There are always different ways to solve any problem. For most people experiencing hyperhidrosis, the solutions are usually medication or antiperspirants to temporarily stop the sweating for a few days or even for a week.
After asking people who struggle with excessive sweating, they always say that any solution that can help them would really be good. So I thought, why not invest in good sweat-wicking towels?
Photo by Kristianna Pinne via Unsplash
Have no time to read the entire article right now? Here is the writer’s top pick for the best towels for sweat, which you can use for any activity.
I will definitely share some of the best sweat towels that you can start getting for yourself this year. I always say, in any “battle”, it is always best to be armed to the teeth.
So you can have your antiperspirants and other sweat-stopping stuff, but it will never hurt to have a towel nearby that will keep the sweat at bay and will dry fast enough for easy storage.
Read more about these products below.
What Are Sweat Towels And Why Do I Need Them?
Sweat towels or sweat-wicking towels are towels designed to absorb sweat from your skin and drying it out immediately. These towels were made popular by people who are into sports or any activity that involves a lot of sweat.
The difference between a regular towel and a sweat-wicking one is that the latter can hold a lot more moisture than a regular towel without being too heavy. A sweat-wicking towel will also be easier to put in any bag because it can be folded to a tiny sized roll that won’t take up much space.
You will definitely need a sweat-wicking towel if you are into sports. I have a bunch myself because I play rugby on the weekends. You can also get these towels if you are an on-the-go person if you always travel or camp and you want to travel light.
These towels (as I have mentioned) are so compact so you’d have lots of space to put other (necessary) stuff when traveling. You can use these towels if you have hyperhidrosis or if you normally sweat a lot no matter what the weather is.
Big sweat-wicking towels make excellent beach towels as well because they are soft and light and can be draped around your body without the roughness that can be irritating when you have a sunburn.
So many uses right? This is definitely a must-have this year as they will last you forever. I have a couple of towels that have been with me for more than 3 years now. With proper care (which I will be sharing later), yours can last you a long time as well.
How To Care For Your Towels
Here we are. As promised, I will share proper care instructions for your new sweat-wicking towel. You would want to learn this because you’d want your sweat-wicking towel to last a long time.
Remember, these towels aren’t made from the same material your regular towels are made of. So care instructions are different and you may discover that some of the stuff you do when you wash your towel can’t be done on these ones.
1. Wash in warm water only
Always wash your microfiber towels in warm or hot water. The temperature makes it easier for any dirt or stain to be removed while it is being washed.
2. Do not use fabric softeners
Don’t use fabric softeners when washing your microfiber towels because these softeners clog the spaces in between the fibers of your towel. It destroys the sweat-wicking property of your towel and will destroy it over time.
3. Wash with like fabrics
It is always best to wash your sweat-wicking towels with similar fabrics. But if you can’t help but mix your laundry, do not wash your microfiber towels with cotton as the lint will stick to your towel.
Also, avoid mixing your light-colored microfiber towels with your dark-colored towels because there might be “bleeding” which means the darker microfiber towels might stain the lighter ones.
4. Always use a mild detergent
Use mild detergents when washing your towels so that it won’t destroy the material. Also, remember that you are already using warm water and that the dirt is already easier to remove than if you used cold water.
5. Handwash instructions
If handwashing your towel, make sure to use warm water, a mild detergent, and a soft-bristled brush to gently remove the dirt. If your towel is really dirty, you can opt to soak it first for an hour or two before washing. Air dry after, fold and store inside your bag.
6. Air Dry
Don’t use the dryer when drying your towels. Your sweat-wicking towels are made of microfiber, which dries immediately. Air drying will take a lot less time than your regular towels. This is also an advantage of sweat-wicking towels over regular towels when it comes to traveling.
