If you’ve ever wrapped yourself up in an impossibly plush towel at a five-star hotel or spa and thought, if only I had such luxurious linens at home. Well, good news: you can. These days, there’s an abundance of high-quality towels on the market in all different styles and at varying price points. And, since Fourth of July weekend is here and it’s basically synonymous with relaxation (and sales) there’s no better time to refresh your linen supply. Major retailers like Bloomingdales, Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Wayfair and Target, as well as home brands like Brooklinen, are all celebrating the holiday with sales. In other words, there’s no need to settle for mediocre towels that are lacking in either absorbency or softness. Instead, invest in quality linens to recreate that luxe hotel shower experience at home while they’re on sale for the Fourth of July.
Investing in high-quality bath towels is a small change that can make a big difference in your … [+] bathing experience.
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But before you start adding to cart, there are some specifics to keep in mind. For one, the best bath towels have a few qualities in common: they’re soft, absorbent and easy to launder. They also stay that way for a reasonable amount of time—meaning, they don’t lose their fluffiness after a few uses. While our ultimate top pick is the classic towel from Parachute, we highly recommend all of the soft, absorbent linens on this list, most of which we’ve personally tested and loved. When compiling this list, we also looked into the quality of each towel and combed through dozens of professional and customer reviews to ensure we selected the best of the best. From the ultra-plush to the lightweight to the budget-friendly or luxury, these 14 towel options will elevate both your bathroom and your bathing experience. You deserve it.
Best Bath Towels Overall
Plush Towels Made Of 100% Long-Staple Turkish Cotton
Size: 30 x 56 inches
Weight: 700 gsm
The Classic Towels from Parachute are simple yet luxurious. These well-crafted linens come in seven neutral colors, and they’re made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton, making them soft, plush and absorbent. Each bath towel is finished with a ribbed dobby design that adds a modern touch and helps prevent the ends from fraying, even after hundreds of washes. If you want to purchase a complete set, we suggest you go for the matching washcloths, hand towels or bath sheets. The Classic Towels are also available as a bundle with two towels, two hand towels and two wash cloths.
Sure, these best-selling towels are popular because they’re soft and beautiful, but they’re also free from harmful synthetic dyes, meaning they’re eco-friendly. They’re even quick-drying, thanks to Parachute’s “innovative Aerocotton Technology.”
Pros:
Quick-drying
Eco-friendly
Made from 100% Turkish cotton
Cons:
Takes a long time to dry
Heavy weight in washer cycles
Best Extra-Plush Bath Towels
Thick, Heavy Linens That Are Luxuriously Soft
Size: 40 x 65 inches
Weight: 820 gsm
If you prefer extra-thick, extra-large and heavy towels, then you’ll love the Super-Plush Bath Sheets from Brooklinen. And there’s no better time to add them to your bathroom than now because Brooklinen is fêting Fourth of July weekend with a 15% off sale. While all Brooklinen towels are a good investment, this specific style stands out because they are heavier than your average bath towel, weighing 820 grams per square meter. This may be a pro for some and a con for others, especially during the hot summer months. The fabric is made from luxuriously soft 100% Turkish cotton for maximum absorbency, and they are available as a bath towel (30 x 58 inches) as well as a bath sheet (40 x 65 inches). Choose from five classic colors (varying shades of white and grey) or four limited-edition ones, including aqua blue and goldenrod.
If you’re looking for something similar, but a bit lighter, you can’t go wrong with the Lands’ End Turkish Cotton Spa Bath Sheet. Designed to resemble the linens you’d find at a fancy spa, these bath sheets are a whopping 36 x 70 inches and have a substantial weight of 750 grams per square meter. They’re made from Turkish cotton that’s been ring-spun for extra strength and silkiness, and the product is Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it’s been tested for and found free of over 100 harmful substances.
Pros:
Cons:
Might be too heavy for some
Longer dry times
Most Absorbent Bath Towels
Towels That Are Woven To Dry You Off Quickly
Size: 30 x 54 inches
Weight: 650 gsm
A staple in any linen closet, the Nordstrom Hydrocotton Bath Towels come in 11 serene colors and are ultra-soft thanks to their 100% cotton fabric. They’re made using a unique weaving process that leaves the yarn untwisted, creating greater surface area to help absorb water more quickly. Plus, they’re designed to get softer with each wash, so they’ll only get better over time. And, right now, in honor of the upcoming Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, the towels are marked down as part of the sale preview. While they’re quite affordable as far as luxury towels go even without a sale, this is certainly a good time to purchase.
A Budget-Friendly Option That Combines Luxury With Affordability
Size: 27 x 54 inches
Weight: 700 gsm
Made in Denizli, Turkey, these absorbent bath towels combine luxury and affordability. They’re made of high-quality cotton and have a double-stitched hem so they don’t fray or wear out on the edges, even with regular use. And they’re designed to fluff up and get softer after each wash, so you’ll have them for the long haul. And, in honor of the upcoming Amazon Prime Day, these well-made towels are marked down by 16%. At 700 grams per square meter, they’re thick and plush like the kind you’d find at a high-end spa. And they’re made without harmful dyes or chemicals, so you can fully relax after your bath or shower. With a dozen colors to choose from, you’ll find a set that fits in with any decor. A sale and 2-day shipping? Yes please.
