The Best Editor-Tested Bath Towels You Can Buy Right Now

When it comes to elevating your bathing experience, a good bath towel makes all the difference. With so many options on the market, there’s no better time to ditch the tired towel you’ve been using for years and switch to something better. From organic cotton and waffle weave to Turkish cotton and bamboo, the best bath towels are out there.

We’ve done the research and broken down what makes the best bath towel by type, material, size, and weave so you can determine the features that suit your lifestyle. From there, we tested a ton in our own homes and narrowed the pool down to our absolute favorites. Read on to determine the best bath towels for you.

The style of a towel, including its weave and materials, affects absorption, dry time, and how easy it is to pack and store when necessary. The three main types of bath towels include:

• Cotton towels: These are likely the classic bath towels that you’re used to. Egyptian cotton fibers tend to be extra long and highly absorbent, producing dense towels that are soft and plush. Turkish towels — sometimes called peshtemal, hammam, or fouta towels — are made of long-staple Turkish cotton that’s more lightweight and fast-drying than Egyptian cotton towels.
• Waffle weave towels: These towels have a unique honeycomb pattern that creates more surface area, resulting in better absorbency and a faster drying time than any other towel type. They’re different from classic cotton towels and may take some getting used to, but they’re definitely worth trying.

A towel’s material, from its fibers to how it’s spun, can mean the difference between minimum and maximum absorbency, softness, volume, and luxury. Here are the most common bath towel materials, with a few uncommon additions:

• Egyptian cotton: The fibers in Egyptian cotton tend to be extra long and highly absorbent, producing dense towels that are soft and plush.
• Turkish cotton: Long-staple Turkish cotton is lightweight and fast-drying. It creates a breezy, thin towel that’s well-suited for warmer weather.
• Organic cotton: Like bamboo, certified organic cotton is produced without harmful chemicals or dyes. For the allergic and/or environmentally conscious plush towel lovers, organic cotton is the way to go.
• Pima cotton: Akin to Egyptian cotton but sourced and produced in the American Southwest, Pima cotton towels are durable and long-lasting when cared for properly. 
• Supima cotton: One of the most sought-after textile materials, Supima is 45% stronger than other types of cotton. Supima yarns can be spun very fine, allowing dyes to hold within the weave, resulting in more vibrant colors that last longer.
• Linen: Highly absorbent with a more rustic aesthetic, linen towels are typically looped much like cotton, with a higher texture that’s optimal for gentle post-shower exfoliation and fast drying.
• Bamboo: A more Earth-friendly option, bamboo (or bamboo-derived rayon) requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers than cotton and grows faster. It’s also antimicrobial and resistant to fungus and germs. Its flatter weave is superabsorbent without being blanket-level plush.
• Modal: Fifty percent more absorbent than cotton and very fade resistant, Modal is an excellent, fluffy alternative to traditional towel materials if you’re buying colors or prints. 
• Microfiber: A tightly woven blend of nylon, polyester, or other plastic-derivative fibers, microfiber is very absorbent. Because its fibers are so small, microfiber towels are effective cleaning tools. But they can be almost too drying and textured to use on the whole body.
• Chenille: Similar in make to microfiber, this woven fabric is made from a variety of soft materials, such as cotton, wool, or silk.
• Polyester: Proceed with caution. While polyester works for kitchen or work towels because it’s quick drying, it’s not absorbent or soft. Polyester towels won’t last through many washes, either, without getting even rougher over time. However, there are some exceptions.

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified: Products are free of harmful synthetics and dyes.
• Made in Green by OEKO-TEX certified: Materials used in products are traceable and have been tested for (and are free from) harmful substances.
• GOTS certified: Products align with the Global Organic Textile Standard, which defines the worldwide recognized requirements for organic textiles.
• Cotton LEADS program: A reliable cotton supply chain providing raw material that is responsibly produced and identified.
• Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) certified: Ensures that products labeled as Egyptian Cotton are authentic. 
• Made Safe certified: Products are nontoxic and made with safe ingredients/materials.
• Fair Trade certified: Products are created in alignment with the economic standards in place for manufacturers to equitably distribute the benefits of ingredient, material, or product trade.

