Sweat, dirt, and grime, are all inevitable when you’re pumping iron at the gym.
After all, if you’re not working up a sweat, are you really putting in the work?
But these factors shouldn’t hinder your workout.

So, how can you counteract this issue?
You can bring along a gym towel to keep your workout as clean and dry as possible.
Taking a towel with you when you train has many perks – not least keeping other gym users happy if you sweat a lot! And there are quite a few to choose from on the web ranging from the simple sheet to wipe away sweat. Or the more advanced option with cooling capabilities.
Whatever you’re in the market for, here are some of your options for the best gym towel online.
Continue reading to learn how this one product can make a world of difference in your fitness routine.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Eono by Amazon – Microfiber Towel
- Big Jim Microfibre Towel
- SKL Instant Ice Cooling Sports Towel
- Gym-Towel Quick Dry Microfibre
- Incite Elite Microfibre Towel
- Bodi Hut Quick Dry Sports Towel
- MountFlow Microfibre Towel
Note: There’s a lot more information below but clicking the above links will take you to current prices, further information and customer reviews on Amazon.
Contents
What Are Gym Towels?
Gym towels aren’t like your ordinary washroom or beach towel. They are easier to carry and store, and were created for the sole purpose of soaking up excess sweat while working out. You can also use one to cover up a bench or machine to keep your workout more sanitary and comfortable.
You may also use one to wipe away sweat from your eyes. Body sweat contains different salts, compounds and oils than tears — meaning that a few drops rolling down your forehead and into your eyes can burn and disrupt your entire lifting session. Obviously a towel is a great way to avoid this.
A note about sweat: It’s our sweat that keeps us cool. Wiping all of it off our bodies on a hot training session is not always advantageous.
What Are They Used For?
Well, firstly they also shield you from other people’s sweat.
Additionally, it’s more courteous to use one since you share gym equipment with thousands of other members. This fitness accessory keeps the machines in your gym in great shape. They can last years with this small tip. They are great for cardio, CrossFit, and everything in between.
Lastly, while most gyms have dispensable paper sheets to wipe down your machine, bringing your own is more practical and eco-friendly! It’s an environmentally conscious decision that will also keep you engaged in your workout and safe from bacteria found on treadmills, rowing machines, and benches.
What Makes a Quality Gym Towel?
Size, thread count, material, weight, and durability are all important factors when selecting a proper gym towel. While this isn’t an outlandish purchase, you undoubtedly still want a quality product that will wipe away sweat with one swipe and feel comfortable against your skin.
Weightlifters should consider a smaller version that won’t take up too much space in their gym bag. It needs to be just large enough to cover the bench surface. Yogis and pilate enthusiasts should consider a larger towel that can also function as a mat.
A Detailed Look at the Best Gym Towels
If you’re not one to purchase additional accessories for the gym, this is a necessity you should definitely consider. Gym towels are affordable, easy to carry, and combat sweat for a cleaner and more enjoyable workout every time.
Eono by Amazon – Microfiber Towel
This product by Eono comes in four sizes ranging from S to XXL. You can even pick out your favourite colour.
Best of all, this microfibre cloth comes in a convenient carrying case, perfect for tossing into your gym bag along with the rest of your essentials.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Material: Microfibre
- Size: Small – XXL (30x60cm, 50x100cm, 70x140cm, 90x180cm, 100x200cm)
- Colour: Multi
- Easy to travel with
- Made from premium microfibre
- Won’t smell of mildew even when wet
- Special corner pocket to store your phone
- Fast-drying yet absorbent
- Sand will not cling onto the product
- Case feels flimsy
We love a product that has many different uses. Not only will this mop up sweat to keep you dry in the gym, but it also functions as a beach towel.
So, whether you’re working through a vinyasa flow on the shoreside, or frequenting your local gym, this is an optimal choice. We recommend this for the adventurous athlete.
However, we aren’t fans of the carrying case, but the perks of this option outweigh the one con by a landslide.
Lastly, it has a safe zipper pocket located on one of its corners, so you can store your phone, keys, or wallet and keep your personal items away from water and sand.
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Big Jim Microfibre Towel
Advertised as a product best for ‘swim and the gym’ this is one of the fastest drying products you can purchase as a dedicated swimmer or athlete. Expect this to dry almost instantly, even when thrown at the bottom of your gym bag.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Material: Microfibre
- Size: 180 x 90 cm
- Colour: Blue
- Folds up smaller than half its size
- Made from premium microfibre
- Soft to the touch
- Keeps its vibrant blue colour even in the wash
- Comes in one size
Summary
If you’re searching for a full-body towel, this is a wonderful option that you’ll fall in love with due to its convenient, fast-drying nature. You don’t have the option of ordering multiple sizes, but it folds up easily and is easy to take on the go since it’s only 2 mm thick. Swimmers love this. Gym-goers love this. It’s an option that caters to athletes who train on both land and sea — but the casual fit geek is also bound to admire this multi-functional tool.
