When heading to the beach or pool, a quality towel is a must-have. Popular towel brands Dock & Bay and Sand Cloud both claim to offer the softest, most absorbent towels on the market.
But which comes out on top in a Dock & Bay vs Sand Cloud showdown?
This in-depth comparison will highlight the pros, cons, and key differences between these two beach-inspired brands. Read on to determine which towels are worth splurging on for your next waterfront adventure.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factors | Dock & Bay | Sand Cloud |
| Material | 100% Turkish cotton | Polyester microfiber blend |
| Weight | Plush 600 GSM | Lightweight |
| Texture | Ultra soft garment washed | Waffle weave |
| Absorbency | Excellent due to cotton | Good but less than cotton |
| Durability | 500+ washes, double stitched | Prone to pilling, fraying over time |
| Style | Sophisticated patterns and prints | Fun, youthful beach prints |
| Sustainability | OEKO-TEX certified factory | Recycled materials, donations to marine conservation |
| Price | $39-$79 | $29-$79 |
Overview Of Dock & Bay
Founded in London in 2015, Dock & Bay aims to provide “the softest towels on the planet” through premium materials and ethical manufacturing.
Their towels are made from 100% cotton and retail from $39-$79.
Key features of Dock & Bay towels include:
- Absorbent 600 GSM cotton
- Garment washed for softness
- Hemmed edges to prevent fraying
- Variety of colors and patterns
- Hang loop for easy drying
- Ethical production in an OEKO-TEX factory
Dock & Bay sells towels along with other beach accessories like blanket hoodies, beach bags, and silk pillowcases. Their branding is centered around high-quality materials and environmental responsibility.
Overview Of Sand Cloud
Sand Cloud got its start in 2014 when co-founders Steven Ford and Bruno Aschidamiri created the first towel made from recycled plastic bottles.
Their towels range from $29-$79.
Some key features of Sand Cloud towels:
- Made from 40% recycled materials
- Lightweight, quick-drying material
- Stitched edges for durability
- Variety of sub-brands and collaborations
- Give back 10% of profits to marine conservation
- Bright, playful branding and designs
In addition to towels, Sand Cloud sells apparel and other accessories.
Their environmental mission focuses on using recycled materials and donating to protect marine life.
Comparison Between Dock & Bay And Sand Cloud
Texture and Feel
One of the most important features for a top-notch beach towel is softness. Both Dock & Bay and Sand Cloud aim to deliver supremely soft towels.
Dock & Bay constructs their towels from long staple Turkish cotton prized for its softness and absorbency. The 600 GSM weight provides plush thickness. Garment washing breaks in the fibers resulting in exceptional softness straight out of the packaging.
Sand Cloud uses a lightweight polyester microfiber blend. The waffle-weave texture makes them quick-drying and absorbent. They feel soft, though some may find the polyester less plush than real cotton. The material does tend to pills over time.
For luxurious cotton softness, Dock & Bay wins out. But Sand Cloud offers lightweight functionality.
Absorbency
The ideal beach towel should keep you dry while soaking up moisture quickly after a swim. Here’s how these brands compare when put to the test:
Dock & Bay’s thick Turkish cotton absorbs significantly more water than standard towels. The material doesn’t repel water and can hold several times its weight. Better absorbency means less time spent drying off.
Sand Cloud towels also perform well at absorbing water thanks to their blend of modal, polyester, and spandex. The waffle weave further supports drainage and drying. However, they can’t compete with the superior moisture retention of Turkish cotton.
For maximum absorbency, Dock & Bay is the winner. But Sand Cloud still does a fine job of drying you off after a dip.
Read More: Comparison Between Oofos And Cloud Slides
Durability
No one wants their beach towel to fall apart after a few uses. Construction and materials make a big difference in long-term durability.
Dock & Bay uses double-stitched hems and thick, quality cotton. Independent testing shows their towels can withstand over 500 washes while maintaining softness and absorbency. Many customers report the towels holding up well over years of heavy use.
Sand Cloud opts for stitched edges prone to unraveling over time. The blend of materials seems more susceptible to pilling. Customers note issues with towels looking ragged or losing their softness after just 1-2 seasons of use.