Best Sweat- Wicking Towels
Now that you know what sweat-wicking towels are and how to care for them, let us now go to my list of best brands to choose from. You will learn about each one and why they’re on my list. I also made a simple chart with all their unique features, which can make the selection process easier for you if you’re pressed for time.
| Sweat-wicking Towel Brands | Size | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Youphoria Outdoors | You can choose from their 3 different sizes | perfect for trekking or hiking due to it being light, is pill-resistant. |
| 2. Mission VaporActive | Hand Towel (small) | Pattern comes out when towel gets wet, is very durable. |
| 3. Rainleaf | Medium-sized, perfect for sports | Lifetime warranty, can hold 5x of it’s weight in water. |
| 4. PackTowl Luxe | You can choose from their range of 4 different sizes | Terry-knit, feels like your old regular cotton towels. |
| 5. Alfamo | Cooling Towel | Seamless, stitched edges, water-resistant bag. |
| 6. Relefree | 2pcs, 1 body and 1 hand towel | Hanging loop and bag. |
1. Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Travel Towel
There were ups and downs in the business and 4 years later (2016), they decided to reorganize and go back to the drawing board on a product that they wanted to prioritize. thus, Youphoria towels were born.
Their tagline is “products for the pursuit of happiness” because both of them love traveling and they thought that since most people also travel like them, they’d totally appreciate these towels.
Youphoria is unique not only because it is softer than most microfiber towels in the market but it is the only pill-resistant towel in this list. Pill-resistant means that it doesn’t bunch up or have those tiny pills that form after some time of using.
This brand conveniently comes in three sizes: 20 x 40, 28 x 56, and 32 x 72 (all in inches). You also have a lot of colors to choose from so you have endless options if you’re the type who likes matching towels.
This towel is also very light and comes with a free bag that you can hang easily when you are outdoors or if you are at the beach. This is a perfect beach towel as well because it wicks dirt and dust, unlike other towels. This means that dirt doesn’t easily stick to the towel, making it easier to clean than your regular towel.
You can use this towel for yoga because it doesn’t drip or get soaked. The liquid immediately dries off when you use your Youphoria towel. You can use the smallest size when you’re out on a regular day as a back up for when you sweat a lot or when you’re at work. The biggest size would be perfect for traveling or even just camping. It dries so fast you wouldn’t have to worry about the weight it would add to your bag.
These microfiber towels are blessings to the outdoor world because it used to be tough, lugging around heavy towels when going trekking or when going on a trip. Sweat-wicking towels really help people who love going places, thus the name Youphoria is perfect because being out and in touch with nature does bring euphoric feelings.
It’s very easy to care for your towel. You can wash your towel in cold or warm water, and what’s fun is that this towel dries so fast, air drying will take about an hour, then you’re good to go.
Youphoria also has a good customer service hotline if you even have any concerns or questions about your product, you can give them a call and they’ll definitely help you out, as many people have had good reviews on their customer service team.
2. Mission VaporActive Yoga Hand Towel
Having a sweat-wicking towel is amazing, yes. But have a sweat-wicking towel that is chic and fashionable is what some people are looking for.
Mission VaporActive hand towels are amazing because they fit easily into your bag, they dry very fast, but the best feature of all is the design.
Who says towels have to be boring? Definitely not this brand. In every order you make you get two pieces of this sweat-wicking towels. One has a marbled pattern that is chic and another one is solid charcoal with a colored lining.
I actually like the plain one because the design only comes out when you get your towel wet. I find it cool that this brand makes their products interesting and stylish to use while having all the properties a sweat-wicking towel should have.
I included Mission towels in this list because they are the most stylish towels in this list and they are also the smallest. If you are looking for a sweat-wicking towel that is stylish and can fit your handbag or tiny gym bag, then this is the brand for you.
Mission is a brand with a mission (yes, the wordplay) to support the activities you like doing by providing quality and stylish products for you to use.
This towel comes in two different colors. The one you see above in the photo is called glaze quartz pink. The other color you can get is a pattern with a shade of blue called Breathe Bluebird. The second towel is always solid charcoal.
They also support famous athletes like Dwayne Wade, Serena Williams, Sarah Haskins, and David Villa among others. This is proof that they are definitely a trusted brand and that they do create quality products.
The Mission VaporeActive hand towel is made from 90% polyester and 10% nylon, so you have to be careful with how you take care of your towels.
Care instructions are very similar to the ones I posted above. Mission towels are machine washable but they suggest washing your towels in cold water instead of hot and like all microfiber towels, it is highly discouraged to use fabric softener as it will remove the sweat-wicking properties of the fabric.
