The 8 Best Towels to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a 5-Star Hotel

There’s nothing better than wrapping yourself in a ridiculously plush towel after a hot shower — and up until a few months ago, I thought I’d have to check into a pricey five-star resort to really enjoy that sensation. I’m talking about a towel that feels like a warm cloud — the kind you don’t even mind snuggling in wet on the sofa (just like a great robe!). But after running through cheap beach towels every six months or so, I also know that a beautiful towel isn’t worth much if it cannot handle the realities of daily life. So when I set out to discover the very best bath towels on the market, I was determined to find options that delivered that indulgent, resort-like feeling — all without sacrificing practicality, durability, or absorbency. And I’m excited to say I definitely found them.

Over the course of the last two months (and in one case, over a year!) I put 18 different bath towels and sheets through their paces, experiencing how they held up after being washed and used up to twice daily. Just like amazing bath mats, all of my favorite towels felt just as soft, fluffy, and absorbent several weeks in as they did on day one — and didn’t become scratchy, flat, or worn. I found that the best bath towel brands also offered full sheets (more on that later!) so that I could toss the old, frayed beach towels I was using, as they aren’t as absorbent. I’ve done the legwork to find options that have earned a permanent place in my bathroom — and they’ve all found a place in this guide.

There’s a lot that goes into judging and comparing bath towels on the open market. Here’s a list of criteria that played into which products we considered for this test.

• Cotton towels: These are the kinds of bath towels most are familiar with, but the type of cotton used can make a noticeable difference in how they feel and perform. Egyptian cotton is prized for its extra-long fibers, which help create soft, dense, and absorbent towels with a plush, luxurious feel. 
• Turkish cotton towels: Can also be known as peshtemal, hammam, or fouta towels. These towels are typically made with long-staple fibers that produce a lighter-weight fabric designed to dry more quickly than thicker Egyptian cotton counterparts.
• Waffle weave towels: Recognizable by their honeycomb-like texture, waffle weave towels feature a raised, dimensional pattern that increases surface area and helps moisture evaporate more efficiently. Their lightweight, airy construction helps these towels to dry relatively quickly while still being absorbent. 

Not all bath towels are created equal, and the fibers used to make them play a major role in softness and absorbency, thickness, durability, and feel. While cotton remains the most familiar option, there are plenty of other materials that could make a great option for your household. Here’s a breakdown of the most common towel fabrics, along with a few less traditional alternatives.

• Organic cotton: Grown according to organic agricultural standards, certified organic cotton is produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It can come paired with certifications that address textile processing and chemical use.
• Pima cotton: Similar to Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton is often associated with production in the American Southwest. Its smooth, strong fibers help create durable towels that can maintain their softness and quality through repeated use when properly cared for.
• Supima cotton: Considered a premium variety of American-grown Pima cotton, Supima is 45% stronger than other types of cotton. Its exceptionally fine, durable fibers are reported to hold dye better than other options, helping towels maintain rich, vibrant colors (even after a few washes!).
• Linen: If you’re going for a more relaxed, rustic look, then linen towels offer excellent absorbency with a distinctly textured feel. Their naturally breathable fibers help them dry relatively quickly, while their slightly rougher surface can provide a gentle exfoliating sensation after a shower.
• Bamboo: Bamboo-derived fabrics are often marketed as a more environmentally conscious alternative, but most bamboo towels are made from processed bamboo viscose or rayon, which throws their environmental impact into question. Yet these towels can be soft and smooth — but it’s important to remember that their sustainability depends heavily on how these hybrid fibers are manufactured.
• Modal: Typically made from regenerated wood cellulose, modal is prized for its silky softness and how absorbent it is. Often blended with cotton, it can give towels a fluffy, luxurious feel.
• Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fiber valued for its durability and quick-drying properties, but is not as naturally absorbent as cotton. It can work well for utility towels, sports towels, and certain blended fabrics, but 100% polyester options might not deliver the softness or moisture absorption most people expect from a luxurious bath towel.

