The 8 Best Cooling Towels in 2023, Tested by Fitness Editors

Jun 02, 2023

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Chilling out has never been easier.

IN THE scorching heat of summer or during intense outdoor workouts, finding a way to cool down becomes essential. That's where cooling towels come to the rescue, offering a quick and convenient method to lower body temperature and beat the heat.

Made from high-tech fabrics including antimicrobial microfiber and PVA with evaporative technology that activate with water, these towels have become a must-have accessory for beachgoers, backyard enthusiasts, and fitness enthusiasts alike. While they don't provide hydration or full-body sun protection, cooling towels serve as a valuable tool in hot and humid weather conditions, especially when putting in work for your summer body.

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To guide you towards the best cooling towels on the market, we conducted extensive research and consulted our certified fitness trainer Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., MH Fitness Director. Our selection process is meticulous and comprehensive, focusing on key features including material quality, activation mechanism, cooling performance, technological features, and affordability. Each cooling towel on our list has been subjected to rigorous evaluation to determine its effectiveness across a range of scenarios.

So, whether you're a dedicated runner, outdoor CrossFit fitness enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys spending time in the sun, read on to discover the best cooling towels to keep you comfortable when things heat up.

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Crafted with an evaporative breathable mesh, the Sukeen Instant Cooling Towel offers instant relief and at a great price (just $8.83 per towel). Simply soak, wring out, and snap it to activate the unique cooling system.

It's designed to draw sweat away from your skin and stay cool for up to three hours, depending on conditions. Unlike some other products that utilize alcohol-based materials, no chemicals are used in its manufacturing, making it safe and suitable for even kids and pets.

Convenience is key, which is why the Sukeen cooling towel comes with a waterproof plastic pouch and a carabiner clip. The pouch allows for easy transportation, making it great for rock climbing, golf trips, crossfit training, and more. The included carabiner clip matches the towel's vibrant colors, adding a touch of style and making it a great gift for all ages. Attach the cooling towel to your gym bag or traveling backpack with ease using the convenient clip.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 1,100 reviews on Amazon, 90% recommend the Sukeen Cooling Towel with at least 4-stars.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 10,800 reviews on Amazon, 87% recommend the FROGG TOGGS Chilly Pad Instant Cooling Towel with at least 4-stars.

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Scorching summer temperatures can't slow you down if you're equipped with the Cooling Towel from Tough Outdoors. Two simple steps is all that's required to cool down: Soak with water and wring out. When it starts warming up again, just rinse and repeat.

This towel has also got you covered with sun protection, quite literally. Not only does it provide cooling relief, but it also blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays, and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Made from our patented Evapocool performance fabric, this towel is designed to actively evaporates moisture while cooling. They are gentle on your skin, machine washable, and fast-drying, ensuring they remain a summer staple for years to come.

What do buyers say? "Had very few expectations and was pleasantly surprised it actually works. Maybe a little too good, cause I got a brain freeze," said one reviewer on Amazon.

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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.

After removing it from the packaging, wet the towel thoroughly, wring out any excess water, and allow it to begin evaporating. After use or washing, just store it in its original storage tube, in a plastic bag, or hang it up to dry.

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.

And at $10 for a 6-pack, it's an incredible value for these mini towels.

What do buyers say? "They are cheap enough to hand out to friends that look hot, and if they don't come back I think of it as a good deed," said one Amazon reviewer..

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Stay cool hands-free with this innovative Cooling Hoodie Towel. It works just the same as the other cooling towels on this list, requiring just water to activate, but offers a hands-free solution to chilling out. According to the brand, it stays cool for up to two hours.

With cooling properties that are permanent and will never wash out, it's both reusable and machine washable. It's also UPF 50, shielding you from the sun's harmful rays.

Its versatile design allows you to wear it in multiple ways, whether tucked, shifted, or draped. One downside: It's pretty spacious and requires some securing to stay in place while moving about. Luckily, there's a snap closure to help with that.

What do buyers say? "Did exactly what I needed it to do kept me cool throughout the whole game," said one reviewer on Amazon.

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This towel from Chill Pal is designed to stay up to 20 degrees cooler than ambient air, and boy, it gets the job done.

New and improved packaging features a convenient pouch, making it easier than ever to carry the Cooling Towel on the go. To use, just remove the towel from the pouch, wet it under cold water, and wring it out.

