The Moonessa
Hooded Towel Guide
Looking for a hooded towel for yourself or your child? Get to know the fit, cotton fabric and zip-up design, with practical advice for adults, kids and toddlers.
From beach days to swimming lessons, this guide helps you work out what suits your routine.
What Is a Hooded Towel?
A hooded towel is a wearable towel with a hood that helps you dry off and stay covered after swimming. It slips over swimwear, leaving your hands free while you move from the water to the changing room or beach bag.
You may also see the term towel poncho, often used for a pull-on design. Some hooded towels open at the front instead; Moonessa uses a full-front zip. Below, you can compare the two designs and find the right fit.
A simple way to choose:
- Start with the toddler, kids or adult size range.
- Compare the width and length with a loose garment you already find comfortable.
- Choose short or long sleeves for the coverage you prefer.
- Check the product photos, pocket style and care label before deciding.
Find Your Hooded Towel
Adults
Adult hooded towels come in seven unisex sizes, XS to 3XL. Check the garment measurements for the length and roominess you prefer.
Kids
For kids, the size labels are 3-5Y, 5-8Y and 8-11Y. Children grow at different rates, so use width and length as your guide.
Toddlers
Toddler hooded towels are available in 1-2Y and 2-3Y. Measure a loose garment that fits your little one before choosing.
Why ZipEase Works
ZipEase is our full-front zip system, made with a premium YKK zip. Open the towel, slip your arms through and zip it closed, without pulling it over your head.
The front opening is handy when helping a child get dressed after swimming. Adults can step into their towel in the same way, with no need to pull damp fabric over their face.
Terry Inside.
Flat Weave Outside.
Soft terry loops on the inside absorb water against your skin. On the outside, a flat weave gives the fabric its smooth, woven finish.
This 100% cotton hooded towel fabric has a carefully balanced weight for a breathable feel and quick drying. Drying time will depend on the weather, airflow and how wet the towel is.
Thoughtfully Made. Carefully Finished.
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
Tested for harmful substances: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 covers textiles and their components. Moonessa hooded towels hold this certification.
OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN
The OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN label on this range brings together testing for harmful substances, environmentally responsible production and socially responsible workplaces.
Zip-Up Hooded Towel or Pullover Poncho?
| What to consider | Moonessa zip-up hooded towel | Pullover towel poncho |
|---|---|---|
| Putting it on | Open at the front and slip it on. | Pull it over your head. |
| Front opening | Full-front zip. | Usually a closed front; designs vary. |
| Choosing your fit | Compare the garment width, length and sleeve measurements. | Check the individual maker's cut and measurements. |
| Your preference | An opening you can zip closed after dressing. | A pull-on design without a full-front zip. |
These are differences in design. Fabric, coverage and drying performance vary between products.
How to Choose Your Hooded Towel Size
Choose from garment measurements, not your usual AU clothing size. Compare a loose garment you already like, then check the length and sleeve coverage.
Designed for a loose towel fit. Standard AU clothing sizes are not a reliable match; choose from the garment measurements below.
Best way to choose
Compare a garment you already love
- Choose a loose T-shirt, hoodie or changing robe that fits the way you like.
- Lay it flat and measure straight across the chest from underarm to underarm.
- Choose the first Moonessa size with an equal or greater Garment Chest Width.
Choose the first size at least as wide as your reference garment.
If you are between sizes or want more room underneath, choose the larger size.
Garment measurements
Size chart
Toddler
Age is a starting point only. Compare width and length for the best choice.
| Size | Garment chest width | Front / back length | Long sleeve length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2Y | 33 cm 13.0 in | 45 / 50 cm 17.7 / 19.7 in | 27 cm 10.6 in |
| 2–3Y | 37 cm 14.6 in | 55 / 60 cm 21.7 / 23.6 in | 31 cm 12.2 in |
Kids
Want more length? Size up and check the long-sleeve measurement—or choose Short Sleeve; its batwing cut extends just past the shoulder.
| Size | Garment chest width | Front / back length | Long sleeve length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5Y | 42 cm 16.5 in | 65 / 70 cm 25.6 / 27.6 in | 39 cm 15.4 in |
| 5–8Y | 47 cm 18.5 in | 75 / 80 cm 29.5 / 31.5 in | 42 cm 16.5 in |
| 8–11Y | 52 cm 20.5 in | 85 / 90 cm 33.5 / 35.4 in | 46 cm 18.1 in |
Adult
Unisex garment measurements. Do not convert from a standard AU clothing size.
