The Best Editor-Tested Bath Towels You Can Buy Right Now
Table of Contents
When it comes to elevating your bathing experience, a good bath towel makes all the difference. With so many options on the market, there’s no better time to ditch the tired towel you’ve been using for years (that you may or may not have taken from your parents’ home) and switch to something better. From organic cotton and waffle weave to Turkish cotton and bamboo, there’s an option out there for everyone.
Because we’re the type to get excited about good linens, we’ve done the research and broken down what makes a great bath towel by type, material, size, and weave so you can determine the features that best suit your lifestyle. From there, we tested a ton of bath towels and narrowed the pool down to ten high achievers.
Below, you’ll find our winners for the best bath towels. All are soft to the touch, well-crafted, and designed to last. Does the use of organic material matter to you? Are you looking for towels that’ll elevate your bathroom decor? Are you heading to college and hunting for a reliable first set? We’ll help you decide what you need and what you’ll be happy with for years to come. Read on to determine the bath towel that’s right for you, then take your pick from our list of the very best out there.
Our Best Overall Pick: Cozy Earth Nantucket Bath Towels
Nantucket Bath Towels, Set of 2
Cozy Earth
$115
Buy Now
The Best Bath Towels
Best Overall: Cozy Earth Nantucket Bath Towels
Best Budget-Friendly: Martha Stewart Collection Spa Bath Towel
Best Luxury: Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Towels
Best Organic: Takasa Organic and Fairtrade Cotton Bath Towel
Best Egyptian Cotton: Pure Parima Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel
Best Turkish Cotton: Serena & Lily Soho Turkish Cotton Bath Towel
Best Quick Dry: Geometry Waffle Bath Towel
Best Lightweight: Brooklinen Waffle Bath Towels
Best Plush: Buffy Deluxe Cotton Bath Towel
Best Bath Towel Set: Quince Turkish Ribbed Quick-Dry Bath Towel Bundle
What to Consider Before Buying Bath Towels
Depending on the material and weave, bath towels can be plush, lightweight, heavy, textured, smooth, flat, and everything in between. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of weaves and materials.
Types
The style of a towel, including its weave and materials, affects absorption, dry time, and how easy it is to pack and store when necessary. The three main types of bath towels include:
Cotton towels: These are likely the classic bath towels that you’re used to. Egyptian cotton fibers tend to be extra long and highly absorbent, producing dense towels that are soft and plush. Turkish towels — sometimes called peshtemal, hammam, or fouta towels — are made of long-staple Turkish cotton that’s more lightweight and fast-drying than Egyptian cotton towels.
Waffle weave towels: These towels have a unique honeycomb pattern that creates more surface area, resulting in better absorbency and a faster drying time than any other towel type. They’re different from classic cotton towels and may take some getting used to, but they’re definitely worth trying.
Materials
A towel’s material, from its fibers to how it’s spun, can mean the difference between minimum and maximum absorbency, softness, volume, and luxury. Here are the most common bath towel materials, with a few uncommon additions:
Egyptian cotton: The fibers in Egyptian cotton tend to be extra long and highly absorbent, producing dense towels that are soft and plush.
Turkish cotton: Long-staple Turkish cotton is lightweight and fast-drying. It creates a breezy, thin towel that’s well-suited for warmer weather.
Organic cotton: Like bamboo, certified organic cotton is produced without harmful chemicals or dyes. For the allergic and/or environmentally conscious plush towel lovers, organic cotton is the way to go.
Pima cotton: Akin to Egyptian cotton but sourced and produced in the American Southwest, Pima cotton towels are durable and long-lasting when cared for properly.
Supima cotton: One of the most sought-after textile materials, Supima is 45% stronger than other types of cotton. Supima yarns can be spun very fine, allowing dyes to hold within the weave, resulting in more vibrant colors that last longer.
Linen: Highly absorbent with a more rustic aesthetic, linen towels are typically looped much like cotton, with a higher texture that’s optimal for gentle post-shower exfoliation and fast drying.
