Large (around 120 centimetres) and extra-large towels (around 150 centimetres) rival bath towels in size and can be used to drape your whole body if necessary. They may feel heavy, especially if they are made from PVA.

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality. Storage: If you plan to use the cooling towel on the go or during outdoor activities, consider its portability and how easily it can be folded or stored. Some towels come with compact carrying cases or pouches for convenient storage and transportation that keeps them clean and protected when not in use. Do not put PVA towels in the freezer; the stiffer material can become brittle and break relatively easily. For the following locations next day delivery may take up to two working days: Aberdeen (AB 30-35, 41-54), Northern Highlands (AB 36-38, 55-56), FK (17-21), HS (1-8), IV (All), KW (0-14), PH (15-32, 34-48), Eire (Republic of Ireland) (EI (ZZ75) (All)), Glasgow (G 83), Guernsey (GY 9), Oban (HS 9, KA 28, PA 20-99, PH 33, 49-99), Isle of Man (IM (All)), Arran (KA 27), Orkney Shetland (KW 15-99, ZE (All)) and Cornwall (TR 21-25). Based on this research, we determined that cooling efficiency (how long towels stay cool), average cooling time, ease of use, and material were the most important factors when considering a cooling towel.Since heat and sun exposure often go hand in hand, some manufacturers make their cooling towels with UV-resistant material. This feature won’t mean much for the person who uses his towel at the gym, but it’s vitally important for those buying them for soccer games, mowing the lawn, or braving theme parks. Storage case Plus, the organic nature of the material means that when it's time to dispose of the towel, you can grind it up and blend it with soil to help dry soil retain moisture, according to the brand. This towel is constructed from Frogg Toggs' exclusive 100% Poly Vinyl Alcohol material, known for its hyper-evaporative properties that can absorb up to eight times its weight in water while remaining dry to the touch.

A few manufacturers infuse terry cloth cotton towels with special oils or aloe to help them retain moisture longer. Other than that, they dry in a similar amount of time to a standard bath towel. These towels often ship pre-moistened in resealable bags and can be re-soaked when they dry. This style is not as common as PVA and microfibre. Combos Wetting the towel with water to trigger its cooling effects, which can lower temperatures down to 30 degrees. Once wet, the towel utilizes the power of simple evaporation to produce a refreshing coolness. As long as the towel is wet, exposed to the air, and allowed to "breathe," the Chilly Pad will continue to evaporate and keep you cool. Material and comfort: The material of the cooling towel plays a crucial role in its effectiveness and comfort. Look for towels made of fabrics like microfiber or PVA (Polyvinyl acetate) that are soft against the skin and provide optimal moisture absorption. Some cooling towels — or their storage bags — are outfitted with carabiner clips, so they’re easier to carry.Don’t fold or try to pull apart wrinkles in PVA towels when they’re dry — you risk damaging the towel. The brand doesn't recommend freezing these towels, but it can be refrigerated for an added chill. Plus, its internal mesh reinforcing material allows you to cut it into any shape you fancy, making it customizable and versatile. The biggest difference in cooling towels comes from the materials used to make them. Some are made to deliver a soft texture; others are manufactured with staying power in mind. The one that’s right for you depends on your intended use. PVA However, cooling towels made from microfibre won’t stay cool as long as those made from PVA. They’re better for short-term events where you need more versatility than a PVA towel may provide. They’re also more likely to transfer moisture to your clothing. Cotton

Additional features: Some cooling towels may offer extra features such as UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) sun protection, antimicrobial properties, or the ability to cut or customize the towel's size to fit your needs. While cooling towels don't provide hydration or full-body sun protection—two other hot-weather essentials—they can be a helpful tool to have on hand when you are spending time outdoors in hot and humid weather (especially if you are also elevating your body temperature with exercise). We selected cooling towels for our list based on the material, care instructions, size, and affordability. Microfiber towels provide reliable cooling, and they feel soft and comfortable against your skin. However, they won't stay cool for as long as a PVA towel, and they're not dry to the touch when wet. Ease of use: Look for towels that are easy to activate and require minimal maintenance. Consider whether the towel can be easily reactivated by simple steps like wetting, wringing, or snapping. Similarly, you'll likely want a machine washable towel to ensure cleaning is low-maintenance.

Top 5 Cooling Towels

We favored options that were durable but lightweight, made with polyvinyl acetate (PVA) material, and machine washable. Because some towels have different price points, we then weighed the cost against the strengths of the towels to determine which options offered the best value at different price points. Constructed from FROGG TOGGS' signature hyper-evaporative material, this towel also retains up to eight times its weight in water and sweat, according to the brand. And the best part? It's machine washable and can be used over and over again, making it a reliable cooling companion for the long run. Durability and reusability: A high-quality towel should be reusable and withstand multiple uses and washes without losing its cooling properties or falling apart. If you are looking for a cooling towel with a soft, comfortable feel, you should look at microfibre towels. Microfibre towels are usually made from a polyester blend and feel more like bathroom towels than those made from PVA. They won’t get stiff when they dry, and they can be used for other functions besides cooling. Microfibre towels are machine washable, and, just like PVA towels, you can just wet them again when they get dry, provided you have access to water. Measuring 33" x 13", this towel provides generous coverage for maximum cooling relief and sun protection. You can even cut it to create smaller towels to suit your needs.