What exactly is a gym towel for? It is not there just to help you wipe some sweat off in between rolls. On the contrary, it’s there to help with cleanliness, maintain good hygiene, and stay healthy. After all, hygiene in a BJJ gym is only as good as the personal hygiene levels of its students. All it takes is for one person to slack and the entire school’s hygiene levels can go down.
Hygiene is important in Jiu-Jitsu given the close contact between people, and the fact we’re lying down on the ground for the most part. This translates to great opportunities for microorganisms to find their way to our skin and cause trouble. As usual, the first and most important thing is personal hygiene. And in a sport where we sweat profoundly, having gym towels that actually help maintain hygiene is a prerogative.
Properties like not retaining odors, repelling microbes, being quick to dry, and being highly absorbent, are what separate the best gym towels from all the rest. Once you’ve narrowed down the list to technically capable towels, you can base your decision on how they feel and look.
Gym Towel FAQs
What type of gym towel is best? This might not be a question you’ve ever been asked or something you’ve thought about. That said, what is the best choice of a towel for the gym? What sort of gym towels are worth having around? And what is the best type of gym towel for Jiu-Jitsu athletes? Read on for answers to all these questions and more.
How Do I Choose the Best Gym Towels?
Easy. Go for any of the options below directly, like for example, the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel. If you expand your search beyond this list, make sure a towel fulfills certain characteristics. For example, go for 100% microfiber whenever possible.
Size, absorption capabilities, and drying time all factor in differently depending on your needs. Features like antimicrobial fibers and comfort are a must too.
What Are the Advantages of Certain Types of Towels Over Others?
Once again, this depends on whatever it is you’re looking for in particular. If you want a towel to keep you cool in between rounds, the Alfamo Cooling Towel is exactly what you need.
On the other hand, if you’re more about portability, or looking for a budget option, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towelor Seca Gym Towel are better choices. As long as gym towels fulfill the basic requirements, you can choose any of the above to find the optimal match for you, as they all offer slightly different benefits.
What Do I Look For in a Gym Towel?
There are three things every gym towel has to offer in order for you to consider it. Antimicrobial properties, absorption properties, and a fabric that does not irritate.
Without any of the three, stop looking into it immediately, If all three are there, then ask yourself what do you need from a gym towel? You can’t go wrong with the Performa Performance Towel which ticks all three of these boxes.
What’s the Best Way to Use a Gym Towel?
The goal of a gym towel is to be used while you’re training. This is different from a shower towel, although you could use a bigger gym towel for drying off after a shower in a pinch.
The idea is that you need something that will dry quickly so that you can wipe the sweat off in between rounds. As such, the gym towel should be right next to your water bottle and at reach at all times while training.
How Do I Make Sure a Gym Towel Lasts?
Wash them. No matter the technology used to make it (like the innovative Gear Aid Quick Dry towel we reviewed earlier) a towel will only last if you look after it. While the best gym towel won’t retain sweat and will dry quickly, they still need proper care and washing. Luckily all of them are easily machine washable.
Reviews of the Best Gym Towels
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel
Best Overall Gym Towel
- Multipurpose: Whether you’re backpacking through the mountains or going to yoga class, our quick dry towels for camping will keep you fresh and clean when you need them the most.
- Compact: Lightweight and convenient, our camp towel packs down super small into the included carrying bag and makes the perfect companion for your daily adventures. Our 2 pack towels include one full size towel and a wash cloth.
- Super Soft: Our fast-drying backpacking towel leaves an ultra-soft, suede feel on your skin after each use, wicking away sweat and water without drying out your skin.
- Durable: Built to last, our absorbent camping towels feature interlocking stitching that’s strong and durable yet delicate on the skin.
- Colorful: With 4 vibrant colors to choose from – marine blue, royal blue, orange, and purple – you’ll be sure to find a travel towel that suits your taste!
The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel is not just a gym towel, but a brand of gym towels for any occasion. They are available in a dozen different colorful designs.
- Super absorbent – The absorption properties of the Wise Owl Camping towel are unlike any other towel out there. It absorbs moisture immediately, meaning you don’t have to wait at all before using it over and over again.