• 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.

As part of an industry standard, towels are measured by GSM (grams per square meter), per NBC News reports. Most range between 300-900 GSM, with 900 being the heaviest. A lower GSM doesn’t automatically mean the product is of lower quality — it just means the towel has a lighter weight (and is more likely to dry faster).

Of course, there’s another important consideration when shopping for new towels: Should you buy a standard bath towel or upgrade to a bath sheet? The biggest difference between a bath towel and a bath sheet simply is the size. As a 6’4” plus-size man, I’ve found that having those extra inches of fabric can make a world of difference in being able to wrap myself securely. I prefer a generously sized bath sheet that I can comfortably wrap around more of my body without constantly adjusting it or holding it closed. If you’ve ever struggled to get a towel to wrap all the way around your waist — or wished you had a little more coverage — I’d strongly recommend considering a bath sheet instead. 

That’s why I made size availability a nonnegotiable part of my testing process: I only considered towels that were offered in both standard bath towel and larger bath sheet dimensions, with the same materials and construction across both sizes. Every towel in this guide is also available as a bath sheet, so you can choose the amount of coverage that works best for your body.

I put each bath towel through a consistent set of real-world tests in my own apartment, a small one-bedroom rental in New York City. 

• A weeklong test: I used each contender exclusively for a minimum of seven days to evaluate if its performance changed with repeated use.
• A consistent drying routine: After showering, I used just one towel to dry my body without drying my hair or using a second towel to measure standard absorbency.
• Extended use: I wore each towel for at least 15 minutes post-shower to test if it remained comfortable while air drying.
• Washing each product: Each towel was washed via a commercial laundry service to inspect how its softness, texture, and construction held up.
• Standard drying rack usage: Each towel was hung on my bathroom rack in a small, unventilated space to rigorously test drying speed between uses.
• Monitored drying: I physically checked each towel for lingering moisture 10 to 12 hours after use to see how well it shed dampness.

I felt guilty using this towel at first, because truly it felt like I covertly stole it from a five-star resort spa and brought it home with me. From its first use, I was blown away by how ridiculously soft and plush it felt against my skin, and that sensation only grew with every shower I took. Another dreamy detail is its ribbed edges, which I found made it easier to create a secure tuck-and-fold when wrapping the towel around my body.

Despite it being one of the thickest, fluffiest towels on this list, it’s surprisingly lightweight — you get a cloudlike comfort without a bulky towel eating up precious storage space in a small bathroom like mine. I appreciated Boll & Branch’s “locker loop” feature, which lets you hang it up. The best part? Boll & Branch’s colorways are neutral, but feel rich enough to turn heads in any bathroom (guests will be so impressed!). I’ve already decided these are making my holiday wish list: No other towel I’ve used compares, and I’m obsessed with Boll & Branch’s five-star spa feel.

• 100% organic, ELS Turkish cotton
• 700 GSM (grams per square meter)
• 30″ x 58″
• 10 colorways listed, including White, Cream, Oak, Walnut, Pewter, Stone, Shore, Mineral, Coastal Navy, and Deep Plum
• GOTS-certified organic cotton
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification

If your dream towel feels more like a fluffy winter coat than just fabric, Quince’s Ultra-Plush Bath Towel is the one for you. Easily one of the thickest and most substantial towels I tested, I was immediately impressed by its incredibly soft, absorbent construction. Quince offers several levels of thickness on its towel and bath sheet, so I chose the Ultra-Plush. I loved its generous size, which offered more coverage than a standard bath towel.

Its construction seemed to contribute to a longer drying time compared to other towels I tested, although the brand acknowledges its hefty makeup causes this. I also noticed minor, spot-like discoloration after the first wash, possibly from residue left behind by my blue shampoo. Still, if you want that indulgent, spa-inspired experience without spending upwards of $100 on a single towel, this is an excellent option.

