The Ten Best Beach Towels

Stand out on the beach this summer with one of our cool towels

Quiksilver - £38

Teenage boys will fall over their surfboards for this sporty towel, decorated with Quiksilver's scrawled logo. Perfect for pretending they're groovy surf dudes, rather than schoolboys.

www.quiksilver-store.com

Missoni - £86

This bold Missoni print, featuring the label's distinctive signature stripes, will make a statement on every beach. In this case, splashing out on both colour and price is definitely worth it.

www.amara.co.uk; 0800 587 7645

Reserved - £9.95

Beat the rush for the sun loungers with this cheeky printed number. It might not win you any friends by the poolside, but it will mean you can recline in splendour.

www.boysstuff.co.uk; 0870 745 2000

Toast - £14

Made from soft, woven cotton, a hammam towel is excellent for taking on holiday with you. Lightweight and quick to dry, they fold up small and are available in blue or red.

www.toast.co.uk; 0844 557 5200

John Lewis - £14

A thick cotton beach towel that is a colourful tropical delight. Covered with gambolling turtles, it is cheap, cheerful and very cute indeed.

www.johnlewis.com; 0845 604 9049

Vespa - £29.95

Get your five a day with this fruity towel that's covered in an orchard's worth of apples. If the print's too mad for you, Vespa also offers a scarlet towel that's bright but less busy.

www.vespa-world.co.uk; 0191-265 9793

Linen Store - £18

Always wanted a Warhol print? While you save for an original, fill the gap with this monochrome version of Andy's iconic Campbell's soup can, printed on a velvet soft towel.

www.linenstore.co.uk

Marimekko - £42

Finnish designers at Marimekko have ensured drying off can be done with pride. The bold flowery Unikko design comes in red blue and black. Other splashy styles are available.

www.towels.co.uk; 01903 891 755

Designers Guild - £15

Currently half price, this ocean-inspired towel is fun and funky and has excellent style credentials as it hails from exclusive interiors emporium Designers Guild.

www.designersguild.com; 020-7893 7400

Marks and Spencer - £9.50

Perfect for bikini queens, this striking towel is emblazoned with a retro swimwear print. Or, if you fancy, the store has a leopard print version too.

www.marksandspencer.com; 0845 302 1234