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12 Best Beach Blankets to Plop Your Booty on for Summer 2023
Sandy cheeks? Sorry, we don’t know her.
This summer, we back outsideee. If the sun's out, we're out, and there's no way we're gonna let the season pass without plopping our booties on the beach and catching some rays (sunscreen and sun hat included, ofc). But before we make said plop, we're gonna need a big ol' beach blanket to protect said booty and, most importantly, those beach snacks from hot grains of sand (ouch). I'm just saying, outdoor throw blankets are the real summer MVP (an ice-cold hard seltzer is a close second, obvi).
Not only do beach blankets faithfully serve humanity by sheltering bums from hot, sandy beaches, but many are also waterproof, so you don't have to worry about waves inching up the shore or drink spills. Also, they'll give your cute lil picnic the right ~aesthetic~ for your Insta-worthy vacay. I mean, how could you not love 'em? Because I hate buying things that don't serve more than one purpose, I think the best thing about beach blankets is the fact that you can bring them to the park for a picnic, use them while camping, and also just chill on them in your backyard. Told you: These versatile superheroes deserve more recognition. So today, we're gonna honor the best beach blankets out here doing their part to make the world a better place.
Our top picks for the best beach blankets of 2023:
Keep scrolling to shop our 12 favorite cute and comfy beach blankets for summer below. (And if you're in the market for more beach essentials, we've got those too.)
Sand Cloud Euphoria Blanket
Sand Cloud Euphoria Blanket
Pros
- Comfortable fabric
- Sand-resistant design
Cons
- Some reviewers note that fabric can pill over time
Yes, you totally deserve a beach blanket that's made of 100 percent Turkish cotton. The goal is for sand not to stick to the soft fabric and save you 10 minutes of shaking it out at the end of your beach day—and this one delivers just that.
- Material: 100% Turkish organic cotton
- Dimensions: 54'' x 70''
- Care: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low
Trek Light Ocelot Blanket
Pros
- Handmade
- Sustainably made
Cons
- Can vary in color and have small imperfections due to being handmade
The fact that this blanket is not only gorgeous, but is also made from sustainable materials (yup, 100% post-consumer recycled materials) makes it that much more appealing. Oh, and Trek Light is v into giving back with every purchase, so you can actually feel good about your purchase. *Immediately clicks add to cart*
- Material: 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Tri-Blend
- Dimensions: 4.1' x 6.5'
- Care: Wash cold and tumble dry low
TheBalticGreen Linen Beach Blanket
Pros
- Handmade
- Thick fabric
Cons
- Maker does not accept returns or exchanges
This handmade beauty is made out of 100 percent linen, and it can easily be tossed in the wash when you're through putting it to good use. Pack it for your the beach getaway or outdoor picnic and prepare for compliments (because, really—how cute is that plaid?).
- Material: 100% European washed linen
- Dimensions:59'' x 73''
- Care: Machine wash and tumble dry low temperature
Scuddles Picnic & Outdoor Blanket
Pros
- Strap makes for convenient carrying
- Easy to clean
- Water-resistant design
Cons
- Some reviewers say sand sticks to fabric
- Velcro closures can be difficult to use
Handles on an outdoor blanket are like pockets on a dress—we're instantly obsessed! While the cute stripe design keeps the fashionistas satisfied, the convenient strap and waterproof design will keep the elements of the beach at bay.
- Material: Fleece
- Dimensions: 52'' x 57''
- Care: Machine wash cold
Aloha Collection ʻOhana Pareo
Aloha Collection ʻOhana Pareo
Pros
- Lightweight fabric
- Can double as a wearable wrap or blanket
Cons
- Some reviewers say material is thinner than anticipated
This pretty patterned beach blanket is the ideal addition to most scorching hot days spent by the water. It's designed with super lightweight cotton, and when you're not catching some rays, it doubles as an easy throw for the flight to your next adventure.
