Hooded Towel Guide: Names, Sizes and How to Choose One in Australia
Towel hoodie, surf poncho, changing robe: the names change, the idea stays the same. Here is how to choose the right hooded towel and the right size for everyone in the family.
A hooded towel is a towel with a built-in hood that you wear like a poncho, so you can dry off, stay warm and get changed with both hands free. For adults, choose one that reaches the knee (around 105–110 cm long). For kids, one that falls below the knee with a hood that covers wet hair. For babies, a soft square towel of roughly 75 × 75 cm or more that wraps them fully.
Hooded towels have become a staple on Australian beaches, at swimming lessons and in family bathrooms. They stay on by themselves, cover your head after a swim and make changing out of wet swimmers far less awkward. This guide explains what each type is called, how they differ, and how to pick the right size and fabric.
What are towels with hoods called?
- Hooded towel: the general term, for adults, kids and babies.
- Towel hoodie or poncho towel: a pull-over towel with a hood and no sleeves.
- Surf poncho: a roomier poncho towel made for changing out of a wetsuit.
- Hooded beach towel: any hooded towel made for the beach, often in quick-dry microfibre.
- Changing robe: a longer version with sleeves, often with a zip, worn like a jacket.
The main types of hooded towels
| Type | How you wear it | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pull-over poncho | Over the head, no sleeves | Beach days, pool, travel |
| Zip-up robe | Opens at the front like a jacket | Surf, swimming, wet hair |
| Long changing robe | Full length with sleeves | Early surfs, cold mornings, ocean swimming |
| Cooling mesh hood | Light poncho, wet it to cool down | Gym, sport, hot days |
| Baby and kids hooded towel | Wrapped around, hood on the head | Bath time, beach, swimming lessons |
Quick-Dry Microfibre Towel Hoodie
A light, pull-over microfibre poncho that packs small in a beach bag.
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Zip-Up Hooded Changing Robe
Sleeves and a front zip: easy to get on and off with wet hands.
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Surf Changing Robe
A long changing robe for surfers and ocean swimmers on cool mornings.
Shop now →How to choose the right size
Adults
Choose a hooded towel that falls to around the knee, so you stay covered while you change. A width of 75 to 90 cm leaves room to move your arms inside. Our adult models measure 105 to 110 cm long; each product page lists exact measurements. Browse the adult hooded towels.
Kids and toddlers
Look for a towel that reaches below the knees without dragging on the sand, with a hood big enough to cover wet hair. Poncho styles are easier for small children to put on alone than wrap towels.
Babies
A baby hooded towel is usually a square of about 75 × 75 cm or more, with a corner hood. Bigger is better: you want enough fabric to wrap your baby completely after the bath.
| Who | What to look for | Our picks |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Knee length, 75–90 cm wide | Quick-Dry Microfibre Towel Hoodie, Zip-Up Hooded Changing Robe |
| Kids 3+ | Below the knee, large hood | Dinosaur Hooded Towel for Kids |
| Toddlers | Short poncho, easy to pull on | Grey Koala Hooded Towel Poncho |
| Babies | Square, 75 cm or more, soft fabric | Newborn & Baby Hooded Towel Set, Duck & Sheep Hooded Baby Towel |
Microfibre, cotton or fleece?
- Microfibre: light, compact and quick-drying. Ideal for the beach bag, surfing and travel.
- Cotton towelling: thick and absorbent, but heavier and slower to dry.
- Coral fleece: extra soft and warm, popular for babies after the bath.
- Cooling mesh: a thin, breathable fabric you wet before wearing, for the gym and hot days. See the Cooling Mesh Hooded Towel.
Are hooded towels better than regular towels?
For getting changed and staying warm, yes. A hooded towel stays on by itself, keeps your head covered and frees both hands. For lying on the sand, a flat beach towel is still handy, so many Australian families pack one of each. If you are looking for a gift, hooded towels are a favourite for summer Christmas: see our wellness gift ideas.
How to care for your hooded towel
Machine wash on a gentle cycle with similar colours, then hang it out to dry. Skip fabric softener: it coats the fibres and makes microfibre less absorbent. Shake out sand before washing to protect your machine. For fluffy cotton robes, see our bathrobe buying guide.
Hooded towels for the whole family.
Towel hoodies, surf ponchos, changing robes and soft baby towels, delivered Australia-wide.
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FAQs
What are towels with hoods called?
Hooded towels. Depending on the style, you will also see towel hoodie, poncho towel, surf poncho, hooded beach towel or changing robe.
Do they make hooded towels for adults?
Yes. Adult hooded towels, surf ponchos and changing robes are made for surfing, swimming and the beach, usually around knee length.
What size is a baby hooded towel?
Most are square, around 75 × 75 cm or larger, with a hood in one corner, so you can wrap your baby completely.
Is a towel hoodie the same as a surf poncho?
Yes, both are pull-over hooded towels. "Surf poncho" usually means a roomier cut for changing out of a wetsuit.
Where can I buy hooded beach towels in Australia?
You can shop our full range of hooded towels online, delivered Australia-wide in 7–10 business days, with free shipping on orders from $49.99.