Bamboo: A more Earth-friendly option, bamboo (or bamboo-derived rayon) requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers than cotton and grows faster. It’s also antimicrobial and resistant to fungus and germs. Its flatter weave is super absorbent without being blanket-level plush.
Modal: Fifty percent more absorbent than cotton and very fade resistant, Modal is an excellent, fluffy alternative to traditional towel materials if you’re buying colors or prints.
Microfiber: A tightly woven blend of nylon, polyester, or other plastic-derivative fibers, microfiber is very absorbent. Because its fibers are so small, microfiber towels are effective cleaning tools. But they can be almost too drying and textured to use on the whole body.
Chenille: Similar in make to microfiber, this woven fabric is made from a variety of soft materials, such as cotton, wool, or silk.
Polyester: Proceed with caution. While polyester works for kitchen or work towels because it’s quick drying, it’s not absorbent or soft. Polyester towels won’t last through many washes, either, without getting even rougher over time. However, there are some exceptions.
Certifications
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified: Products are free of harmful synthetics and dyes.
Made in Green by OEKO-TEX certified: Materials used in products are traceable and have been tested for (and are free from) harmful substances.
GOTS certified: Products align with the Global Organic Textile Standard, which defines the worldwide recognized requirements for organic textiles.
Cotton LEADS program: A reliable cotton supply chain providing raw material that is responsibly produced and identified.
Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) certified: Ensures that products labeled as Egyptian Cotton are authentic.
Made Safe certified: Products are nontoxic and made with safe ingredients/materials.
Fair Trade certified: Products are created in alignment with the economic standards in place for manufacturers to equitably distribute the benefits of ingredient, material, or product trade.
Weight
Towels are measured by GSM (grams per square meter). Most range between 300-900 GSM, with 900 being the heaviest. A lower GSM doesn’t mean lower quality — it just means the towel has a lighter weight (and is more likely to dry faster).
Size
Of course, there’s the bath towel vs. bath sheet dilemma to consider. Simply put, bath sheets are a larger version of bath towels, and they’re best for taller people or those who like to wrap themselves up. Bath towels typically measure around 52″ x 27″, while bath sheets are approximately 60″ x 35″. Because we know you can have the best of both worlds (sometimes), most options on our list fall somewhere in between, around 30″ x 58″.
Care
Most bath towels are machine washable, but if you choose to invest in some ultra-soft or luxury ones, consider swapping your dryer sheets for wool dryer balls instead. Additionally, the use of fabric softener, while giving your nice towels a wash, can actually reduce their ability to absorb moisture, especially over time. A less absorbent towel is not only ineffective and uncomfortable, but it also loses its softness as moisture clings to its outermost threads, weighs them down, and clumping them together. Gnarly, right? Making the switch to wool dryer balls is easy, cost-effective, time-saving, and eco-friendly. By making this simple change, you can even give your clothes and other home textiles longer lives, too.
What We Look for in a Bath Towel
We tested over 50 bath towels from a wide range of types for our list, judging them on the following criteria:
Texture: How does the towel feel? Is it smooth or more textured? Is it plush or more tightly woven? Does it feel good right out of the shower and keep us warm?
Absorbency: How quickly did we feel dry after a shower? How long did the towel take to hang dry when not in use?
Longevity: How does it hold up after a few washes? Does it get softer over time or rougher?
The Best Bath Towels
Best Overall: Cozy Earth Nantucket Bath Towels
Nantucket Bath Towels, Set of 2
Cozy Earth
$115
Buy Now
Quietly luxurious, these aren’t your average bath towels. Cozy Earth’s Nantucket collection includes bath sheets, bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths that are all constructed with a rice weave design for optimal absorbency. Made with a blend of soft cotton and smooth bamboo, these coastal-inspired towels have a medium plushness, dry quickly, and are available in three heathered neutrals in warm and cool tones.
