The best beach towels for summer 2026
6th Nov 2025
Still using an old towel that never dries and brings half the sand home with it? You’re missing out.
The best beach towels for summer are more than just dry-and-go. They’re oversized, soft, absorbent, and stylish — designed to upgrade every summer adventure.
Whether you’re a solo lounger, a family of four, or someone with serious style who wants their towel to double as an accessory, there’s a Canningvale towel with your name on it.
Here’s our roundup of the best Australian beach towels for Summer 2026 — and why each one deserves a spot in your beach bag.
Best Australian beach towels: summer 2026
Best overall beach towel: Extra Large Cabana Grande
• Extra-large (100 x 180cm + fringing)
• Classic cabana stripe in timeless colours
• Absorbent terry front & reverse, 100% cotton
• Oeko-Tex certified → safe for the whole family
Why it wins: The results are in. Bigger is better. The Cabana Grande is plush, stylish, and endlessly practical. If you’re looking for the best extra-large beach towels this summer, Cabana Grande is perfect for every occasion, from sandy beach days to backyard lounging.
Our Picks
Best stylish beach towel: Extra Large Positana Grande
• Extra-large (100 x 180cm + fringing)
• Jewel-toned cotton terry with hand-knotted fringing
• Ultra-soft with luxe detailing
• Oeko-Tex certified for peace of mind
Why it wins: If you’ve been searching for the best luxury beach towel this summer, Positana is luxe enough to nap on, absorbent enough for swim sessions, chic enough to be your summer signature. Positana Grande is the towel for style lovers.
Our Picks
Best sand-resistant beach towel: Extra Large Sorrentina Grande
• Sand-resistant velour front, absorbent terry reverse
• Oversized at 100 x 180cm
• Easy to shake out, soft to touch
Why it wins: Practical meets stylish. The perfect sand-free towel for the beach. Shake it out once and you’re done. Perfect for serious beachgoers (and car owners who hate vacuuming sand).
Our Picks
Best colour range: Cabana Striped Towels
• Available in 12+ colours (from Sunshine Yellow to Oceano Teal)
• Soft cotton terry, absorbent & durable
• Iconic cabana stripes for that classic coastal look
• Perfect range for matching family beach towels
Why it wins: If you’re looking for the best colourful beach towel this summer, our Striped Cabana Towels come in endless colours that mean everyone in the family gets their own. Perfect for avoiding mix-ups at the pool or the beach.
Our Picks
Best Mid-Size Beach Towel: Sorrentina Velour
• 80 x 160cm — ideal balance of size & portability
• Sand-resistant velour + absorbent terry
• Bold patterns, timeless colours
Why it wins: Plush, practical, and holiday-ready. A just-right towel for swimmers who want quality without going oversized.
Our Picks
Best beach towel for kids: Como Kids Towel
• Poncho style with hood + fringing
• Extra coverage for a more sun-safe beach towel
• Pre-washed cotton for extra softness
• Fits ages 3–8
• Best kid-friendly beach towel
Why it wins: Cute and clever. Keeps kids warm, dry, and sun-safe. Parents love them as much as kids do.
Our Picks
Bonus: Best Gift-Worthy Towels
Beach towels make amazing gifts. Especially for that I-have-no-idea-what-to-buy-for-them Christmas gift. Here are our top suggestions for the best beach towels to give as gifts:
• For couples: Positana or Cabana = Positana for the luxe lover, Cabana for the classic
• For families: Mix & match Striped Cabana colours + a Como Kids towel
• For entertainers: Sorrentina Grande can double as a picnic rug for fish n’ chips on the beach
Gifting sorted: Shop Beach Towels
How to Care for Your Beach Towel
Here’s how to make sure your new favourite beach towel stays fresh all summer long:
• Wash before first use for maximum absorbency
• Shake out sand before washing
• Wash cold, avoid fabric softener (it reduces absorbency)
• Line dry whenever possible
Related read: How Often Should You Wash Your Towels?
FAQs
Q: What size are Canningvale’s beach towels?
Our Grande range is 100 x 180cm. Up to 50% bigger than standard towels.
Q: Are Canningvale beach towels sand-free?
Our Sorrentina towels feature clever and innovative manufacturing that makes it easy to shake the sand out — no more taking half the beach home with you.
Q: Which beach towel is best for families?
Striped Cabana Towels. Everyone picks their own colour (bonus: they look great in family photos!).
Q: Which beach towel is most luxurious?
The Positana Grande. Jewel tones, velour finish, and luxe fringing.
Whether you’re chasing waves, lounging poolside, or packing for a family day out, Canningvale has the perfect towel for Summer 2026. From oversized Grande luxury to kid-friendly Como, every towel is crafted from premium cotton and Oeko-Tex certified. Australian beach towels made for Australian summers.