbent for when you’re done wading in the waters.
- Fendi Yellow Cotton Beach Towel, $504
#9 – Balmain Paris Logo Beach Towel
The Balmain Paris Logo Beach Towel is the epitome of high society simplicity. Made out of 100% cotton, this plain but understated necessity features the brand’s trademark in black bold lettering on a white canvas. It’s subtle, but not. I’m sure anybody can spot this Balmain collectible a mile away.
We can imagine pairing the Paris Logo Beach Towel with a matching designer bikini in a super showy Instagram post. If you really want to make a statement, we suggest opting for a set of round designer beach towels to pair with your Balmain.
- Balmain Paris Logo Beach Towel, $210 (originally priced at $423)
#10 – Dsquared2 Logo Print Cotton Towel
Inspired by music and “playful sensuality,” the Dsquared2 Logo Print Cotton Towel practically screams Coachella vibes. This bright orange blanket is patterned with the brand’s trademark from top to bottom.
For an added pop of color, it features the DSquared2 logo in all black caps on the higher front. Spicy, bold, and daring, this towel ensures that all eyes stay on you while at the beach.
It’s worth noting that the Dsquared2 Logo Print Cotton Towel is also offered in black if you’re not a fan of orange. And psst, we’re awarding bonus points to those who decide to pair this beach necessity with the Icon Swim Trunks.
- Dsquared2 Logo Print Cotton Towel, $230
#11 – Dior Green Terry Cotton Jacquard Oblique Beach Towel
We’re getting some serious, rich 1940s housewife vibes from the Dior Green Terry Cotton Jacquard Oblique Beach Towel. Seemingly similar to the logo-printed Louis Vuitton and Fendi version, this poolside cover-up offers a diagonal pattern of crisscrossing D’s. It’s dyed in muted teal, which provides a sort of vintage feel to the entire look.
Constructed out of velvety smooth material, the Dior Green Terry Cotton Jacquard Oblique Beach Towel can help you feel all warm and cozy after a dip in the pool. Hats off to you if you decide to pair it with a retro swimsuit and a pair of vintage sunnies.
- Dior Green Terry Cotton Jacquard Oblique Beach Towel, currently unavailable
#12 – Totême x Browns 50 Biarritz Monogram-Print Beach Towel
We’re pretty sure it’s not what the brand intended, but don’t you get Squid Game vibes from the Totême x Browns 50 Biarritz Monogram-Print Beach Towel?
Patterned with triangles, circles, squares, and rectangles, we can already hear the “red light green light” song ringing in my ears. Aside from its familiar print, this yellow and white beach spread invites you to think of pineapple drinks and golden sandy beaches.
This cotton blanket would work wonderfully with a matching tote and a wide-brimmed sun hat. It’s not required for the look, but how about a yellow bird cocktail to pair with the Totême x Browns 50 Biarritz Monogram-Print Beach Towel?
- Totême x Browns 50 Biarritz Monogram-Print Beach Towel, $134
Which Designer Beach Towels will Show the Least Dirt?
From the best designer beach towels we’ve featured so far, it seems that none of them offer water-resistant properties.
But, if you’re looking to minimize the appearance of dirt, we’d say that the Totême x Browns 50 Biarritz Monogram-Print, the Dsquared2 Logo Print, and the Louis Vuitton Monogram beach towels will definitely do the trick.
All three options are bright and busy enough to shield any sand particles that may blow over. Black towels, like the Tom Ford version, may help cover any dirt smears due to its dark shade, but if it’s white sand, you may run into dusty territory.
We recommend staying far from white alternatives if you can. Those are especially hard to clean.
Which designer Beach Towels are the Largest?
By far, the Tom Ford Fabulous Cotton Beach Towel in Black and the Stone Island Tonal Logo blanket are the largest out of the bunch.
From the designs we’ve featured, it seems that a standard cotton spread is around 90 cm in width x 150 cm in length. Both of these options are slightly bigger, which makes them ideal for taller people.
Again, it’s important to consider your overall measurements when picking a towel. If you happen to be below 4” tall and average weight, chances are that all of the best designer beach towels we’ve covered are quite large, given your size.
Which Designer Beach Towels are Made From the Best Materials?
The best designer beach towels are made out of a mix of jacquard and terry cloth. This includes the Alexander McQueen Black Skull Beach blanket and the Hermès Jaquar Quetzal poolside spread.
Obviously, more ‘functional’ designs come with microfiber textiles and offer water-resistant properties. But on the ‘luxury’ side, you’re paying mostly for the brand name outside of practicality. Of course, we’re not saying that all of the options we’ve featured aren’t useful in the slightest.
Aside from material type, it’s crucial that you account for fabric thickness. An ideal blanket should be thick enough to absorb lots of moisture.
Which Designer Beach Towels are the Most Affordable?
The Totême x Browns 50 Biarritz Monogram-Print Beach Towel, the Kenzo Logo Print blanket, and the Balmain Paris Logo cotton spread are the most affordable. They offer a price range from $107 to $210, which is quite agreeable given the lineup of $400+ best designer beach towels we’ve featured so far.
Obviously, it’s important to weigh the product’s value against its cost. Sometimes it’s worth settling on a more expensive version, like the $504 Fendi Yellow Cotton Beach Towel, if you want something thicker.
How Should I Care for my Designer Beach Towel?
The best designer beach towels are mostly machine washable. Since they’re quite expensive, you should treat them like delicates. With machines set to warm or cold water, cotton blankets must be washed in detergent and air-dried to minimize shrinking.
Customers should separate them from their regular load, as beach towels are usually dirted with sand.
All beach towels come with a care label, so it’s best to follow the brand’s instructions if you’re unsure on how to best clean them.
Final Thoughts
A good designer beach towel should make you excited to hit the waters. Whether it’s an exotic resort or the community pool, you deserve to feel like a Baywatch cast member.
Bold logos, prints, and colors help separate trendsetters from tourists, but that shouldn’t mean you have to always settle for vibrant and loud. Take, for example, the Tom Ford beach blanket we’ve covered previously.
So kick back, relax, and use this guide as an excuse to plan (or dream) your next exotic getaway. No matter what design you choose, you can take care knowing that the best designer beach towels we’ve featured so far are all hot girl summer appropriate.
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