“Cozy Earth’s Nantucket bath towels are some of my new favorites!” says commerce editor Britt. “They aren’t too thick, they dry well, and they have a cozy softness. I also really love the look and texture of these towels. The heathered design and solid hem give them a laidback elegance that always feels vacation-ready.”
Specifications:
60% cotton, 40% bamboo viscose
600 GSM
40″ x 65”
Available in 3 colors
Machine wash warm; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer a larger towel; those who prefer towels that aren’t lightweight or super plush; those looking for a towel that doesn’t shed a ton.
Good to Know: Cozy Earth recommends washing these towels with a color-safe detergent and avoiding the excessive use of fabric conditioners to preserve the towels’ absorbency.
Best Budget-Friendly: Martha Stewart Collection Spa Bath Towel
Martha Stewart Collection 100% Cotton Spa Bath Towel
Macy's
$7 (was $20)
Buy Now
With washcloths as low as $12 and bath sheets just $40, it’s no wonder the Macy’s-exclusive Martha Stewart Collection Spa Towels made our list as the Best Budget-Friendly find. At $20 (regular price), the 100% cotton bath towel hits the sweet spot right in the middle. However, the price isn’t the only good thing about them. The bestselling bath towel is available in 13 colors that include neutrals and bold hues, features decorative jacquard details, and it’s highly absorbent.
“This is a great bath towel,” says assistant social editor Ayanna. “I love that it is 100% cotton material. You instantly feel the softness and plushness once you take it out of the bag, and after the first wash, it still holds up. After the second wash, it is still soft — definitely a towel that I will buy more of.”
Specifications:
100% cotton
30″ x 54″
Available in 13 colors
Made in Green by OEKO-TEX certified
Machine-washable
Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer a quality affordable towel; those who prefer a medium-weight towel.
Good to Know: These towels may shed when you first receive them, but after a few washes the lint should diminish.
Best Luxury: Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Towels
Waffle Bath Towels, Set of 2
Cozy Earth
$96 (was $120)
Buy Now
The dual-sided Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Towels will have you living a life of luxury the moment you step out of the shower. With one side featuring a cozy waffle texture and the other a plush terry, this towel is sure to keep you dry without weighing you down. Made from both cotton and viscose from bamboo, this multifaceted towel also comes in a pack of two to help round out your bathroom space.
“I’m not usually a huge fan of waffle towels, but Cozy Earth swayed me,” says senior style editor Blair of the Oprah-loved brand. “The texture also feels more subtle than most waffle counterparts, which I think gives it a more luxe, hotel-worthy feel. As far as comfort goes, imagine your favorite blanket in fast-drying towel form — they’re that soft and cozy.”
Read our full review of the Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Towels.
Specifications:
60% cotton; 40% bamboo viscose
600 GSM
30” x 58”
Available in 5 colors
Machine wash warm with color-safe detergent; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer a dual-sided towel; those willing to splurge a little more on a bathroom towel set.
Good to Know: Cozy Earth instructs you to not bleach this towel and to also avoid excessive use of fabric conditioners to maintain optimal absorbency.
Best Organic: Takasa Organic and Fairtrade Cotton Bath Towel
Organic and Fairtrade Cotton Bath Towel
Takasa
$75
Buy Now
If you prefer organic linens, Takasa’s Organic and Fairtrade Cotton Bath Towel is as straightforward as it gets. Made from 100% organic cotton, the towel has a super low twist for a space-saving silhouette and high absorbency. Free from harsh chemicals and harmful dyes, the towel is also GOTS-certified, which means it fulfills all the requirements for ethically produced organic textiles. It even ships in recycled and recyclable material.
That’s right, Takasa is the real deal when it comes to organic soft goods. The brand’s organic towels are available in four colors and get softer with every wash. “This towel was very soft and well-constructed, though a bit small,” says home projects director Megan. “I did love the hanging loop feature!”
