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Towel choice is intensely subjective — for every full-throated waffle obsessive, there are plenty willing to argue the merits of a flat-weave Turkish set. Still, there are a few characteristics that are vital across the board: No matter the style, a towel needs to absorb water, dry quickly, and stay soft after a couple hundred runs in the wash. After testing a bunch, I noticed that even classic terry styles can vary in weight, feel — and how “thirsty” they are. Some can have a rougher hand feel, others super soft, but despite those differences, they still get the job done.
There’s also a (newish) crop of very handsome towels that can gussy up an otherwise drab bathroom. So if aesthetics are important to you, there are several striking options to choose from. To find towels that are just as good-looking as they are efficient, I tested many myself and spoke to 29 designers, hoteliers, and shop owners — unearthing styles inspired by antique prints and textiles, a mildewproof option that dries so fast it can be used morning and night, and one that has held up through years of “emergency potty-training accidents.” Whether you’re looking to swap out your fast-drying waffles for something super-plush to swaddle you in winter, or you simply want to outfit your bathroom with cheerful colors, check out 18 of the best towels below.
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In our tests, we found that the towel was not completely dry after one hour, while most other options on this list were. That being said, it was only slightly damp, and we think its drying time is more than reasonable given its density. This bath towel was also in near-perfect shape post-wash, other than one loose thread at the corner of the towel. In the lab, we noted how high-end and plush this bath towel felt after laundering.
A heavyweight towel can provide a soft and luxurious feel when drying off after a steamy shower, allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience compared to thinner, rougher towels. Saatva’s Plush Towels boast a thick and cozy texture and a substantial construction that we loved. These towels were amongst the most absorbent we tested, and felt very high-quality. It’s very soft with a medium pile, tight and closely packed loops, and a unique decorative band.
After one month of testing this towel in our homes, we found that it performed very well in the summertime, as the lightweight construction was very comfortable and it dried in a snap. However, we did notice that it shedded a bit after the first few washes. Overall, though, it has maintained its quality quite well. While it's on the pricey side and won't appeal to folks who love a super-plush towel, we love this lightweight, versatile towel.
This towel also stood out in terms of aesthetic appeal, as the striped design offers a refined look. It’s also a great option if you’re low on storage space, as these towels fold up to be much more compact than your average towel.
In the lab, this towel was very absorbent and quick-drying. This bath towel also held up nicely after consistent laundering, with no changes in quality besides some slight wrinkling. It held up just alright during our abrasion test, with some changes in texture and quality but no additional tears or loose threads. However, this is to be expected with thinner towels. What’s more, this towel performed admirably in our stain test.
We loved how soft these towels were, and they felt noticeably smooth compared to other options we tested. Similar to the Boll & Branch Waffle Terry Bath Towel (our best waffle weave pick), this product also has a dual-sided design. One side of the towel features a flat weave while the other is terry cloth. While the overall construction quality was evident, we did notice a few snags upon arrival.
For a lightweight and highly absorbent bath towel, you can’t go wrong with Parachute’s Fouta Stripe Towels. Note that this product is available in bath towel and bath sheet sizes—we purchased the bath sheets, which provided ample coverage. Like most Turkish bath towels, this product is thinner and less plush than your standard terrycloth towel. However, at 450 GSM, it’s not flimsy either.
Your towels should be laundered more often than you think (ideally every three uses!) and should be washed with other towels at the highest temperature the label says they can handle. Use a gentle detergent and dry on low or medium heat with wool dryer balls to help speed up the drying time and control static.
Bath towels should never be laundered with fabric softener, which will add a film onto the towel and weaken the absorbency. “If you like the scent of fabric softener, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to your dryer balls in the last 10 minutes of the load, after everything is already mostly dry,” says Whitney Thornburg, design director at Coyuchi.
Believe it or not, caring for your towels is not as simple as just throwing them in the wash. All bath towels should be washed before you first use them as this will wash off the finish they have and help with absorbency.
What’s more, after six months of consistent use, the towel’s performance, texture, and overall quality have stood the test of time. The towel is just as soft as it was when it first arrived, which is especially impressive since many tend to lose their plushness over time. This thick towel has proved to be highly durable over time, with no signs of wear.
