Image: MomJunction Design Team
You know your fitness game is on point when you take time to cool down after a strenuous workout routine. And how do you do that? By using some of the best cooling towels! These cooling towels are simple and effective. All you have to do is soak them in water, wring them out, and snap them in the air (a few times) — voila, they are ready to use! Sure, you should also stretch, rest and hydrate, especially after intense outdoor activity, but a cooling towel makes it easier to lower your body temperature and cool off quickly. You can place it on your neck, hands, face, or anywhere that needs cooling down! It’s a must-have for fitness enthusiasts, outdoor adventurists, and nature lovers! You can also use cooling towels for fever or hot flashes, and cooling towels for fast recovery are even recommended to provide cold therapy for post-surgery recovery. Do you know how it works? It’s a simple evaporative cooling technique and thereby safe.
So, now that you’re convinced that you need one, how do you know which one to choose? We’ve listed the best-selling cooling towels from trusted brands that you can choose from for your outdoor adventures.
Top Picks
11 Best Cooling Towels
1. Best Highly Absorbent: Froggtoggs The Original Chilly Pad Cooling Towel
This chilly pad from Froggtoggs is an innovative way to cool down. Made from hyper-evaporative material that retains water and remains dry to the touch, the highly absorbent cooling towel material can absorb up to eight times its weight in water and sweat. With the help of simple evaporation, the wet towel can produce hours of cooling relief. With quick activation this lightweight towel can cool up to 30° and is suitable for any high level physical activity. They are highly durable and come in an easy-to-use plastic case for easy storage. Learn more about the product in this review video.
Pros
- UPF 50 + UV protection
- Washable by hand or machine
- Recyclable and eco-friendly
- Available in an attractive color range
Cons
- May require more water to activate
- Colors may bleed
"These towels have been a worthwhile purchase as they provide the desired cooling even during long hours in the heat. They're soft and truly shine for outdoor work or sports."
2. Best For Outdoor Workouts: Tough Outfitters Cooling Towel
Image: Tough Outdoors Tough Outfitters Cooling Towel is made of soft, absorbent, and hyper-evaporative mesh material, making it ideal for people who spend extended time outdoors. Its cooling effect lasts for up to two hours even on the hottest days, and the towel just requires a bit of soaking to get reactivated. Additionally, the UPF 50+ material of this top-rated cooling towel for sweaty workouts protects you from harmful UV, UVA, and UVB rays, providing comfort and protection when doing physically intense activities and outdoor adventures such as hiking and gardening.
Pros
- Chemical-free material
- Provides instant cooling
- Compact size
- Machine-washable
- Multiple color options
Cons
- May require frequent re-soaking
- Does not include a carry pouch
"It was my perfect companion to beat the scorching heat during my vacation to Disney and Italy. The cooling effect lasts hours, and I love how it folds compactly."
3. Best Multipurpose: Aidea Cooling Towel
Image: Aidea The lightweight and reusable cooling towel by Aidea cooling towel is made of microfiber mesh, a breathable fabric. The multipurpose mesh cooling towel for a soothing effect only requires a soak in water to deliver a cooling effect and is best suited for hot flashes, a calm day at the beach, or some light and indoor activities. This machine-washable towel comes in a pack of four and measures 12.5 x 39.5 inches, making it appropriate for different athletic activities.
Pros
- Chemical-free
- Quick-absorbing material
- Long-lasting
- Skin-friendly fabric
Cons
- Does not include a carry pouch
- May not stay cool for long
"This towel helps me handle the heat when sleeping or during outdoor activities. I use it as a makeshift ice pillow, a headband, or a refreshing wipe-down when playing golf."
Froggtoggs The Original Chilly Pad Cooling Towel Best Highly-Absorbent | Tough Outfitters Cooling Towel Best for Outdoor Workouts | Aidea Cooling Towel Best Multipurpose | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | - | 0.64 ounces | 8.4 ounces |
| Dimensions | - | 38.5"L x 12"W | 39.5"L x 12.5"W |
| Material | - | Polyester | Microfiber |
| Color | - | Black. | Blue/Red/Grey/Orange. |
| Shape | - | - | Rectangular |
| Number of Items | - | - | 4 |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 899 | 25 |
| Price | - | $8.95 | - |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Lightweight Mesh: Sukeen Cooling Towel
Image: Sukeen This tried-and-tested towel is made of breathable fabric, which makes it hyper-evaporative. It activates quickly and provides an instant cooling effect. Its lightweight mesh design makes it a perfect gym towel as it also works as a sweat towel. Additionally, these microfiber cooling towels for instant relief come with reusable pouches with matching color coded clips — a practical solution to maintain hygiene.
