Materials can help, yes, as it is part of the equation. But the thickness and quality of the material is also something to look at. The three most popular materials for beach towels include Cotton, Terry, and Microfiber.
Cotton is a great comfortable option. It will dry you off quickly and feels nice on the skin. The downside to cotton is that a big towel can be heavy, especially when wet, and it takes a long time to dry. Terry is a good material for the beach because it is very absorbent and dries quicker than pure cotton. Microfiber towels will have a less luxurious feel and are usually small and thin. These are still a popular choice because they are lightweight, easily packed, dry quickly, and also antimicrobial.