Although the towel earned a perfect score in our absorbency test, we did find it took a bit longer to completely dry (around two hours) than some other options we tested. However, this tends to be standard for plusher, heavier towels. After following the care instructions, we appreciated just how well the product held up. The soft texture didn’t change post-wash, and the towel felt as good as new with no signs of wear.
We also were impressed with its attractive design, which featured a decorative series of five double-welts on each end rather than the standard band. The loops seemed durable and compact, and we found no visible imperfections upon arrival. This towel was definitely on the heavier side at 700 GSM, which means it has a dense, sturdy construction.
A soft towel can enhance your bathroom routine, and Southern Living’s Turkish Cotton and Modal Towel provides a truly cozy experience. (Southern Living is owned by The Spruce’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) During lab testing, we were huge fans of the towel’s fluffy and plush texture, which we couldn’t get enough of.
This set comes with two washcloths, two hand towels, and two bath towels for $135. Plus, you can personalize your towels by adding a monogram for an extra $10, which may be worth it if you live in a larger household and want to keep track of which towel belongs to who.
Based on our lab tests, we think it's an upgrade from most everyday towels. We found it handled our stain and abrasion tests quite well, suggesting impressive durability. We also appreciate how absorbent and quick-drying this towel is despite its substantial weight—we gave it a high score in both testing categories.
During lab testing, we were immediately impressed by the luxurious texture of this towel. It feels plush and supremely soft with a moderately-dense weight of 600 GSM. This product also comes with a hanging loop, but we noted that it felt a bit weak and prone to tearing. In general, though, the construction quality was sound and the towels boasted a high-end look.
If you’re looking to upgrade your bath towels, washcloths, and hand towels all at once, check out the Crane & Canopy Plush Towels. You can either purchase the bath towels individually, or as a bundle for added convenience.
Boasting a high-end construction, we love that there’s a hook loop for easy hanging when not in use. It’s also highly absorbent and quick-drying, earning perfect scores in both categories. While this towel is on the thinner side, it’s surprisingly durable. There was no change in texture or quality even after abrading the material, which is a good indication of the strength of the fibers.
If you’re used to using thick and fluffy towels, waffle weave towels may take some getting used to. However, this towel offers a dual-sided design that offers both a terry cloth material on one side and a waffle knit on the other. Although it still won’t offer the same weight as plusher towels, it’s a great pick for those who are looking for a lightweight, compact, and effective towel.
Lightweight and exceptionally absorbent, waffle weave towels are a highly effective and design-forward alternative to your standard terry cloth towel. Our favorite of the category is the Boll & Branch Waffle Terry Bath Towel, which seriously impressed us with its thoughtful design, unique construction, and impressive durability.
How you store your bath towels is up to you. Towel bars and rings, wall shelves, over-the-door towel racks , towel stands, heated racks and bins, and over-the-toilet units are all different types of organizing systems that can hold your towels. You can simply hang them over the bars or rings or fold or roll them and place them on shelves, in baskets, and more. Check out some of our favorite towel storage solutions below:
In our long-term testing of this towel, we grew to love it even more. After three months, we found that it maintained its fluffy, spa-like feel and was easy to launder. While some shoppers might wish the price were a tad cheaper so it'd be easier to stock up on several at a time, we think the towel is well worth the investment.
According to Whitney Thornburg, design director at Coyuchi, absorbency is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for towels. “A great way to check [a towel’s absorbency] is to just spill a bit of water onto your towel. It should immediately be absorbed—not pill or bead on the towel,” she says. “If it doesn’t dry you off post-shower, it’s not doing its job.” During testing, we were particularly impressed with this towel’s absorbent properties: It was able to soak up to a quarter of a cup of water in just a few minutes, and it dried our hands in two passes.
The large, loop-pile weave and 800 GSM weight give it a plush feel that’s a step above the rest—it’s actually the heaviest option on this list, so its impressive drying time is especially notable. Plus, the thick decorative border lends the towel some extra sophistication. Just note that because of its thickness, this towel is bulkier and may take up more real estate in your linen closet .
During our testing in the lab, we found this to be a slightly longer-than-average towel, which makes it perfect for taller users or those who like more coverage. Available in a whopping 27 colors, it’s made with long-staple, finely-combed Turkish cotton for a soft, blanket-like texture.
