Workout towels help keep you and the exercise equipment you use dry.
Wiping off sweat marks is important both for hygienic and safety reasons, especially if you use a public gym.
Here are the seven best workout towels I recommend you get, based on years of fitness experience and hundreds of similar products I tried.
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Rogue Gym Towel. The Rogue Gym Towel is currently the best sweat towel in my collection and one I highly recommend.
It easily beats out affordable gym towels and stands tall even when compared to much pricier sports brand towels.
- Rogue Fitness Gym Towel - Top Pick
- Rainleaf Microfiber Towel - Runner-Up
- Sukeen Cooling Towel - Best Cooling Towel
- 4Monster Camping Towels - Best For Camping
- BAGAIL BASICS Microfiber Towel
- S&T INC. Microfiber Gym Towels
- MAYOUTH 16" x 32" Gym Towels
Top 7 Best Workout Towels Reviewed
Gym sweat towels are necessary workout accessories to have for all athlete levels.
If you don’t have a designated gym towel and just use the spare ones you have at home, you’re missing out on the perks the best workout towels offer.
Unlike regular bathroom towels, athletic towels are softer and offer better liquid absorption, among other perks.
Gym towels are generally inexpensive if you avoid overpriced brand names, and there are plenty of low-cost options, so the best choice for you will mostly come down to preference and needs.
Without further ado, let’s start the list with my #1 best gym towel.
1. Rogue Fitness Gym Towel – Top Pick
- Material: Cotton Velour
- Size: One size –17.75 x 31.5 inches
- Color Palette: Gray, Black, Navy
- Care Instructions: Cold temperature machine wash and low tumble dry with items of similar color
The towel is made from 100% cotton velour, a material that is used in the highest quality bathroom garments.
It is very soft yet still textured enough that you can feel it comfortably cleaning your skin as you wipe your face, for example.
A cold temperature machine wash and low tumble dry will keep the material soft and color as good as new for years to come.
At 31.5 inches in length, it will easily cover backrests and seats of any exercise equipment, while the 17.75 width perfectly covers benches without letting too much material hang on the side.
Positives:
Made from 100% cotton velour
The 17.75 inches in width fits perfectly over standard-sized benches
Premium aesthetic and feel
Made by a trusted U.S. fitness brand
Could be better:
Limited color options
More expensive compared to other options on the list
2. Rainleaf Microfiber Towel - Runner-Up
The second best sweat towel I tried recently is from the brand Rainleaf.
The towel is lightweight, compact, very absorbent, dries quickly, and is good for both indoor and outdoor exercising.
The soft microfiber it’s made of has exceptional foldability, meaning it can fit into nearly any bag space.
You can also pack and carry it in the reusable bag you get with each towel.
- Material: Microfiber
- Size: Six sizes - XS (12 x 24), S (16 x 32), M (20 x 40), L (24 x 48), Xl (30 x 60), XXL (40 x 72)
- Color Palette: Army Green, Blue, Brick Red, Gray, Green, Marine Blue, Mint, Navy Blue, Orange, Purple, Yellow
- Care Instructions: Cold machine wash, hang dry
Microfiber gym towels such as this one are made from quality materials yet are still quite affordable.
With six size choices and eleven color options, Rainleaf offers a lot of purchase variety.
The M and L sizes are recommended for gym use, however the S size may fit a smaller athlete or child perfectly, as well.
Each towel comes with a buttoned hanging loop that can quickly be fastened to air dry it.
The endings on the towel are hand sewn, which will prevent them from tearing and splitting on the sides and corners.
Every sized towel can absorb five times its weight in liquid, but dries fast, so you can comfortably use it to quickly take care of any drink spill.
Positives:
Towels can absorb five times their weight in liquid
Lightweight and foldable material that can fill even the smallest bag space
The buttoned hanging loop opens up many hanging possibilities
Lifetime warranty on every purchase
Could be better:
Color releasing even after multiple washes
3. Sukeen Cooling Towel - Best Cooling Towel
- Material: Microfiber
- Size: One size – 12 x 40 inches
- Color Palette: Four colors per pack, thirteen different color combinations
- Care Instructions: Gentle cold temperature machine wash, don’t bleach, air dry
The Sukeen cooling towel can be set up for use in less than a minute.
Simply soak it in, wring out excess water, then shake it a few times to remove droplets, and you’re ready to go.
As you work out and your body heat increases, the water in the towel evaporates and cools down the covered area.
The towel stays cool for up to three hours, depending on the conditions.
It’s also reusable without needing to dry first, so if you feel it heating up and need a refresher, simply repeat the setup process.
Wear it around your neck to moderate your temperature as you exercise, or gently hold it over your face to absorb heat and cool you down when you’re resting or finishing your workout.
Each towel comes with a plastic carrying pouch with a carabiner clip that can be attached to your gym bag, belt hole, travel backpack, etc.
