The Best Bath Towels of 2023

The fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have evaluated more than 80 towel styles in recent years. We test them for qualities like absorbency, drying time, washability, fabric strength and more using in-Lab equipment. We then have dozens of consumer testers use them at home and share feedback on their experiences, including softness. All in all, we’ve reviewed over 10,000 data points before making our recommendations.

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

Best Bath Towels

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more.

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.

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.”

Our top picks for the best bath towels

Best overall towel set: Brooklinen Super-Plush Towel Move-In Bundle

Brooklinen is trusted and loved by many—and we agree. That’s why we named this set the best overall bath towels since they are soft, luxurious and generous in size. We can’t get enough of the super plush feel of these body towels that cover your entire body (and then some), giving you permission to wrap yourself up after a long shower or bath. They’re absorbent, too, without feeling harsh against your skin. Another benefit is they are built to last with 820 GSM and a durable z-twist construction. This cuts down on shedding, so this best-selling move-in bundle will last long after your lease ends.

A drawback to consider is the long drying time, so if you don’t have a dryer, you should expect at least a few days to line dry. They are also on the heavier side (that’s what makes them feel so luxurious!), which isn’t for everyone. Shopping tip: Brooklinen also made our list of the best linen sheets, best percale sheets, best cooling sheets, and best pajamas for men.

Specifications:

Material: 100% Turkish Cotton; STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® Certified
Size/Set: 4 bath towels, 4 hand towels, 4 washcloths, and 1 bath mat
Weight: 820 GSM
Colors: Essentials: White, Smoke, Graphite, Marled Black, Ocean, Vanilla; Limited Edition: Ginger, Eucalyptus, Striped Fresh Lavender, Striped Deep Navy, Wild Rose
Absorbency: Absorbent

Brooklinen Super-Plush Towel Move-In Bundle in Eucalyptus

Best bamboo bath towel set: Cariloha Bamboo Bath Towels

If you already like bamboo sheets when you sleep, you’ll definitely fall for bamboo towels in your bathroom. From the moment you take these out of the box, you’ll want to snuggle up to them—they’re thick and ultra comfortable.

In general, there are plenty of reasons to choose bamboo to dry off—bamboo is super soft, anti-bacterial, allergy and sensitive skin-friendly, and better for the environment. These odor and mildew-resistant towels from Cariloha are also remarkably absorbent with a fluffy texture. It makes drying off very fast but doesn’t slack on the comfort level in the process. The Cariloha towel doesn’t feel too heavy either, making it a lightweight, durable necessity for your linen closet.

Keep in mind that you can’t use high heat when drying these towels, as it will reduce the softness. This means you should prepare for a longer drying time. Some reviewers shared that colors fade over time, too, so follow care instructions to extend the life of your towels.

Specifications:

Material: 42% viscose from bamboo, 58% Turkish-combed cotton
Set: 2 Bath towels, 2 hand towels and 2 washcloths
Weight: 600 grams per square meter
Colors: White, Blue Lagoon, Blush, Harbor Gray, Ocean Mist, Onyx, Stone
Absorbency: Highly absorbent
Price: $119

Pros:

Soft, fluffy material
Mildew resistant
Absorbent

Cons:

Long drying time
Can’t just high heat to wash or dry

Bamboo Bath Towel

Best Turkish bath towel set: Sobel Westex Turkish Cotton 6 Piece Hotel Bath Towel Set

It can be confusing to determine what material you prefer for bath towels. Everyone’s tastes will vary, but if you typically enjoy a lightweight feel but require high absorbency, Turkish cotton is your best bet. This set from Sobel Westex is plush, feels elegant and isn’t over-the-top heavy. We enjoy the oversized feel that is ideal for every person in the household. The small Dobby border is a small but pretty detail that sets them apart from others we tested. They have easy care instructions—throw in the washing machine and dry!—and you can pick from many colors to match your aesthetic. A word of warning: while absorbent and soft, this set is on the thinner side. If you prefer a heavy, thick towel after your shower ritual, it might not be your top pick.

Specifications:

Material: 100% Turkish cotton
Set: 2 bath towels (30 inches x 54 inches), 2 hand towels (16 inches x 28 inches), 2 washcloths (13 inches x 13 inches)
Weight: 600 GSM
Colors: Bright White, Charcoal, Light Blue, Sage Green, Smoke Dust, Sterling Silver, Rainy Day and Lunar Rock
Absorbency: Super-absorbent
Price: $47

Pros:

Soft
Easy to wash
Many color options

Cons:

Thin material
Dobby border is not soft

Sobel Westex Turkish Cotton 6 Piece Hotel Bath Towel Set

Best cotton bath towel set: Dream Towel Set / Dream Bath Sheet Set

It’s not just dreamy views or room service that makes staying in a fancy hotel exciting and memorable. It’s the small details, including the linens—and the towels! If you want to recreate some of that five-star magic at home, you can’t go wrong with this aptly named Dream Collection towel set. I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing more than 100 hotels across six continents in my tenure as a journalist—so I know a thing or two about what high-quality towels feel like, and these measure up well.