We’ve actually re-tested the Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Towel multiple times, and it’s consistently one of the top performers across the board. This towel has a thick, luxe, hotel-quality feel that holds up wash after wash. Despite its substantial construction, it was completely dried in just around 30 minutes, making it the fastest drying option we tested.
Reaching for a still-damp towel after stepping out of the shower can be particularly unpleasant; luckily, quick-drying options can help prevent that. The Frontgate Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel boasts an efficient drying time, making it an ideal pick if you live in a humid climate or take more frequent showers. What’s more, a faster drying time can help prevent musty smells that occur since mildew thrives in moist environments.
That being said, we haven’t found any loose threads, snags, or other signs of wear and the quality has held up very well. However, we have had to swap this towel out in the California summertime because it was a bit too thick to dry between uses. All things considered, while this product is more expensive than other options we tested, we think it’s well worth the price tag considering its luxurious texture and top-notch performance.
Over the course of six months, though, we’ve noticed some changes in this towel’s texture after consistent use. Although this towel was super plush and fluffy for the first couple of months of testing, we noticed it got less soft and a bit rougher after around six to ten rounds in the washing machine. While it’s still plenty thick, it’s no longer as soft as it was upon arrival.
A main selling point of the Boll & Branch Plush Towel is its absorbency. During our real-world testing, this towel soaked up water quickly and effectively, and it felt cozy to wrap up in after a hot shower . In our tests, the towel scored exceptionally well in terms of absorbency. We were also pleasantly surprised by how quickly it dried, despite its plushness and density.
Depending on your schedule, bath towels are an item you’ll use nearly every day—so oftentimes, it’s worth it to splurge. Out of the dozens of towels we've tested, Boll & Branch’s Plush Bath Towel is one of our top choices for its quality construction, impressive performance, and thoughtful design. Made with organic long-staple cotton, these towels have a soft and plush feel you’ll appreciate use after use. Even after multiple runs through the washer and dryer, this towel continued to feel like a luxury product.
Generally, you should replace your towels every two years. If your bath towels are not absorbing water as well as they used to, developing odors after one use, or have frayed edges and holes, it is time for you to replace them. However, high-quality towels tend to last longer, so you may get away with more time between purchases.
Although we were able to remove most of the stains in the lab, the foundation leaked through to the opposite side, so you’ll want to make sure you treat both sides of the towel in case of a stain. Despite these concerns, we still think it will hold up over time with proper care.
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However, in our tests, we observed some durability shortcomings worth noting. There was an apparent difference between the texture of the towel before and after laundering, as it felt noticeably more coarse post-wash. Additionally, after abrading the material with a scrub brush, we found that it did not hold up well, as the fibers flattened and shredded from the towel.
The manufacturer says this towel weights around 450 to 550 GSM, making it a versatile medium-weight option. In the lab, we liked its pleasantly soft texture and appealing ribbed design. While it doesn’t have any premium features or frills, we think it's a basic yet dependable option that performs as it should. Additionally, this towel earned a perfect score in both absorbency and drying time, so we’re confident it’s effective for everyday use.
At just $12 for two towels, the Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel Set offers a ton of value with a budget-friendly price tag—but that’s not the only selling point. It’s also a top performer in terms of its cozy texture, absorbency, and fast dry time.
We did notice that after laundering this towel, the texture became slightly rougher, but the difference was barely perceptible. Additionally, in our testing, we found that this was standard across the board, and many options had a more drastic change after the first wash. The towel also proved highly durable, as it held up well after abrading the fabric and was highly stain-resistant.
Compared to thicker options with slower drying times, this one was only slightly damp by the 30-minute mark and completely dry in one hour, making it a great choice for everyday use. However, while still highly absorbent, note that the Pottery Barn Hydrocotton towel scored slightly lower in our absorbency tests compared to other options on this list.
What we love most about this towel is that it offers a premium feel without sacrificing performance and dependability. The texture is fluffy and dense, but not overly so. It has a substantial construction but isn’t too heavy, which makes it both comfortable and effective.
