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  • 10 Best Cooling Towels UK 2024 | Dock & Bay, Mission and More 1
  • 10 Best Cooling Towels UK 2024 | Dock & Bay, Mission and More 2
  • 10 Best Cooling Towels UK 2024 | Dock & Bay, Mission and More 3
  • 10 Best Cooling Towels UK 2024 | Dock & Bay, Mission and More 4
  • 10 Best Cooling Towels UK 2024 | Dock & Bay, Mission and More 5

10 Best Cooling Towels UK 2024 | Dock & Bay, Mission and More

Using a wet towel to help you stay cool isn't a new concept, but the plethora of specifically designed products on the market nowadays has certainly revolutionised the idea! As well as being made from a lightweight, breathable material, this type of towel stays cooler much longer than a standard one.


Whether you're looking for a snap towel for sports like golf or simply something to wear around your neck to stave off the summer heat, there's a product out there for you. In this article, we've ranked the top 10 best cooling towels in the UK, available at Amazon and John Lewis, so you can find one that's compact and easy to use. Just add water!

Last updated 25/03/2024

Quick List - Top Cooling Towels

1

Dock & Bay

Cooling Gym Towel, Brights
Cooling Gym Towel, Brights

The Ultimate Partner for Summer Weather

2

Mission

Cooling Towel
Cooling Towel

The Perfect Companion to Your Workout or Golf Session

3

Dock & Bay

QuickCool Cooling Towel
QuickCool Cooling Towel

Infused With Jade for Expert Comfort and Cooling

4

Fit-Flip

Airflip Cooling Towel
Airflip Cooling Towel

Made From the Highest Quality Materials

5

Chill Pal

Mesh Cooling Towel
Mesh Cooling Towel

Thin, Comfy and Super Breathable

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Table of Contents

What Is a Cooling Towel?

What Is a Cooling Towel?
Source:amazon.co.uk

Cooling towels are made from a special performance material that's designed to immediately cool when wet and, once activated, it'll remain cold for up to two hours. Using the principle of evaporative cooling, the towel absorbs water and moisture before distributing it evenly throughout the fabric  this keeps it cooler for longer periods of time than a standard towel.


Most cooling towels require three steps to become activated: soaking the towel, wringing it out and then "snapping" it. While towel snapping may seem like a mischievous school locker room activity, it's actually an essential part of cooling towel technology and will help you feel refreshed on a hot day or after a vigorous workout.

How to Choose a Cooling Towel in the UK — Buying Guide

Now you know what these fabulous towels can do, let's move on to the specifications. In this section, we'll go through materials, towel size and more to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle.

1

Decide Between Microfibre, Recycled Polyester or Bamboo

Decide Between Microfibre, Recycled Polyester or Bamboo
Microfibre is the most popular fabric used to make cooling towels, due to its ability to maximise evaporative cooling. It's usually made from polyester, polyamides like polypropylene or a blend of these synthetic materials.

Sustainably-minded companies often use recycled polyester for their cooling towels, which prevents plastic waste from going into landfill. If you'd prefer to avoid synthetic materials altogether and go au naturel, bamboo fibre works well too. Bamboo fibre has micro-holes, making it softer than cotton and providing excellent moisture absorption. Plus it's antibacterial and biodegradable, but it does take a while to dry.

2

Sports, Fitness or Just Chilling Out? Select a Size to Suit Your Activity

Sports, Fitness or Just Chilling Out? Select a Size to Suit Your Activity

The size of a cooling towel can vary quite a lot, so you'll want to consider what you will be using it for and how much coverage you'll need. Towels that are designed for golf or using at the gym are often slimmer in width but still long enough to comfortably wear around your neck.


If you plan to use a cooling towel to help regulate your body temperature in hot weather, consider choosing one with more coverage. A towel that is wide enough to cover your shoulders and some of your back is likely to provide the most relief. However, it may not be quite as compact as a slimmer towel when folded away.

3

Consider How Many Towels You Need and How Often You'll Use Them

Consider How Many Towels You Need and How Often You'll Use Them
Source:amazon.co.uk

New to the world of cooling towels? If so, you're probably looking for just one towel so you can try it out before committing to a multipack. However, Amazon has some really affordable deals so it's often possible to get a set of several for not that much more than a single one.


If you're an avid gym-goer, it makes sense to have more than one cooling towel to hand for your workouts and a multipack of towels means you won't have to do laundry after each session

4

Opt For a Product With Handy Extras Such as UBF Protection or a Carry Case

Opt For a Product With Handy Extras Such as UBF Protection or a Carry Case
Source:amazon.co.uk

Many cooling towels come with additional features such as UBF protection. UBF measures the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate fabric and reach your skin from both UVB and UVA rays, whereas SPF only measures UVB. So, it's a good idea to opt for a towel with UBF protection if you'll be spending a lot of time outside.