At four towels per pack, each with its unique carry case, it’s hard to find a better deal on cooling towels than Sukeen.
Positives:
Cooling towels are exceptionally good for cardio exercises
Plastic carry pouch allows you to carry it pre-prepared and use on the go
Reusable without having to dry first
Thirteen color combinations
Could be better:
At 40 x 12 it can be quite large for a gym towel
4. 4Monster Camping Towels - Best For Camping
- Material: Microfiber
- Size: Six sizes, inches - XS (12 x 20), S (15.8 x 31.5), M (20 x 40), L (23.6 x 47), XL (30 x 59), XXL (35 x 71)
- Color Palette: Army Green, Blue, Brick Red, Gray, Green, Lake-Green, Navy Blue, Orange, Purple, Magenta, Red, Rose
- Care Instructions: Machine washable in cold water, Do not bleach, Do not dry clean, Do not iron, Do not tumble dry
Compared to similarly priced products, these towels are colored using a natural plant dye.
This means that after the first wash, the color won’t fade in time from use or subsequent washes.
The towels are made from 100% clean fabric that doesn’t release chemicals or have the common damp smell after use.
The smooth surface of the microfiber is designed to not absorb small particles such as sand, dirt, dust, and similar - all of which can quickly be removed by shaking it off the towel.
The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month warranty for every purchase.
Positives:
12 unique colors, the most choice on the list
Natural plant dye that doesn’t fade
No damp smell when wet
Smooth surface doesn’t retain particles like dirt and sand
Detailed care instructions
Could be better:
At just 0.2 ounces in size, they can’t absorb as much liquid as other towels
- Material: Microfiber
- Size: XXS (12 x 24), XS (16 x 32), S (20 x 40), M (24 x 28), L (28 x 56), XL (32 x 64), XXL (36 x 72), XXXL (40 x 80)
- Color Palette: Blue, Dark Gray, Fushcia, Green, Gray, Orange, Purple, Royal Blue, as well as four striped options exclusive for XXL and XXXL towels
- Care Instructions: Machine wash, no fabric softener, tumble dry
They come in eight solid color choices, which isn’t the most on the list, but certainly offers decent purchase variety.
Each towel size - except the XXS and XS - has a usable zip pocket.
This is great if you need to leave something small that you don’t want to forget, which could fall out of your pocket during workouts - such as a headphone case or locker key.
The towels are incredibly lightweight and, according to the manufacturer, five times as light as a regular microfiber towel.
The plastic carry case that comes with every towel has air holes, so you can let it dry even on the go.
Positives:
Eight different sizes
The plastic case has holes that air-dry the towel on the go
Each towel (except the XXS and XS) has a usable zip pocket
Could be better:
The unique striped patterns are only available in XL and XXL
- Material: Microfiber
- Size: 16 x 27 inches
- Color Palette: Gray, Light Gray, White, Olive Green, Purple, Honeycomb Black, Honeycomb Gray
- Care Instructions: Machine wash
These towels won’t blow you away with special characteristics, but they offer amazing value for money.
They’re made from a basic soft microfiber with solid absorption properties that will get the job done for the majority of gym goers.
They come in a single standardized sizing, although slightly smaller than the average gym towel.
With each set coming in packs of six, these towels are very affordable, and you’ll have plenty of spares lying around for other use.
Personally, I liked the honeycomb patterned towels the most, as the texture felt nice and soft even when rubbed harder on the skin.
Positives:
Six pieces for one price makes them very affordable
The honeycomb pattern towels are unique
Could be better:
Single size option
- Material: Microfiber
- Size: 16 x 32 inches
- Color Palette: Black, Gray, White, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Purple, as well as combinations of each
- Care Instructions: Cold temperature machine wash, air dry, no softener or bleach
The manufacturer recommends washing them separately before use - especially the darker towels - as they will release color on the first wash.
Care instructions are very basic and the same as most regular home towels: machine wash under 40 degrees, don’t use bleach or fabric softener, and air dry.
At just under 0.70 pounds per towel, these are quite easy to carry, and you won’t even notice them in your bag or over your shoulder.
With three color towels per pack, you have decent variety, and they can also be a good gift for a fellow gym goer.
As for the advantages, I like knurling. It is quite mild and gives a good feel. Also, the marks are dual for weightlifting and powerlifting, so you can use the bar for training the technique of various exercises effectively.
Also, if you need a short bar, this option is one of the best. It saves space in your home gym but has a rather long shaft to fit regular racks. On the other hand, the sleeves are short, so you can’t put several thick plates on them. After all, this bar is not meant for this purpose.
Positives:
Three times faster drying than regular towers is excellent considering the thickness
Vibrant colors with mixed purchase options
Easy and clear maintenance instructions
Could be better:
Rougher surface than other options, not for sensitive skin
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What Are The Benefits Of Using Workout Towels?
Keeping Yourself And The Workout Station Clean
Wiping yourself and the exercise equipment before, during, and after a workout is important.
