The Best Bath Towels You Can Buy Right Now, Tested and Reviewed

Your neighbor may have a post-century modern vibe, and you may lean a little more minimalist Scandinavian, but there are a few necessities in every home: kitchenware, bedding, and towels. No matter what life stage you’re in—from single and thriving to newly-married to parents of multiples—bath towels serve a daily purpose and should be carefully considered. That said, it can be confusing to know how to select the right set. Should you go with cotton? Bamboo? And does weight matter to you? What about absorbency? Here, we spoke with textile experts for their best advice and narrowed down our selections to the top eight bath towels—then put them to the test.

Our top picks for the best bath towels

How to shop for bath towels

When you search for the best bath towels for your home, you will want to pay attention to the product descriptions. Keywords like material, weave, weight, and absorbency all clue you into the texture and longevity of the towel. Here, Michael Khalil, the CEO of Revival New York, shares what to look for when you shop for bath towels.

Materials and Fiber Content

According to Khalil, material composition is the most fundamental feature to look for when buying a towel. Here’s a breakdown of what each means.

• Egyptian cotton: Long and ultra-fine fibers, more porous for absorbency and extra luxurious feel.
• Turkish cotton: Longer fibers with a flat weave that result in a lighter, faster-drying towel.
• Pima cotton: The closest alternative to Egyptian cotton, also with long and fine fibers, but is manufactured in the U.S.
• Cotton/polyester Blend: Less expensive, but more durable and quick-drying.
• Bamboo: Fast-drying, super soft, anti-bacterial, allergy and sensitive skin-friendly.

Construction

While each material has its unique qualities, Khalil notes it’s also wise to pay attention to the weaving method used, as this will impact the finish of the towel. Here’s a breakdown.

• Ringspun: Long and short fibers twisted together tightly, resulting in a highly durable towel with a luxurious feel.
• Zero twist: A low or zero-twist towel is made of long cotton fibers woven without a twist, resulting in a light and soft product. While a high twist is more durable, a low-twist towel is softer and more absorbent as the total surface area is increased.
• Combed cotton: Cotton is brushed before weaving to remove short threads, resulting in a softer and more durable towel.
• Waffle weave: Absorbs quickly but can take longer to dry due to the construction.

Weight

Khalil explains towels are measured in GSM (grams per square meter), and typically have a GSM between 300-900. “The higher the GSM, the denser the towel will be, which increases absorbency and plushness,” he explains. “One thing to consider when choosing weight is your dryer. You'll want to opt for something lighter if it’s not a large capacity dryer.”

Size of towel

Everyone has a different preference for towel size—some want an oversized option that covers their whole body. And others may opt for a smaller version to dry off and step into a robe. Kahlil says most bath linens typically come in a standard bath towel size and a larger bath sheet size.

Absorbency

It may seem straightforward, but it’s a good reminder that heavier towels will no doubt be more absorbent but will have a longer drying time. “If you live in a humid environment or use hooks to hang towels rather than bars, you may want to opt for a lighter towel,” Khalil says.

Certifications

Last, Khalil encourages shoppers to look at how the towels are manufactured and their certifications. Organic towels will be free of pesticides and other chemicals some may object to. “Certifications such as Oeko-Tex® check for over 350 harmful chemicals that may be present to ensure a safe product,” he continues. “Checking for global standards is also a good idea to guarantee the towels are ethically sourced and produced.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the best way to store towels?

Once you’ve used and cleaned your towel, you’ll need to store it properly to extend its shelf life. Lauren Benson, a Boll & Branch retail area manager, says, most importantly, ensure your towels are completely dry to avoid trapping moisture and musty odors. “The best way to do this is to wash and dry your bath towels separately from your clothes,” she says. “This allows for adequate room to tumble during the dryer cycle and helps avoid snags, pulls on zippers or buttons.” Though you may have a strong opinion on folding, rolling or stacking, there’s no wrong way to go. As Benson says, do what works best for you and your guests.

How often should you wash towels?

Sobel Westex’s Sales and Project Executive Manager, Christian Fabbri, recommends washing bath towels every three to four uses. “Towels tend to accumulate dead skin cells, oils, and bacteria, making regular washing essential for hygiene and freshness,” he says. “Avoid utilizing dryer sheets on towels, as they can lessen the absorbency over time.”

If you’re purchasing a bath set that includes washcloths, it’s better to launder these after every use to avoid excess bacteria on your face that you cleaned off from the day prior.

How do you launder towels to keep them soft?

The best way to maintain your towels' fluffiness, absorbency and softness is to follow the attached wash care instructions carefully, Benson says. Every blend and brand is different, so read the label. As a general note, Benson says hot water, high heat, and bleach weaken the cotton fibers and make them feel dry, brittle, and not as soft. “A safer alternative to bleach for removing stains or whitening towels is an oxidizing laundry boost powder such as OxiClean Free or All Free & Clear,” she adds.

A smart laundry habit to get into is always to separate colored towels from white towels as washing them together will lead to subtle discoloration over time, Fabbri adds. “Stay away from fabric softener and bleach,” he shares. “If you're dealing with musty odors, consider adding vinegar during the wash cycle partnered with your laundry detergent. This combination works wonders to clean and sanitize your towels.”

How often do you need to replace bath towels?

According to Leslie Kilgour, a professional home and office organizer, if you care for your towels properly, there’s no reason they won’t last for at least a few years. That said, towels can have a good amount of use, so you may want to buy a new set every year if they lose their absorbency or become too thin for your liking. “There's nothing wrong with a towel if it becomes too thin, but they can get rough on the skin if they lose much of their fluff,” she adds.

What are the best types of bath towels?

This will come down to your personal preferences, as the “type” of bath towel can mean different things to different people. Some may prioritize size (gravitating to bath sheets or even beach towels), others prioritize a soft feel, while others may consider absorbency to be the indicator of the best type of bath towel. Instead, consider the following advice for telling a high-quality towel from a low-quality one.

How can you tell if a bath towel is high quality?

If you can examine the towel in person before you purchase it, Khalil says to look out for these key signs it’s a high-quality purchase:

• Look for even well-stitched side hems; quality stitching prevents fraying and ensures a long lifespan. Better towels now have two rows of side hemming. All four hems should also be straight.
• The pile should be even across the body of the towel. It should also feel naturally soft. Overly soft or slick can be a result of a treatment.
• Look at the materials used; towels made of high-quality fibers like Egyptian cotton are designed to be more durable and last for years.
• Plushness is subjective. Some people like a plusher towel, while others like one a bit thinner.

What type of towels are used in most hotels?

Fabbri says hotel towels are often medium-weight and tightly woven. “They must be built sturdier to withstand the hotel industry’s high heat laundering standards of cleanliness and quality. White hotel towels can be easily bleached to remove stains,” he adds.

What's the difference between Turkish vs Egyptian cotton towels?

Just as when you’re shopping for bed sheets, you’re likely to see the phrase “Egyptian cotton” occasionally come up when shopping for bath towels. Khalil says true Egyptian cotton is a particular type of cotton grown in Egypt where the climate allows for the cotton staple to be longer. “This cotton is handpicked, which places less stress on the cotton, resulting in a softer, higher quality yarn with long and super fine fibers that provide a luxurious feel but can have a longer drying time,” he explains. On the other hand, Turkish cotton also has long fibers that are slightly thicker, feature a tight, flat weave, and are slightly more absorbent and lighter in weight. “Generally, towels woven in Turkey are of better quality because the manufacturing quality is higher than in other areas of the world,” he continues. “It’s important to check labels, as not all Turkish towels use Turkish cotton; there are Turkish Towels that use Egyptian cotton.”