A container for your cooling towel is also a handy extra, but you'll need to decide whether you prefer a carry pouch, bottle or bag and if you need one that has a carabiner too. A carabiner allows you to fasten your towel onto your bag, which makes it easier to transport — perfect for cooling down on the go!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

Top 10 Best Cooling Towels in the UK

Hopefully by now you know what to look for in a cooling towel, so let's move on to our top 10 recommendations! Featuring top-notch products from Mission, Dock & Bay and Chill Pal, our ranking will have you feeling cool as a cucumber in no time at all.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Dock & Bay

Cooling Gym Towel, Brights

Dock & Bay Cooling Gym Towel, Brights 1

The Ultimate Partner for Summer Weather

2

Mission

Cooling Towel

Mission Cooling Towel 1

The Perfect Companion to Your Workout or Golf Session

3

Dock & Bay

QuickCool Cooling Towel

Dock & Bay QuickCool Cooling Towel 1

Infused With Jade for Expert Comfort and Cooling

4

Fit-Flip

Airflip Cooling Towel

Fit-Flip Airflip Cooling Towel 1

Made From the Highest Quality Materials

5

Chill Pal

Mesh Cooling Towel

Chill Pal  Mesh Cooling Towel 1

Thin, Comfy and Super Breathable

6

Gearlifee

Sports Cool Towel

Gearlifee Sports Cool Towel 1

Slots Into a Silicone Storage Bag

7

VAKKI

ICE Cooling Towel

VAKKI ICE Cooling Towel 1

Easy to Carry and Has a 24-Month Warranty

8

Eono

Cooling TowelsSet of 3

Eono Cooling Towels 1

Microfibre Towels With UPF 50 Protection

9

YQXCC

Cooling TowelsSet of 2

YQXCC Cooling Towels 1

Quick-Drying Towels in a Convenient Carry Pouch

10

KEAFOLS

Cooling Towels MultipackSet of 6

KEAFOLS Cooling Towels Multipack 1

A Multipack of Colourful Cooling Towels

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Dock & Bay
Cooling Gym Towel, Brights

Cooling Gym Towel, Brights 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Cooling Gym Towel, Brights 2
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£14.00
High Mid
Reference price
£14.00
High Mid

The Ultimate Partner for Summer Weather

Something about this brightly coloured cooling towel reminds us of the Olympics and what could be better motivation while working out than that? Dock & Bay towels usually feature beach stripes but we're absolutely living for this retro sports design.


This towel has so many amazing qualities, from the recycled polyester material infused with jade stone powder and the dual-layered technology that keeps you uber-cool to the matching pouch that comes as standard. Not only does it do the job perfectly but we reckon you'll look forward to showing it off too!

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No.2

Mission
Cooling Towel

Cooling Towel 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Cooling Towel 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.95
Low Mid
Reference price
£7.95
Low Mid

The Perfect Companion to Your Workout or Golf Session

Co-founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams, Mission aims to maximise athletic performance and recovery through the use of thermoregulating towels. It's probably the most well-known brand on our list — but you might be wondering whether that's due to the company's famous CEO or if they actually are the superior choice when it comes to quality.


Well, we're here to tell you that the reviews are in and Mission's cooling towels really are that good! Made from soft, durable microfibre, the hydroactive material cools instantly to help you feel refreshed for longer. The design feels great around your neck and the UPF 50 offers 98% protection from UV rays too. An all-around brilliant buy!

No.3

Dock & Bay
QuickCool Cooling Towel

QuickCool Cooling Towel 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
QuickCool Cooling Towel 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£7.00
Low Mid

Infused With Jade for Expert Comfort and Cooling

Known for their beach, travel and sports products, Dock & Bay have totally reinvented the idea of the traditional towel by infusing it with jade stone powder for an extra cool touch. Since successfully gaining investment on Dragon's Den, they've gone from strength to strength and now offer a wide range of colours, styles and designs.


The thing we love the most about Dock & Bay's cooling towel is the combination of functionality and gorgeous design. Nautical stripes are part of their signature style and their towels always come with a matching water-resistant travel pouch to keep you looking chic whatever you're doing!

No.4

Fit-Flip
Airflip Cooling Towel

Airflip Cooling Towel 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Airflip Cooling Towel 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£7.99
Low Mid

Made From the Highest Quality Materials

Ready to stay cool all day long? This towel by Fit-Flip features a woven mesh fabric for a distinct cooling effect through evaporation. Made from 55% polyamide and 45% polyester and certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, it's extremely soft and breathable.


