It’s the underrated staple that your gym bag is missing, the humble towel may just be the most important piece of kit in your arsenal.
Any HIIT enthusiast worth their salt needs a hyper-absorbant towel on hand to push on further and harder with no interference.
When it comes to gym towels, you'll want something that blends functionality with comfort, ensuring that your workout remains uninterrupted by the minor inconvenience of sweat, even during the most intense of workouts.
Which means material is, above all, paramount. A high-quality gym towel is typically made from microfibre, renowned for its quick-drying properties and lightweight nature. Unlike cotton, which can be bulky and slow to dry, microfibre towels are designed to wick moisture efficiently, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout your session.
Another material to consider is bamboo. Towels crafted from bamboo fibres are not only soft but also naturally antibacterial – a crucial feature when you're dealing with gym equipment used by many. They're also eco-friendly, a nod to our growing environmental consciousness.
The size of the towel is another consideration. It should be large enough to lay on equipment for hygiene purposes but compact enough to not be a burden during your workout. A good gym towel will strike the right balance between coverage and convenience.
Features including pockets can be another game-changer. A small zippered pocket can secure your locker key or membership card, which means no scrambling around at the end of the workout looking for a lost key on the floor.
Lastly, pay attention to the weave of the towel. A waffle weave can increase surface area and enhance the towel's ability to absorb sweat, while a tight, flat weave might be more durable in the long run.
We've rounded up all of the best gym towels below
Eono Microfibre Towel
The Eono Microfibre Towel is impressively compact. Do you know how annoying it is to lug around a bulky towel that takes up half your gym bag? Say goodbye to that hassle because this towel folds up so small, that you’ll forget it’s even there. But don’t let its petite parcel fool you. It’s super absorbent and can hold up to four times its weight in water, and it dries impressively fast too. So, after a sweaty gym session, you won’t have to deal with that damp towel smell lingering in your bag. It’s made from a high-quality soft suede microfibre, which is not only gentle on the skin but also hypoallergenic and comes with an antibacterial treatment.
Buy now £12.74, Amazon
Adidas Must Have towel
The Adidas Must Have towel is made from 100 per cent cotton, which means it's not just soft and comfy, but also absorbent. So whether you're wiping off a serious sweat session or just drying your hands, it's got you covered. And it's not just any cotton: it's part of the Better Cotton Initiative, which is all about sustainability. Size-wise, it's perfect for draping over your shoulders or laying out on a bench. It's lightweight and durable, so it won't weigh you down or wear out anytime soon.
Buy now £35.00, Adidas
Duncan Stewart Personalised Ladies Gym Towel
If you're a fan of workout classes or any kind of set-up where your sweaty gym towel can easily get mixed up with someone else's, you'll know how valuable personalisation can be. Enter: this Personalised Ladies Gym Towel. Made from 100 per cent cotton, this terry towelling sweat towel comes personalised with a font and colour of your choice to make the perfect workout accessory without any mixing up involved.
Buy now £19.86, NotOnTheHighStreet
Lululemon The Towel
If you're on the hunt for something a little more luxe, Lululemon's The Towel is one of the best gym towels around for quality and quantity. Whether it's soaking up sweat during hot yoga classes or drying off post-shower, this absorbent microfibre towel handles it all. Use it as a top layer on your yoga mat or bring it along after a workout to keep you feeling fresh.
Buy now £35.00, Lululemon
Dock & Bay Quick Cool Gym Towel - Bondi Blue
Loved by golfers, runners and beachgoers alike, this blue and white stripy towel offers something a little more vibrant than your usual gym towel. Its dual-layered cooling technology comes with added jadestone to keep you cool for up to six hours, and its snap-away fabric promises to keep you looking (almost) fresh out of the shower clean until you've got time to head for an actual shower.
Buy now £14.40, Amazon
Gymshark Sweat Towel
Gymshark's Sweat Towel is made with microfibre material, making it perfect to use in the sweatiest of training sessions. It’s also easy to fold so you can fit it in your gym bag and still leave room for your shakes, shoes and sportswear. While it's small, it promises to soak up all of your post-gym perspiration with ease.
Buy now £14.89, Gymshark
Sukeen Cooling Towel
This Sukeen Cooling Towel often makes the cut when it comes to the best gym towels and it's easy to see why. Perfect for the most intense sessions when you just can’t catch your breath, it's made of high-density cooling mesh microfibre, which is silky soft, pliable and comfortable. These towels can absorb water and sweat and promise to keep you dry at all times. Its cooling nature makes it perfect for taking away on holidays: simply soak it, wring it, snap it and wrap it to make use of the cooling benefits.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Fit-Flip Microfibre towel
The Fit-Flip Microfibre towel is both compact and lightweight and acts like a sponge. It dries you off in no time and then dries itself out just as fast, while also being dirt-repellent: a real bonus when you're laying it down on less-than-spotless gym benches. The best part? It's durable and sand-free so you can take it to the beach, and you won't bring half the beach home with you. The material is a blend of 88 per cent polyester and 12 per cent polyamide, giving it a soft feel yet ensuring it’s tough enough to withstand frequent washes.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Vakki Cooling Towel
The Vakki Cooling Towel is made from a magic material that's soft, lightweight and breathable all at once. It's absorbent and hyper-evaporates, which means it's designed to keep you cool for hours. It's also made without any harsh chemicals in the composition, so it's safe for your skin and eco-friendly. Just soak it, wring it out, give it a snap, and voilà: instant cooling relief that lasts. It's perfect for all kinds of sports and exercises, whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, or even out fishing.
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
Nike ACG Running Towel
Designed for runners in particular, this Nike gym towel promises to help you do your best running in all conditions. Made from breathable and soft cotton terry, it keeps you dry and distraction-free as you tackle the trail, path or track. Made entirely from cotton, it's ideal for those with sensitive skin and comes in two colours to suit all personalities and running gear.
Buy now £55.99, Nike
Verdict
Budget-friendly, available in a huge range of colours and impressively quick drying, this Eono Microfibre Towel takes our top spot when it comes to the best gym towels.
