8 of the best gym towels for when you break a sweat

If you find yourself using the sleeves of your t-shirt to catch your sweat, or your old gym towel simply doesn’t quite cut it anymore, it’s time to treat yourself to a sparkly new absorbent gym towel.

Whether you choose to work out at home or the gym, having a great towel beside you for your workout is a must in our books. While your bathroom towel may seem to be doing an alright job, do you really want to ruin your fluffy white towels with your sweat and dirt?

Gym towels are designed to help keep you cool and dry even when you’re at your sweatiest, so you don’t have to worry about dripping your way through your session.

We’ll do anything to make our workout sessions run as smoothly as possible, from weightlifting gloves to resistance bands, so why not add a gym towel to complete your kit?

Shop the best gym towels to add to your gym bag

Best gym towel FAQs

Why do I need a gym towel?

If you're wondering what makes a gym towel the best option, compared to just grabbing any old towel from the cupboard, here's why:

1. Sweat absorption: If you're working out, you'll no doubt be working up a sweat. A gym towel is super absorbent and helps to wipe away sweat from your face, neck, and body, helping you stay dry and comfortable during your workout. Microfiber towels are often recommended as the best choice for this.

2. Sizing: Gym towels come in all shapes and sizes, which is more than can be said for bath or beach towels. This makes them much more size-appropriate to suit your workouts. You can find smaller options to tuck in your gym bag to wipe your brow, or a larger one to use over a yoga mat. The choice is yours!

3. Quick drying: Some gym towels are quick-drying, ideal as you'll be reusing your towel throughout your workout and be wanting to pack it back into your bag after use. Microfiber towels or towels made from lightweight and moisture-wicking materials tend to dry faster than traditional cotton towels.

4. Durability: Opt for a towel that is durable and can withstand regular use and frequent washing. Reinforced edges or double-stitched seams can help boost a towel's longevity. Not to mention, using a dedicated gym towel will prevent your normal towels from getting ruined.

What should I do with a gym towel?

We don't know about you, but we hate the feeling of being sweaty. A gym towel will wick away your sweat, as well as serve as extra cushioning where you need it. Use it on the seat of the exercise bike or as a headrest during stretch exercises. You can also use it as a barrier between your body and the gym equipment, which can help to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

How often should you change your gym towel?

You should wash your gym towel after every use if you can. Nobody wants a sweaty towel full of bacteria after all! Remember to follow the care instructions provided by the towel manufacturer to help keep it clean, fresh, and free from any unpleasant odours.

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.