Towels are measured by GSM (grams per square meter). Most range between 300-900 GSM, with 900 being the heaviest. A lower GSM doesn’t mean lower quality — it just means the towel has a lighter weight (and is more likely to dry faster).

Of course, there’s the bath towel vs. bath sheet dilemma to consider. Simply put, bath sheets are a larger version of bath towels, and they’re best for taller people or those who like to wrap themselves up. Bath towels typically measure around 52″x27″, while bath sheets are approximately 60″x35″. Because we know you can have the best of both worlds (sometimes), most options on our list fall somewhere in between, around 30″x58″.

Most bath towels are machine washable, but if you choose to invest in some ultrasoft or luxury ones, consider swapping your dryer sheets for wool dryer balls instead. Additionally, the use of fabric softener, while giving your nice towels a wash, can actually reduce their ability to absorb moisture, especially over time. A less absorbent towel is not only ineffective and uncomfortable, but it also loses its softness as moisture clings to its outermost threads, thus weighing them down and clumping them together. Gnarly, right?

Making the switch to wool dryer balls is easy, cost-effective, time-saving, and eco-friendly. By making this simple change, you can even give your clothes and other home textiles longer lives, too.

We judged these bath towels based on the following criteria:

• Texture: How does the towel feel? Is it smooth or more textured? Is it plush or more tightly woven? Does it feel good right out of the shower and keep us warm?
• Absorbency: How quickly did we feel dry after a shower? How long did the towel take to hang dry when not in use?
• Longevity: How does it hold up after a few washes? Does it get softer over time or rougher?

After nearly a year of testing, former Shopping Writer Morgan still swears these are her favorite towels (read her review, here!). They aren’t called “luxe” for nothing, with an ultrasoft touch, perfect medium weight (it has a 600 GSM), and durable construction. Seriously: They’ve barely shown any signs of wear. The brand makes these towels using Zero Twist technology, also blending cotton and bamboo. That’s why, despite its plushness, the material dries you off quickly. And once you do finish drying yourself off, you likely won’t want to take it off.

Assistant Shopping Manager Mila hasn’t tested these towels for quite so many months, but she’s just as big of a fan. “I don’t have the warmest bathroom so every time I step out of a scalding hot shower, I’m always freezing,” she says. “I’ve been looking for a warm and plushy towel to wrap myself in, and this towel is everything I’ve been looking for! I was initially attracted by the black-and-white striped design, but it’s the plush softness that keeps me reaching for it again and again.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a spa-like, super fluffy towel; those who’re looking to invest in a towel that lasts a long time.

Specifications:

• 60% cotton, 40% viscose from bamboo
• 600 GSM
• Set of two
• 30″x58″
• Available in nine color/prints
• Machine wash warm; tumble dry low

This four-piece set of bath towels is only $40, which makes it the most affordable set on this list. And in case you’re dubious about the quality, they’ve got over 3,000 five-star ratings — so it’s no wonder they’re AT-approved. “Those with luxury spa tastes and a home bathtub budget should definitely consider this set,” wrote one editor. Plus, they’re made of 100% Turkish cotton, so they’re super absorbent and durable. 

The towels are on the fluffier side at 600 GSM (grams per square meter, which refers to density), but somehow still incredibly lightweight, so you get all the coziness and a shorter drying time. 

Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer a quality affordable towel; those who prefer a lightweight towel. 

Specifications:

• 100% cotton
• 27″x54″
• Available in two colors
• Includes four bath towels 
• Machine-washable; tumble dry warm

Investing in a towel can be a form of self-care. It adds a bit of comfort to your getting ready routine — and it also doesn’t need to be replaced as often. If that’s what you’re after, Apartment Therapy President Riva can’t recommend Matouk’s ​​Lotus towels enough. “I bought these towels several years ago, and while the plushness has definitely gone down with weekly washings, they’re still quite soft, absorbent, and look really good,” she says, adding that the number of years she’s gotten out of them balances out the steeper price.

The brand uses low-twist cotton, which gives the material its fluffiness. In fact, it’s the plushest towel that Matouk makes, with its 700 GSM. The dobby detailing adds some sophistication, making these towels look as expensive as they feel. You can also add a monogram for a bit extra.