• 100% long-staple Turkish cotton
• 800 GSM (grams per square meter)
• 30″ x 56″
• 10 listed colorways, including White, Ivory, Linen, Grey, Silver, Charcoal, Slate, Mineral, Shore, and Eucalyptus
• No visible industry certifications listed by Quince

A close runner-up for my best overall pick, Hommey’s Bath Towel is ridiculously plush — I felt like I was lounging in an expensive hotel suite rather than drying off in my tiny apartment. What set this one apart was how absorbent it felt without being excessively heavy or bulky; at 700 GSM, it kept me dry without feeling as if I was wrapped in a weighted blanket. Despite its luxe thickness, the towel also folded down surprisingly compactly, which made storing it in my limited bathroom space a breeze. 

While Hommey offers classic whites and neutrals, I was thrilled to see that the rich, chocolate-brown Cedar shade I tested held up beautifully after washing, with no noticeable fading or discoloration. Thanks to its softness, performance, and seriously stylish appearance, this towel feels perfect as a thoughtful gift for a loved one who appreciates a bathroom essential that works and looks great.

• Material: 100% cotton
• 700 GSM (grams per square meter)
• Approximately 27.6″ x 55.1″ (70 x 140 cm)
• Available in over 15 colorways, marle, and patterns, but solid cotton options include Custard, Grapevine, Cocoa, and Cornflower Blue
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified

If you’ve always assumed waffle towels can’t compete with the plushness or absorbency of traditional terry cloth, Brooklinen’s Waffle Bath Towel will change your mind. Its distinctive honeycomb weave feels incredibly soft against the skin, and I was surprised to find that it absorbed moisture just as effectively. The long-staple Turkish cotton gives it a cozy, luxurious feel without added bulk, so it’s an especially great option for anyone who doesn’t want to feel even warmer after stepping out of a hot shower. The airy construction helped me dry off comfortably (no shivering!) while allowing some of that post-shower heat to dissipate, rather than trapping it entirely.

I was equally impressed by how this towel held up in the wash: The raised ridges of the waffle weave maintained their original texture without flattening or compressing, and even a few marks I’d accidentally left on its white surface washed away completely. It emerged looking just as crisp, bright, and pristine as it did straight out of the packaging. For anyone who wants a lightweight, breathable towel that still delivers on softness, Brooklinen’s model is right for you.

• Material: 100% Turkish cotton
• 290 GSM (grams per square meter)
• Towel dimensions: 30″ x 58″
• OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 Certified

Parachute is renowned for its luxe bedding and linens, so I had high expectations when reviewing the brand’s Organic Plush Towel, which it touts as its softest towel yet. Thankfully, it didn’t disappoint: The woven organic cotton is designed to deliver an exceptionally plush, almost blanket-like feel against the skin. There’s a substantial, cozy quality to its construction, which the brand reports as being 100% organic long-staple Turkish cotton sourced from the Aegean region.

I was also impressed by how well it maintained its softness and bright white hue after laundering, although I did notice a small amount of fiber shedding after its first wash. And it’s one of the bulkier towels in my bunch, as I noticed it required more space in my under-sink cabinet to comfortably fit. That minor drawback aside, the towel still felt wonderfully luxurious. It’s a standout for anyone wanting to shop organic materials without compromising on the softness and comfort of a great bath towel.

• Material: 100% organic long-staple Turkish cotton 
• Weight: 750 GSM (grams per square meter)
• Bath towel dimensions: 30″ x 56″.
• 12 listed colorways, including White, Bone, Adobe, Sky, Dusk, Pebble, Warm Grey, Sage, and four windowpane patterns
• OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 Certified

The key distinction for Cozy Earth’s best-selling bath towel is its ribbed construction, which creates a texture that feels almost like running my hands over an impossibly soft, rare fur. Beyond its visual sophistication — after all, ribbed textures scream luxury to me! — I was shocked at how well this towel absorbed moisture. It left my skin dry without the heaviness of a heftier plush towel. Cozy Earth’s terry towel also dried considerably faster; it struck me as the perfect option for someone who regularly showers more than once a day.

