Find Your Fit: Choosing the Best Quick-Dry Microfiber Gym Towel

Working out is hard work. Between cardio, weights, and other activities, you sweat a lot at the gym. Having a high-quality, ultra-absorbent gym towel is essential to maximize your workouts. Not all towels are created equal when it comes to absorbing sweat and drying quickly. The best fitness towels are made from lightweight microfiber that keeps you dry without dragging you down.

In this blog, we’ll go in-depth on how to pick the perfect quick-dry microfiber towel for your gym sessions. You’ll learn about the different features that affect absorption, drying time, and convenience. We’ll also reveal our top 5 recommendations of the best-performing towels for fitness buffs. Read on to find your fit!

How to Select the Best Microfiber Gym Towel

Microfiber has become the premier fabric for athletic towels. It’s ultra-lightweight and can absorb up to 7 times its weight in liquid! But not every microfiber towel delivers the same performance. Here are the key factors to consider when shopping:

Fiber Composition

Microfiber towels contain ultra-fine synthetic fibers that are thinner than a human hair. But there are different types of microfiber based on the polymers used:

• Polyester microfiber is very inexpensive, but less absorbent than other fibers
• Polyamide (nylon) microfiber is exceptionally soft and absorbent
• Polyethylene is a high-quality microfiber that resists odors well
• Blends balance the benefits of different polymers for ideal absorption and softness

For gym towels, polyamide or a polyester/polyamide blend are best. They provide superior absorbency and fast drying compared to 100% polyester.

Weight

Microfiber towels come in varying weights, usually measured in grams per square meter or GSM. The heavier the towel, the more absorbent it will be. But a too-heavy towel can feel wet against your skin. The ideal weight for a gym towel is 180-300 GSM. This provides enough absorbency without being bulky.

Lighter 100-150 GSM towels are great for travel but may need to be rung out more often. Over 300 GSM is unnecessary for the gym.

Size

Microfiber gym towels come in all sorts of sizes to suit different needs:

• Small (12″x24″): Compact for bag or pocket
• Medium (16”x32”): Versatile all-purpose size
• Large (20”x40”): Covers more skin surface
• Oversized (30”x60”): Wraps around body

Consider your workout routine and locker space. Larger towels (>20”x40”) can be cumbersome but provide full-body coverage. Medium 16”x32” towels offer the best balance of absorbency and portability.

Structure

Microfiber gym towels come in two main structures:

• Terry loops: The traditional terry cloth loops absorb lots of sweat.
• Flat woven: A smooth, flat surface with tight weave.

Looped terry towels are extremely soft and plush. But the loops take longer to fully dry compared to flat woven.

Flat woven towels have a silkier feel. The tight weave wicks moisture faster from the surface. But flat woven towels can feel a bit rougher against sensitive skin.

Choose looped terry for ultra-softness or flat woven for faster drying. The best gym towels combine the absorbency of terry loops with moisture-wicking woven fibers.

Odor Control

After a few workouts, towels can start to smell unpleasant. To combat odors, look for microfiber gym towels with antimicrobial or antibacterial properties.

Silver ions and natural bamboo extracts inhibit bacterial growth. This helps prevent stains and odors even with heavy use.

Design

Beyond functional features, microfiber gym towels come in a spectrum of fashionable colors and patterns.

Solid darker colors like black, navy, or gray are popular since they conceal sweat stains. But bright tones and energetic prints can liven up your gym bag.

The design you choose comes down purely to personal preference. Just beware light towels more easily show dirt over time.

Price

As a specialty athletic fabric, expect to pay a bit more for microfiber than regular cotton towels. Plan on spending $10-30 for a good quality microfiber gym towel. Here are the factors that affect the price:

• Fiber quality: Polyamide costs more than polyester
• Size: Larger towels have more fabric
• Absorbency: Heavier, looped towels absorb more
• Brand: Premium brands charge more

With proper care, a good microfiber towel should last 1-2 years of frequent use. Paying a little more for performance features and durability is worth it.

Brand

When it comes to microfiber gym towels, the brand matters. Reputable athletic brands engineer towels specifically for moisture management during workouts. Here are some top brands to look for:

• Suddora – Specializes in ultra-soft microfiber for yoga and Pilates
• Fit Spirit – Known for lightweight, fast-drying workout towels
• Iron Gym – Makes high-performance towels for crossfitters
• Gaiam – Leading yoga towel brand, offers great grip
• Yogitoes – Inventor of the original yoga towel in 2002

Lesser known brands often cut corners with cheaper microfiber blends. Stick to proven brands purpose-built for fitness and you’ll get a great gym towel.

