The best beach towels have a few things in common: They’re large enough for comfortable, sand-free lounging; absorbent enough to hold up to multiple dips in the ocean; and good-looking enough to pair with that swimsuit you spent so much time picking out. With that in mind, here are our favorite quality beach towels to stow in your bag this summer. 

1. The Beach People La Plage Roundie Beach Towel ($99)

The Beach People started the round beach towel trend in 2013, and it’s no surprise so many designers have emulated it since. The original Roundie is a treasure, and the La Plage version is one of the best beach towels on the market. With its playful fringe border and spritz-colored stripes, it looks more like a bohemian throw than a towel.

2. Zayla Montauk Cotton Towel ($49)

It’s not often we think of a towel as head-turning, but this one deserves the compliment. The Montauk’s bold, maze-like, coral pattern makes it one of the coolest beach towels of the season. And it’s actually useful too: The sturdy cotton spread absorbs water between swims and doubles as a cover-up for evening bonfires. 

3. ARTIGA Striped Terry Towel ($68)

Large beach towels are key if you have a big group or simply want more room to sprawl out. Lazing on ARTIGA’s oversize Basque-striped cotton throw is the next best thing to a European getaway.

4. Zayla Kash Bamboo Towel ($49)

Pro tip: Next time bring two towels to the beach — one for drying off after jumping in the waves and one for spreading over your lounger. Zayla’s cotton-bamboo towel is lightweight, dries quickly and (conveniently) comes in two perfectly beachy colors. 

5. The Beach People Adventurer Travel Towel ($40)

The best beach towels can’t be confined to the shore. Beach People’s Adventurer Travel Towel has terry cloth on one side for drying off and a flat weave on the other for picnics, camping trips and outdoor concerts. Keep this one in the trunk of your car.