Mission has lots of other products like cooling towels and gaiters that can be used for sports or any activity that can cause your body to overheat. I love the fact that there are lots of choices when it comes to selecting sweat-wicking towels.
3. Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Rainleaf microfiber towels are made by an American company dedicated to making high-quality towels for any activity, especially for those who love playing different ball sports that can make you sweat so much.
Later on, Rainleaf started making lightweight sleeping bags and other outdoor essentials like ski bags because their towels became so popular because they were so durable.
Being lightweight is the best feature of any Rainleaf product. But their towels are always their best product and what most people start out with.
To provide for all your needs, Rainleaf towels come in 6 different sizes, from a face towel to a full body towel. you just have to pick. Of all the towels in this list, Rainleaf is the only one that has many options when it comes to sizes.
Different sizes are important because there are some activities that don’t need huge towels, and you would want to have the convenience of having just the right size for whatever activity you’ll be doing. For example, if I wanted to practice some yoga, I would opt for a small towel to wipe the sweat from my face during my practice.
If I would go out for rugby or any ball game, I’d go for a medium-sized towel enough to use when I take a quick shower after the game. For a beach trip, I’d definitely get a full-sized body towel to cover up after swimming to protect me from the cold and easily dry me off.
All Rainleaf towels are made from the best materials. Your towel is made from 85% polyester and 15% polyamide, this making your towel dry faster than any regular towel. This blend also makes your towel thinner and lightweight.
Don’t underestimate microfiber towels as I did. These towels have the capacity to hold about five times its weight in water. So imagine the absorbing power of these towels. You’ll definitely be dry in no time after using Rainleaf towels.
Last but not least, Rainleaf towels have a lifetime warranty, if you ever don’t like your towel or if it does not meet your standards. Just send them a message online and they’ll send a replacement. This for me is one of the benefits of owning a Rainleaf product.
4. PackTowl Luxe Quick Dry Microfiber Towel
People always talk about owning a towel to get rid of sweat or to keep dry in any activity, but no one really talks about the smell produced when the sweat dries up on the fabric. It can smell really really awful.
Based on my experience, most people find that their microfiber towel never feels quite the same as their old towels, so they end up going back to their old favorite cotton towels that stink when used on sweat.
I stumbled upon PackTowl Luxe online and fount it interesting because of all the towels in this list, this one would be the closest towel that would feel like your old cotton ones. This is because it is terry-knit, having those loops of fabric that makes the towel bouncy.
The difference between PackTowl and other towels is that it has an odor control system as the liquid has no time to stick on the fabric, therefore, there is no time for the smell to develop.
You would definitely want a towel that can keep you dry all day without having to deal with any foul odors. The fabric has Polygiene, which has small amounts of silver salts dispersed on the fabric, eliminating the bacteria that feed on sweat and in turn, produces the foul odor.
Although it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than your regular microfiber towel, I just had to put it on this list because it is the only one that is the closest to your cotton towels, and some people really want to have the bouncy feel on their towels.
This towel comes in 4 sizes — face towel, hand towel, body towel, and last but not least, a beach towel. Other brands tell you to use their biggest size as a beach towel but PackTowl has a bigger size really intended as a beach towel, as you would need something that wraps around your entire body, protecting you from the heat of the sun or the cool breeze when at sea.
Even the regular body towel which isn’t as big as the usual body towels can completely dry your entire body. This because the fibers are very fine but they can really absorb moisture.
Most people who have used this towel have commented that aside from being extremely soft and comfortable, the towels are easy to clean, especially at the beach. You just have to shake your towel a bit and the sand will just fall out.
If you are looking for a “dupe” of your old towels but want sweat-wicking properties, then PackTowl is what you’re looking for.
5. Alfamo Cooling Towel
You must be thinking, these sweat-wicking towels are really good, but why do they have to cost so much. Good thing I really made sure to include good but affordable brands in this list.
The Alfamo cooling towel is different though. Aside from being the most affordable brand in this list, it has more to offer aside from just keeping you dry on very sweaty days or activities.
Alfamo is actually a family-owned business that was started by Leo, and his goal was to replace the cheap microfiber towels with cheap ones that work and can cool your skin.
This brand gives you more but only asks for little. For its (cheap) price, the Alfamo is 40″ long and 13″ wide so it will definitely cover you well enough. A lot of people use this towel for golf, for sports, or in some places where it can get very humid.
