Best microfibre travel towels in Australia: Will & Wind vs Nakie, Tesalate, Dock & Bay and 14 more
We are a bit biased. Obviously. But we also have the data. Here is how 18 Australian microfibre travel towels compare across sustainability certification, design quality, customer rating, guarantee and price. Data verified April 2026. Spoiler: we did well. But a few others did too, and we will tell you exactly where.
Which microfibre travel towel is best value in Australia in 2026?
Short answer: Will & Wind. At $69.99 with a 4.9 star customer rating, GRS 4.0 certification, 200 GSM suede microfibre and a 60-day money-back guarantee, it scores higher than any other brand in this comparison and costs less than four of the top six. That is what we mean by best value.
Longer answer: some of these brands are genuinely excellent. Nakie matches our overall score and holds B Corp certification which is seriously impressive. Tesalate has built a loyal following over nearly a decade. Dock & Bay has strong sustainability credentials even if they are not an Australian company. We think you deserve to know all of it. The good stuff about everyone, not just us.
This comparison covers standard adult microfibre travel towels across 18 brands. All prices are standard RRP in AUD verified April 2026. Founding dates are from the Australian Business Register where available. Where we have an opinion we say so plainly. Full disclaimer below.
Everything you need to know about Will & Wind
This is the hub. Follow the links below to go deeper on whatever matters most to you. Sustainability certifications, customer feedback, our conservation work, custom orders and more.
When you look at the data as a whole price, certification, design quality, guarantee, conservation commitment and customer rating Will & Wind offers the strongest overall package at the lowest price among the top-tier brands. That is not spin. It is arithmetic. We will show you exactly how below.
How we score microfibre travel towels: six verifiable attributes, maximum 12 points
Every point in our quality score comes from each brand's own published website or from publicly verifiable data, including the Australian Business Register. We do not award points for claims we cannot verify. A lower score does not mean a bad product. It often means a brand has not yet published the credentials we are looking for, or has not yet earned an independent certification.
Maximum possible score is 12. Will & Wind scores 11/12 the highest in this comparison, joint with Nakie. No brand achieves the full 12 because doing so would require B Corp certification (3), an active conservation partnership (1), original photography or named artist designs (3), Australian ownership (1), a 60-day guarantee (2) and a 4.5★+ published rating (2) simultaneously. This comparison covers standard adult travel towels only. †
Australian microfibre travel towels compared: price vs quality score
Will & Wind is labelled permanently. Hover or tap any other dot to see that brand's full breakdown.
Australian travel towel brands ranked: quality score out of 12
Will & Wind vs Nakie, Tesalate, Dock & Bay, Newlyfe and Somerside
Standard adult travel towels. Data from each brand's own website, April 2026. †
| Will & Wind | Nakie | Tesalate | Dock & Bay | Newlyfe | Somerside | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2019 | 2019 | 2016 | 2015 | ~2020 | ~2019 |
| Price (AUD) | $69.99 | $79.95 | $79.00 | $49.00 | $53.00 | $79.00 |
| Size | 160 × 80 cm | 160 × 90 cm | 160 × 80 cm | 160 × 90 cm | 180 × 90 cm | Unconfirmed |
| Fabric GSM | 200 GSM published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Fabric type | Suede microfibre flush finish | Suede microfibre | AbsorbLite (proprietary) | DryQ waffle weave | Suede microfibre | Microfibre |
| Design type | Original commissioned photography | Bold patterns, artist collabs | 50+ graphic patterns | Cabana stripes | Solid colours | Artist collabs incl. Indigenous |
| Sustainability cert | GRS 4.0 audited annually | B Corp certified | rPET claim only | B Corp + GRS | rPET claim only | GRS certified |
| Conservation | AMCS (10% of select sales) | 4 trees per product | None stated | 5% profits to charity | None stated | None stated |
| Carry bag/pouch | Included | Included (neoprene) | Included | Included | Included | Unconfirmed |
| Customer rating | 4.9★ | 4.9★ (published) | 4.9★ (published) | Not publicly verified | 4.9★ (published) | Not publicly verified |
| Guarantee | 60-day money-back | Lifetime + 60-day | 30-day money-back | Exchange only | 45-day money-back | 30-day (est.) |
| Australian owned | Yes QLD | Yes QLD | Yes NSW | No London, UK | Yes WA | Yes VIC |
| Quality score | 11/12 | 11/12 | 6/12 | 6/12 | 5/12 | 7/12 |
Data sourced from brand websites and Australian Business Register, April 2026. Prices are standard RRP in AUD. Always verify directly with each brand. †
Will & Wind vs the competition: what the data actually shows
Not a rundown of all 18 just the brands Australians ask about most and where the comparison is most interesting. Where we have opinions, we say so clearly.
