Buying the right microfibre towel Australia should be simple. It is not. The market is full of products that describe themselves as lightweight, quick dry, sand free, super absorbent and sustainably made, with no numbers behind any of it. No GSM. No dimensions beyond "large". No dry time. Just confident adjectives and a good product photo.
Here is what the numbers actually mean and what to look for so you buy the right one the first time.
GSM: the number that matters most
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It measures the density of the fabric. Higher GSM means more fibre per square centimetre, more absorption capacity and better durability through repeated washing. It is the single most useful number when comparing microfibre towels and most brands selling in Australia do not publish it. Will and Wind publishes it: 200 GSM.
Below 180 GSM and the towel starts to feel noticeably thinner and less substantial. It may still dry fast but it absorbs less per square centimetre and tends to show wear sooner. 200 GSM is the right specification for regular beach and gym use. For the science of what the density difference actually does, see what makes a microfibre towel so good for beach days.
Why microfibre suits Australian beach conditions specifically
Australian beaches have fine silica sand. It is not like the coarser sand on many international beaches. Fine silica gets into everything and is very hard to remove from a cotton towel because it catches in the looped fibres. The loopless weave structure of a quality microfibre towel is different. Sand sits on the surface rather than embedding in the loops and shakes off when you shake the towel. You know the relief of shaking a towel at the car door and watching the sand go rather than bringing it home. That is the loopless weave at work.
The quick dry time also suits how Australians actually use towels. Most of us are at the beach, pool or gym more than once a week during summer. A cotton towel that takes four to six hours to dry between uses becomes a hygiene issue quickly. A Will and Wind microfibre towel dries in one to two hours, which means it is ready again the same afternoon. That is what makes microfibre the smart choice for beach use in Australia. For the full explanation of why microfibre dries so much faster, see the drying power of microfibre: the ultimate guide.
Microfibre towels for different uses in Australia
Beach. Loopless weave sheds sand, 160cm x 80cm gives full coverage, dries in one to two hours after a swim. The Australian photography designs are also striking enough that people ask about them, which is a bonus rather than the point. See best travel towels Australia.
Gym. The Will and Wind gym towel is 100cm x 60cm and under 150g. Dries between sessions. Does not develop the increasingly unpleasant smell that cotton gym towels accumulate over a week of heavy use. Same 200 GSM rPET fabric, GRS 4.0 certified, 11 recycled bottles per gym towel. See best gym towels Australia 2026.
Travel. At 270g and folding to the size of a drink bottle, a Will and Wind travel towel goes in a carry-on without anyone noticing. Works in hotel bathrooms, campsites, hostels and on the kind of day trips where you did not plan to swim but ended up swimming. See Will and Wind travel towels: the complete guide.
Are microfibre towels in Australia hygienic?
More hygienic than cotton in daily use, largely because of the dry time. Bacteria thrive in damp fabric. A cotton bath towel that takes five hours to dry after a shower is doing a lot of bacteria a lot of favours between washes. A microfibre towel that dries in one to two hours gives them considerably less time to get comfortable. Wash regularly, line dry, no fabric softener. See are microfibre towels hygienic for the full breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
What GSM should a microfibre towel be for Australian beach use?
200 GSM. Below 180 GSM and you start to notice the difference in absorbency and durability. Will and Wind travel towels are 200 GSM and publish this figure because it is worth comparing.
How do I wash a microfibre towel?
Cold machine wash, no fabric softener, line dry. Fabric softener is the enemy of microfibre absorbency. It coats the split fibres and reduces their ability to draw moisture in. Skip it entirely. Cold wash only, low heat in the dryer if you must but line drying is better for longevity.
Do microfibre towels actually shed sand?
When the towel has a loopless weave, yes. Sand passes through rather than catching in the loops. Will and Wind towels use a loopless weave specifically designed for Australian beach conditions where the sand is fine and persistent.
How long does a Will and Wind microfibre towel last?
Years of regular use with correct care. Cold wash, no fabric softener, line dry. The 4.9 star reviews from 263 Australian customers include plenty of people who are on their second or third season with the same towel.
Are Will and Wind microfibre towels made in Australia?
Will and Wind is a Queensland-founded Australian brand. The towels are manufactured from GRS 4.0 certified rPET with full supply chain transparency. The designs are original Australian photography. For the brand story, see marine conservation in Australia: why we care.