Dread having to play a game of organisational Tetris trying to get your towel into your gym bag? Then opt for a gym towel instead of bringing your bulky bathroom [1] hand towel to your next workout class [2]. Gym towels are portable and typically made of microfibre or cotton, ensuring that your slippery sweat doesn't interrupt your routine [3].
From the swimmer who needs to dry off before heading to the office to the outdoor runner who wants to keep their belongings discreetly tucked away, we've listed the best gym towels for your active needs, including those sweat-dripping HIIT workouts [4]. From compact cotton towels to microfibre ones that also serve as mini gym bags, keep scrolling to find your gym towel.
Eco-Friendly Towel: Facesoft Active Green Eco Sweat Towel
Facesoft's Active Green Eco Sweat Towel [5] ($10, originally $17) is made of a sweat-absorbing cotton material. While it's biodegradable the towel won't disintegrate after your HIIT workout.
Cooling Towel: Sukeen 4-Pack Cooling Towels
Sukeen's set of four Cooling Towels [6] ($16) can be activated by soaking the towels in cold water, ringing the water out, then putting it wherever you need to cool down. Each 40-inch-long towel also has UPF sun protection built in, so feel free to drape it over your shoulders during an afternoon power walk to keep you cool and your skin shielded from the sun.
Anti-Slip Towel: Manduka Equa Yoga Hand Towel
Whether you're getting down on the mat for some sweaty mountain climbers or to do a yoga flow, Manduka's Equa Yoga Hand Towel [7] ($15) is made of sueded fabric that will prevent you from sliding all over your mat.
All-in-One Pack of Towels: Olimpiafit 3-Pack of Quick Dry Towels
Olimpiafit Quick Dry Towels [8] ($20) comes in a set of three so that you have a towel that's the perfect size for every workout. Wipe your sweaty palms on the small towel (15 by 15 inches) before getting a secure grip on your dumbbells, use the medium size (15 by 30 inches) to quickly wick away sweat during a bike ride, and grab the large one (30 by 50 inches) to towel off after a swim.
Compact Towel: Lululemon The Small Towel
The 26-inch-long Lululemon The Small Towel [9] ($22) tightly rolls up smaller than a mini water bottle. This compact towel will easily slip into your gym bag or back pocket.
Easy to Store Towel: Acteon 5-Pack Microfibre Gym Towels
Each of the five Acteon Microfibre Gym Towels [10] ($20) has a loop attached in the top corner of the towel. Use the loop to hang your towel up at the gym or to securely roll it up before throwing the towel in your bag.
Outdoor Workout Towel: Bagail Basics Microfibre Camping Towel
Bagail Basics's Microfibre Camping Towel [11] ($9 to $22) is made for outdoor workouts. Each towel — available in sizes XX-Small (12 by 24 inches) to XXX-Large (40 by 80 inches) — has a zipper pocket so you can tuck your valuables away in your towel while you workout. Plus, the it comes with a carrying case that's equipped with a zipper and handle.