The towel is made from organic long-staple Turkish cotton, which gives it a standout texture that was amongst the softest we tested. It has a notably luxurious and high-end feel, and we think it offers great value considering its price point. For reference, our best luxury pick, the Boll & Branch Plush Bath Towel , is around $15 more.
Earning a near-perfect score in our lab tests, our favorite towel is the Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Towel—we’ve even retested this product twice and it continues to perform exceptionally across the board. At 550 GSM, this towel offers a medium-weight construction that’s versatile and suitable for most households.
Our best overall bath towel is the Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Towel, a luxurious option that earned high marks for its exceptional softness and efficient drying time. We also recommend the Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel Set, our best budget pick, a highly absorbent and durable option made from cotton.
Other Options We Tested
These products are ones we tested and found impressive. Though they fell a bit short of our standards, we think they’re still worth considering.
The West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towels, $19: This towel performed relatively well during our lab and home tests, proving a basic but reliable option. It garnered high marks for its absorbency and even fully dried within the two-hour testing window. However, we didn’t find the texture to be as soft as other options we’ve tested, and its thin construction might be unappealing if you love a plush towel. While it gets the job done, we still think our best budget pick, the Casaluna Organic Bath Towels, offers more bang for your buck in terms of overall value.
Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Towel, $49: In our testing, we found the Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Towel to be a solid heavyweight option for those who prefer a plush, fluffy texture. At 700 GSM, this is one of the heavier options we tested and has a thick, substantial weight. However, it took around 90 minutes to dry, which is longer than other options but still seems reasonable considering its thickness. In general, when put head-to-head against our best plush pick, the Southern Living Turkish Cotton and Modal Bath Towel, we found the two are very similar in terms of texture and construction, but ultimately the Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Towel fell short in terms of durability and value.
Cozy Earth The Premium Plush Bath Sheets, $160 (for two): In general, this towel performed very well in both our lab and real-world tests. The towel was very absorbent and helped us get dryer and warmer post-shower. We loved its cozy and plush texture, and it had a reasonable drying time and was an effective pick in our long-term testing. However, at $160 for a set of two, we think there are other comparable options available at a much more affordable price. When compared to some of the other options we tested, we found its performance to be similar, and it didn’t warrant the steep price tag in our opinion—but if you’re looking for a super sumptuous towel and don’t mind spending a premium for the texture, it might be worth the splurge.
Nordstrom Hydrocotton Bath Towel, $29: Luxuriously cozy at a moderate price point, the Nordstrom Hydrocotton Bath Towel was one of our top contenders in terms of texture and value. The texture of the towel felt lightweight, plush, and fluffy, providing an ideal post-shower experience. While this was one of the softest towels we tested, we found that after following the care instructions, it had lost a bit of its plushness. So despite performing very well on most fronts, we found that it just slightly fell short compared to other designs in our list.
How We Tested the Bath Towels
To help you make the best choice for your needs, we've tested 152 bath towels in The Lab and at home. We routinely test new bath towels at The Spruce so that we can keep this list updated with the most effective options.
In our latest round of testing, we evaluated the towels based on quality by inspecting the bath towels both before and after following the care instructions. We looked for any loose threads, pilling, snags, and imperfections in the stitching, dye, or pattern. We also noted any specifics about each option, including the fiber content, weight, and weave.
Next, we assessed the texture of each bath towel, considering its softness, thickness, and weight, among other qualities. In our testing, we found that almost all the towels we tested became slightly less soft in texture post-wash, and some options changed more drastically than others.
To determine each towel's absorbency, we test how well each towel soaked up moisture from both our hands and a bowl of water. We conducted each test before and after laundering the towels to see if there was any difference in performance. To test the drying time, we hung each wet towel on a drying rack and timed how long it took to dry. All of our top picks were either completely or mostly dry in just one hour, which is ideal for those who take frequent showers.
We also conducted a stain test using mascara and foundation—after spot-treating the stains and laundering each towel, we inspected the previously stained area and noted how well the stain lifted. Note that almost all of the options we tested came out stain-free. We also carefully followed care instructions and judged whether there were any signs of wear, imperfections, wrinkles, or shrinkage post-wash.
Our durability tests also consisted of abrading each towel with a scrub brush and noting how this affected the texture and quality. Finally, we assessed the bath towels’ value by comparing their retail prices with their overall quality.
