We recently got our hands on the Arena Pool Soft Towel, and honestly, it’s quickly become a reliable companion for poolside activities.
This towel measures a generous 35 by 60 inches and uses 400-gram terry cotton construction, making it both substantial and comfortable for swimmers who want quality gear.
- Show your arena loyalty and pride on the deck
- Ideal poolside towel that will be there at your most important races or training sessions
- This high absorption towel is there when you need it most; Size: 35" x 60"
The absorbency really stands out. It soaks up water well, even when it’s already a bit damp—something you’ll care about during long training sessions or meets.
The 100% terry cotton material feels soft against the skin and doesn’t have that scratchy texture you sometimes get with athletic towels.
The size is great for full body coverage, but, yeah, it’s a bit bulkier to pack than smaller towels. Still, the navy and grey combo looks sharp and professional on deck.
Users have given it a solid 4.5-star average from over 240 ratings, with lots of praise for its durability and how well it holds up after multiple washes.
Overview of the Arena Pool Soft Towel Navy / Grey
After taking this towel to the gym, the generous 60 by 35 inch size is the first thing you notice. It’s definitely bigger than your standard towel.
The 400 gram terry cotton construction delivers solid absorbency and keeps working even after a few uses in a row.
The navy and grey color scheme is sleek without being flashy. Arena branding is pretty prominent, so if you like to show brand loyalty, you’ll appreciate that.
The softness is impressive straight out of the package and sticks around through machine washing. One thing, though: the specs sometimes list it as a “blend” even though it’s advertised as 100% cotton, which is a little confusing.
It also takes longer to dry compared to microfiber towels, so that might be a hassle if you’re always on the go. Still, it’s a solid poolside pick if you care more about comfort and absorption than quick-drying performance.
Generous Size and Coverage
At 35 by 60 inches, this Arena towel gives you plenty of coverage. You can wrap it around yourself after swimming or lay it out on a pool chair without any trouble.
The size is practical for swimmers who need to dry off quickly between events. It’s big enough to wrap around most body types and doesn’t feel restrictive.
Key Dimensions:
- Length: 60 inches
- Width: 35 inches
It’s not so huge that it’s annoying to pack in your swim bag, though. Most users find the proportions just right for drying off or sitting on during meets.
High Absorption and Quick Drying
Pulling this towel out after a swim, the 400 gram terry cotton really does handle moisture well. It soaks up water efficiently, even if it’s already a bit damp from earlier.
Drying speed? It’s about what you’d expect for a cotton towel of this weight—not lightning fast like microfiber, but not bad for poolside use.
The material keeps its absorbency through lots of washes, though you might see some edge stitching wear over time. The surface area is big enough to handle the job, and the softness stays consistent even after it gets wet.
Softness and Comfort
The terry cotton material gives you that plush feel you want against your skin. After a few swim sessions, it stays genuinely soft and feels comfortable whether you’re wrapping up or just lounging poolside.
The 400-gram cotton isn’t rough at all. Users mention the towel keeps its softness after repeated use and washing, though you’ll want to take care of it to keep it that way.
Key comfort aspects:
- Gentle terry cotton weave
- Maintains softness after washing
It’s got a good weight—substantial but not rough. The 60 x 35 inch size covers you up completely, which is nice after a long swim.
Durable Terry Cotton Material
The quality is obvious when you first pull this towel out of the packaging. The 400-gram terry cotton feels solid but not overly bulky, so it’s durable without being a pain to carry.
After several washes, it’s held up well—minimal pilling or fraying on the edges. The cotton fibers stay soft even after lots of exposure to chlorine and machine washing.
It absorbs water well, but, like I said, it does take longer to dry than some synthetics. The weight feels even across the whole towel, which is a good sign for manufacturing quality.
If you need a reliable towel for regular pool use, this terry cotton build gets the job done. No special care needed—just toss it in with the rest of your laundry.
Stylish Design and Color Options
The navy and grey color scheme is understated, which is honestly kind of refreshing. The two-tone look feels simple and not overdone.
Arena has a few other color combos for this towel, so you can match your team colors or just pick what you like. Branding is there, but it’s not screaming for attention—the Arena logo shows off your loyalty without taking over the whole design.
Overall, it’s more functional than flashy, which I think a lot of competitive swimmers prefer. The color options mean you’ll probably find something that fits your style.
Easy Care and Maintenance
Washing this towel is easy. The 100% terry cotton holds up to regular machine washing and keeps its softness through a bunch of cycles.
The fabric stands up well to frequent laundering, which is a must if you’re swimming often. It dries at a normal rate for a 400-gram cotton towel, but that big size does mean it’ll take a bit longer than smaller towels.
Care considerations:
- Machine washable
- No special detergents needed
- Tumble dry is fine
It doesn’t get smelly fast, even with pool chemical exposure. The navy and grey colors also hide stains better than lighter towels. Pilling isn’t much of an issue, so the surface stays pretty smooth.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Soft Towel nails absorbency even after a few uses. The 100% terry cotton at 400 grams gives it nice thickness without being heavy.
At 35″ x 60″, you’ve got plenty of coverage for drying off between events or after practice. The softness is noticeable right away, and it stays plush after washing.
The navy and grey combo hides stains and chlorine discoloration better than lighter towels. Arena’s branding looks professional but isn’t over the top.