- Soft and high-quality – The Wise Owl towels are arguably the softest gym towels out there. They’re also made by a highly trusted brand that guarantees and delivers high-quality towels.
- Different Sizes – These towels come in three options, from a 12″x24″ two-pack to 24″x48″ and 30″x60″ large and extra-large options, respectively.
OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel
Best Value Towel
- COMPACT DESIGN – This sports towel set is packable for the gym, beach, and anywhere else you need them. They can easily be condensed in size 4x smaller than a camping towel of the same size.
- FAST DRYING – Made with fibers that are much thinner than a standard microfiber towel, our quick dry towels have 4x as much surface area, allowing them to absorb more water and dry up to 3x as fast.
- MULTIPURPOSE – Each set includes 3 lightweight travel towels in the sizes 50″x30″, 30″x15″, and 15″x15″. Use them as swim towels to dry off, gym towels during a workout, or small beach towels on vacation.
- HIGH QUALITY – Every microfiber travel towel is made with premium material that shares the same smooth qualities as satin. They’re also super absorbent, odor-resistant, and won’t smell after drying.
- SOFT – If you’re looking for a packable beach towel or swim towel, give this one a go! It has a slip-resistant surface and extra plush microfiber that is oh-so-gentle on your face, body, and skin.
Of course, even amongst the best gym towels out there, you could still find a bargain. For a value choice, nothing beats the OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel, which offer amazing properties and come in 8 different colors.
- 3 for the price of 1 – Of course, one of this towel’s most defining characteristics is that it comes at the best possible value, with a pack of 3 available with every purchase.
- Antibacterial, no odor retention – From a more performance-oriented standpoint, this towel provides the perfect protection, with distinct antimicrobial properties. It retains absolutely no odors and is 100% antimicrobial.
- Soft and hypoallergenic – On top of being antimicrobial, the three towels that you get are all super soft, and have been tested and proven to be hypoallergenic. Even if you have the most sensitive skin, these towels will help protect it rather than irritate it more.
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Easiest to Carry
- FAST DRYING – much comfortable for next use & convenient to pack. SUPER ABSORBENT – capable of repeat use in short time & dry you fast. BEAUTIFUL COLOR – much suitable for multi use daily.
- SKIN FRIENDLY – remarkable soft suede like feel on your skin and face.SUPER ABSORBENT-will absorb water 5 times more than its’ weight but dry fast
- ULTRA COMPACT & LIGHT WEIGHT – easy to carry and space saving. HANG SNAP LOOP – practical & easy to hang anywhere and dry. CARRY BAG – reusable
- With all the features of Rainleaf microfiber towel listed above, they can do their job well as travel towels or sports towels. Also they are ideal for beach, travel, camping, swimming, backpacking, gym.
- It is suggested to wash your towel before first use, even it’s from Rainleaf. You can return the towel you buy from us for a replacement via Amazon if you experience any problem with our towel. Lifetime warranty.
Of course, when you pick up a gym towel, you want it to fit in your gym bag without taking too much space. Portability is a big thing when it comes to a good gym towel, and the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is on top of those charts.
- Skin-friendly – The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is notably skin-friendly, as a result of the absorption technology and the softness of the material. No irritation whatsoever, even after spending hours using it while rolling.
- Hang Snap Loop – Apart from a neat carry bag that helps you take this towel everywhere in a small package, it also features a hang snap loop. This way, your towel doesn’t have to touch the mats at all because you can hang it anywhere.
- Many color options – As far as options go, this gym towel comes in ten different options, providing more than enough variety for everyone’s taste.
Hopeshine Microfiber Towel
Quickest to Dry
- Package Includes: 3pc – 16″ x 32″ Microfiber Sports Towels
- High Quality Material: HOPESHINE microfiber gym towels are made of high-quality premium microfiber (80% Polyester, 20% Polyamide) Lightweight and compact than ordinary towel，and No Static Cling.
- Soaked up tons of water, dry the body off quickly. Even though they are small size, they can dry your whole body when you shower after exercise. Gentle to the skin, very soft, no sticky feeling than general microfiber. Workout Towels for sweat for men and for women.
- Multi-purpose: The HOPESHINE microfiber fitness sweat towels are great for hiking, swimming, traveling, camping, and other outdoor activities . You can also use them as home face towels.