Clearly Dock & Bay’s towels are built to last longer thanks to quality materials and stitching. Their durability easily surpasses that of Sand Cloud.
Style Selection
Beachgoers looking to make a stylish statement will appreciate the myriad designs and collaborations available.
Dock & Bay offers a boutique-like selection of stripes, florals, geometrics, and solid colors. Their muted earth tone palettes help the patterns feel sophisticated. Limited edition capsules with brands like Scotch & Soda and Amalfi Coast help the towels double as fashionable picnic blankets.
Sand Cloud also has an array of bright, playful prints ranging from tropical motifs to tie-dye. Their major licenses include brands like Budweiser, Omega Psi Phi, and local surf shops.
Those seeking trendy, beach-inspired patterns will find lots of options. However, the designs lean more juvenile compared to Dock & Bay.
For shoppers seeking elevated, versatile patterns, Dock & Bay offers a better selection. Sand Cloud appeals to the party crowd.
Sustainability
Eco-friendly manufacturing is a priority for both Dock & Bay and Sand Cloud. But Sand Cloud takes sustainability a step further.
Dock & Bay partners exclusively with factories and mills using sustainable practices. All facilities are OEKO-TEX certified free of harmful chemicals. Focus areas include energy efficiency, ethical treatment of workers, and organic farming methods.
Sand Cloud goes beyond sustainable manufacturing by incorporating recycled materials into their actual products. A quarter of each towel is made from plastic bottles diverted from oceans and landfills.
The brand also donates 10% of profits to marine conservation efforts through their Sand Cloud for Good program.
When it comes to green credentials, Sand Cloud is a clear industry leader. Their use of recycled materials and marine initiatives give them the edge. But Dock & Bay also runs a responsible operation.
Also Read: Sand Cloud Vs. Tesalate Vs. Teema: Battle Of The Beach Towels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Dock & Bay is generally considered a good brand known for making high-quality, luxuriously soft cotton towels. Their materials, ethical manufacturing standards, and durable construction allow them to command premium pricing. Dock & Bay is a great option for shoppers wanting upscale, stylish towels.
For budget-focused shoppers, Dock & Bay likely offers a better value proposition than Sand Cloud. Sand Cloud towels cost more but don’t match Dock & Bay’s cotton quality and long-term durability. But Sand Cloud’s sustainability initiatives and beachy prints may be worth it for eco-conscious buyers wanting a fun, casual towel.
Yes, for the right customer Dock & Bay towels are worth their higher price tags. Shoppers wanting ultra-soft, quick-drying Turkish cotton will find Dock & Bay’s absorbency and luxury unmatched. Their sophisticated patterns also make them great multi-purpose towels beyond the beach. If you use towels frequently and want them to last, Dock & Bay is worth investing in.
Some good alternatives to Sand Cloud that offer similar beachy style and lightweight functionality include:
Laguna Beach Textile Company, Round Tower, Sertodo Copacabana, Matouk Milagro,Pineapple Bay, Dock & Bay (for higher quality), and Rainbow Reef (for lower cost basic towels).
Brands like Rainbow Reef provide comparable quality at lower prices.
Or go with Dock & Bay for a spending a bit more on upgraded materials and durability.
Also watch the video to know more about Sand Cloud!
Also Read: Crae Vs. Geometry Towels: Which Should You Choose?
Verdict
However, Dock & Bay’s Turkish cotton simply can’t be matched when it comes to providing the ideal balance of softness and absorption. The fluffy texture and vibrant colors make them feel far more luxurious and spa-like than Sand Cloud’s more basic polyester designs. And their durability ensures your investment will last over the long run.
While Sand Cloud’s goals supporting marine conservation make them a decent choice for eco-conscious buyers on a budget, Dock & Bay delivers a premium towel experience worth the spend for those wanting the very best for lounging in luxury. The saying “you get what you pay for” certainly applies here.
In the battle between these two trendy beach brands, Dock & Bay clearly comes out on top for their exceptional comfort and quality. Their towels exemplify everything you could want for an upscale day by the ocean, bay, or poolside resort.