Crafted from ring-spun Egyptian cotton with a luxurious, soft, fluffy and terry feel, they’ll remind you of your last vacation. We like how absorbent they are, making it quick to dry off your body. Because they are made of high-quality cotton that’s Oeko-Tex certified, they are on the pricier end of our list—and they only come in white.

Specifications:

Material: 100% cotton; Oeko-Tex® Certified in an independent laboratory against a list of over 350 harmful substances
Set: 2 bath towels (27 inches x 54 inches), 2 hand towels (16 inches x 30 inches), 2 washcloths (13 inches x 13 inches); Bath sheet set: 2 bath sheets (35 inches x 70 inches)
Weight: 600 GSM
Colors: White
Absorbency: High absorbency
Price: Bath sheet set: $75; Towel set: $110

Pros:

Soft, fluffy towels
Luxurious feel
Absorbent

Cons:

Only come in white
On the pricier end
Only available as sets

Dream Bath Sheet Set

Best organic bath towels: Boll and Branch Plush Bath Towel Starter Bundle

This plush bath bundle from Boll and Branch is ideal for those who prioritize having an organic household. Each thread is made from the highest quality yarn sourced from 100 percent organic cotton and woven into terry loops. The end product is a velvet-feeling, plush design that’s absorbent and generous in size. It might not matter to everyone, but if like me, you love a lengthy towel that easily encompasses your own body, Boll and Branch have created one.

These towels feel luxurious, thick and weighted, giving you the feeling of a hug after your shower. This also means they take much longer to dry, so keep that in mind with your maintenance schedule. Following care instructions—like washing in cold water—will preserve the longevity of this set, too. Though these are more expensive than others, having towels that many reviewers say last forever is a worthwhile investment.

Specifications:

Material: 100% organic cotton
Set: 4 bath towels (30 inches x 58 inches)
Weight: N/A
Colors: White, Dune, Pewter, Stone, Shore, Mineral
Absorbency: Exceptional absorbency
Price: $186

Pros:

Soft, thick material
High quality towels
Generous size

Cons:

Shed in initial washes
Long drying time
Need to be washed in cold water

Boll and Branch Plush Bath Towel Starter Bundle

Best luxury bath towels: SFERRA Bello Bath Towel

You may want to splurge a little when you’re gifting towels as a housewarming or wedding gift. Or, if, hey, you’re still using the towels you’ve had since right after college and need a (significant) upgrade. Introducing SFERRA: A 100% combed cotton and terry oversized towel that feels like snuggling up to a cloud. They have a luxury, heavyweight feel with an impressive absorbency capability. We love the variety of colors—from aqua and almond to black poppy—allowing you to match the vibe of your bathroom. For an extra touch of thoughtfulness, you can monogram the towels for an additional fee, offering a sweet gesture for a newly married couple.

These are on the pricey side—$76 for a single towel and $147 for an oversized bath sheet. And some reviewers share that while the colors are impressive and beautiful, they may appear differently in person than how they are photographed. Make sure to follow care instructions to extend the life of your towels.

Specifications:

Material: 100% combed cotton terry with honeycomb-patterned dobby border; fade-resistant dyes
Size: Bath sheet: 40 inches x 70 inches; Bath towel: 30 inches x 60 inches
Weight: Heavyweight
Colors: White, Ivory, Bisque, Grey, Stone, Almond, Corn, Pink, Copper, Celadon, Leaf, Aqua, Blue, Bluebell, Teal, Navy, Dark Blue, Iron, Black Poppy.
Absorbency: Very absorbent
Price: Bath towel: $76; Bath sheet: $147

Pros:

Generous size
Absorbent
Heavy weight

Cons:

There can be pulls in fabric after washing
Colors can be different than pictured
High price point

SFERRA Bello Towel Washcloth

Best designer bath towels: Jennifer Adams Lago Bath Towels

While families with a few kiddos may need a large number of linens, if it’s just you—or you and your partner—you can get by with a couple of high-quality towels. These super-soft, thick, absorbent towels from Jennifer Adams win our pick for best design-forward towels. Woven in Portugal—hence their name, Lago—they feature delicate, pretty rounded corners while still being durable and cozy. Though on the higher end of price points, you’ll appreciate how beautifully these hang in your bathroom.

