The best microfibre towels: quick drying, compact towels for taking to the gym and pool

Take the stress out of travelling, swimming and working out and swap your regular cotton towel for a microfibre towel. Fast-absorbing and quick-drying, they are super convenient to take on the go with you, and their lightweight design won’t weigh you or your gym bag down.

We at The Recommended have done our research and have rounded up some of our favourite, and the best, microfibre towels below.

The best microfibre towels at-a-glance:

• Best multipurpose towel: Fit-Flip Microfibre Towel
• Best large microfibre towel: Big Jim Microfibre Towel
• Best compact microfibre towel: Rainberg Microfibre Towel
• Best towel for frequent use: Eeno Microfibre Towel
• Best luxury microfibre towel: Dock & Bay Microfibre Beach Towel
• Best skin-friendly towel: Invool Microfibre Towel
• Best beach microfibre towel: Winthome Microfibre Beach Towel
• Best portable microfibre towel: 4Monster Microfibre Towel
• Best versatile towel: The Little Bodhi Microfibre Towel

The best microfibre towels

Best multipurpose towel: Fit-Flip Microfibre Towel

Super light and durable

Swimming, gyming, or travelling? Pop this ultra-lightweight microfibre towel in your bag and have all your adventures covered.

Made from a durable but velvety soft material, this microfibre towel is fast-absorbing and quick-drying, with anti-bacterial effects to avoid any nasty odours. It features a handy press stud for hanging and a small mesh bag to pack away into. Available in more than ten colours and machine washable.

Bet large microfibre towel: Big Jim Microfibre Towel

Full coverage

This XL microfibre towel will give full coverage to adults of all shapes and sizes and is an ideal option for taking to the gym or swimming pool.

Made from a tight-weave microfibre material, it will absorb more than eight times the amount of water than a regular towel and is quick drying for your convenience. This microfibre towel is only 2mm thick, folding up small and without weighing your bag down on the move. Machine washable.

Best compact microfibre towel: Rainberg Microfibre Towel

Light and gentle on the skin

Make this microfibre towel your workout buddy, take it camping or backpacking with you, or lie out on the beach with it for a super absorbent and fast-drying option.

Designed using an 80% polyester, 20% polyamide blend, this microfibre towel is ultra-soft with antibacterial properties and is machine washable. It weighs five times less than a regular towel, has a useful hanging hoop, and packs up compactly into its own nifty carry bag.

Best towel for frequent use: Eeno Microfibre Towel

Complete with its own carry case

Save space and weight while on the move with this super compact and lightweight towel, made from an eco-friendly microfibre that will withstand usage over and over again.

This microfibre towel is finished with an antibacterial treatment to eliminate bacterial growth and an odour-resistant technology to keep things fresh and mould-free. It will absorb water quickly and efficiently and has a useful snap-hanging loop for drying, as well as a zipper pocket for storing your keys and phone.

Best luxury microfibre towel: Dock & Bay Microfibre Beach Towel

With an elastic hook for hanging

Use this microfibre towel at the beach, by the pool, or in your bathroom for a convenient drying option with a smooth, soft touch.

Made from 100% recycled material, a mix of 83% polyester and 17% polyamide, this microfibre towel is environmentally friendly and dries at triple the speed of a standard towel. It is highly water-absorbent and sand-resistant and folds up into a small pouch for easy transportation. Available in multiple designs and colours.

Best skin-friendly towel: Invool Microfibre Towel

Super soft and long-lasting

This microfibre towel is ideal for travel, sports and outdoor activities, absorbing up to three times the amount of its own weight of water.

Made from a high-quality suede microfibre, this towel is super soft and provides a comfortable feel against the skin. It is durable and fast-drying to prevent mildew and germs, complete with a press button strap.

Best beach microfibre towel: Winthome Microfibre Beach Towel

Bright and handy

Spend days at the beach accompanied by this colourful microfibre towel, doubling up as a beach mat that keeps you dry.

This extra-large design is ideal to lay out and sunbathe on, keeping you sand-free and air-drying in less than ten minutes, thanks to its quick-absorbing and fast-drying material. It will keep odour free, fold down neatly and has a waterproof pouch for taking on the go.

Best portable microfibre towel: 4Monster Microfibre Towel

Choose from multiple colours

Dry up or wipe away sweat with this multifunctional microfibre towel, instantly drying and ready to reuse. It can also function as a mat or be wrapped over yourself as a blanket.

This towel is ideal for people on the go, whether travelling or exercising and has a useful travel case with a handle for the ultimate portability. The towel is soft and delicate, sensitive to all skin types, and features antibacterial technology to ward off any germs and bad odours.

Best versatile towel: The Little Bodhi Microfibre Towel

Compact and convenient

This microfibre towel is ideal for sweating out at the gym, swimming at the beach, taking camping, or using at your next pilates class.

With its antibacterial properties, this towel is ultra-hygienic and odour-proof and super easy and lightweight to carry on the go with you. Its soft suede feel is comfortable on the skin and is available in multiple colours. A handy carry pouch is included for your convenience.

What exactly is a microfibre towel?

A microfibre towel is made up of tiny little fine fibres, typically of a synthetic material, which absorbs water very quickly and dries a lot faster than a regular towel.

When is best to use a microfibre towel?

Microfibre towels are super versatile. Below are a few ideas of when they are great to be used:

• At the gym
• Swimming
• Outdoors
• Travelling
• Camping
• At the beach

What features should you look for in a microfibre towel?

• Fast-absorbing and quick-drying
• Compact and lightweight
• Complete with a hanging hook and carry bag

How should you wash a microfibre towel?

Most microfibre towels are machine washable, and it is advisable to wash them separately from other items in order to avoid the different fabrics and colours mixing. Always check the care instructions.

If you would like to read more expert-recommended fitness round-ups, check out our Fitness page for a full list of recommendations, including the best swimming goggles, the best running headphones, and the best steppers.