Towels are commonly used to take moisture off of our bodies, but some towels can cool our bodies when wet. Cooling towels are specially designed to be used when you want to be cooled off. They’re perfect if you have an outdoor job that requires you to work in hot temperatures or if you’re going on a hike in warm temperatures.
If you’re looking for towels that are lightweight and breathable, the Sukeen 4 Pack is the top choice.
Cooling towels generally use materials made of microfiber, cotton or a combination of multiple materials, including polyvinyl acetate.
The common sizes for cooling towels are extra-small, small, medium, large and extra-long.
Those last two sizes are similar to bath towels in that they can cover your whole body. However, they may feel a bit heavy when wet, especially if made of PVA.
While some cooling towels are machine-washable, most can't be put in a dryer. The dryer can damage the material or shrink the towel, making it less efficient. It’s best to just let the towel air dry after you wring it out or follow the drying instructions on the towel, if the manufacturer provides them.
Cooling towels with ultraviolet protection can stay cool when out in the sun. They're perfect after you’ve played an outdoor game, engaged in outdoor festivities or taken care of outdoor tasks such as mowing the lawn. Some towels that aren’t UV-resistant can wear down in long exposure to the sun.
Many cooling towels come in some type of case, pouch or bag. Waterproof pouches are even better, as they keep the towel dry and secure until you’re ready to moisten it. Just make sure the towel is completely dry when putting it in a storage case, since mold can accrue if it's damp.
Not all cooling towels are machine-washable; some must be washed by hand. This may not be too tall a task if the towel is small, but a bigger towel may be tedious to wash in a sink. Towels that aren’t machine-washable can get damaged in a washer, and can bleed color into other fabrics.
They tend to come in packs for $3-$4. Individual cooling towels cost around $7-$8 per towel. Towels made from microfiber or PVA tend to be around $10 per towel. Larger towels or those with extra accessories can cost $15 and higher.
A. When waving or snapping a cooling towel, the movement activates the circulation of moisture. This involves an increase in airflow, thus allowing evaporation, which is what makes the towel give you a cool feeling. This process is common among cooling towels.
A. Cooling towels generally keep you cool for two to five hours. The duration depends on quality of the towel's material as well as the air temperature and weather. In low humidity and high temperatures, it will dry faster. In hot, humid climates, the towel may retain its moisture longer but may start to become warm with your body temperature.
A. Putting a cooling towel under your shirt or pajamas may cut off air circulation to the towel, resulting in poor cooling. Laying down at night with a cooling towel under pajamas restricts evaporation even more, which could make the towel get moldy or musty.
What you need to know: There are four towels in this pack, with different colors for each towel.
What you’ll love: The towel cools temperatures for up to three hours, keeping you from getting overheated on short trips. It's chemical-free, making it safe for people of all ages.
What you should consider: It requires washing before first use because it comes with an unpleasant smell.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: These individually wrapped towels are easy to grab when you’re on the go.
What you’ll love: Each towel comes in a waterproof pouch, as well as a carabiner clip so you can attach it to your bag. The set inclludes towels in four colors.
What you should consider: Machine-washing can damage this towel permanently.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Chill Pal Ultimate Mesh Cooling Towel
What you need to know: This is one of the lightest towels around, with a mesh material that gives you a cool feeling while putting barely any weight on your shoulder.
What you’ll love: It's thick to retain coldness, but with its light weight you’ll barely notice its thickness. Its material is highly breathable, so it brings in cold air easily.
What you should consider: Because it’s so porous, it tends to dry it out quicker than others.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Ade Hennis writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