Nearly half of its construction is made of bamboo viscose, per the brand, which I find contributes to its exceptionally silky, refined feel. The result is a towel that feels almost otherworldly against the skin while still being as reliable as other plush towels on this list. This is a true splurge that combines elevated design with enhanced absorbency.

• Material: 60% cotton and 40% bamboo-derived viscose
• 800 GSM (grams per square meter)
• 30″ x 58″
• 6 colorways: White, Charcoal, Laurel, Light Grey, Obsidian Stripe, and Dew Stripe
• OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 Certified

This waffle bath towel might be one of the lightest towels I reviewed, but its barely-there profile is surprisingly tactile — it’s an absolute powerhouse when it comes to absorbing every bit of moisture after a hot shower. Its signature waffle weave soaked up water almost like a fresh paper towel, leaving my skin feeling dry after just a few quick passes. And its size still allowed me to wrap myself comfortably. I also loved how breathable it felt, allowing excess heat to escape rather than trapping warmth against my skin after a hot shower. It’s a great pick for anyone who overheats!

It was one of the fastest-drying towels in my tests; it felt ready to use again in as little as an hour. My only caveat? Onsen’s care instructions are more stringent and particular than those of competitors, and I noticed a few frayed fibers after a commercial laundry cycle — likely because the towel wasn’t washed according to the brand’s recommendations. It may require a little extra attention on laundry day, but for anyone who prefers a minimalist, lightweight towel that delivers without the bulk, I think Onsen’s pick is absolutely worth the effort.

• Material: 100% extra-long-staple Supima cotton
• Approximately 265 GSM (grams per square meter)
• Dimensions: 31″ x 57″
• Eight colorways, including classic White, Oatmeal, Denim, and Charcoal
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Certified

This product proves an everyday essential can be just as much of a design statement as the rest of your bathroom decor. While it’s absolutely functional, absorbent, and pleasantly plush, what really won me over was its cheerful, colorful striped pattern — which strikes that sweet spot between a minimalist look and pure maximalist energy. Like so many of Quiet Town’s pieces, it feels less like a basic towel and more like a pop of personality that guests will notice and compliment long after their visit is over.

The bath towel comes in a single colorway, but the brand offers its larger bath sheets in additional vibrant combinations, all featuring playful stripes that are having a major moment in interior design. I also loved how cozy it felt after a shower; it kept me warm while adding a much-needed pop of color to my otherwise sterile rental bathroom. If you want to inject some personality into a space without committing to a full makeover, this towel is such a fun way to do it — and it would make a particularly great gift for the design-lover in your life.

• Material: 100% organic cotton
• 520 GSM (grams per square meter)
• Dimensions: 30″ x 50″
• One colorway: The Prism collection features multicolored pinstripes in a palette of Natural, Clay, Rose, Lavender, Yellow, and Jade
• GOTS Certification for its organic cotton

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.

I’ve spent more than a decade working as an editor at leading lifestyle and interior design publications, including Martha Stewart Living, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful and Elle Decor. During my time at Good Housekeeping, I trained under industry professionals at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where I established rigorous product-testing criteria and developed hundreds of in-depth reviews. I helped evaluate more than 250 products overall, ranging from comforters, bedsheets, and mattresses to running shoes, fitness equipment, and a suite of other health and wellness essentials. At House Beautiful and Elle Decor, I developed product review guidelines for furniture and home decor that editors continue to use today. I also began my career covering new product launches at Martha Stewart Living, including collections from Martha Stewart’s brands, establishing a strong foundation in evaluating materials, craftsmanship, and product quality.

For nearly two years, I’ve brought that experience to my role at Apartment Therapy — I cover new product and collection launches, identify emerging design trends, and help readers discover stylish, high-quality products for their homes. My extensive market experience means I’m constantly evaluating brands, comparing materials and construction, and identifying which products are genuinely worth their price tags. For this guide, I applied the same rigorous editorial standards I’ve developed throughout my career, spending months testing towels in my own home rather than relying on brand reputation or first impressions.

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