Living

The Softest Quick-Dry Towels That’ll Make Bath Time Even Better

updated Mar 28, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image

Bath time in my house growing up wasn’t exactly something I looked forward to. My nickname was “Bones” and my lean frame didn’t like to be cold, which the bathroom always was. So I resorted to turning on the water and just letting it run until I was satisfied that I’d sufficiently feigned a good washing. To my horror, one day my mother came into the bathroom and caught me standing there, wrapped in my towel, letting the water run. I was busted!

Follow Topics for more like this

Follow for more stories like this

There’s nothing worse than going from a chilly wash to a damp or dreary towel, and as an adult I treated myself to some plush ones. If you’re looking to better your bath-time experience, you might want to consider quick-drying towels, which are specially designed to absorb moisture but dry quickly, hence the name. Besides being great for the bathroom, they’re a good option for people who like to travel light during backpacking or swimming trips, or for those who don’t want odor, mold, or bacteria-inviting towels in their gym bags. If you’re in the market for a towel makeover and are looking to explore your options, there are lots of quick-drying options to choose from. Check out some popular picks below.

1 / 10
Macy’s
$12.15
was $18.00

This Macy's-exclusive set of bath towels has a lighter weight for faster drying without a loss of coziness. Made of 100-percent cotton, these super-soft towels come in nine colors. "I am very pleased with these towels. They are soft and very absorbent, exactly what I was looking for. Even when they are wet, they are not heavy." says one shopper. "On another note, they dry a lot faster when laundered."

2 / 10
Pottery Barn
$34.50

Turn bath time into a spa experience with these seriously plush towels, which are woven from Turkish organic long-staple cotton. Though they're super absorbent, they're also quick drying so you won't be surprised by any musty smells. The towels come in a range of 13 gorgeous colors, so you're sure to find something that suits your style.

3 / 10
Riley Home
$45.00

The Four-Layer Bath Towels from editor-favorite brand Riley have a woven design that's made from ultra-soft, 100-percent cotton. Lightweight and stylish, the towels are available in four colors and have a fringe edge that finishes the look. "I had high hopes for these four layer towels from the minute I opened my package of two," says AT contributor Amy. "It took about two seconds to realize that these guys were also so much softer than any others I’ve tried, and when I unfolded them, the understated soft fringe on two ends was a subtle detail that instantly made them feel classier than the average towel. They were also much thinner and lighter than terry cloth, like your favorite soft, lightweight sweatshirt."

4 / 10
Amazon
$18.04

Made from 100 percent cotton, this 3-piece towel set is affordable as it is soft and airy. The set includes a bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth, and its lightweight feel makes it easily transportable when you're on the go.

5 / 10
Brooklinen
$49.00

Sold in a set of two, Brooklinen's Ultralight Towels get a fast drying time from their 320 GSM construction. The Turkish-made towels are OEKO-TEX certified for chemical safety and come in a small variety of neutrals that can be paired with any aesthetic. One customer raved about the product, saying, “Everything you need in a towel—soft, absorbent, plush!” Need I say more?

6 / 10
West Elm
$19.50

These quick-dry towels from West Elm boast loads of texture, and we love the earthy colors like charcoal and dark horseradish (similar to a mouth-watering mustard). These towels run on the thicker side with a 500-gram weight, but they still tout the lightweight feature and are made of organic cotton. Sewn into each towel is a nifty hook for hanging as well.

7 / 10
Walmart
$64.99

Available in seven rich colors, these popcorn-textured bath towels are simultaneously ultra-absorbent and quick-drying. For $65, you get a set for the whole family, or at least enough pieces to hold you over between laundry days. These machine-washable towels are also super easy to take care of and are sure to last you a long time.

8 / 10
Parachute
$39.20
was $49.00

If waffles are your thing, these towels are a winner. With their honeycomb weave texture and lightweight design, these towels bring the look and feel of the spa with them, be it with a bit of a higher price point than your average towel — expect to pay about $49 for one of these bad boys, which is available in four colors.

9 / 10
The Company Store
$26.00
was $32.00

Green Earth says its Quick Dry Bath Towel is “the” perfect towel. Available in nine pleasing colors, they're made of eco-friendly micro cotton that is woven to create the perfect towel — not too light, not too heavy, but what Green Earth describes as “just right.” One customer shared her love of the product, writing, “Love the softness, how quick it dries, & the earth friendly material. I actually lost one of these on a trip recently, and I immediately ordered a new one the second I returned home!”

10 / 10
Quince
$49.90
was $96.00

Sold as a set, these towels are made of “long staple Turkish cotton” and available in just two colors, white and grey. One customer was impressed by the towel’s odor-thwarting properties, writing, “I was skeptical about the ‘quick drying’ description - but it's true. These towels are super absorbent and extremely quick drying! I bought them for my college bound son because I was just thinking how gross a wet towel, hang drying in a dorm room would be - and these are fantastic. Even after a few days, they don't smell musty because they are so quick drying. They are a bit smaller than my other towels - but I'm impressed!"