Who It’s Best For: Those willing to splurge a little more on linens; those who prefer plush, classic-looking towels.

Specifications

• 100% cotton
• 700 GSM
• 30″x56″
• Available in 10 colors
• Machine wash warm and tumble dry medium

*Honorable Mention: We also love the brand’s Milagro towels, which cost a bit less. “This towel feels extremely luxurious,” says Account Manager Raquel. “It has a thick, plush texture and heavy weight to it, which makes it stand out from my other towels.”

Woven from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton, Serena & Lily’s Soho Bath Towel is both exceptionally absorbent and fast-drying. It also has a terry loop weave for a higher pile that adds a touch of luxury. “This towel is so fluffy,” Morgan says. “It really lives up to the ‘hotel at home’ claim.” Further illustrating its subtle yet effective design is the embroidered detailing on the towel’s dobby stripe that comes in solid white, sky blue, navy blue, and fog gray.

Looks aside, the Soho Bath Towel scored high marks with our editor for its absorbency, weight, material, texture, drying time, durability, and odor resistance — all of which were rated five out of five. Morgan also notes that there’s little to no shedding when you wash and dry these towels, so you can expect them to stay nice and plush for a long time.

Read our full review of the Serena & Lily Soho Bath Towel.

Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer soft cotton towels; those who prefer lightweight towels; those who like towels with subtle decorative accents.

Specifications:

• 100% Turkish cotton
• 700 GSM
• 30”x56″
• Available in five colors
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
• Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

*Honorable Mention: If you’re after a more stylish-looking Turkish cotton towel, then look no further than Anthropologie. “I don’t usually go for bath towels that have decorative accents, but Anthropologie’s Plush Turkish Cotton Bath Towel surprised me with how well it’s held up,” says Britt, Apartment Therapy’s senior shopping editor. “I really like the thickness and weight of the towel, and it’s more durable than I expected, including the fringe accents. I’ve been reaching for this towel more than others lately!”

If you love a thick, cushiony towel, but want a faster drying time, these Luxome Performance Towels are worth every penny, according to editors. They’re made of a cotton, polyester, and polyamide blend, and feature the brand’s patented double-loop construction, which gives the towels exceptional absorbency and a rapid drying time compared to others on the market. 

The quick-drying towels also have a ribbed texture for more enhanced absorbency and a stylish look. “They’re much better at soaking up water than any other towel I’ve had, and even in my poorly ventilated bathroom they become dry in only a few hours and resist any kind of mustiness,” wrote one former editor in his review. 

Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer a quick-drying towel and those who want a longer-lasting towel that needs fewer washes.

Specifications:

• 55% Cotton, 40% Polyester, 5% Polyamide
• 30”x56″
• Available in 10 colors
• Includes two bath towels 
• Certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® 
• Machine wash warm; tumble dry low 

Believe it or not, every waffle towel that made this year’s Best List has a different design that truly makes it stand out on its own. For editor-favorite brand Brooklinen, it’s the honeycomb weave that gives its Dreamweave Waffle Bath Towels a surprisingly plush and incredibly soft feel. Made with 100% long-staple Turkish cotton, they have a smooth and cozy quality that proves there actually is a scale of waffle weave softness.

“While I never expected waffle towels to have the same plush feeling as terrycloth, I ran with the assumption that they make up for the texture difference by being more absorbent and drying quicker,” says Britt. “I’ve used both the original and newly redesigned waffle bath towels and love how they’ve stepped up the design. I’ve noticed less shrinkage, stronger hems, and dare I say, they’re even more absorbent?”

Read our full review of the Brooklinen Waffle Bath Towel.

Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer a quick-drying towel; those looking for a space-saving towel; those who prefer super lightweight towels.

Specifications:

• 100% Turkish cotton
• 290 GSM
• 30”x58”
• Available in ten colors
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
• Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

Parachute is behind some of our favorite linens, so it comes as no surprise that its “softest towel ever” earned a spot on the list. The brand uses organic, long-staple organic cotton and employs an innovative weaving technique to create these blanket-like towels. They’re definitely bulkier and require a bit more space for storage, but they feel as light as a cloud while you dry yourself off, according to Morgan. While there is still some shedding after a couple of washes and a loose thread or two, it’s nothing that some scissors and time won’t fix. The organic construction is just the icing on the cake!