- Material: 100% cotton
- Dimensions: 67'' x 67''
- Care: Machine wash cold and lay flat to dry
Business & Pleasure Co The XL Beach Blanket
Business & Pleasure Co The XL Beach Blanket
Pros
- Large enough to fit several people comfortably
- Strap allows for easy transport
- Designed with hole in center for the perfect beach umbrella placement
Cons
- Pricey
Having a beach soirée? This is your sign to pick out this 87x87 inch (that's *XL* in case fast math isn't your forte) checked blanket. This plush beach essential is made from towel-like cotton that'll dry super quickly after you hop out of the water and take a seat in your rightful place in the sand. There's even a tiny hole situated in the center of the towel to poke your beach umbrella through. Genius, no?
- Material: 100% cotton
- Dimensions: 87'' x 87''
- Care: Machine wash warm and tumble dry low
CGEAR Original Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat
CGEAR Original Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat
Pros
- Military-grade construction for durability
- Includes drawstring carrying bag
- Water-resistant design
Cons
- Some reviewers say blanket holds sand in weaving
If you want all of the adventure with none of the mess, this just may be your new beach bestie. Originally built for desert military helicopters to land on (true story!), you can count on years of durability and leave the sand where it needs to be—on the beach, NOT your car floor.
- Material: Polypropylene
- Dimensions: 10' x 10'
- Care: Hand wash only
Slowtide Opt Out Throw Blanket
Pros
- Fabric gets more soft with every wash
- Works as wall tapestry and fits on queen size bed
- Large enough to fit several people
Cons
- Not ideal for cooler weather and climates
Scoop up this breathable blanket that's decked out in the coolest psychedelic design. It's made from sustainably sourced cotton, works as a wall tapestry, and tbh, it'll look ~extra cute~ on your IG grid.
- Material: 100% sustainably-sourced cotton
- Dimensions: 66'' x 80''
- Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle using bleach-free detergent and tumble dry with low heat or hang to dry
Mark and Graham Colorful Stripe Waterproof Picnic Blanket
Mark and Graham Colorful Stripe Waterproof Picnic Blanket
Pros
- Waterproof bottom layer
- Convenient leather carry handle
Cons
- Pricey
If you're looking for something really comfy, look no further than this grab-and-go waterproof blanket. She's made from a soft wool blend, and she's also got a convenient leather strap for easy travel. Another bonus: You can zhuzh it up with custom monogramming.
- Material: 80% polyester, 20% wool, and leather carry handle
- Dimensions: 57'' x 71'' with a 4'' tassel fringe
- Care: Spot clean only
Lizzy Powers Design Orange Grove Picnic Blanket
Lizzy Powers Design Orange Grove Picnic Blanket
Pros
- Carrying harness makes for easy transportation
- UV coated to protect against fading
- Water resistant material
Cons
- Polyester material is not as soft as some of the cotton options
This whimsical printed beach blankie is one of the most photogenic I've ever seen. But don't worry about the adorable design fading under the hot summer sun, because this blanket features a UV coating that helps to prevent against sun damage over time.
- Material: Polyester
- Dimensions: 50'' x 60''
- Care: Machine wash and hang to dry
Design Imports Diamond Patterned Blanket
Design Imports Diamond Patterned Blanket
Pros
- Lightweight
- Can also be used as a throw
Cons
- Material snags easily
The under-$20 price tag on this gem is hard to beat. It measures 60 inches by 50 inches, so you can fit a few extra pals on it during your next beach day.
- Material: Polyester and cotton
- Dimensions: 60'' x 50''
- Care: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low
Sunkissed Capri Sand-Free Beach Towel
Sunkissed Capri Sand-Free Beach Towel
Pros
- Made with lightweight material
- Fabric doesn't hold sand
- Can be used as a blanket, used as a towel, and can be worn as a sarong
Cons
- Not as absorbent as some other cotton beach towels
This towel truly does it all—you can lay on it, use it to dry yourself off, and/or wear it as a chic sarong when you're not frolicking in the water. Need I say more?
- Material: 100% organic Turkish cotton
- Dimensions: 43'' x 72''
- Care: Machine wash
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces, as well as some fashion and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to achieve ridiculously glowing skin, a super bouncy blowout, or exactly how to use that viral face mask? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As NYC's newest resident, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini this city has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram where you'll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dog and that magazine life.
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