- Durable, up to 500 times washing. Machine Washable, please wash it separately before first use especially for dark color.
To be honest, having a wet (or even soaked!) towel is nuisance enough while you’re on the mats. Having to take a damp towel back home in your gym bag is a whole different issue. Thankfully, those issues are now a thing of the past.
- Unique Spinning Technology – Created by using a unique technology, the Hopeshine Microfiber Towel offers both amazing drying properties, and vibrant colors.
- Quick Dry – Speaking of quick-drying, there are hardly any gym towels out there that can dry as fast as the Hopeshine Microfiber Towel. The technology used in its production means it will be dry in a few minutes at most, while at the same time, being able to absorb immense amounts of liquid.
- Multipurpose – In terms of where you can use this towel, you’re pretty much unrestricted. This is not just tailor-made for BJJ gym use, but it is also great for camping, hiking, swimming, fitness, etc
Gear AID Quick Dry Microfiber Towel
Good All-Around Performance
- Dry off quickly when camping or swimming with this super absorbent microfiber towel that includes a snap loop for easy hanging while hiking, backpacking, or traveling
- Select medium, large, or XL for a compact and lightweight towel that packs to the size of a water bottle, weighing under 12 oz
- Keep towel fresh longer between washes since the microfiber is treated to reduce bad smells; use it for sports, fitness, yoga, and exercise
- Pack in the dual-pocket storage bag along with your toiletries or sunscreen and bring it to the beach, pool, or gym
- Packaging may vary
When it comes to gym towels not many people think of performance. The Gear AID Quick Dry Microfiber Towel is here to change your perspective on things. Portable, lightweight, comfortable, it is everything a gym towel should be.
- Antimicrobial – While most of the gym towels that are worth considering have antimicrobial qualities, none have them at the level of the Gear Aid Towel. It has powerful antimicrobial treatment (SILVADUR treatment) on top of impressive odor repellent qualities.
- Easy to pack – The towel can be packed down to the size of a water bottle, even though it is a full-size towel. Apart from being lightweight, it can be used for a host of purposes, and it can absorb 5 times its weight in water.
- Comes with a mesh storage bag – the mesh storage bag that complies to this towel has a zipper closure system and even features an extra pocket for toiletries like your antifungal soap, for example.
Alfamo Cooling Towel
Best Extra Features
- 💧Instant Cooling: The cooling towel provides an instant, refreshing cooling effect on your skin, ideal for use during exercise, sports or in hot weather conditions. Its innovative cooling technology is designed to lower your body temperature and decrease sweat production, allowing you to stay focused on your goals.
- 💧Long-Lasting Cooling Effect: Unlike traditional towels, the cooling towel stays cool for hours, ensuring that you remain comfortable and refreshed for extended periods of time. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities, sports events or simply relaxing on a hot day.
- 💧Soft and Absorbent: Made from high-quality materials, the cooling towel is soft and absorbent, providing ultimate comfort while wiping away sweat. Its gentle texture is suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile accessory for anyone looking to stay cool and rejuvenated.
- 💧Portable: Our cooling towel is ultra-lightweight and portable, making it an ideal companion for hot weather adventures. It’s easy to carry in your backpack or gym bag, and it won’t weigh you down on long hikes or bike rides. Plus, it occupies minimal space so you can pack more gear without sacrificing room for the towel.
- 💧Versatile Use: With its versatile nature, the cooling towel can be used for a range of activities, including sports, yoga, camping, hiking, or simply to cool down on a hot day. It’s an essential item for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, sports or wants to beat the heat during the summer months.
If you’re looking for the coolest gym towel around (literally), look no further. The Alfamo Cooling Towel, available in 17 different colors is a multipurpose sports towel that has very specialized properties.
- Cooling technology – The reason this is called a cooling towel is that it offers cooling technology on top of everything a gym towel offers. It is perfect for warm-weather training, or even working laborious jobs outdoors. It chills instantly and can keep the temperature for up to 3 hours.
- Unique properties – Unlike most products that also offer cooling properties out there, this towel also retains its towel like properties when chilled. The fabric is pleasant. It is silky soft, pliable, and folds easily. Plus it comes with a carrying pouch that is waterproof and earth-friendly.