“I’ve tried my fair share of thick towels, and this one nearly knocked my all-time favorite (Cozy Earth’s Luxe Towel) out from first place,” she says. “It takes a single pass over my skin to collect all of the water, and I’m so obsessed with the soft feel that I need the brand to make it in robe form. This is the kind of towel that you’ll be reluctant to take off.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer thick and plush towels; those looking for a quick-drying towel that still maintains a fluffy texture.

Specifications

• 100% organic cotton
• 750 GSM
• Available in four colors
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
• Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

AT’s former Shopping Writer Morgan Pryor said this Weezie Bath Towel was one of the most gorgeous towels she’d ever seen, with its adorable scallop trim and variety of stylish print options. “It was love at first sight with the Scallop Bath Towel — even when I was just viewing it on a screen. It turned out even better once I actually got my hands on it,” she wrote in her review. “It makes my drab, windowless bathroom feel a little more sunshiney.” 

The towels are made of 100%, organic long-staple cotton, for supreme softness and luxurious fluff. “It has a spa-like feel that has me hurrying to wash it so I can use it again and again,” Morgan added. There’s a hanging loop to allow for a speedier drying time, too! 

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a plush, spa-quality towel with trendy designs that elevate the look of their bathroom. 

Specifications:

• 100% organic long-staple cotton
• 29”x58″
• Available in five colors
• OEKO-TEX® certified
• Machine wash cold; tumble dry low 

Several factors were taken into consideration for the Best Bath Towel Set on our list, and Quince’s Turkish Ribbed Quick Dry Bath Towels knocked it out of the park. The bundle of six costs less than $80, making each towel roughly $13 apiece, regardless of size. What sweetens the deal is the modern and stylish ribbed design that makes them an instant bathroom upgrade.

The towels are made from 100% Turkish cotton, have a medium plushness, and really do dry as quickly as the brand claims. They make a great gift for those moving into their first homes and are a fantastic pick if you’re looking to replace your old bath linens. “I adore these towels! They’re stylish, super absorbent, and so soft,” says Britt. “As far as bath towels go, they’re a definite step up to my other linens and I find myself reaching for one of these more often than not. I need them in every color!”

Read our full review of the Quince Turkish Ribbed Quick Dry Bath Towels.

Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer quick-dry bath towels; those who want towels that offer style and function.

Specifications:

• 100% Turkish cotton
• 600 GSM
• Available in six colors 
• Includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths
• Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

The Shopping Team at Apartment Therapy Media has one mission: to help you make smart and informed purchases. We know how hard online shopping can be — it’s literally our job! From trying to decipher confusing marketing lingo to sorting through scores of fake paid reviews in search of some truth, online shopping can be overwhelming. We’re dedicated to doing the hard work for you by reviewing these products firsthand and delivering all the information you need, both good and bad.

Our team is made up of a group of writers and editors who have years of experience in the home, kitchen, and parenting consumer product space, and who are always testing for new tried-and-true staples. Consider us your trusted source on everything home, whether it’s what to consider before buying a sofa or a mattress, the best places to shop for affordable rugs, or which cookware pieces are really worth the cabinet space.

As experts in the home and design space, we put products to the test right where they matter: at home. Whether it’s the gadget on everyone’s wish list or the coolest-looking design finds, we bring these products into our personal spaces and test them for weeks and even months at a time to see how well they live up to their claims. Do those sheets still feel silky smooth after a couple of washes? Does that mattress remain firm or soften up too soon? Are those bath towels really quick drying or do they need an extra spin in the machine? We’ll let you know. 

Within each of our reviews, we also break down the different ways that we critique products. In some cases, we’re testing products head-to-head on things like price, ease of use, and durability. In others, we’re comparing new products to personal favorites or ones we’ve tested in the past. No matter what, we’ll always break down the ins and outs of a product. At the end of the day, we’re consumers too, so we’ll provide you with all the information we’d want — and then some.

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