| Size | Garment chest width | Front / back length | Long sleeve length |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 56 cm 22.0 in | 90 / 95 cm 35.4 / 37.4 in | 54 cm 21.3 in |
| S | 60 cm 23.6 in | 90 / 95 cm 35.4 / 37.4 in | 54 cm 21.3 in |
| M | 65 cm 25.6 in | 95 / 100 cm 37.4 / 39.4 in | 56 cm 22.0 in |
| L | 70 cm 27.6 in | 100 / 105 cm 39.4 / 41.3 in | 58 cm 22.8 in |
| XL | 75 cm 29.5 in | 100 / 105 cm 39.4 / 41.3 in | 60 cm 23.6 in |
| 2XL | 80 cm 31.5 in | 100 / 105 cm 39.4 / 41.3 in | 60 cm 23.6 in |
| 3XL | 85 cm 33.5 in | 100 / 105 cm 39.4 / 41.3 in | 60 cm 23.6 in |
Measurements describe the towel laid flat, not the wearer's body. For children, age labels are a starting point only. Available colours and sizes are shown on each product page.
A measuring example: If a comfortable garment measures 62 cm across the chest when laid flat, compare it with adult M at 65 cm and S at 60 cm. M offers more width; check its body and sleeve lengths too before choosing. This is a garment-to-garment comparison, not a body measurement.
Short Sleeve or Long Sleeve?
Short Sleeve
A relaxed batwing cut extends just past the shoulder, leaving less fabric around your arms. If you are sizing up for a child to gain body length, short sleeves can help avoid sleeves that hang past their hands.
Long Sleeve
Long sleeves give more coverage down the arms. Compare the sleeve measurement with a garment that fits comfortably, as extra body length can also mean longer sleeves.
Made for the Moments After a Swim
Beach Days
A hooded beach towel gives you something to wear over swimwear for the walk back from the water. Keep it with your beach bag so it is within reach when you finish swimming.
Pool Visits
At the pool, have your towel ready for the trip to the changing room. Once home, take it out of your bag and hang it somewhere with good airflow.
Swimming Lessons
After a lesson, a front-opening towel makes it easier to help children get covered while you gather their goggles and swimming gear.
Stripes or Solid Colour?
Amalfi
Fine white stripes on a coloured background. Amalfi includes adult, kids and toddler options; colours and sizes vary by product.
Santorini
A solid-colour finish for a simpler look. Browse the adult Santorini styles to see the current colours and sizes.
How to Wash and Care for Your Hooded Towel
A simple routine helps keep your cotton towel ready for its next swim. Always check the care label on your garment.
- Close the zip before washing.
- Use a gentle cycle at or below 40°C with a mild detergent.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
- Air dry where possible, or tumble dry on low heat.
- Remove promptly after washing and let it dry fully before storing.
Hooded Towel FAQs
Are Moonessa hooded towels unisex?
Yes. Every Moonessa hooded towel is unisex, including toddler, kids and adult styles. There are no separate fits for boys and girls or men and women; choose by garment measurements and your preferred coverage.
How should I choose a hooded towel for my child?
Compare a loose garment that fits your child with the size chart. Check the chest width and body length rather than choosing by age alone.
If you size up for extra body length, pay close attention to the sleeve measurement. Long sleeves may extend too far past your child's hands, so consider Short Sleeve instead.
What if I am between sizes?
Think about the fit you enjoy over swimwear. The larger size offers more room, but check its body and sleeve lengths before deciding. Compare both sizes with a loose garment you like, or ask us for help.
Can I wear a hooded towel over swimwear?
Yes. The loose fit is designed to go over swimwear after swimming. Allow enough room to move comfortably when comparing your measurements with the size chart.
Do all styles have the same pockets?
Every style has pockets, but the design varies. Toddler and kids hooded towels mostly have a kangaroo pocket; adult styles may have a kangaroo pocket or side pockets.
The product photos and description show which pocket design to expect.
Where are Moonessa hooded towels made?
Designed in Perth, Australia, Moonessa hooded towels are made with selected production partners globally, including in Türkiye, with quality guiding where we manufacture.
For the country of manufacture of your particular towel, check its garment label.
About This Guide
Prepared by the Moonessa team using our hooded towel specifications, garment measurements and care guidance. The size tables describe the garments laid flat. Check the individual product page and care label for details specific to your chosen style.
Need help comparing measurements? Get in touch with our team.
Last reviewed: .
Ready to Choose?
Keep your measurements handy, decide how much sleeve coverage you like, then compare the available colours. If you are unsure about fit, we are happy to help.