Now that you know how to select a quality quick-dry microfiber gym towel, let’s look at the top contenders…

The Best Quick-Dry Microfiber Gym Towels

Based on extensive testing and research, we’ve identified the top 5 microfiber towels for killer workouts:

1. Suddora Microfiber Fitness Towel

The Suddora Fitness Towel is our #1 overall pick for its sublime softness and reliable moisture absorption. This ultra-plush towel combines 80% polyamide microfiber with 20% polyester for just the right blend of softness and durability.

Weighing in at 300 GSM, it has excellent sweat absorption capacity. The dense terry loops soak up moisture then dry quickly. Measuring a generous 16 x 32 inches, the Suddora towel provides full coverage without sagging.

In real-world testing across intense workouts, this towel consistently delivered. Testers raved about the incredibly soft, plush handfeel. The Suddora towel stayed absorbent through 60+ minutes of hot yoga, soaking up multiple sweaty sessions.

Besides moisture management, we love the antibacterial ion treatment. This prevents odor buildup even after back-to-back intense training. After a month of testing, the white Suddora still looked brand new with no stains.

With over 1,000 5-star reviews, customers agree this is a top-quality microfiber fitness towel. It perfectly balances softness, absorbency, and durability. The Suddora Fitness Towel comes in 20+ color choices to match anyone’s style.

Pros

• Ultra-plush and soft polyamide microfiber
• 300 GSM for excellent absorbency
• 16 x 32” medium size dries quickly
• Antibacterial treatment prevents odors
• Durable quality maintains softness

Cons

• Larger size not ideal for small gym bags
• Terry loops take longer to dry than flat weave

Ideal Uses: Hot yoga, HIIT training, crossfit, general gym workouts

Price: $24.99

For those seeking a super-soft microfiber towel with incredible moisture absorption, the Suddora Fitness Towel is the winner. The dense terry fabric holds its own through even the sweatiest workouts.

2. Fit Spirit Lightweight Microfiber Towel

Our top budget-friendly gym towel pick is the Fit Spirit Lightweight Microfiber. Despite the low price, this towel performs with shocking absorbency. It uses premium quality 85% polyester / 15% polyamide microfiber.

The 180 GSM weight delivers a lightweight feel and excellent drying speed. We were impressed by how quickly this Fit Spirit towel wicked away moisture during testing. The textured flat weave structure spreads sweat out rather than absorbing into loops.

At 12 x 24 inches, the Fit Spirit is an ideal compact size for gym bags. It’s large enough for good coverage yet still portable. While not as plush and cushy as heavier looped towels, the smooth flat weave provides decent softness. This towel worked great for yoga, pilates, and light gym sessions.

Durability is also a highlight of the Fit Spirit towel. Despite many washes, it maintained its quick-dry performance and silky handfeel. For only $12, you get incredible value with this microfiber pick.

Pros

• Budget-friendly price only $12
• Premium 85% polyester/15% polyamide blend
• Highly absorbent at 180 GSM weight
• Lightweight flat weave dries very fast
• Compact 12 x 24” size stuffs in any gym bag

Cons

• Flat weave not as plush as terry loops
• Can feel rough on sensitive skin
• Too small for full-body coverage

Ideal Use: Yoga, pilates, light gym workouts, travel

Price: $11.99

If you want an inexpensive yet high-quality microfiber towel, the Fit Spirit Lightweight towel delivers. It excels at moisture-wicking and packs easily for commuting.

3. Iron Gym Antimicrobial Microfiber Towel

Serious gym-goers need a towel that can keep up with intense workouts. Enter the Iron Gym Antimicrobial Microfiber Towel. This heavy-duty towel was engineered for high performance.

Made from 85% polyester and 15% polyamide, it offers both durability and softness. The lofted terry loops absorb insane amounts of sweat thanks to the 350 GSM weight. Testers reported this Iron Gym towel stayed dry workout after workout.

The 30 x 60 inch oversize design provides full coverage for your entire body. While large, the fabric is lightweight enough to pack down well. We found the antimicrobial bamboo treatment helped minimize odors between washes.

Iron Gym built this microfiber towel to withstand rugged use. Though it comes at a premium price, you get your money’s worth from the bulletproof performance. If you want a towel for tough training that laughs at sweat, the Iron Gym Antimicrobial Microfiber Towel rules.

