When summertime rolls in and the days get hot enough that you need to cool off from the blazing heat, nothing beats packing up and heading to the beach for a day spent along the ocean shore. But before you grab just any old towel from the linen closet, stop and consider if you can use a bath towel as a beach towel.
Fundamentally, you can use a bath towel as a beach towel if that’s all you have. But if you’re looking to make the most of your beach day, using a towel specifically designed for the sand and surf will give you a much more enjoyable experience. And that is a beach towel.
Most folks are guilty of assuming that all towels are the same and that there is no distinction between a beach towel and a bath towel. But the truth is, some key differences make beach towels ideal for use at the shore. Let’s deep dive into beach towels vs. bath towels to see what sets them apart.
The Distinction Between A Bath Towel And A Beach Towel
Although it’s not like using a bath towel will spoil your day at the beach, many beachgoers are unaware of the distinctions between beach towels and bath towels. However, a beach towel is unquestionably preferable, and here’s why!
The Size Of The Beach Towels Matters
Beach towels are generally much more extensive than bath towels. Why does size matter? When it comes to beach towels, bigger is better! A larger towel means more coverage, ideal for lying on the sand or drying off after a swim. Let’s get super technical here; bath towels range from 27 X 52 inches to 30 X 58 inches, while your beach towel will be about 40 inches X 70 inches!
Thick Towel On A Beach?
Luxury is the norm in the bathroom, and bath towels are typically thicker. You don’t want to risk getting a cold when exiting the bath with damp skin—thicker towels aid in absorbing more water, preventing prolonged saturation of your body.
Thick towels take longer to dry, which is a drawback—no issue in the bathroom, but a significant problem at the beach.
After an afternoon swim, it wouldn’t be wonderful to wrap your body in a moist, squishy towel! It would help if you had a towel that would dry quickly and shield you from the sand. A beach towel comes in handy; it will dry while providing warmth and protection from the elements.
The Texture Of The Towels Differs
The terrycloth weave is the most popular for bath towels. The loops in the fabric are great for absorbing water but not so great when it comes to sand. The sand will stick to the loops and become embedded in the material. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it’s also challenging to remove.
On the other hand, a beach towel has a smoother weave that repels sand. When you finish at the beach, you have to give your towel a shake, and the sand will fall right off.
The Colors Of Beach and Bath Towels
Bath towels come in various colors to match any bathroom decor. But when it comes to beach towels, the brighter, the better! The most typical beach towels include vibrant colors, prints, and designs. They can even have a replica of great artwork, making them the ideal canvas to display your sense of style. A brightly colored towel is easier to spot on a crowded beach. So, go for colorful beach towels, or choose custom-printed beach towels for the entire family.
The Portability Of The Towels
Bath towels are bulky and often too large to fit in a beach bag. On the other hand, you can easily fold and tuck away a beach towel. Most beach towels are lightweight fabrics so they won’t weigh down your bag. They’re also compact, so you can take more than one without feeling like you’re lugging around a ton of extra weight.
There’s a Price Gap Between The Towels
Beach towels are generally less expensive than bath towels, which makes sense when considering their purpose. They don’t need to be as luxurious as bath towels and don’t have to match your bathroom’s color scheme. As a result, It’s easy to find some fantastic deals on beach towels.
Are Bath Towels More Durable Than Beach Towels?
Bath towels last for years with proper care. You can wash them frequently without fear of wear and tear. On the other hand, beach towels have a thinner fabric that isn’t as durable. The sun, sand, and saltwater can take their toll, causing the material to break down and the colors to fade. If you want your beach towel to last, be sure to follow the care instructions carefully.
What Is the Alternative Of A Beach Towel?
A 100% Turkish cotton towel is a great alternative to a beach towel. It contains all the properties needed in a beach towel—lightweight, compact, quick-drying, and sand-repellent. Plus, it’s incredibly soft and the best option for people with sensitive skin.
The fabric on the Turkish cotton towel is durable and will last for years with proper care. The colors won’t fade, and the material won’t break down from sun exposure or salt water.
Turkish towels are ideal for a beach sarong, a beach blanket, or a beach cover-up.
When Do I Need A Bath Towel Instead Of A Beach Towel?
If you’re going to swim for an extended period. A bath towel is more absorbent than a beach towel, so it’s ideal for drying off after a long swim. It doesn’t mean that beach towels aren’t porous. After swimming, beach towels are an excellent method to dry off, but they won’t dry you off as thoroughly as a bath towel.
You need a bath towel if you want something that will do an excellent job drying your body. Bath towels can handle more water than beach towels.
However, a beach towel is all you need if you’re just going for a quick dip. Beach towels are perfect for sunbathing, picnics, and other activities where you won’t be swimming for long periods.
Conclusion
Again, you can use a bath towel as a beach towel; but be aware of the limitations. A beach towel is more compact and lightweight, dries quickly, is more extensive, and is less expensive. A bath towel is more absorbent and durable. Your preference depends on your activities. Choose the towel that best suits your needs.
Now that you know the difference between beach and bath towels, it’s time to hit the sand!
References
- https://www.quora.com/Can-my-bath-towel-be-a-beach-towel
- https://gizmodo.com/there-is-a-right-and-a-wrong-way-to-use-a-beach-towel-5937273
- https://www.quora.com/What-do-you-think-about-turk%C4%B1sh-towels