The space-saving waterproof bag allows you to easily transport your ice-cold, wet towel to the gym, where it'll enable you to reach peak sports performance while feeling super comfortable. It's also ideal for outdoor work, driving or keeping kids cool in extreme heat.

No.5

Chill Pal
Mesh Cooling Towel

Mesh Cooling Towel 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Mesh Cooling Towel 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£15.35
High Mid
Reference price
£15.35
High Mid

Thin, Comfy and Super Breathable

Chill Pal is an Amazon brand that's received great reviews for its mesh cooling towel, thanks to its thin, comfy and super breathable design. Whether you're a golfer, runner, hiker, or just looking to beat the heat, this towel has got you covered — literally!


Featuring a bigger overall area than other towels, it has more evaporative power to work with. Just soak it, wring it out, give it a quick "snap" with a flick of your wrist and get ready to enjoy! Simply put, it'll keep you cool even on the hottest of summer days.

No.6

Gearlifee
Sports Cool Towel

Sports Cool Towel 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Sports Cool Towel 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.99
Mid
Reference price
£9.99
Mid

Slots Into a Silicone Storage Bag

If you're the type of person who likes to be on the go and loves to take part in sports and outdoor activities, we recommend this towel by Gearlifee. It's available in blue, grey or pink and it also includes a silicone storage bag with breathable holes, as well as a carabiner that easily fixes onto a sports bag or backpack.


The towel itself is made from lightweight, non-slip polyester that offers UPF 50 sunscreen protection. Consisting of a water absorption layer, a water-locking layer and a dehumidification layer, this product is effective at providing a long-lasting cooling effect. We just wish you got more than one towel for the price!

No.7

VAKKI
ICE Cooling Towel

ICE Cooling Towel 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
ICE Cooling Towel 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£8.99
Mid
Reference price
£8.99
Mid

Easy to Carry and Has a 24-Month Warranty

Those who tend to suffer from overheating in the summer weather or who require a cooling towel for intense workout sessions should take a look at this cooling towel. It comes with a bottle that can be clipped onto your bag and easily carried around wherever you go.


This multifunctional towel can be used for golf, yoga, running or even to help reduce your body temperature if you're feeling under the weather. Although the brand isn't particularly well known, this product features a 60-day money-back guarantee and a 24-month warranty, so it's basically a risk-free purchase!

No.8

Eono
Cooling TowelsSet of 3

Cooling Towels 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Cooling Towels 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£16.99
High Mid
Reference price
£16.99
High Mid

Microfibre Towels With UPF 50 Protection

Eono creates a range of different towels especially for sports, camping and swimming. This set is specifically designed to help you regulate your body temperature during sports or in hot weather.


Made from high-quality microfibre fabric, these towels provide UPF 50 sun protection too. Soft, breathable and easy to activate, they come with a carabiner clip to conveniently hang on your bag. They are the most expensive option on our list, but you do get 3 towels for this price.

No.9

YQXCC
Cooling TowelsSet of 2

Cooling Towels 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.64
Low Mid
Reference price
£7.64
Low Mid

Quick-Drying Towels in a Convenient Carry Pouch

Available on Amazon for under a tenner, this two-pack by YQXCC is a cheap way to try out cooling towels. You could even give the second one to a partner or fitness-mad friend, or you can simply use both yourself.


Ideal for all kinds of sports and activities, the microfibre material is breathable, absorbent and quick-drying. The range of colours is very limited and not particularly aesthetically pleasing, but these towels in a waterproof carry pouch are ideal if you need something purely functional!

No.10

KEAFOLS
Cooling Towels MultipackSet of 6

Cooling Towels Multipack 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Cooling Towels Multipack 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.99
High Mid
Reference price
£11.99
High Mid

A Multipack of Colourful Cooling Towels

If you're already feeling sold on cooling towels, why not stock up on this multipack by KEAFOLS? It includes six different colours so you could even match your towel to your exercise gear!


Since you'd usually pay the same amount for one cooling towel, we think the price is a great deal and having a whole set will be useful if you work out every day. However, the quality isn't quite as good as other options on our list which means the cooling effect doesn't last as long, plus this set sadly lacks a carry pouch.

Top 5 Cooling Towels

No. 1: Dock & BayCooling Gym Towel, Brights

No. 2: MissionCooling Towel

No. 3: Dock & BayQuickCool Cooling Towel

No. 4: Fit-FlipAirflip Cooling Towel

No. 5: Chill Pal Mesh Cooling Towel

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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