Slowtide Towels Review: The Ultimate Beach Accessory Upgrade
Hey there, beach lover! As a self-proclaimed towel snob and fashionista, I‘m always on the hunt for gear that combines style and function. And let me tell you, when it comes to beach towels, it doesn‘t get much better than Slowtide.
In this comprehensive review, I‘ll be diving deep into what makes Slowtide towels the ultimate seaside accessory. We‘ll cover everything from the brand‘s humble beginnings to its most buzz-worthy designs to its commitment to sustainability. Plus, I‘ll be sharing my own first-hand experience with Slowtide towels – the good, the fluffy, and the oh-so-absorbent.
So grab your sunscreen and settle in, because by the end of this article, you‘ll be ready to trade in your tired old beach blanket for a Slowtide stunner. Let‘s get into it!
From Surf Industry Vets to Towel Visionaries
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Slowtide‘s products, let‘s take a step back and look at the brand‘s origins. Slowtide was founded in 2016 by three friends with a shared passion for surf culture: Kyle Spencer, Wylie Von Tempsky, and Dario Phillips.
At the time, Kyle and Wylie were working for major surf brands like Billabong and Hurley, while Dario had cut his teeth in the fashion industry. The trio had a lightbulb moment during a beach day in Malibu. Surrounded by a sea of bland, logo-emblazoned towels, they realized there was a serious lack of creativity and style in the beach accessory market.
And thus, Slowtide was born. The name, a play on "slow tide," encapsulates the brand‘s laidback, live-in-the-moment ethos. From day one, the founders were committed to creating towels that were not only functional but also beautiful – pieces that would elevate the beach-going experience and express each customer‘s unique style.
Fast forward six years, and Slowtide has become a certified B-Corp with a devoted following of beach lovers, artists, and eco-warriors. But its mission remains the same: to spread good vibes, one sustainable towel at a time.
Towels That Turn Heads
Alright, let‘s talk towels. Slowtide‘s signature product is its line of ultra-soft, quick-drying beach towels. Made from a blend of sustainable cotton and recycled polyester, these babies are designed to last through countless trips to the shore.
But what really sets Slowtide towels apart is their stunning artwork. Each season, the brand partners with a variety of artists, illustrators, and photographers to create limited-edition designs that are basically frameable. Some of my personal faves:
| Collection | Artist | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Grateful Dead | Lightning Bolt Collab | Psychedelic ‘60s rock |
| Ty Williams | Surf Artist | Retro tropical cool |
| Karina Eibatova | Illustrator | Whimsical botanicals |
| Kassia Meador | Pro Surfer/Photog | Dreamy, sun-soaked landscapes |
Beyond the artist collabs, Slowtide also offers a range of in-house designed patterns that are equally eye-catching. From boho-chic paisleys to colorful geometric prints to understated neutrals, there‘s truly a style for every taste.
And can we talk about the size of these towels? Measuring a generous 30×60 inches, Slowtide beach towels give you plenty of room to spread out on the sand. No more fighting for corner space or awkwardly overlapping with your beach buddy.
But the real magic happens when you actually use a Slowtide towel. The fabric is incredibly soft and absorbent, wicking away water and drying in record time. Seriously, you can go from soaking wet to comfortably dry in minutes. Plus, the towels are lightweight and compact, making them easy to toss in your beach bag or suitcase.
Good for the Planet, Good for Your Conscience
Slowtide isn‘t just making towels that look and feel amazing – they‘re also making a positive impact on the planet. The brand is committed to using sustainably and ethically sourced materials in all of its products.
Let‘s break it down:
- Cotton: All of Slowtide‘s cotton is sourced through the Cotton LEADS program, which promotes sustainable cotton production and traceability. The brand also uses organic cotton whenever possible.
- Recycled Polyester: Remember those recycled water bottles I mentioned earlier? Slowtide transforms them into soft, durable polyester yarn that‘s used in many of its towels. In fact, the brand estimates that it diverts around 8 million plastic bottles from landfills each year.
- Packaging: Even Slowtide‘s packaging is eco-friendly. All products come wrapped in biodegradable sleeves printed with soy-based ink. No plastic, no waste.
But Slowtide‘s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just materials. The company partners with a number of environmental non-profits, including the Surfrider Foundation and 1% for the Planet. A portion of every sale goes towards protecting and preserving our oceans and waterways.
And in 2020, Slowtide launched its first-ever carbon neutral towel collection. By offsetting all emissions from production and shipping, the brand was able to create a line of towels with a net zero carbon footprint. Pretty incredible, right?
Don‘t Just Take My Word for It
By now, it should be clear that I‘m a big Slowtide fan. But don‘t worry – I‘m not the only one singing this brand‘s praises. Slowtide has racked up thousands of glowing reviews from satisfied customers around the world.
Here are just a few highlights:
"I took a chance on Slowtide after seeing them all over Instagram, and I‘m so glad I did. The towel is SO soft and absorbent, and the print is even more vibrant in person. It‘s my new go-to for beach days and park picnics." – Sarah D.
"I bought a Slowtide towel as a gift for my wife, and she loves it so much that I had to get one for myself. The quality is amazing, and I love that the company is so environmentally conscious. Plus, the designs are just really freakin‘ cool." – Mike R.
"I‘ve been using my Slowtide towel for a few months now, and it still looks and feels brand new. It‘s so much softer and more absorbent than any other beach towel I‘ve tried. And the fact that it‘s made with recycled materials is a huge bonus. I‘ll definitely be buying more!" – Jenna S.
These are just a few examples, but trust me – the Slowtide love is real. Hop on over to the brand‘s website or social media, and you‘ll find countless more rave reviews and photos of happy customers lounging in style.
The Final Verdict
Alright, beach babes, it‘s time to wrap things up (pun very much intended). After extensively researching and personally testing Slowtide towels, here‘s my honest take: These towels are the real deal.
Not only are they incredibly soft, absorbent, and quick-drying, but they also boast some of the most stunning designs I‘ve ever seen on a beach accessory. From bold artist collabs to versatile patterns, Slowtide has a towel to suit every style and taste.
But beyond just looking and feeling great, Slowtide towels are also making a tangible difference for the planet. By using sustainable materials, partnering with environmental organizations, and offsetting their carbon footprint, this brand is setting a new standard for eco-conscious beachwear.
Of course, all of these perks do come at a slightly higher price point than your average beach towel. But in my opinion, the quality, durability, and overall feel-good factor of Slowtide towels are well worth the investment.
So, my final advice? Treat yourself to a Slowtide towel (or two, or three – no judgment here). Not only will you be upgrading your beach setup, but you‘ll also be supporting a brand that‘s doing good for people and the planet.
Ready to dive in? Use my exclusive code SLOWTIDE20 for 20% off your first purchase. Trust me, your inner beach bum will thank you.
Until next time, stay salty and stylish!
XOXO,
Your Towel-Obsessed Bestie