Specifications:
100% organic cotton
700 GSM
28″ x 55″
Available in 4 colors
Fair Trade- and GOTS-certified
Machine wash cold; tumble dry low (hang drying recommended)
Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer dense and plush towels; those looking for a quick-drying towel that still maintains a fluffy texture.
Good to Know: While it’s roughly two inches smaller than most of the picks on this list, Takasa’s towel falls within the standard dimensions of a bath towel.
Best Egyptian Cotton: Pure Parima Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel
Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel
Pure Parima
$59
Buy Now
Pure Parima is known for its high-quality linens, and this isn’t the first time the brand has impressed Apartment Therapy editors. Its luxurious Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel brings big spa energy to the comfort of your home, with a weighty feel and durable design that’s soft and absorbent. Additionally, each bath towel has Pure Parima’s stamp of confidence in the form of an embroidered logo corner detail.
“The towel is certainly not lightweight, but it’s about as far from suffocating as you can get, and it glides so smoothly on my skin,” says commerce editorial assistant Morgan. “The cotton felt shockingly soft as soon as I took it out of the package, but after taking it to the laundromat — it washed well, with no strings coming off, shedding, or extra drying time required — it somehow felt even softer.” Plus, if you’re looking to completely overhaul your bath towel collection, you can also save money by ordering these towels as a set.
Read our full review of the Pure Parima Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel.
Specifications:
100% Egyptian cotton
800 GSM
30″ x 56″
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Cotton Egypt Association certified
Wash separately with like colors; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer white towels; those looking for soft towels with substantial weight and sumptuous appeal.
Good to Know: Pure Parima provides a detailed care guide for their towels and other linens.
Best Turkish Cotton: Serena & Lily Soho Turkish Cotton Bath Towel
Soho Turkish Cotton Bath Towel
Serena & Lily
$68
Buy Now
Woven from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton, Serena & Lily’s Soho Bath Towel is both exceptionally absorbent and fast-drying. It also has a terry loop weave for a higher pile that adds a touch of luxury. “This towel is so fluffy,” says Morgan. “It really lives up to the ‘hotel at home’ claim.” Further illustrating its subtle yet impactful design is the embroidered detailing on the towel’s dobby stripe that comes in solid white, sky blue, navy blue, and fog gray.
Looks aside, the Soho Bath Towel scored high marks with our editor for its absorbency, weight, material, texture, drying time, durability, and odor resistance — all of which were rated five out of five. Morgan also notes that there’s little to no shedding when you wash and dry these towels, so you can expect them to stay nice and plush for a long time.
Specifications:
100% Turkish cotton
700 GSM
30” x 56″
Available in 4 colors
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
Machine wash cold; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer soft cotton towels; those who prefer lightweight towels; those who like towels with subtle decorative accents.
Good to Know: If you decide to purchase the complete Soho set, it will come with two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths.
Best Quick-Dry: Geometry Waffle Bath Towel
Waffle Bath Towel
Geometry
$39
Buy Now
When it comes to Geometry’s Waffle Bath Towel Collection, style and efficiency are a guarantee. Available in nine solid colors, these towels are one of the few exceptions to the “no polyester” rule. Ultra-absorbent and highly versatile, they’re soft to the touch and unbelievably quick drying. Because of that, the towels easily last longer between washes. While not quite bath sheet size, these towels are oversized yet impressively save space at the same time.
At just 390 GSM, they’re super lightweight and comfortable. “The Geometry Waffle Bath Towels are great for a thinner towel with a great feel,” says strategic partnerships director Laina. “They absorb well and are the perfect size. I personally will be using mine as a hair towel moving forward as I love a thinner towel that I can wrap my hair into. Would definitely recommend them!”
Specifications:
85% recycled polyester, 15% polyamide
390 GSM
31” x 57”
Available in 9 colors
Machine wash cold or warm with like colors; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer a thinner, quick-drying towel; those who prefer solid yet bold towel colors; those who want a longer-lasting towel that needs fewer washes.