Pros
- Pack of 4 in multiple colors
- Provides UV protection
- Exquisite sewing seam
- Machine washable
Cons
- May not be ideal for extreme heat
"I like that these towels offer relief from the heat during outdoor or leisure activities. They are lightweight and maintain a cool temperature without dripping. They also stay soft after several washes, and the carry case is super handy."
Quick tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 14,560 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
5. Best Chemical-Free: Mission Original Cooling Towel
Image: Mission Made of soft and durable brushed microfiber material, these cooling towels can be the ideal companions for long workout sessions. They cool instantly and provide a chilling effect for up to 2 hours. Designed for an active lifestyle, these seamless cooling neck towels for quick cooldown offer optimal comfort both wet and dry.
Pros
- Chemical-free
- UV Protection
- Machine washable
- Multiple color range
Cons
- No carry case/pouch
"After using different microfiber towels, I switched to this one and can't get enough of its effective cooling effect. I also use it as a bandana and a neck wrap."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 4,366 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
6. Best For All-Day Use: Breeze Life Cool Wrap Sports Cooling Towels
Image: Breeze Life Here’s a multi-functional cooling wrap that can be used as a headband, scarf, and more. It is made of soft, high-quality microfiber material with dual-layer technology and is designed to quickly absorb sweat and moisture. The cooling effect can be achieved just by soaking and twisting, after which it can be reused several times throughout the day. Each of these top-rated cooling towels for sports comes in a mesh carry bag with a carabiner.
Pros
- Easy to carry everywhere
- Mesh carry bag helps prevent odor
- Dual texture
- Chills easily in hot weather
Cons
- May dampen clothes
- Only fit for machine wash
"These multipurpose wraps offer instant relief from the heat whether I�m hiking, running, or at home. Soak, wring, and snap, and they stay refreshingly cool."
7. Best For Instant Cooling: Ailawuu Cooling Towel
These multipurpose sports towels are made of premium microfiber material that is breathable and lightweight. The super-absorbent high-tech fabric offers an instant cooling effect and can stay cool for hours. One of the cooling towel benefits is the extra-long size makes these towels ideal to wear in any desired style. They offer a comfortable fit that is soft and skin-friendly.
Pros
- Pack of 6
- UPF 50+
- Kid-friendly
- Chemical-free
Cons
- No carry case/pouch
"It's pretty reliable in non-AC environments and during outdoor activities, offering much-needed respite from the heat and keeping me cool. While it dries quickly, increasing the need to re-wet it more often, using ice water helps."
Did you know?8. Best Drip-Free: Ergodyne Chill-Its 6603 Evaporative Cooling Band Towel
Image: Ergodyne Made of super-evaporative PVA material, these cooling band towels absorb water and then allow it to evaporate for instant cooling effect. The band is designed to hold water for long-lasting cooling. Simply run it under water until the towel is saturated and wring out excess water. The neck towel provides drip-free cooling, making it comfortable and user-friendly and a trusted choice of many. For a secure fit, this cooling towel can be easily fastened around the neck by pulling one end through a slit on the opposite side.
Pros
- Lasts up to 4 hours on a single soak
- Machine washable
- Lightweight
- Extra long
Cons
- Material may dry stiff
- Can be used only as a neck wrap
"This cooling band effectively tackles the heat during my outdoor adventures, offering an almost immediate cooling effect. It's also convenient to maintain as it holds up well in the washing machine."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 547 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
9. Best Hypoallergenic: G Grounded Sport Cooling Towels
Image: G Grounded Sport These highly absorbent cooling towels are made with fine-quality microfiber blended material, making them ideal for both wet as well as dry use. The premium fabric used in these tried-and-tested towels are highly durable and comfortable for daily use. These hypoallergenic towels are machine-washable and also provide UV protection.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Pack of 3
- Odor-free
- Quick-drying
Cons
- No carry case/pouch
"These towels have won me over with their excellent absorbency and lightweight fabric. They are also gentle on my skin, quick-drying, and great for keeping sweat at bay in the gym."
10. Best Skin-Friendly: Hibiker Cooling Beach Towel
This product consists of a pack of 2 cooling towels – 1 oversized cooling beach towel and 1 extra small cooling towel. Made of lightweight and high-quality microfiber material, these large towels are ideal for use on a hot summer day at the beach. These soft cooling towels for hot weather are skin-friendly as they are chemical-free and the double layer fabric provides extra comfort. The easy-to-use towels instantly activate when soaked in water and are suitable for all kinds of sports, yoga, camping etc.
Pros
- Sand-free
- Quick-drying
- UPF 50+ Sunscreen protection
- Kid-friendly
Cons
- May be bulky to carry
"With its excellent absorbency and cooling properties, this compact towel is a solid choice for beach or poolside activities. It's not the best for post-shower use, though, as it lacks the softness of cotton."