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Eco-friendly
Don’t fray or snag easily
Cons:
Best Budget Bath Towels
A Basic, Mid-Weight Towel That Comes In Many Colors
Size: 30 x 56 inches
Weight: 450 to 550 gsm
For a more affordable option that’s majorly on sale right now, consider the Hotel Collection Ultimate Bath Towels, which are classified as mid-weight (at 450 to 550 grams per square meter). These budget-friendly towels are currently 58% off and are made from 100% cotton. They’re also Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certified, which means they’re free from more than 300 harmful substances. They feature embroidered stripes along the edges for decoration and are soft to the touch. The Hotel Collection Ultimate Bath Towels come in a wide array of colors, from coral to light blue to jade, so they’ll fit your aesthetic no matter what. Of course, there are more neutral options, too.
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Wash and dry easily
Cons:
Catch lint
Prone to fraying
Best Large Bath Towels
Oversized Towels For A Spa-Like Experience At Home
Size: 30 x 58 inches
Weight: 700 gsm
These Boll & Branch Plush Bath Towels are thick and luxurious—the perfect combination if you’re looking to create a spa-like environment at home. They’re crafted from 100% fair trade-certified organic cotton that’s also Oeko-Tex certified. The towels are somewhat oversized at 30 x 58 inches (just like a spa towel should be) and thanks to their two-ply cotton yarn, they’re extremely absorbent and soft. They’re also free from pesticides, formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals and are ethically made. Plus, they retain their shape and quality wash after wash. In this case, you certainly get what you pay for.
Pros:
Thick and plush
Absorbent
Eco-friendly
Cons:
Expensive
Prone to fraying
Best Waffle Bath Towels
Airy, Lightweight Towels With A Unique Texture
Size: 32 x 55 inches (bath towel) and 45 x 75 inches (bath sheet)
Weight: 240 gsm
While we liked the softness of the Parachute Waffle Towel, which has an airy, honeycomb-textured weave, the Hawkins New York waffle towels held up better over time during testing. (The Parachute towels developed some loose threads due to washing and sharp puppy nails). This lightweight, quick-drying waffle weave towel is made in Portugal and comes in a dozen on-trend colors like sage, terracotta, blush and peacock. Choose from a bath towel, sheet, hand towel, wash cloth or “essentials set” which includes two bath towels, two hand towels and two wash cloths. Note, waffle towels actually feel more absorbent after a few washes so make sure you launder them before using.
Pros:
Durable
Lots of color options
Quick-drying
Cons:
Thinner and longer than the average bath towel
Best Quick-Drying Bath Towels
Mid-Weight Towels Made From Special Fast-Drying Cotton
Size: 30 x 54 inches
Weight: 400 gsm
Heavy towels often take a while to dry, which can result in having to dry off with still-damp cloth or—even worse—a mildew-smelling towel. Neither are a pleasant experience. If you regularly struggle with this issue, you might want to consider The Company Store’s Green Earth Quick-Dry Towels. These linens are made from specially constructed 100% Micro Cotton, which is lighter in weight, quick to dry and more absorbent than traditional ring-spun towels (and won’t pill or lint, either). The towels have a subtly chic ribbed appearance and come in nine neutral and pastel hues. They’re ideal for creating a serene vibe in your bathroom.
Pros:
Quick-drying
Lightweight
Eco-friendly
Cons:
Best Organic Bath Towels
Extra-Fluffy Towels Made From Organic Cotton
Size: 27 x 54 inches
Weight: 685 gsm
While you’re surely aware of organic foods, you may not realize that there’s a benefit to using organic fabrics as well. For instance, organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals. If this gives you peace of mind, then you’ll want to consider the Coyuchi Cloud Loom Towels. These linens are pricey, but they’re made from 100% organic cotton that’s grown and woven in Turkey. They’re certified according to the Global Organic Textile Standard, which means the brand has passed inspections proving it uses organic practices throughout its entire textile supply chain. The Coyuchi Towels have a wonderfully fluffy and soft texture, as well as a substantial weight that’s nice to wrap up in after a shower. They come in several muted and earthy colors, and you can buy them individually or in a set of four. They’re both durable and luxurious.
Pros:
Cons:
May shrink after washing
Expensive
Best Luxury Bath Towel
A Piped And Plush Option That Can Even Be Personalized
Size: 29 x 58 inches
Weight: 650 gsm
While the luxury towel market has become a robust one, the Weezie Piped Edge Bath Towel stands out because of its materials, craftsmanship and look. A classic style with a colored piped edge of your choosing, these ultra-absorbent towels are made in Portugal from 100% organic long-staple cotton. They’re hypoallergenic and OEKO-TEX certified, as well as low linting so they stay fluffy for many washes to come. They’re available in 15 color combinations and can even be personalized with a monogram or name if that’s of interests. Both in our testing and in customer reviews, we found these towels to be good quality, the ideal size and extremely fluffy.