Good to Know: Geometry suggests washing and drying their towels with other microfiber products — especially no cotton — to maintain their quality and avoid static cling.
Best Lightweight: Brooklinen Waffle Bath Towels
Dreamweave Waffle Bath Towels, Set of 2
Brooklinen
$71.20 (was $89)
Buy Now
Believe it or not, every waffle towel that made this year’s Best List has a different design that truly makes it stand out on its own. For editor-favorite brand Brooklinen, it’s the honeycomb weave that gives its Waffle Bath Towels a surprisingly plush and incredibly soft feel. Made with 100% long-staple Turkish cotton, they have a smooth and cozy quality that proves there actually is a scale of waffle weave softness.
“While I never expected waffle towels to have the same plush feeling as terrycloth, I ran with the assumption that they make up for the texture difference by being more absorbent and drying quicker,” says Britt. “I’ve used both the original and newly redesigned waffle bath towels and love how they’ve stepped up the design. I’ve noticed less shrinkage, stronger hems, and dare I say, they’re even more absorbent?”
Read our full review of the Brooklinen Waffle Bath Towel.
Specifications:
100% Turkish cotton
290 GSM
30” x 58”
Available in 5 colors
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
Machine wash cold; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer a quick-drying towel; those looking for a space-saving towel; those who prefer super lightweight towels.
Good to Know: These pre-washed towels are designed to resist shrinking to maintain their shape over time and numerous washes.
Best Plush: Buffy Deluxe Cotton Bath Towels
Deluxe Cotton Bath Towels, Set of 2
Buffy
$84 (was $105)
Buy Now
With stylish and sustainably produced bedding and bath products, it’s hard not to fall in love with Buffy. Our Best Plush pick is the brand’s organic Deluxe Cotton Bath Towel, which comes in 850 GSM — a clear winner in the running for towel density. Available in a set of two, this absorbent find is made from 100% cotton, comes in six colors, and is as cozy as a bath towel can get. Inspired by hotel-quality spa towels, it sports woven stripe details and unbeatable softness.
“Very solid towel,” says senior commerce editor Ian, who adds that despite its thickness, the towel doesn’t shed very much when laundered. Tested to withstand over 250 washes, this durable bath towel is great for those who love super plush bath linens and have shelf space to spare.
Specifications:
100% organic Turkish cotton
850 GSM
30″ x 58″
Available in 6 colors
OEKO-TEX certified
Machine wash cold; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer thick, plush towels; those who prefer organic cotton towels.
Good to Know: Due to the towel’s thickness, it takes a little longer to air dry.
Best Bath Towel Set: Quince Turkish Ribbed Quick Dry Bath Towel Bundle
Turkish Ribbed Quick Dry Bath Towel Bundle
Quince
$79.90
Buy Now
Several factors were taken into consideration for the Best Bath Towel Set on our list, and Quince’s Turkish Ribbed Quick Dry Bath Towels knocked it out of the park. The bundle of six costs less than $80, making each towel roughly $13 apiece, regardless of size. What sweetens the deal is the modern and stylish ribbed design that makes them an instant bathroom upgrade.
The towels are made from 100% Turkish cotton, have a medium plushness, and really do dry as quickly as the brand claims. They make a great gift for those moving into their first homes and are a fantastic pick if you’re looking to replace your old bath linens. “I adore these towels! They’re stylish, super absorbent, and so soft,” says Britt. “As far as bath towels go, they’re a definite step up to my other linens and I find myself reaching for one of these more often than not. I need them in every color!”
Read our full review of the Quince Turkish Ribbed Quick Dry Bath Towels.
Specifications:
100% Turkish cotton
600 GSM
Available in 6 colors
Includes 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, and 2 washcloths
Machine wash cold; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer quick-dry bath towels; those who want towels that offer style and function.
Good to Know: Avoid washing these towels with items that could potentially snag them, such as zippers, velcro, hooks, or sharp objects. In case of a snagged loop, cut with scissors.
Further Reading
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We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
