Which towel to choose for swimming?

A towel is a vital piece of equipment for anyone taking part in water based activities – sometimes more than one will be required in the case of swimming competitions.
Therefore, having good quality but lightweight, compact and absorbent towels to fit into your bag is very important.

Ponchos have become increasing popular since the restriction on changing due to COVID 19 as they offer a way to change without using changing facilities.

There are a few types of towel and poncho on the market and each has its’ own benefit.

We have tried and tested many types and have developed clear favourites which we have shared links to purchase below.

This guide explains the different types and how to choose the best for you.

Microfibre towels

These towels are increasingly popular amongst swimmers of all levels and abilities. Microfibre towels are made of synthetic fibres which are much thinner than traditional cotton fibres with a higher surface area which makes is far more absorbent. This higher surface area also exposes more moisture to the air so these towels dry quickly.

The thinner fibres also mean these towels are very compact when folded meaning you could pack several into your swimming bag, if required.

Our favourite microfibre towels are of a suede-like appearance. They are highly absorbant, easy to wash and air dry very quickly whilst remaining soft, eliminating the need to tumble dry.

Microfibre towels come in a range bright colours to suit every taste. We have found towels of size 80cm x 160cm to be the most useful size, they are large enough to cover and adult comfortably but remain lightweight enough to be used by children.

Towels of 70cm x 140cm are also a good size for children and teens however you may find them just that little bit narrow for a larger adult.

Microfibre towels in both sizes are very popular and are relatively inexpensive to purchase.

Sports towel (chamois)

These towels are made of soft polyvinyl and are small squares of extremely absorbent chamois. They were very popular amongst divers to dry off between dives but their popularity has extended to swimmers and other sports.
Their small size means they take up hardly any room in your swim bag and in order to remain absorbent they should be kept moist, therefore they come in their own plastic case.
These towels are commonly used in warmer climates and can be particularly useful in a competition environment.

Turkish towels

Turkish towels are becoming increasingy popular as a towel and quite rightly so, we absolutely love them for their absorbancy, size and all round versatility.

The best Turkish towels are made in Turkey from 100% Turkish cotton which has extra long fibres, flat woven which become delightfully soft and absorbant the more they are used as well as remaining sand free.

Turkish towels are lightweight and extremely compact when folded making them ideal for carrying. Again we love the large size, Turkish towels for bath or beach are usually 100cm x 180cm, large enough for an adult but lightweight enough for a child to use with ease.

Turkish towels are easy to wash and tumble drying is not recommended, these towels air dry very quickly making them perfect for poolside or travelling.

They come in a range of colours and designs to suit most tastes, all usually have a distinctive fringe at either end.

Authentic Turkish towels are not a budget towel, but their use and durability is well worth it and you will wonder how you managed for so long without one!

Changing ponchos

Ponchos have become extremely popular over the past year with the restrictions on pool facilities due to COVID 19.

Ponchos are oversized robes which offer enough space for you to change underneath easily without the need to use poolside changing rooms.

They can be made of many different materials depending on your choice. These range from a soft terry material which is both moisture absorbing in the way of a traditional towel and warm when first put on, Microfibre material which has the same absorbant, lightweight properties of the microfibre towel and ponchos are now also available made in Turkish towel.

Some have a waterproof outer layer which means you can dry off and change comfortably underneath them, even outside in the coldest and wettest of weathers.

Ponchos can be a relatively expensive item to purchase, however the benefits they offer in ability to change indoor and outdoor along wth their versatility to use over wet clothing far outweighs any cost, in our opinion.

In summary…

It is hard to go wrong when purchasing a towel for swimming, any towel will dry you sufficiently and they are impossible to break! Preferences are personal and there is no right or wrong, simply consider how you will use a towel and what for and make your choice from there.

We would not recommend choosing a poncho instead of a towel, but to use both together can give you the best level of comfort and convenience.