Pros:
Fluffy and personalizable
OEKO-TEX certified and hypoallergenic
Made from 100% organic long-staple cotton
Cons:
Best Soft Bath Towel
A Soft-To-The-Touch And Affordable Option
Size: 30 x 54 inches
Weight: 600 gsm
It’s not every day you find a buttery-soft towel for under $15 dollars, but that’s just what you get with these Nestwell Hygro Cotton Towels. They’re great quality for the price point and because they’re Hygro Cotton, they grow softer and fluffier after each wash. They’re available in six colors and washcloth form, and are low-linting and OEKO-TEX certified. Plus, since they’re sold exclusively at Bed, Bath & Beyond, you’ll likely be able to snag them for even cheaper thanks to their incredible coupons. In short, if you need to replace your towels, these are a wonderful, soft and cost-effective option.
Pros:
Great price
Grow softer and fluffier with each wash
Made from 100% cotton
Cons:
Not as large as other options
Not too many color options
Best Durable Towels
Available In 24 Colors And Extremely Fluffy
Size: 30 x 60 inches
Weight: 700 gsm
On our hunt for durable towels that look good no matter how many times you wash them, we came across these beautiful Mattock Milagro Towels. Available in 24 colors, these towels are crafted from high-quality cotton and zero-twist yarns, which allow them to keep that thick, plush feel for years. Although they’re durable and substantial, they’re more lightweight than you might anticipate. It’s also a major plus that they’re on sale right now at Bloomingdales in honor of Fourth of July. In addition to the bath towel, you can outfit your whole bathroom in this specific towel style with wash cloths, tub mats and hand towels.
Pros:
Zero twist yarns keep the plush
24 color options
Made from 100% cotton
Cons:
Heavy weight in washer cycles
Best Turkish Bath Towels
Beautiful, Lightweight And Highly-Absorbent
Size: 28 x 54 inches
Weight: 320 gsm
The art of Turkish towel making is perfected with Coyuchi’s Mediterranean Organic Towels. Not only are they beautiful, with their unique texture and bohemian-inspired tassels, but they’re made from 100% organic cotton that’s been GOTS-certified to ensure environmental and ethical standards. The towels also received the Made Safe seal of approval, which means they don’t include harmful toxins or substances. While these towels are somewhat smaller than other options, that coupled with their thin yet highly-absorbent construction make them very quick to try and easy to travel with. They immediately elevate your bath space and make you feel like you’re on vacation, even when you’re not.
Pros:
Fast-drying
GOTS-certified
Made from 100% Turkish cotton
Cons:
Might be too lightweight for some
What Should I Look For When Buying Bath Towels?
Materials
Simply put, the quality of a towel is determined by the quality of the materials used to make it. In general, you want something that’s 100% cotton, which makes for durable and absorbent towels. To be more specific, Turkish and Egyptian cotton—which have long fibers—are typically considered to be the highest-quality options. You’ll also find towels made from synthetic materials like microfiber, which tend to be cheaper but less plush and absorbent.
Size
When buying bath towels, it’s all about the details. Two towels might look the same when stacked on the store shelf, but there are a few key things that will set them apart. First, look at the size of each towel, which is typically printed on the tag. The average bath towel is typically around 30 x 56 inches, give or take a few inches; anything smaller will probably be insufficient for the average person. If you like your towels on the bigger side, you might consider opting for bath sheets, which usually measure closer to 40 x 70 inches.
Weight
Another factor to consider is towel weight, which is measured in grams per square meter or gsm. For most people, these numbers will seem fairly abstract, since we have nothing to use as a point of reference. Just keep in mind that an average bath towel is usually in the ballpark of 500 grams per square meter. As this number goes up, towels get heavier and more plush, which means they’re softer to the touch—but they’ll take longer to dry. And as the number goes down, towels may feel thinner and less plush, albeit quick-drying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bath Towels
What Are The Best Quality Towels To Buy?
The gold standard for towels is 100% cotton because it’s durable, soft and absorbent. You may come across Turkish or Egyptian cotton in product descriptions, and these varieties are often considered the best of the best because their fibers are longer, giving a softer feel and added durability. On the other end of the spectrum is microfiber, a synthetic material crafted from nylon and polyester. While this fabric makes for much more affordable, very quick-drying towels, it’s not usually as soft or absorbent as cotton.
How Do You Wash Bath Towels?
Bath towels require regular laundering, and if you want your linens to last as long as possible it’s important to wash them properly. While you should check the instructions on your towel’s care tag for specific guidelines, in general, you’ll want to wash bath towels by themselves in cold water; mixing them with clothes will increase the chance of snagging. When it comes to drying the towels, use a low heat setting to prevent damage to the cotton fibers.
One genre of product you should avoid using on your bath towels: any kind of fabric softener, including both liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets. Fabric softener actually reduces the absorbency of fabric and, in turn, will reduce the effectiveness of your bath towels. Instead of using dryer sheets, opt for dryer balls to increase air circulation, cut down on dry time, prevent clumping and help fluff and smooth fibers.
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