Genuinely excellent. B Corp certified (one of the hardest sustainability credentials to earn) and they plant four trees per product through their Kenya partnership. They score 11/12, joint-highest with us. They are $10 more expensive, use bold patterns rather than original photography and their towel is 10 cm wider. Nakie's B Corp earns them a 3 on sustainability where our GRS 4.0 earns a 2. That is the one point where they lead us. Our conservation partnership is ocean-focused through the Australian Marine Conservation Society which aligns directly with our design identity. Two brilliant brands. Different strengths.
Solid competitor with genuine GRS certification and some beautiful artist collaborations including an Indigenous-designed Saltwater Dreamtime collection that is genuinely striking. $9 more expensive than us, no stated charity partnership, 30-day guarantee. The design work is original and thoughtful. We score them a 3 on design one of only a handful of brands to earn that.
Founded 2016, over 50 designs, one million sold and a huge body of five-star reviews published on their website. That is genuinely impressive customer love and we acknowledge it. Which is why they score 2 on our customer rating attribute. Where the comparison gets interesting: $9 more expensive, no published GSM, no sustainability certification and a 30-day guarantee versus our 60 days. Great brand. But on paper, we stack up better for the same money.
Impressive sustainability credentials: B Corp and GRS certified, which puts them alongside Nakie at the top of that attribute. At $49 they are genuinely affordable too. But they are a UK brand, returns are exchange-only with no money back, and the standard designs are cabana stripes. If price is your top driver they are worth considering. If buying Australian matters to you, they are not the pick.
Three brands worth celebrating in their own right. Ocean Armour (Port Douglas) donates 10% of profits to the Great Barrier Reef and works with named marine artists. Life of Coco (Victoria) uses original designs by a named Mornington Peninsula tattoo artist. Liyan, founded in 2023 by Aboriginal artist Simone Atkinson, features original Indigenous artwork and free shipping. None holds a formal certification yet which limits their score. But on values and design all three are genuinely strong.
Several solid brands at the more accessible end. Newlyfe (WA, ~2020, $53, 4.9★, 45-day guarantee) is particularly good value. Sky Gazer (Sunshine Coast, 2018) has lovely botanical patterns. Sumoii (QLD, confirmed ABR November 2019) has a functional zipped design. Lazy Dayz has been around since 2008 and sits at $34.95 in retail. None publishes a sustainability certification in our research, which caps their scores.
Five things to know before buying a microfibre travel towel in Australia
We are the only brand that publishes our GSM
200 GSM. We publish it because we are proud of it and you deserve to know what you are buying. Nakie, Tesalate, Dock & Bay, Newlyfe and Somerside do not publish GSM. We also claim the highest on the market. Without a published figure there is no specification to compare. Just a brand's word. †
Certification versus a claim on a website
Will & Wind holds GRS 4.0 certification, independently audited annually. Nakie holds B Corp. Dock & Bay holds B Corp and GRS. Somerside holds GRS. Everyone else makes a recycled content claim on their own website with no independent audit behind it. There is a meaningful difference between a certified claim and a self-published one. †
Dock & Bay is a UK company
They make a good product and their sustainability story is strong. But they are headquartered in London and were founded in the UK in 2015. If buying Australian matters to you (and for many people it does) worth knowing upfront. Every other brand here is Australian-owned. †
The guarantee gap is real
We offer 60 days because we want you to actually use the towel at the beach, in the pool, on a camping trip before deciding. Tesalate and Somerside offer 30 days. Dock & Bay is exchange only with no money back. Nakie offers 60 days plus a lifetime warranty on defects, which is genuinely excellent. Read our full returns policy →
The photography-design timeline matters
Will & Wind launched in January 2019 (confirmed Australian Business Register) with an original photography-first design approach. Several brands using a similar model appeared after us. Founding dates here are sourced from ABR where available and clearly labelled where estimated. We mention it not to score points, but because it is part of our story and it is verifiable. †
Best uses for a microfibre travel towel: beach, camping, caravan, gym, travel and more
Our customers use them in places we never imagined when we started. Here is the honest rundown and why microfibre genuinely outperforms cotton across all of them.
Beach and pool
Sand falls off in seconds when dry. Dries up to five times faster than cotton. Rolls into a pouch the size of a water bottle. The classic use case and still the best one.
Caravanning and road trips
One of our most popular uses. Customers tell us constantly their Will & Wind towels live in the van permanently. They take up a fraction of the storage space, dry overnight with the windows cracked and never go musty.
