The Best Shower Curtains That Won’t Get Mildewy and Gross

I never thought I’d actually like a shower curtain, let alone get excited by one — in fact, until recently, I was under the impression that no matter what, my shower curtain would get musty, be difficult to clean, and inevitably stick to me during my shower. As it turns out, I just wasn’t using the best shower curtains for my space.

In my tiny apartment bathroom, I’ve gone through countless shower curtains that either look amazing but don’t hold up to the room’s humidity (and lack of ventilation), or don’t look all that great but do the job, only sticking to me minimally while I shower — and after my last shower curtain grew mildewy in only a month, I decided it was high time I test popular shower curtains of different materials and styles to decide which was the best shower curtain. Here’s what I discovered.

• Material: It’s important to prioritize a shower curtain made of materials that are water-, odor-, and mold-resistant and quick-drying, which will affect how well a curtain stands up to a bathroom’s typically moist, mildew-prone environment. Steer clear of cheaper PVC shower curtains that can off-gas harsh chemicals (you know that new-shower-curtain-smell), and opt for polyester, cotton, linen, or non-chlorinated, non-toxic vinyl (PEVA/EVA). 
• Care: Look for a material that’s easy to care for, and resists mold and hard water stains. You can typically toss a polyester, cotton, or linen shower curtain directly into the washing machine, which saves time and effort on cleaning. Plastic curtains are easy to spray and wipe-down and are generally fully waterproof, but can’t be machine-washed.
• Design: Of course, a stylish shower curtain is important, too. You can find one in almost every color, pattern, opacity, and size, so I made sure to test chic shower curtains that would look good in any bathroom. Consider what type of shower curtain hooks or rings will look best with your curtain, too. A standard shower curtain is 72-inches-by-72-inches, but if you have a stall or tall shower or tub, or just prefer a more bunched look, look for a larger or smaller size.
• Construction: How durable and well-made is it, and will it hold up over time? Seek out thick, sturdy shower curtains that aren’t too flimsy, but also won’t be too heavy that they’ll sag and stretch over time. Additionally, decide if you want a shower curtain liner, which may come attached, not be needed, or will have to be purchased separately.

I tested eight shower curtains for two to three weeks each, showering about once (or occasionally twice) a day, and washed or cleaned each one once according to manufacturer instructions. I also took note of how long each one took to dry completely after a shower.

I considered how each shower curtain looked in natural and artificial light, how they looked at the beginning vs. end of the testing period, if they had any odor during or after testing, and if just allowing for airflow was enough to keep it mildew-free in my poorly ventilated bathroom. I also read dozens of online reviews from verified buyers.

This is the shower curtain that made me a fabric convert — I’d never been a fan of non-plastic options because I was afraid of them getting funky fast, but that wasn’t the case with the Quince European Linen Shower Curtain. It’s a surprisingly luxe, soft, and super-lightweight curtain that comes in five earthy neutrals that work in any space, and it instantly elevated my cluttered bathroom. I didn’t test it with a shower curtain liner because the reviews noted that it didn’t need one (although it’s recommended), and I found that it was one of the quickest-drying picks thanks to the linen’s moisture-wicking properties.

Additionally, at just $52, the price point can’t be beat for its quality! It’s about half the price of most of its linen competitors, and I actually preferred it to all of the other linen shower curtains I tested.

I tested several cotton shower curtains, and many of them were waffle weave, but the Pottery Barn Waffle Weave Cotton Shower Curtain came out on top. It’s made of 100% cotton that’s thick and heavyweight and reminded me of one you’d find in a spa or high-end hotel. It wasn’t the softest pick, but it was one of the only ones that didn’t sag and get heavier, longer, and droopier over time. I tested it in a timeless white and found that the grooves added a subtle touch of texture and luxury to my bathroom without making a statement. 

I love that it’s machine-washable, and it held up really nicely after washing. This was the only fabric shower curtain I tested that had metal grommets, which made it easier to hang and made it feel more structured and elevated. It’s recommended you use a shower curtain liner with it, which I didn’t, and still, there was no odor or sign of mildew, as it dried so quickly.

If you’re looking for bold color, Apartment Therapy’s previous overall winner, the Quiet Town Sun Shower Curtain, is your pick. I’m something of a maximalist, and I’d seen Quiet Town’s funky, bright styles circulating social media for years before I tested one myself. Unlike other vinyl shower curtains I’d used in the past, this one was heavy-duty enough that it didn’t feel flimsy, nor did it cling to me at all during showers. It’s made of 100% EVA vinyl, free of chlorine, PVC, or BPA, so there’s zero off-gassing, with nickel-finished grommets made of 100% brass.

In terms of design, I love that it’s translucent and comes in a whopping 32 colors and patterns ranging from grids to solids, and pastels to rich frosted hues (see them all here); although I don’t have a window in my bathroom, you can see all over TikTok how they glow and light up the room when sun shines through them. I tried the Tidal colorway of the new Orient style, and the color-blocked design added so much intrigue without overwhelming my tiny bathroom. It was easy to wipe down with a gentle cleanser, and didn’t have a hint of mildew after testing. (The brand also makes shower curtains in linen and canvas if that’s more your style.)

Apartment Therapy’s long-time favorite shower curtain liner, the N&Y Home Waffle Weave Shower Curtain with Snap-In Liner, is both budget-friendly and versatile. It’s a two-in-one shower curtain and liner that combines the luxurious style of the waffle weave with a functional water-resistant design. It has two magnets on the bottom corners to prevent the liner from shifting around, while the upper window allows light to enter the shower, and the solid bottom portion provides added privacy.

Because it’s 100% polyester, both the liner and curtain are machine-washable, although you don’t have to unhook the entire curtain to wash just the liner, which is convenient. It comes in 17 colors, and most importantly, if you don’t have a standard sized shower or you’re looking for a more or less bunched look, it’s the only shower curtain I tested that comes in 10 different sizes, both smaller and larger than the standard 72-by-72 inches.

It’s always a good idea to add a shower curtain liner if your shower curtain is made of any type of woven fabric, like linen or cotton, but the manufacturer will make it clear if it’s recommended. If you have a plastic or polyester shower curtain, you’re typically fine without one, although it can still help reduce how often you’ll need to clean your shower curtain. Look for a liner that is water- and mildew-resistant, like the editor-favorite downluxe Waterproof Shower Curtain Liner.

I have a tiny shower, so I tend to forgo the shower curtain liner if my shower curtain is highly water-resistant because it adds unnecessary bulk, and the design of my shower doesn’t really offer space for an additional outer shower curtain. I instead try to be extra diligent about leaving my door open for ventilation, cleaning my shower curtains regularly, and choosing ones that are fine to use without a liner.

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