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Blog A Guide to 4 Different Types of Gym Towels for Your Workout
types of gym towels

A Guide to 4 Different Types of Gym Towels for Your Workout

You have just finished a killer HIIT session. Sweat is dripping, and the heart is racing. Your shirt is soaked. And the only thing standing between you and a germ-covered bench? A flimsy and damp towel.

Would you use a regular bath towel at a gym? Of course not. You need a better towel. Choosing the right towel for a gym session is about:

  • Managing sweat
  • Protecting equipment
  • Boosting hygiene and comfort

But towels like sport towels and microfiber are being thrown around, making it difficult to pick the best workout towel. Not to worry.

Gym towels in 2025 have evolved beyond traditional cotton. This guide will discuss 4 different types of towels and their uses. You will learn how to pick the best workout towels for your fitness routine.

Why Do You Need A Gym Towel?

A good gym towel is your first line of defense against germs and a key to comfort and hygiene. Using a more sanitary gym towel means:

  • Protecting yourself and others by wiping equipment. It's gym etiquette to prevent germ spread
  • Staying dry and comfortable
  • Quickly wipe with a sweat towel to keep sweat out of your eyes during an exercise session to enhance performance
  • Use the best gym towel for the shower that can prevent you from bringing gym germs home
  • Preventing slips from sweat on bars or mats
  • Promoting sustainability

Pro Tip: A more sanitary gym towel program can reduce surface bacteria by up to 90% (CDC).

4 Different Types of Gym Towels for Your Workout Routine

4 different types of gym towels

Gym towels are essential accessories for any workout. They wipe away sweat and act as a hygienic barrier on equipment to keep you feeling clean and comfortable. When it comes to exploring different types of gyms, they are categorized by:

  • Material
  • Size
  • Intended use

1. Microfiber Towels

A great pick for cleaning and drying. Made from ultra-fine synthetic fibers. Highly absorbent and dries quickly. Excellent for the everyday gym attendee.

Pros

  • Highly effective for regular gym use
  • Compact and durable
  • Small towel for deep cleaning
  • Microfiber dries much faster and prevents the growth of mold and mildew
  • Lint-free to minimize the shedding of tiny fibers during use

Cons

  • Can feel slightly abrasive to some
  • Requires specific washing

2. Bamboo Towels

Suitable for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Made from a special weave of bamboo viscose to ensure you enjoy the same level of buttery softness every time. Naturally antibacterial and absorptive. Perfect for sensitive skin and green exercise lovers.

Pros

  • Ultra-soft feel
  • Odor-resistant
  • Sustainable

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Takes longer to dry than microfiber

Ideal User

Anyone seeking a premium and eco-friendly option. The best gym towel for shower use.

3. Cotton Towels

Made from 100% pure cotton. Offer softness and absorbency. Perfect for wiping away sweat from the face or body. Keeps you fresh. Maintain hygiene and keep gym equipment clean.

Pros

  • Highly absorbent
  • Soft on skin
  • Breathable
  • Durable
  • Affordable
  • Good for body, equipment, or post-shower use

Cons

  • Slower drying and stays damp longer than microfiber
  • Heavier when wet
  • Takes up more space
  • Can retain odor if not dried properly
  • Shrinks in the wash if not cared for correctly
  • Less moisture-wicking

Prime User

Someone who prioritizes showering post-workout and values classic comfort over packability.

Perfect For:

  • Yoga class
  • Post-workout showers
  • Wiping sweat during moderate workouts
  • Every day gym use
  • Eco-conscious users

4. Hybrid Blends (Cotton-Polyester & Linen)

Made from a combination of different materials:

  • Cotton
  • Microfiber
  • Polyester
  • Linen

Offer a balance of comfort and strength of materials. Durable option for fitness enthusiasts who want both comfort and efficiency.

Pros

  • Lightweight and less bulky
  • Fast-drying
  • Resists wear
  • Soft & comfortable
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Less odor retention

Cons

  • Not fully natural
  • Some blends may show wear sooner
  • Less absorbent than pure cotton

Best For

  • Vigorous exercise
  • Athletes or trainers who want speedy dry and compact towels
  • People who sweat heavily and want a balance of comfort and performance

Next Level Gym Towels From Sweat to Style

Here are other types of gym towels when you are pushing through intense workouts or looking for a towel to reflect your unique style.

1. Quick-Dry/Sports Towels (Dry Fit Towel)

quick dry sports towels

Made of advanced microfiber. Designed to wick moisture and evaporate it fast. Highly functional alternatives to traditional towels. Popular for activities:

  • Gym
  • Traveling
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Intense physical training
  • Hot yoga
  • Running

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Packs down tiny
  • Dries in minutes

Cons

  • Lower absorption capacity than plush towels
  • Not drying off completely

Key User

The crossfitter, hot yogi, or runner who needs the best exercise towel that won't weigh them down.

Read Also: Top 15 Best Types of Workout Shirts for Men in 2025

2. Personalized Sports Towels

personalized sports towels

Customizable with a name, logo, or design. Offer a great way to showcase a brand, team spirit, or a personal message. A practical item for athletes, sports teams, and fitness enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Easy to identify
  • Prevents mix-ups
  • Promotes team spirit
  • Perfect as personalized sports towel gifts

Cons

  • Requires a minimum order
  • Customization adds cost

How to Choose the Perfect Gym Towel?

Your workout style helps you pick a suitable gym towel. Where do you need to use them? At the gym or home?

  • Choose a microfiber if you need a rapid-drying towel.
  • Pick cotton or bamboo if you want more comfort.
  • Opt for an antibacterial or personalized sports towel if hygiene is your priority.

What Makes the Best Gym Towel?

what makes the best gym towel

Consider these key factors to choose the best fitness towel.

Material

  • Microfiber for absorbency
  • Cotton for softness
  • Bamboo for sustainability

Size and Weight

Small/Tiny Gym Towels

Measuring 12" x 12" (30 x 30 cm), weighing 100-150 grams. Lightweight and easy to carry. Ideal for wiping sweat from your face and hands.

Medium Gym Towels

Available in 16" x 28" (40 x 60 cm) and weighing 200-400 grams. Smaller than a standard bath towel but larger than a washcloth. Good for wiping sweat during a workout or for placing on gym equipment to maintain hygiene.

Large gym Towels

Range from 19.7" x 39.4" (50 x 100 cm) to 59" x 29.5" (150 x 75 cm). Weigh 300 to 600 grams. Super soft for exercise. and durable enough to cover exercise benches or wipe down a full body after a workout.

Durability

Make sure your gym towel is withstanding frequent washing.

Softness

The towel should be soft. Ensure it does not irritate your skin.

Faster Drying

Be sure the gym towel is quick-drying, especially when you need to train at the gym.

Hygiene

Look for antibacterial properties for a more sanitary gym towel.

Final Thoughts

Your gym towel is a special piece of your fitness kit. No matter whether it is small or large. There is a perfect option for every fitness lifestyle, from a sweat towel to a softball towel. Make a decision wisely.

Now go ahead. Explore a wide selection of the best workout towels at VEL Clothing, designed for you. Email us at sales@velclothing.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Microfiber towels.

Microfiber and cotton towels.

Utopia towels, Nomadix titness towel, microfiber, and OlimpiaFit quick dry towel set.

Yes, they differ from regular bath towels.

Bring a clean towel to the gym. Use it to wipe down equipment before and after use.

Workout towel, fitness towel, and sweat towel.

Use a clean towel. Wipe equipment before/after use. Don’t share towels and never leave them lying around.

Throughout your workout for wiping sweat and provide a clean surface for exercises.