Beach towels Australia: 11 of the best to buy for summer

You may not consider the humble beach towel as a statement piece, but you surely can't deny the happiness that strolling onto the sand and unfurling a brand new towel under the shade of the beach umbrella provides. If a beach towel is something you don't put a lot of thought into buying, it's time to make a new habit and explore some of the best beach towels on the market in Australia.

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Oftentimes, when we opt for the towel that's on sale or has a cute pattern, you may be left feeling let down when your towel gathers sand, becomes thin or is totally ineffective at drying you off after a dip.

This summer, it's time to upgrade to a towel that not only does the job, but looks good whilst doing it. Scroll down for our picks that tick the boxes when it comes to style, practicality and budget.

Image: Nic Gossage / aremediasyndication.com.au

1. Candy stripes towel, $99, Hommey

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Made from organic Turkish cotton, Hommey's premium range of beach towels marry comfort and style. Extra dense piling make these towels durable and perfectly soft; while with 18 fun colours to choose from, there's a towel for every occasion and taste.

2. Aquatico beach towel in aubergine, $74.99, on sale $52.49, Sheridan

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This 100 per cent cotton velour/terry design features a Jacquard spliced stripe design that truly gives us Neapolitan ice cream vibes – perfect for summer! Beachside or poolside, you'll be bathing in style with this quality Sheridan towel.

3. Emma Stenhouse x Vue Mountain Star beach towel, $59.95, on sale $25, Myer

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Titled Mountain Star, this soft cotton beach towel features an intricately beautiful design by indigenous artist Emma Stenhouse, who is on a journey to become more connected with her Ngarrindjeri heritage.

4. Saarde sun beach towel, $69, The Iconic

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So much more than a towel, this gorgeous summer accessory is perfect for long afternoons by the sea, where you can snuggle under it once the sun starts to fade. Designed in Australia and handmade in Turkey with 100 per cent Turkish cotton, this towel can also be used for bathing and travel.

5. Sand-free cabana towel, $40.57, The Beach People

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Sand-free, earth-friendly, fade-resistant: this towel is all you'll ever need for your beachside, summer days. Made from 100% cotton, the top is sand-repellent and the underside is terry towelling, meaning you have the best of both worlds.

6. Ozoola Beachlife waffle beach towel in charcoal, $59, SurfStitch

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Love the waffle towel trend? Take it to the beach with this Ozoola Beachlife tasselled towel. Made from 100 per cent Turkish cotton, this charcoal towel is ultra-soft to the touch, so you'll love spending your day lazing on it in the sun.

7. Turkisk Murkish Cabarita Turkish towel, $89.95, The Iconic

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If thinner (but still equally as effective), Turkish towels are your thing, add this neutral-shade towel to your basket. Made from 100 per cent Buldan cotton in a jacquard weave and loomed in Turkey, this towel is quick-drying and lightweight, making it easy to fit in your favourite beach bag.

8. Wave Zone terry beach towel in Hudson stripe, $19, Big W

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Picnics, but take them beachside. This rainbow printed towel with fringing is reminiscent of days spent sharing food from a wicker basket. Perfect for sunbathing or lounging, take this bright towel with you on your next beach trip.

9. Sylvatica adult beach poncho, $129.99, on sale $77.99, Sheridan

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Whoever said hooded towels are only for kids hasn't seen Sheridan's take. This adult-sized poncho is the only accessory you need; keeping you warm while drying you off with its terry reverse. The print features a vibrant, oversized, abstract foliage pattern that will definitely stand you miles apart from other beachgoers (in the best way!).

10. Greg Natale Positano beach towel, $99.95, The Iconic

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Made from 100 per cent cotton, and available in pink or blue, these luxurious towels are inspired by the Amalfi Coast. Make a stylish statement the next time you make a trip to the beach or staying cool poolside.