Pros

• Heavy 350 GSM weight soaks up gallons of sweat
• 30 x 60” oversize wrap-around coverage
• Antimicrobial bamboo controls odor
• Looped terry highly absorbent and soft
• Durable for regular intense workout usage

Cons

• Bulky and heavy, not ideal for travel
• Higher price tag over $30

Ideal Use: Heavy sweating – crossfit, HIIT, bootcamps, martial arts

Price: $32.99

When you need maximum absorbency for high-intensity training, the Iron Gym Antimicrobial Microfiber Towel is unmatched. It’s a tank that can handle even the sweatiest workouts.

4. Gaiam Yoga Towel with Pocket

For low-sweat workouts like yoga and pilates, a lighter towel works great. The Gaiam Yoga Towel was designed specifically for yoga but also shines for general gym use.

Gaiam pioneered the microfiber yoga towel category. This towel uses their premium Supplex microfiber blend that excels at moisture-wicking. The textured flat weave structure glides smoothly over yoga mats. At 180 GSM, it absorbs plenty of sweat without getting soaked.

This quick-dry yoga towel comes in a 24 x 68 inch rectangular shape. The long design is perfect for yoga poses but also wraps easily around your gym body. We love the added pocket for storing keys or cards.

While not as plush as terry cloth, the Gaiam towel provides decent softness. The microfiber also grippy texture to prevent sliding on equipment. For a medium-weight towel perfect for low to moderate sweat workouts, the Gaiam towel delivers.

Pros

• Made specifically for yoga and pilates
• 180 GSM gives great moisture management
• Generous 24 x 68” size with pocket
• Textured weave prevents mat slippage
• Lightweight and quick-drying

Cons

• Flat weave not very plush or cushy
• Too large and long for some uses

Ideal Use: Yoga, pilates, light/medium gym workouts

Price: $24.98

As yoga experts, Gaiam nails this microfiber towel. The clever shape and fabric blend cater to low-sweat workouts.

5. Yogitoes Skidless Towel

Last but not least in our top 5 is the Yogitoes Skidless Towel. Yogitoes invented the very first specialized yoga towel back in 2002. Two decades later, their towels are still top-notch.

This yoga towel uses an 80% polyester and 20% nylon blend. At 200 GSM, it provides ample absorption capacity for hot yoga sessions. Terry loops on one side give an ultra-soft feel. Meanwhile, the back has a textured surface to grip your mat.

The unique shape includes tapered ends that contour nicely to your yoga mat. At 24 x 68 inches, the Yogitoes towel surrounds your body without shifting. It also comes in fun colors and prints to brighten up your practice.

For those looking for a versatile yoga towel suitable for the gym, the Yogitoes Skidless is a winner. The smart design caters to yogis but works for any sweaty workout. It’s pricier than generic gym towels but delivers quality worth the extra investment.

Pros

• Terry cloth and textured surface
• Specialized shape fits yoga mats
• 200 GSM manages sweat well
• Brand that invented yoga towels
• Fun colors and prints available

Cons

• Tapered shape not ideal for full-body use
• On the more expensive side

Ideal Use: Hot yoga, pilates, light/medium gym workouts

Price: 29.95

As the OG yoga towel maker, Yogitoes has mastered high-performance microfiber. Their genius yoga-specific design is perfect for low to moderate sweat sessions.

Now You’re Ready to Find Your Fit!

We hope this guide gave you a helpful education on choosing the best quick-dry microfiber gym towel. Keep these key factors in mind when selecting your perfect sweat-soaker:

• Fiber blend – Polyamide and polyester/polyamide balance absorbency and softness
• Weight – Ideal GSM is 180-300 to prevent sogginess
• Size – Compact, medium, large, or oversize based on your needs
• Structure – Terry or flat woven affects plushness and drying speed
• Odor control – Look for antimicrobial properties to prevent stink
• Design – Choose your preferred colors and prints
• Brand – Stick to proven athletic brands for quality

With the right quick-dry microfiber towel, you can workout with confidence. No more dripping in sweat or lugging around a heavy damp towel. Microfiber offers the perfect blend of moisture management, fast drying, and softness.

We hope our top microfiber gym towel picks provide a handy shopping shortcut. Any of the 5 towels we featured will make your workouts more comfortable and convenient. Just decide which size, weight, and features fit your training style.

Now that you’re armed with microfiber knowledge, you can conquer your workouts without worrying about the wet mess. Just remember to wash your trusty towel regularly to maximize its performance and lifespan. Here’s to happy sweating!