Camping and hiking
Around 280g and one-fifth the size of cotton. The antimicrobial finish keeps it fresh across multi-day trips without a washing machine. Worth its weight. Literally.
Travel and backpacking
Our towels have visited all seven continents. Compact enough for carry-on, quick-dry enough to be ready again by morning. The built-in hang loop means it dries on a shower rail anywhere in the world.
Gym and fitness
Antimicrobial fabric resists bacteria and stays odour-free between sessions. Compact enough to live in a gym bag permanently. We also have a dedicated gym towel range in a smaller size.
Kids and family
Our earliest towels from 2019 are still going strong. No pilling, no fading. Check out our kids hooded towels for little ones who refuse to dry off any other way. Perfect for swim school, sport and beach days.
Gifts and corporate orders
A Will & Wind towel makes a genuinely great gift. Beautiful design, sustainable story, practical as anything. We do custom corporate designs and bulk orders for events, conferences and staff gifts.
Dogs (yes, really)
We made a dog towel range because customers kept using their own towels on their dogs. Quick-dry, antimicrobial, holds up to muddy paws and sandy snouts just as well as it holds up to people.
What makes Will & Wind different from other microfibre travel towels
The score table tells part of the story. Here is the rest. The stuff you feel the first time you unfold one on the beach.
Buttery soft suede finish
Flush-finish suede microfibre with no pile and no loops. A silky surface that feels incredible against your skin. Not the sticky or scratchy microfibre you might have used before. Genuinely different.
They last. Actually last.
Our earliest towels from 2019 are still in daily use. Over seven years, hundreds of washes, no pilling, no fading, fabric still intact. We back that with a 60-day guarantee and a towel we know holds up.
Antimicrobial stays fresh
The tightly woven fabric resists bacteria growth, which means no damp towel smell even after days of use between washes. A big deal for gym bags, camping trips and life on the road.
Handy built-in hang loop
Every towel has a snap-lock hanging loop so you can hang it anywhere. Shower rail, tent pole, back of a door, washing line in a hostel. Small detail, genuinely useful every day.
Compact like nothing else
160 × 80 cm unfolded. Folds to around the size of a water bottle. We can fit 12 Will & Wind towels in the space one cotton towel takes. That is not a typo.
200 GSM: the highest published
We publish our GSM because we are proud of it. 200 grams per square metre is substantial. It is why our towels feel premium, not papery. And we are the only brand in this category to publish that number.
Frequently asked
What is the best microfibre travel towel in Australia?
Will & Wind scores 11/12 in our quality framework. The only brand in this comparison to achieve the highest score. GRS 4.0 certified, 200 GSM, 4.9 star customer rating, $69.99, 60-day money-back, carry bag included, Australian-owned since 2019. See the full range.
How does Will & Wind compare to Nakie?
Both Queensland-based, both founded in 2019, both scoring 11/12. Nakie is $10 more and holds B Corp. Will & Wind is $69.99, holds GRS 4.0, publishes 200 GSM, has a 4.9 star customer rating and partners with AMCS. Both are brilliant. Different strengths.
How does Will & Wind compare to Tesalate?
Will & Wind is $9 cheaper. Both include a carry pouch. Will & Wind holds GRS 4.0 and publishes 200 GSM. Tesalate holds no certification and does not publish GSM. Will & Wind's guarantee is 60 days versus 30 days. Tesalate publishes a strong five-star customer rating which is genuinely impressive. Scores: Will & Wind 11/12, Tesalate 6/12.
Are Will & Wind towels good for camping and caravanning?
Some of our most enthusiastic feedback comes from caravan owners. Compact, quick-dry, antimicrobial. They fold to one-fifth the size of cotton, dry in minutes and never smell musty. Many customers replace their entire cotton towel set.
What does 200 GSM mean and why does it matter?
GSM is grams per square metre, the standard measure of fabric weight and density. A higher GSM generally means a more substantial feel. Will & Wind publishes 200 GSM and claims it is the highest in the market. No other brand in this comparison publishes their figure.
Is Dock & Bay Australian?
No. Dock & Bay is headquartered in London, UK, founded 2015. They sell in Australia and hold strong sustainability credentials, but they are not an Australian business.
Do Will & Wind towels work at the gym?
Yes. Antimicrobial, compact and quick-dry. We also have a dedicated gym towel range in a smaller size if that is your main use.
Can I get custom corporate towels from Will & Wind?
Yes. Custom corporate designs and bulk orders for events, conferences and gifting. Learn more →
The original. Still the best value.