- Multipurpose use – You can use this towel in a myriad of different ways, depending on your needs. You could wear it as a bandana, around the neck, or wrapped around any joint or body part that might need instant cooling.
Seca Gym Towel
Best Budget Option
- THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR YOUR WORKOUTS! Are you looking for a gym towel that is super absorbent, odor-free, and extra soft on your skin? If so, you have found the perfect gym towels you can’t live without! Plus, it’s just the right size to fit in your gym bag!
- NO MORE DRIPPING SWEAT TOWELS – Use your fast-absorbing workout towels to gently wipe away sweat. You won’t believe how much this towel will keep on absorbing.
- AMAZING GIFT FOR GYM RATS! Do you want the perfect gift for that fit physical trainer, competitive athlete, or workout enthusiast in your life? Give them a gift that they will use daily, to keep cool and dry during workouts!
- HOME GYM EQUIPMENT ACCESSORIES – Did you know that one of the first signs that you are a newbie to working out is not bringing your own premium sweat towels to the gym? You’ll feel a couple inches taller strutting into the gym prepared with your Seca Workout Towel. Get ready for dripping sweat, and make sure that you wipe yourself and your machines clean after using them.
- ENJOY OUR “FAST SWEAT ABSORPTION” GUARANTEE— Let’s be honest, if your sports towel isn’t absorbing your sweat, then it doesn’t belong in your gym bag. We created our towels with an indented honeycomb weave that provides greater surface area and accelerated drying power per square meter. Enjoy faster sweat absorption guaranteed! You can click the yellow “Add to Cart” button today with total confidence!
Of course, sometimes a gym towel is not just high on your priority list. Still, you shouldn’t just be content with any old towel you get your hands on. This 2-pack is a great deal from the start, offering two towels for the price of one. However, it is also of exceptional quality.
- Affordable – This is the absolute best gym towel to get if you’re on a budget. It not only features a great price but also comes as part of a 2-pack, meaning you’ll be covered for a very long time in the gym towels department.
- Trusted brand – The brand behind this towel is a proven one when it comes to work out gear. Their workout towels are perfect for any athletic endeavor, and in particular, the rigors and hygiene challenge of a BJJ gym.
- High Quality – Coming with a “fast sweat absorption guarantee”, you know that these gym towels are the real deal. Of course, they also protect from germs, feel great on the skin, and are made with the latest available technologies.
Performa Performance Towel
Best Looking Towel
- LIGHTWEIGHT – For those traveling overseas or backpacking, this towel isn’t going to add weight to your bag. The feather-like weight towel is also fast drying to ensure it’s light even after use.
- FAST DRYING – Even though the towel absorbs better than other leading gym towels, it also extremely fast drying. Half way through a sweaty workout, you’ll still be able to dry off with our towel.
- DURABLE – Performance towel is also extremely durable. You can wash it up to 500 times without wear and tear—in fact, the more you wash our towels, the softer they become. The waffle pattern helps create this soft texture while also increasing the absorption.
- PERFORMANCE & DESIGN- Our towel is designed for those living a fast paced, healthy lifestyle. The towel is 34 by 17 inches which perfectly covers workout benches.
Last but not least, a real looker. The Marvel Collection gym towel is a must for anyone who is a fan of comic books and superhero movies. Perfect for children as well, as it doesn’t just have great designs, but impressive performance qualities as well.
- Best designs – If you’re looking for some of the coolest designs in a gym towel, look no further. From a black towel with a subtly placed Punisher logo to a blue one with a Spider-Man or Captain America logo. Personally, I find the Deadpool towel calls out to me.
- Durable – Apart from the style and design, these durable towels are soft and pleasant, but will also last you a lifetime. No matter how often you use them, quick-drying technology makes sure they’re good as new every time you pick them up.
- High Performance – In terms of performance qualities, the towels are large, lightweight, easily portable, and have 10 times better absorption properties compared to cotton towels.
Conclusion
Gym towels are truly essential to have if you’re training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gi or no-gi, they’ll help you stay dry, stay clean and protect yourself from common gym germs. Once you pick up one of the best microfiber gym towels, you’ll never go back to the common cotton ones, I can promise you that!
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