Beach Towels vs. Bath Towels: What’s the Difference?

Do you actually need separate towels for the beach and bathroom? We've got the perfect solution.

Whether you're heading to the beach or jumping in the shower, most of us know to reach for our designated towel for that activity. Not much thought goes into it, right? You have your beach towels, and you have your bath towels. But why?

What actually is the difference between a beach towel and a bath towel and why aren't we just use the same towels interchangeably? Do we ACTUALLY need different towels for different purposes or is it simply a marketing ploy that results in our linen cupboards overflowing?

We're here to tell you there is actually a difference between the two designs, but we've also found the perfect solution.

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What is the difference between a beach towel and a bath towel?

Size

When you're poolside or at the beach, you generally want a towel that's big enough to lie on and provide you with coverage. The average beach towel size 76cm by 152cm which gives you more space for both. Because you don't need the same coverage indoors, the average bath towel size is approximately 70cm by 140cm, making them more storage efficient.

Dry time and thickness

Bath towels are typically extra thick and fluffy. This creates plushness and comfort for drying off after a shower and also greatly increases their absorptivity.

Beach towels tend to be thinner which makes them quicker to dry so you can continuously wrap up in them and lounge on top of them throughout the day.

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Aesthetics

Beach towels typically feature brighter colours and more patterns than bath towels. People often use beach towels as a way to express their personal style and preferences, whereas bath towels tend to have more subdued colours and patterns to match a home's existing decor.

Texture and durability

Bath towels tend to be soft, absorbent, and luxurious in feel. But if you take one with you to the beach or pool you'll probably notice that the texture begins to feel different as a result of the sand, salt, chlorine, and debris. Exposure to saltwater and chlorine can be harsh on fabrics and may cause colours to fade and weaken the fibres over time.

The materials of a beach towel tend to be more durable and are designed specifically to resist these side effects.

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Can you use the same towels for the beach and bathroom?

Given the above, it makes sense to have separate bath and beach towels. Using bath towels at the beach can be done, but it might be more practical to invest in dedicated beach towels that are designed to withstand the unique conditions and are easier to maintain.

But, the good news is, we've designed the perfect towel with versatility in mind that will take you from bath to beach!

Our brand-new terry weave towels are the perfect solution for not filling your linen cupboard full of towels and doubling up on products. These chic yet playful towels are fabricated with a traditional terry weave in the 100% French flax linen you know and love.

They're soft to the touch, durable, absorbent, quick-drying, and a generous 170 x 170cm in size so you can lounge on dry plushness all day or comfortably and quickly dry off after a shower.

The retro-revived check print will make a chic statement in your bathroom or add a playful pattern to your beach look.