Do remember11. Best Easy-To-Carry: XYXYLY Instant Cooling Towel
This cooling towel for hiking is made of 45% polyester and 55% nylon, which makes it a cold-feeling absorbent material. The towels are highly absorbent and provide a long-lasting cooling effect. The cooling towel features a soft, lightweight, high-quality material that makes it easy to carry and use for any outdoor adventures, sports, yoga, hikes, or gardening. They can be washed easily with hands or machines and are durable for several years.
Pros
- Comes with easy to carry pouch with carabiner hook
- Ideal size
- Ultra-thin fabric
- Strong water retention
Cons
- No sunscreen protection
How To Choose The Right Cooling Towel?
When picking a cooling towel, keep an eye out for the following features:
- Material: Just like your body naturally cools down by evaporating sweat off the skin, cooling towels use the same evaporative cooling process to provide a cool sensation. There are two cooling towel types, they are made of either PVA material or microfiber mesh. Both of these high-quality materials soak water and evaporate it at a high rate for a chilling effect. But they are different in texture and feel. While towels made of PVA feel rubbery, microfiber towels are soft to the touch. PVA towels absorb more water but become stiff when dry while microfiber towels may not absorb as much water but are definitely softer on the skin, both dry or damp.
- Size: This depends on what type of activity you usually need the towel for. If you are looking for a towel that can be used for gym sessions or running a 35-inch towel would be ideal to be used as a cooling neck gaiter. If you are looking to use the cooling towel for camping or for various other activities like hiking or a beach day, a 40-inch or a 50-inch towel would be ideal to wrap around your waist, head, or cover your entire body.
- Product care: Most cooling towels are machine-washable and need air drying. You must check the care instructions to make sure the material is easy to wash, stain-resistant, and doesn’t not bleed color. If you are using the towels frequently, hand-washing them could be cumbersome.
- Safety and durability: Cooling towels are reusable but you must ensure fabric quality for durability. The towel edges should be secured enough to avoid loose threads and fraying. Chemical-free towels are skin-friendly and odorless for prolonged usage.
- Additional features: In addition to cooling, the towel should shield you from harmful rays of the sun. A towel that offers UV protection can be helpful for outdoor adventures. Another key feature to look for is a handy carry case or pouch to store your wet or dry towels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a cooling towel stay cool?
The cooling towel should stay cool for at least two to five hours, depending on the towel saturation and weather condition. The towel might need multiple soaks for continuous cooling effect in hot and humid weather. As long as the towel is wet, it will continue to provide a chilling effect.
2. How should I wash a cooling towel?
A cooling towel can either be hand-washed in warm water or machine-washed in cold water. Use only mild detergents to wash your towels and air dry them. Do not put these towels in the dryer. Towels must be washed after every use to avoid sweat stains and odor.
3. Are cooling towels worth it?
Cooling towels are worth it because they work on the principle of evaporative cooling. Once the towel is soaked in cold water and snapped, the water in the towel begins to evaporate, which lowers the temperature on its surface. When applied to the body, it transfers its cooling sensation and prevents overheating.
4. Can cooling towels be used for sweat?
Yes, cooling towels can be used for sweat. Most cooling towels stabilize your body temperature while shooing sweat away, since they are made of moisture-wicking materials.
5. Why are cooling towels snapped?
After soaking the cooling towel in water and wringing it, you need to snap or vigorously wave it in the air a few times. This is done to activate the fabric’s cooling properties by removing any excess water and stimulating the evaporation process. The evaporated water takes the heat along with it from the towel, making it cool.
6. How should I store a cooling towel?
Once you have washed the cooling towel, let it dry thoroughly under the sun. Once completely dry, you could either fold or roll it and place it in a cool and moisture-free place until the next use.
7. What are the best ways to use a cooling towel?
Apart from the standard steps of soaking, wringing, and snapping a cooling towel, to get the most of the cooling, it’s better to use one in places with low humid conditions.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have thoroughly researched the durability and comfort of the products to bring you the best-selling towels from trusted brands. Our writers and reviewers have studied and analyzed several customer reviews on various e-commerce websites to finalize the best cooling towels listed here. We have provided a detailed description of each product to ensure easy towel selection. This post also contains a well-researched cooling towel buying guide for more information.
Cooling towels are the perfect way to keep your body cool even during peak summers. The best cooling towels help lower your body temperature. It is easy to use and maintain as you can just place it on your neck, hands, face, or anywhere for a quick respite. Make sure to purchase a cooling towel that is washable by hand or machine, retains more water, has high-quality stitching, provides UV protection, and is chemical-free. it does not cause you any skin irritation. Consider its size and choose one that’s easy to handle. Additionally, pick a durable product that lasts for a longer period.
Infographic: Important Considerations To Take When Purchasing Cooling Towels
Cooling towels are popular for their instant cooling and comfort, especially among athletes. The following infographic includes key specifications a cooling towel should have for the best use. Knowing this will help you select the best towel with maximum features for your needs.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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