This towel also has a cooling effect because of the materials used. it has 55% polyamide, which is more than all the towels listed above and yet it has the most affordable price tag in this list.
To activate its cooling properties, you can soak the towel, wring it and shake the towel a few times. it won’t be too damp but would definitely be cooler than a regular wet cloth. Try it and feel the coolness while doing any activity. I have tried cooling towels and they are amazing.
When you buy your Alfamo towel you will get a free water-resistant bag with a carabiner clip for easy storage and to make it easy to hang wherever you are. They are actually one of the first brands to have this kind of packaging.
The water-resistant bag can also be used as cellphone storage when you’re outside, (especially when near anything that can splatter on your phone). Make sure that you don’t submerge the bag because it is not fully water-proof.
To make sure your towel retains its shape without worrying about any loose threads, Alfamo made sure to have a good stitched pattern on the edges that are seamless and won’t cause any irritation to the skin at all. It also adds style to the towel itself.
If you’re looking for a good cooling microfiber towel then I highly suggest getting the Alfamo towels. Not only did you save money, but you got the most out of it by investing in a durable product that you’ll have more than 5 years (with proper care of course).
6. Relefree Microfiber Towel
While on the hunt for these sweat-wicking towels, you must have looked for the best sets you can buy. After all, if you’re getting these towels, why not get a set that is affordable and does the job?
Relefree is a brand that makes the best sweat towel sets there is in the market. Made from 80% polyester and 20% polyamide, this towel can hold 4-5 times its weight and dries off faster than any regular towel.
I included this brand on the list because it is the only towel in this list with a built-in loop that makes it easier to hang the towel and makes it easier for you to roll and store.
Each set contains a big body towel and another smaller towel for your gym bag or for activities where you need to wipe off sweat a lot.
Relefree encourages everyone to live a healthy lifestyle by suggesting different uses for their towels. You can use your new sweat-wicking towels for running, hiking, different sports like basketball (or any activity that makes you sweat a ton).
Relefree is a good travel companion because of the hanging loop that makes it easier to store, plus the fact that it’s lightweight, so your towels won’t add much weight to your bag so you can bring more stuff.
If you’re a person who excessively sweats or if you have hyperhidrosis, these towels are a must-have in your everyday bag. Relefree will keep you dry without you having to worry about having a wet towel in your bag because it dries really fast.
Any person who sweats a lot knows that the smell can be a problem. with Relefree, because of its high-quality fabric and because it dries so fast, there is no time for the bacteria to feed on the sweat, therefore there will be no foul odor.
If you are looking for a good towel set that is affordable and is convenient to use because of hanging loops, then Relefree is the brand for you.
Air drying is always best when using a sweat-wicking towel.
Photo by Albert Renn on Unsplash
Conclusion
The best sweat-wicking towels don’t have to be so hard-to-find after all. Now the only problem you have (a good problem though) is selecting which one would suit your needs.
Microfiber is definitely a blessing to us people who are either very active with any sports or people who just sweat a lot.
People with hyperhidrosis will definitely benefit from these sweat-wicking towels because it can get pretty tough bringing so many handkerchiefs on days when the sweat is too much. Now, you can just bring one towel that dries really fast.
Sweat towels are amazing because they also stop bad odor because there is no time for bacteria to feast on the sweat on your towel. Instead, the sweat dries up and you’re left with a towel that smells good.
It is amazing what technology has brought us and how it can help lots of people. If you have any story to share about your experience with sweat-wicking towels, please don’t hesitate and leave a comment below. I always love hearing from my readers.
Don’t forget to click on the social media button below to share this article with people (friends or family) that might need it.
If you have any additional questions, you can check the frequently asked questions below. If your question isn’t there, please leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help you out.
Sweat Wicking Towel FAQs
1. What makes sweat-wicking towels dry so fast?
What makes sweat-wicking towels amazing is that they’re made with microfiber, which means that the strands or the fibers of your cloth are even smaller than that of silk, therefore it makes it easier for the liquid to pass through and it makes the towels dry faster.