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SKL Instant Ice Cooling Sports Towel
If you find that you’re overheating when you’re exercising, a cooling towel can help you tremendously. Unlike the last two options on our list, this one brings your body temperature down. However, you can also use it to dry off or wipe down a machine. Wet it and place it on your forehead to feel that cooling sensation, or leave it as is to banish moisture.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Material: Cotton/jersey
- Size: 90 x 30 x 0.3 cm
- Colour: Multi
- Comes in a pack of 3
- Cooling fibres will keep you comfy while working out
- Excellent for outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and camping
- Excellent for hot and humid climates
- Free of chemicals
- Offers relief from migraines too
- Weak stitching so product may not last as long
Summary
One of the smaller options on this list, this is a useful product for individuals seeking a proper cooling cloth. To activate the cooling fibres, get it wet, wring it out, and enjoy the sensation for up to two hours.
We love its small size since you can take it anywhere and it won’t take up too much space in your backpack, purse, or gym bag. This set comes in a pack of three, so you can use one for the gym, one for hiking and outdoor activities, and the last for home use.
An unlikely benefit? If you get migraines, the cooling fibres within the cloth will alleviate any pain.
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Gym-Towel Quick Dry Microfibre
We recommend this model if you’ll be frequenting the pool. It has a loop on the end of it, so you can hang it up to dry. It’s also incredibly lightweight at folds down to six times its original size.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Material: Microfibre
- Size: 150 x 60 cm
- Colour: Black or pink
- Anti-bacterial coating
- You get a choice of two colours
- Hanging loop included on the cloth
- Iconic look
- Durable pouch
- Not as fast absorbing at other models
Summary
We love the convenience of the hanging loop, and we’re sure you will too. This loop ensures that your towel will never fall on the dirty locker room floor. The carrying pouch is made from mesh and has a zipper closure. At 150 x 60 cm, it’s one of the larger towels on this list.
However, it folds down easily, for stress-free storage. With its yellow stitching, it’s also quite visually striking.
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Incite Elite Microfibre Towel
This package by Incite Elite includes everything you need for both the gym and the pool. The set comes with one large towel, perfect for draping over machines or drying off. But, you will also receive a smaller cloth made from the same microfibre material with your purchase. Use one for your body and one for your face to clear off the sweat.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Material: Microfibre
- Size: 130 x 80 cm
- Colour: Multi
- Comes with a carrying case with a handle and zipper
- You get a choice of two colours
- Free mini face cloth included with purchase
- Affordable for this two-in-one set
- Microfibre material is not effective at drying hair
Summary
Do you frequent your hot yoga studio? If so, this kit comes with everything you need to stay dry, comfortable, and in control. We love that you receive two towels of varying sizes. Sometimes a large, full-body towel is necessary. But, other times call for something smaller and more practical. You won’t have to decide with this bundle.
You will also receive a carrying case, which we believe to be useful if you’re planning on taking it on the go.
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Bodi Hut Quick Dry Sports Towel
This product comes is a beautiful range of shades from pastel pink to vibrant purple. It is made to last, hygienic, and comes in a mesh carrying case.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Material: Microfibre
- Size: 130 x 80 cm
- Colour: Multi
- Beautiful colour range
- Softens pressure of weightlifting when draped over a bench
- High thread count – optimum for delicate skin
- Colour may bleed in wash
Summary
This product comes in an extra-large size measuring 130 x 80 cm. It has anti-bacterial properties built into the cloth, making it a smart purchase for someone wary of bacteria and germs in the gym.
It can fold down to 22 x 17 cm, so you’ll always have excess room in your bag when toting this around.
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MountFlow Microfibre Towel
Lastly, we want to spotlight MountFlow’s version of this essential gym product. Lay this over a yoga mat for extra grip. Or better yet, you can use this lightweight cloth in place of a beach towel on those sunny days near the lake or ocean.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Material: Polyester and polyamide
- Size: Small – Large (120 x 60 cm / 160x 80 cm / 200 x 90 cm)
- Colour: Multi
- You get a choice of six colours
- Comes in a mesh pouch
- Ideal for traveling
- Long-lasting quality
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Doesn’t dry as efficiently as a 100% cotton towel.
Summary
Whereas some fast absorbing towels can feel scratchy the MountFlow Microfibre cloth is gentle enough for even the most delicate skin. The quality of this product screams high-quality — past users have stated that this is both effective at drying water and sweat. And since you can purchase multiple sizes, you can find an option that is perfect for your unique workout whether you need something to dab your forehead or fit over your Pilates mat.
There is also a broad colour range that includes colours such as magenta, black, grey, green, purple, and blue.
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Conclusion
If you’re also a swimmer or enjoy frequent trips to the beach, the brand Eono has precisely what you’re looking for. Their product won’t stick to sand and dries almost instantly with no foul mildew scent. It’s also unique in the sense that it was created for the modern world. Its hidden pocket located in the corner will keep your phone safe and out of the sand.
However, if you’re an avid weightlifter or enjoy heavy cardio sessions, you can count on the SKL towel to keep you cool and banish sweat from anywhere on your body. We recommend you keep this in your bag at all times since it won’t stink up your gym bag and will come in handy during every lifting session.
A gym towel is one of the most useful fitness accessories you will ever need. Though they are simple products, they can cool you down during a strenuous exercise, or dry you off after swimming some laps at the pool.
Whatever your reasoning is behind purchasing one, we can guarantee that they will make exercising more comfortable — and thus more enjoyable.