Cons
Durability can be hit or miss. The edges sometimes start to unravel after just a few washes, which isn’t great for the price.
Some towels show up with loose threads or little defects right out of the bag. There’s also a musty smell that can develop pretty quickly if you swim a lot, and it’s tough to get rid of even with regular washing.
Quality control seems inconsistent—some people get perfect towels, others get ones with pulled threads or off stitching. The colors aren’t always as vibrant as the pictures, so if you’re after a specific shade, you might be disappointed.
Customer Reviews
Buyers seem to love the Arena towel’s size and softness. The big dimensions get mentioned a lot—people notice it at the pool.
The material gets steady praise for its plushness and solid build. Color options are a plus, too; one buyer even grabbed two different shades for their grandson’s swim activities.
A few complaints pop up about durability, with some users seeing loose threads or unraveling edges after not much use. Odor can be an issue over time, and the colors don’t always match the photos—one reviewer said the yellow was a lot duller than expected.
Overall, it’s a hit with competitive swimmers and regular pool users who care about both function and appearance.
Best Uses for Swimming and Water Sports
This towel’s a good fit for competitive swimmers needing reliable gear at the pool deck during meets or practices. The 35″ x 60″ size covers you for drying off between events without being a pain to carry.
It handles moisture well, even when already damp, which is handy for long swim sessions where you’re drying off a lot. Recreational swimmers and water sports folks will find it works for general poolside use, too.
The terry cotton stands up to chlorine and repeated washing. For beach trips, though, you might want something even bigger for lounging on the sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What characteristics should one look for when choosing a high-quality pool towel?
Look for weight, material, and size. A good pool towel should be around 400 grams per square meter—denser fabric means better absorbency.
Material really matters. Terry cotton gives you great absorption and softness, so it’s a solid pick for frequent swimmers.
Size counts, too. Something like 60 by 35 inches is enough to wrap around you comfortably and still fits in your swim bag.
How do microfiber pool towels compare to cotton ones in terms of absorbency and drying time?
Cotton towels like the Arena Pool Soft are known for soaking up water quickly and feeling soft against your skin. The terry cotton loops do a great job of trapping moisture, but honestly, they do take their sweet time to dry out.
Microfiber options, on the other hand, dry in a flash and barely take up any space in your bag. They just don’t have that cozy, plush feel you get from cotton.
Cotton towels keep absorbing even if they’re already a bit damp, which comes in handy during longer swim sessions. The downside? They get heavy and need extra time to dry before you can use them again.
Can you recommend durable pool towels suitable for frequent usage?
The Arena Pool Soft Towel seems to handle regular use pretty well thanks to its sturdy 400-gram terry cotton fabric. Swimmers who hit the pool several times a week will probably appreciate that kind of durability.
A few people have noticed some fraying at the edges after just a handful of uses, so it’s worth checking the stitching and hems right out of the package.
For folks training or competing often, this towel seems to hit a decent balance between holding up and feeling comfortable. Arena’s reputation in swim circles doesn’t hurt, either.
It stays soft after a bunch of washes, but you’ll want to take care of it properly to avoid wearing it out too soon.
What are the best practices for maintaining and caring for pool towels to ensure their longevity?
Washing in cold or warm water is the way to go—hot water can shrink cotton and wear it down faster. Don’t go overboard with detergent, since too much can make towels less absorbent over time.
Definitely skip the fabric softener. It just coats the fibers and ruins the whole point of having an absorbent towel.
Air drying works best, but if you have to use a dryer, stick to low heat. High temps make the cotton rough and thin out the fabric.
Get your towel washed soon after using it at the pool. Chlorine loves to linger and break down fabric, and that’s usually what causes those stubborn pool smells.
Some people complain about their towels smelling funky after a while, which usually comes from not rinsing them well or tossing them in a bag while they’re still damp.
What sizes are ideal for pool towels to provide adequate coverage and comfort?
A 60 by 35-inch towel is a pretty solid pick for most adults and teens. It’s big enough to dry off fully but doesn’t get in the way at the pool.
If you’re on the taller or broader side, you might want something a bit wider for a full wrap, but this size covers most folks just fine. It’s also long enough to use on a pool chair or bench.
Competitive swimmers seem to like this size because it’s easy to pack but still offers decent coverage.
For kids and smaller adults, it can actually feel oversized, which isn’t a bad thing—extra fabric is nice for warming up after a chilly swim.
Are there eco-friendly pool towel options that don’t sacrifice performance or feel?
The Arena towel’s made from 100% cotton—a natural and biodegradable material. Of course, cotton itself isn’t perfect for the planet, especially when you consider all the water and pesticides it takes to grow.
If you’re serious about reducing your environmental impact, you might want to look for towels made from organic cotton. These use fewer chemicals during farming and processing, though this particular model doesn’t mention any organic certification.
Durability matters, too. A towel that actually survives years of regular use is way more sustainable than those bargain-bin options you end up tossing after a summer.
The towel also carries a non-toxic designation, so it’s meeting certain safety standards for materials and dyes. That’s a plus for your skin and means less exposure to nasty chemicals.
If you’re open to something a little different, recycled cotton or bamboo blends are out there as alternatives. They won’t feel quite the same as classic terry cotton, and the absorption can vary, but they’re worth considering if you’re after a greener choice.