If you work out at home, having a clean workout station the next time you want to exercise can affect your mood and motivation.
If you’re using a public gym or sharing your home equipment, the next person using the equipment will be thankful and, hopefully, reciprocate.
This keeps the gym more hygienic and safer.
Sweat itself is not known to carry diseases, but it can be a source of moisture that can create an environment for bacteria to grow.
However, sweat is not the only bodily fluid we leave behind on workout machines, as exhaling can leave behind respiratory droplets which can transfer Covid-19 and similarly transmitted diseases.
Workout Towels Are A Convenient Hygienic Solution
Workout towels are compact and easy to carry, making them a convenient accessory for outdoor activities or trips to the gym.
By removing sweat, dirt, and other particles through wiping, they help you keep your preemptive hygiene up before you get to do a change of clothes, wash your face, shower, etc.
Wiping Your Face From Sweat Keeps The Skin Clear
As you exercise, apart from sweating, you build up oil, dirt, and other bacteria on your skin, which can lead to skin imperfections such as acne.
To prevent this, proper hygiene is necessary before, during, and after workouts.
This means wiping your skin from sweat using clean gym sweat towels and, when necessary, rinsing your face.
When Do You Need A Workout Towel?
The short answer to when you need to have a gym towel for sweat removal is - always.
There are no drawbacks to having one on you at all times as you exercise.
Even if you’re not actively using it for your workout, you can just keep it by your side until you eventually need it.
Many public gyms have workout towels as part of mandatory equipment, apart from the usual clean shoes and clothing.
Some gyms won’t allow you to check in and rent a locker unless you show a clean towel on entry and, if you don’t bring your own, they’ll require you to rent one at the counter.
Many gyms already had this requirement for years, but those that didn’t slowly add it as part o Covid-19 safety protocols.
As for when you actually need to use it, it will depend on how much you’re sweating and whether you’re the only person occupying the equipment.
For example, wiping your palms and equipment handles between sets is always a good idea, as it will prevent you from losing your grip and potentially hurting yourself.
Once you’re done using a machine or barbell, wipe it to leave the workout station hygienic for the next person (or yourself when you come back, in the case of home gyms).
Placing a towel over the surface area where your body will touch the exercise equipment, such as a back or chest pad, can prevent you from having to clean it later.
Exercise towels are a must-have for cardio machines, as the nature of their exercise will have you sweating a lot more.
Wiping yourself will not only keep the machine clean, but sweat marks can leave slippery spots on things like treadmills and ellipticals, which can cause a slip.
What To Look For In Workout Towels?
Material Quality
Material quality is arguably the most important characteristic to look for in gym sweat towels.
Overall, the quality of the towel will correlate with its absorbency, durability, comfort, hygiene factor, and even looks.
A low quality towel will not only fail to keep the liquid in, it will tear more easily and lose softness faster.
It can also release its color which can stain your workout clothes or equipment, but also release toxic chemicals.
The best workout towels are made from soft cotton, microfiber, velour, or other premium materials.
Towels made from higher quality materials can withstand repeated use and washing without losing their shape, texture, or softness.
This also helps them keep the premium aesthetic over longer periods of time, which can lead to fewer replacements and spending less cash outlay.
Absorbency
Softness
Price VS Quality
At the end of the day, sweat towels for gym and home exercising are dispensable and, unless you go for a huge name brand, inexpensive.
For the average person, you don’t want to overspend on towels because they tend to get lost, torn, and worn out over time.
I always recommend getting multiple athletic towels to have spares.
This way, you won’t have to worry about your towel not being clean, in case you don’t find time to wash it between workouts.
The goal of these lists is to help you best spend your hard-earned money.
Even though some items have higher ratings than others, it doesn’t mean they’re necessarily worse.
Depending on your budget and preferences, one product may be more suited for you than another.
That’s why I always list multiple products and explain their pros and cons.
FAQ
Are Gym Towels Worth It?
Do Microfiber Towels Absorb Sweat?
Should I Wash My Gym Towel After Every Use?
Conclusion
- Can The Coronavirus Spread Through Sweat? // Official Site Of The State Of New Jersey: https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/coronavirus-information/slowing-the-spread/can-the-coronavirus-spread-through-sweat
- Is Your Workout Causing Your Acne? // American Academy Of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/workoutsOlympic vs Standard
- What’s So Great About Microfiber? // Western State: https://wspehsu.ucsf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/FactSheet_Microfiber.pdf
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.
Torokhtiy Team
Hi @Aurbey!
When choosing a towel for the gym, opt for one that is absorbent and quick-drying. Look for a towel made of microfiber or a blend of cotton and polyester, as these materials are known for their moisture-wicking properties. Consider a towel that is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in your gym bag. Additionally, choose a towel with a size that suits your needs, whether it’s a standard hand towel or a larger bath towel.
Aubrey
What towel to bring to gym?