In addition to our standard in-lab testing, we conducted long-term home testing to see how the towels held up over time, checking in after six months. For long-term testing, we took the highest-performing lab-tested bath towels and used them in our own houses to note how they performed in real-world situations. We analyzed our testing scores and insights, along with our supplemental research, to compile this list of the best bath towels on the market.
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What to Look for in a Bath Towel
Material
While many people don’t think about the fibers their towels are made from, this is one of the most important considerations, as fibers perform differently in terms of absorbance, softness, colorfastness, and durability. In our latest round of testing, we found that all of our favorite picks were made from cotton or a cotton blend, despite testing a range of fabrics, including microfiber, bamboo, and linen.
There are several types of cotton towels available, including Egyptian cotton, Turkish cotton, organic cotton, Supima cotton, and more. Egyptian, Turkish, and Supima cotton towels are the most luxurious types you can buy and tend to have a higher price point than towels made from other materials. They are typically made from long-staple fibers, so they are super soft and absorbent—our best overall bath towel, the Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Towel, is made from 100 percent organic long-staple Turkish cotton. The Frontgate Cotton Bath Towel (our best quick-drying pick) is another great option made from Egyptian cotton.
If you prefer to shop organic, there are many great options available. These towels are generally made from 100 percent cotton and are certified by a third-party vendor. These towels are made from cotton that is not treated with pesticides. These are very soft and plush but may take longer to dry than other options. Multiple products on this list are made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, including our best luxury option, the Boll & Branch Plush Bath Towel.
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
Size
You should always check the size of bath towels before you buy them. There’s nothing worse than getting your towels home and realizing they’ll barely wrap around your body! Standard bath towels are usually between 27 to 30 inches wide and 52 to 58 inches long. Towels that are 27 x 52 inches may be perfect for smaller adults, but they likely won’t suffice for larger adults. Keep this in mind, especially if you’re shopping online and can’t see the towel in person before you buy.
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If you want to bundle yourself up in a towel, look for bath sheets, which are larger, spa-like towels that typically measure between 35 to 40 inches wide and 60 to 70 inches long. As you might expect, they generally cost more than standard towels. Many of our favorite bath towels also come in bath sheet sizes, including our best heavyweight pick, the Saatva Plush Towels, which are oversized and reliably cozy.
Weight
All fabrics, including towels, have a weight that’s measured in GSM, or grams per square meter. In general, towels typically weigh between 300 and 900 GSM—the lower the number, the lighter the towel will be (and the quicker to dry). There’s no “right” towel weight; it’s simply a matter of personal preference. Some people like lighter towels, while others prefer heavy, dense ones.
As a general rule of thumb, towels with a GSM of 300-400 are great for humid areas, while products between 400 and 600 GSM offer a happy medium between plush and lightweight. The lightest option we recommend is the Parachute Fouta Stripe Towels at Parachute (our best lightweight pick), at 450 GSM. While heavier towels typically take longer to dry, we were surprised to find in our testing that our best quick-drying pick, the Frontgate Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel, is our heaviest option at 800 GSM.
Absorbency
Absorbency is another important consideration when purchasing towels, but this factor is often hard to discern when you’re shopping in-store or online. There’s no way to measure a towel’s absorbency without trying it, but you can look for a few indicators that a towel will soak up plenty of water.
For one, thicker, heavier towels are generally more absorbent, as previously noted. This means towels with a higher GSM will soak up more water—but, remember, they take longer to dry out. Further, towels made from premium cotton varieties, such as Egyptian or Pima cotton, tend to be more absorbent, as are products made from a cotton-rayon blend.
One of the most absorbent towels we’ve tested is the Southern Living Turkish Cotton and Modal Bath Towel (our best plush pick), which has a heavyweight construction and earned a perfect score in this category.
Construction
As you shop for towels, it’s important to know towels are categorized by their construction. Each types has its own set of strengths and weaknesses:
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer who specializes in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted lab and long-term testing insights, assessed numerous customer reviews, and conducted supplemental research about the topic. All of the products in this roundup met our quality standards during the research process and performed the best during our lab and home tests. She has also worked on numerous other related roundups, including Best Bath Sheets, Best Showerheads, Best Small Bathtubs, and Best Bath Pillows.
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