2. Where can I use sweat-wicking towels?
Sweat-wicking towels are multi-functional as well. I use mine for yoga, for rugby, and even for hikes. These towels are durable and are really made for traveling (although who said you can’t use them indoors, right?).
What would vary I guess are the sizes of the sweat-wicking towels you’d use per activity. There are also special ones made depending on the activity. For example, my microfiber yoga towels have some rubber dots on one side so that when placed on top of a mat, they won’t slip as other brands are tough to use because they can’t stay on the mat or you can injure yourself if you slip on it.
I use microfiber towels for sports, especially running, where I sweat a ton. And I mean a ton, to the point where my clothes are usually dripping with sweat.
These towels are designed to absorb the sweat immediately and have it evaporate quickly so you’re left with a dry towel. Some other microfiber towels like one in the list above have cooling properties, so that would be helpful if you ever overheat.
3. Are seat-wicking towels cheap?
Depending on the brand, yes. Generally, most if not all the towels on my list are affordable and even come in bundles. If you buy microfiber towels from other big brands then you have to expect that the price will be higher.
I always say that it’s not only about the price. It’s really the quality of the microfiber cloth that they use. If it works for you and it happens to be extremely affordable, then that would be perfect.
I made sure to include affordable brands in the list but what made it different is I made sure that these towels are all durable and have different interesting features to offer. You just have to make the choice.
4. Can I regularly machine-wash my towels?
Yes, you can! All the towels in this list are machine-washable. Just take note that some brands suggest a cold wash cycle while others suggest warm. What matters to me though is the detergent you will use. Make sure to use very mild detergent so you can prolong the lifespan of your towel.
All my microfiber towels are machine-washed and I make sure to use a mild detergent to clean them. I have had most of my towels for more than a year and they’re very durable. Just don’t use the dryer on them and you’ll be all set.
5. What soap do I use to clean my towels?
As mentioned above, only use mild detergent when cleaning your sweat-wicking towels.
I usually use Perwoll sports laundry for any sensitive sportswear like quick-dry shirts and microfiber towels. I have kept all my sports stuff clean and fresh-looking because of Perwoll. Avoid using your usual detergent because you’ll end up destroying your towels because of the harsh chemicals.
6. Are sweat-wicking towels heavy?
They’re actually lighter than your regular cotton towels. This is because the fibers are so small that the towel may look thinner but it can actually take up to five times its weight.
These towels also dry fast, making them the perfect outdoor/travel must-have. I use my towels whenever I go hiking or whenever I travel because I want to maximize the little baggage allowance I’m allowed to bring on planes.
Also, adding baggage can cost and it best when you know how to travel on a budget. Not that it’s bad to spend but, I’d rather maximize my bag and put stuff I need and want without having to pay extra. It makes me feel good when I save.
7. Can my sweat-wicking towel double as a yoga towel?
Yes, most sweat-wicking towels are very big so you can use them so that you don’t get puddles of sweat on your yoga mat. I’d like to add though, that there are sweat-wicking towels specifically made for yoga.
These towels have rubber dots that make the towel non-slip, protecting you from any accident that might happen if you end up slipping on your towel. It’s very convenient to use these towels for yoga because it makes your flow smoother because you won’t have to stop in the middle of the pose just to wipe off the sweat on your mat.
Ready to Make a Change Now?
My name is Oscar and I am the founder and director of Stop-Sweating-Now.com and have been researching and writing about hyperhidrosis for many year
s.
I have been sweating excessively for the better part of my life. I looked for solutions for well over a decade, but I never found anything that lasted.
It all started when I was around 14 years of age, when I suddenly found out that I was sweating more in my armpits than I should. At first I thought it was something that would go away soon, but I was wrong.
I had given up hope and accepted to live the rest of my life being embarrassed with ugly sweat stains in my armpits.
However, after a few years of not searching for any solutions anymore, I gave it another shot. And I found what finally gave me the freedom I had longed for so many years.
After finding a solution to my problem, I decided it was important to shout out my message to those that are suffering from what I had lived with so many years.
My goal is to help people find their freedom from sweating by sharing my expertise because hyperhidrosis is an underdiagnosed condition.
People don’t know that it is a medical term and can be treated effectively.
That is why I am here: Sharing with you what I know, what works and what does not work.
Want to learn more about what I did? Click below!
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