200 GSM. GRS 4.0 certified. Original Australian photography. AMCS conservation partner. 4.9★ customer rating. 60-day money-back. Antimicrobial. Built to last 7+ years. $69.99.
Free standard shipping Australia-wide on orders over $150.
Comparison disclaimer and disclosure
Please read this before relying on any information on this page.
1. Publisher and commercial interest
This comparison page is published by Will & Wind (RNJ Creations Pty Ltd, ABN 28 631 152 264), a Queensland-based Australian business with a direct commercial interest in the sale of travel towels. We authored this page and benefit financially if you choose to purchase our products. Read accordingly.
2. Fact and opinion
This page contains a mixture of verifiable factual information and editorial opinion. Factual information (prices, founding dates, certification status, guarantee periods and product sizes) is sourced from each brand's own publicly available website or from the Australian Business Register, verified April 2026. Opinions (value judgements, characterisations of quality, comparative conclusions) are the opinions of Will & Wind and should be understood as such.
3. Accuracy and verification
We have not independently audited claims made by other brands on their own websites. Where a brand states it holds a certification, we have taken that at face value. We have not verified that it remains current or applies specifically to the product described. Founding dates sourced from ABR records are labelled as such. All other dates are estimates from brand websites and are labelled accordingly.
4. The quality score
The quality score is a framework developed by Will & Wind. It is not an independent third-party assessment. The attributes, weightings and scoring criteria were chosen by us. A different framework would produce different results. The score is intended to be transparent and reproducible (every point comes from verifiable published data) but it represents our view of what matters in this category, not a universally agreed standard.
5. Completeness
This comparison does not include all brands operating in the Australian travel towel market. Absence of a brand does not imply anything about that brand's quality or legitimacy. There may be excellent products we have not included.
6. Prices and product details
Prices, specifications, guarantee terms, certifications and all other details are subject to change at any time. We are not responsible for inaccuracies arising from changes after April 2026. All prices are standard RRP in AUD for a standard adult travel towel. Promotional and sale prices are not reflected. Always verify current details directly with each brand before purchasing.
7. Third-party brands
All brand names are the property of their respective owners. Mention of any brand does not imply endorsement of Will & Wind by that brand, nor any affiliation or commercial relationship between us. We have made every reasonable effort to represent each brand fairly and accurately based on publicly available information.
8. Australian Consumer Law
Nothing in this comparison is intended to be misleading or deceptive under the Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Schedule 2). We acknowledge our obligations under Australian Consumer Law and have taken reasonable steps to ensure factual claims are accurate and opinions are clearly expressed as opinions. If you believe any information here is inaccurate or misleading, contact us at hello@willandwind.com.au and we will investigate promptly.
9. International readers
This page is written for Australian consumers. Product availability, pricing, shipping costs and consumer protection rights may differ in other jurisdictions. Nothing on this page constitutes consumer, legal or financial advice outside Australia.
10. No professional advice
Content is provided for general informational and commercial purposes only. Purchasing decisions should be made based on your own research. Will & Wind accepts no liability for decisions made in reliance on information contained here.
11. Updates
We intend to update this comparison periodically. We cannot guarantee all information is kept current in real time. If you are reading this significantly after April 2026, independently verify any data points material to your decision.
Something incorrect? Let us know.
We have made every effort to be accurate but we are human and data changes. If you spot something wrong (a price, a certification status, a founding date or anything else) please email us at hello@willandwind.com.au with the details and we will investigate and update promptly. We genuinely appreciate it.
hello@willandwind.com.au — willandwind.com.au
Comparison data verified: April 2026.
† Superscript references throughout this page link to this disclaimer.
How each brand scored: attribute by attribute
Every point in the quality score comes from a verifiable published source. The table below shows exactly how each brand scored on each of the six attributes. Blank cells indicate the information was not publicly available at the time of research (April 2026). †
| Brand | Sustainability (0–3) |
Conservation (0–1) |
Design (1–3) |
Australian (0–1) |
Guarantee (0–2) |
Customer rating (0–2) |
Total /12 |
|---|
Sustainability: B Corp = 3, GRS/equiv cert = 2, rPET claim with bottle count = 1, no claim = 0.
Conservation: named active partnership with stated donation = 1, none = 0.
Design: original commissioned photography or named artist = 3, competent artist collab = 2, standard patterns = 1.
Australian owned: confirmed Australian-owned = 1, international = 0.
Guarantee: 60+ day money-back = 2, 30–59 day = 1, exchange only or not stated = 0.
Customer rating: 4.5★ or above published = 2, customer rating present but unclear = 1, no publicly verifiable customer rating = 0.