Made with high-grade and extra thick PVA material, this towel has stellar absorbency to keep you cool longer. The more water it holds, the longer it takes to evaporate, ensuring extended cooling comfort.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 7,300 reviews on Amazon, 83% recommend the Chill Pal PVA Cooling Towel with at least 4-stars.

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Made from smooth and durable brushed fabric, this towel combines cooling tech with ultra-soft comfort.

According to the brand, its proprietary performance fabric cools up to 30 degrees below average body temperature in under a minute.

The cooling effect lasts for up to three hours, allowing you to stay active and focused. Simply re-wet and snap the towel to reactivate it, so you can enjoy long-lasting cooling comfort. The odor-resistant material also keeps you smelling fresh, even in the heat.

Bonus: Not only does its antimicrobial material fight bacterial growth, but it also offers UPF 50 sun protection and is machine washable.

What do buyers say? "Unbelievable! Just got back from a long bike ride, 95 F./106 F. w/ humidity... the thing simply WORKS! No, I didn't receive this as a part of any promotion, and I'd never heard of the thing before a few weeks ago," said one buyer on Amazon.

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This cooling towel is made with microfiber material, resulting in stellar water absorption capabilities. It also offers UPF 50 protection, safeguarding your skin on even the sunniest days.

To activate its chilling power, wet the towel, wring it out, and twirl it in the air for no-drip cooling. Whether you drape it around your neck or head, the cooling tech is long-lasting and the material is gentle on the skin.

With its reusable and machine washable design, you can reactivate the cooling effects anytime.

What do buyers say? "Bought several of these for our son in the military—but we love them, too. If you live in a hot climate and love the outdoors, these are essential. Cooling effect lasts for a couple of hours and can be 'recharged' with cool water," said one reviewer on Amazon.

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They may not call for the same level of investment or performance consideration as, say, a new rowing machine or pair of running shoes. But still, choose the right cooling towel and you'll be using it for years to come. So, keep the following in mind when shopping:

Cooling technology: Different cooling towels utilize various technologies to provide cooling relief. Some towels rely on evaporative cooling only, while others may incorporate cooling gels or advanced fabric technologies. For safety purposes, consumers with pets or small children should steer clear of towels made with cooling gels or alcohol-based fabrics.

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.

Size: Consider the size of the cooling towel and whether it offers sufficient coverage for your desired application. Larger towels may be more versatile, allowing you to drape them around your neck, wrap them around your head, or use them on larger areas of the body (which is especially great for sun protection). Some towels, like those from FROGG TOGGS, may even be cut to size based on your specific preferences.

Durability and reusability: A high-quality towel should be reusable and withstand multiple uses and washes without losing its cooling properties or falling apart.

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.

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.

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.

Customer reviews: Before purchasing a cooling towel, it's a good idea to check out several reviews to get an idea of the towel's performance, durability, and overall customer satisfaction.

Cooling towels work by leveraging a process known as evaporative cooling to produce a their chilly sensation. The mechanism involves the interaction between the towel, water, and air. Here's how it works:

For the cooling towels included in our list, cleaning and maintaining is no different than how you'd care for a traditional sweat towel. If the towel becomes soiled, simply pop it into a washing machine with standard clothing detergent and rinse thoroughly. If you don't have access to a washing machine, hand washing works well, too. In case of mildew or odor development, soak the towel in a mixture of 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 gallon of warm water for an hour or two before washing.

When it comes to drying, we recommend checking the specific towel's instructions. While some can be machine dried, some indicate hanging to dry. For storage, place it in its original storage tube, a plastic bag, or hang.

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.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

Our goal is to provide you with accurate and reliable information, empowering you to make an informed decision when choosing a cooling towel. Whether you're engaging in outdoor workouts, spending time at the beach, or simply seeking relief from the heat, our carefully curated selection of cooling towels is designed to meet your specific needs and enhance your comfort level.

To guide you towards the best cooling towels on the market, we conducted extensive research and consulted certified fitness trainer Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., MH Fitness Director. Our selection process is meticulous and comprehensive, focusing on key features including material quality, activation mechanism, cooling performance, technological features, and affordability. Each cooling towel on our list has been subjected to rigorous evaluation to determine its effectiveness across a range of scenarios.

Talene Appleton is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men's Health, where she covers fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. She was previously the Associate Editor of General Surgery News, and a nutrition writer for The Food Institute. Talene is a retired professional dancer, and loves to spend her free time cooking elaborate meals for her friends and family.

As Men's Health's Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

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