Specifications:

Material: 100% cotton
Size: 27.5 inches x 60 inches
Weight: 720 GSM
Colors: White, Gray
Absorbency: High absorbency
Price: $78

Pros:

Thick material
Heavy weight
Rounded corners

Cons:

Could be softer
Threads can loosen with washing
Pricey

Lago Bath Towels

Best bath towel set with the best color variety: Weezie Signature Starter Pack

Some households pick white everything to keep it simple—from their duvet covers and sheets to their washcloths. And then, there’s the other camp of families who thrive off of color combinations. For the color-conscious (and obsessed), Weezie offers the best color combinations—from light blue and French blue to pink and beyond. This starter pack included four piped-edge bath towels or sheets and two hand towels. Crafted from organic long-staple cotton made in Portugal, this set is also OEKO-TEX certified organic—and hypoallergenic. Optional embroidery is available if you’re gifting these to a friend (or yourself!).

In addition to the pretty hues, reviewers rave about the soft material and the absorbency level these towels offer. To prevent color bleeding, fading or thread pulling, follow care instructions. Our only minor drawback of these towels is the difference in feeling between the towel itself and the border. You can definitely feel the difference, which might be abrasive to some.

Specifications:

Material: 100% organic long-staple cotton (hypoallergenic, low linting, and OEKO-TEX® certified)
Set: 4 bath towels (29 inches x 58 inches) or bath sheets (39 inches x 70 inches) and 2 hand towels (19 inches x 30 inches)
Weight: N/A
Colors: Light Blue on White, Light Blue on Light Blue, French Blue on White, Grey on White, Grey on Grey, Sand on White, White on White, Navy on White, Navy on Navy, Light Pink on White, Light Pink on Light Pink, Green on White, Black on White, Red on White
Absorbency: Absorbent
Price: Bath towel set: $264; Bath sheet set: $345

Pros:

Soft material
Absorbent
Many color options, can also be monogrammed

Cons:

Colors can bleed or fade
Piped edges can fray with washing
Embroidery thread and piped edge colors don’t always match

Signature Starter Pack (6 pieces)

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 and 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 and 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.”

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

The Best Bath Towels of 2023

These soft and absorbent styles amazed our textile experts and real consumer testers.

the best bath towels, according to textile experts

Having a top-notch bath towel can make all the difference in your daily showering experience. Your towel should feel soft against your skin and dry you off quickly while remaining durable over time — especially so it doesn’t turn rough after repeated washing. It also helps to use one that can dry quickly to prevent mildew and is substantially sized so it keeps you nice and warm.

What’s the best bath towel? Our pick for the best overall bath towel is the Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Quick Dry Towel. It outperformed all other towels in our test and stood out in particular for being soft and absorbent. It also looked great after laundering, even after we machine washed it 20 times.

Our top picks

Hydrocotton Quick-Dry Towel

Best Overall Bath Towel

Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Quick-Dry Towel

Quick-Dry Bath Towels, 2-Pack

Best Value Bath Towel

Amazon Basics Quick-Dry Bath Towels, 2-Pack

Diamond Jacquard Bath Towel

Best Quick-Dry Bath Towel

Everplush Diamond Jacquard Bath Towel

Plush Bath Towel

Softest Bath Towel

Riley Home Plush Bath Towel

Super-Plush Bath Towels, 2-Pack

Best Heavyweight Bath Towel

Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels, 2-Pack

Ultra-Soft Turkish Bath Towel

Most Absorbent Bath Towel

RH Ultra-Soft Turkish Bath Towel

Resort Cotton Bath Towels

Best Bath Towel Variety

Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Towels

Hygrocotton 6-Piece Towel Set

Best Bath Towel Set

StyleWell Hygrocotton 6-Piece Towel Set

Waffle Bath Towel

Best Waffle Bath Towel

Parachute Waffle Bath Towel

Temescal Organic Towels

Best Organic Bath Towel

Coyuchi Temescal Organic Towels

The fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have evaluated more than 80 towel styles in recent years. We test them for qualities like absorbency, drying time, washability, fabric strength and more using in-Lab equipment. We then have dozens of consumer testers use them at home and share feedback on their experiences, including softness. All in all, we’ve reviewed over 10,000 data points before making our recommendations.

You can read about how we test and what to look for when you shop at the end of the article, but first, here’s everything you need to know about our top-tested bath towels.

Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Quick-Dry Towel

Hydrocotton Quick-Dry Towel

Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Quick-Dry Towel

Pros

Soft and plush
Highly absorbent
Held up well to 20 wash cycles

Cons

Not quick-drying compared to other towels we tested

Not only is this towel made of luxurious Turkish cotton that’s certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), but it also earned the highest overall score in our tests and stood out for being super soft and ultra-absorbent. In fact, it earned perfect absorbency ratings in our evaluations, soaking up all fluid without any liquid running off. Our testers unanimously gave it high scores, referring to it as “comfy,” “so fluffy” and the “ideal towel.”

Beyond that, it held up well to our laundering tests — the fabric looked and felt great even after 20 wash cycles. Just note that although the name claims these towels are quick-dry, they actually took longer to fully dry than other bath towels in our test. That’s to be expected, as plush and absorbent towels often hold onto moisture.

Material	100% organic Turkish cotton
Weight	550 GSM
Colors	14 options
Dimensions	28 x 50 inches
Matching pieces	Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

Amazon Basics Quick-Dry Bath Towels, 2-Pack

Quick-Dry Bath Towels, 2-Pack

Amazon Basics Quick-Dry Bath Towels, 2-Pack

Pros

Low cost for a set of two
Made of absorbent cotton
Available in a variety of colors of sizes

Cons

May not feel as substantial or luxurious as pricier towels

If you prefer to buy towels on Amazon, its own brand has an assortment of bath towels that have impressed our analysts with their performance both in our Lab and with at-home consumer testers, especially given the brand’s low prices. In fact, this pair costs less than other individual towels and comes in a wide range of colors and sizes. We’ve found that similar towels from the brand have soaked up fluid in our absorbency tests, and users told us they felt both soft and absorbent in real use after their showers.

The most recent towel we tested from the brand is no longer available, but this one has a similar fabrication and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. Though some reviewers say it feels a bit thin — Amazon doesn’t list the weight online — it’s hard to beat this price for 100% cotton bath towels.

Material	100% cotton
Weight	Not listed
Colors	7 options
Dimensions	30 x 54 inches
Matching pieces	Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

Everplush Diamond Jacquard Bath Towel

Diamond Jacquard Bath Towel

Everplush Diamond Jacquard Bath Towel

Pros

Lightweight and soft
Aced absorbency and drying time tests
Loved by GH Textile pros

Cons

This quick-dry towel is a GH staffer favorite thanks to its unique construction: It has cotton on the outside for softness, but microfiber on the inside for enhanced performance. The result makes it an excellent balance of absorbent, quick-drying, strong and shrink-resistant. Testers also noted that they liked the texture, which looks different than typical cotton loops.

One thing to note is that the fabric surface showed fuzzy signs of wear more quickly than other towels in our laundering evaluations. Still, it was a top performer and the only towel to ace both absorbency and drying time tests. We’re also fans of the brand’s Hokime Ribbed Towels for those who prefer even more of a textured feel; they were another top performer in our tests.

Material	48% polyester, 40% cotton, 12% polyamide
Weight	Not listed
Colors	10 options
Dimensions	30 x 56 inches
Matching pieces	Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

Riley Home Plush Bath Towel

Plush Bath Towel

Riley Home Plush Bath Towel

Pros

Perfect softness rating from all testers
Strong fabric
Highly absorbent

Cons

Riley’s towel uses a zero-twist combed cotton construction, meaning the fibers are longer and stronger so it’s softer, more absorbent and more durable. At-home users unanimously gave it perfect scores for softness and raved about its luxurious feel. In fact, one tester said, “It was the softest towel I’ve ever used,” while another told us, “I expected the softness to disappear with washing, but it stayed soft. And the fluffiness didn’t decrease with washing either.”

In addition to the rave reviews from consumer testers, our analysts were amazed by how soft it remained after repeated laundering cycles in our standardized tests, though it did have some shrinkage. It also earned perfect absorbency scores in the Lab and dried fairly quickly, which is impressive for a plush, 100% cotton towel.

Material	100% cotton
Weight	650 GSM
Colors	7 options
Dimensions	30 x 58 inches
Matching pieces	Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels, 2-Pack

Super-Plush Bath Towels, 2-Pack

Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels, 2-Pack

Pros

Plush and thick
Super absorbent
Year-long return policy

Cons

This style is ideal for anyone who prefers the comfort of a soft, dense towel: Its cotton fabric has the heaviest weight of all our picks at a whopping 820 GSM. This helped it achieve excellent absorbency in Lab evaluations and superior softness ratings in our consumer tester reviews. One tester noted, “It is a very thick towel that absorbs the water off your body practically in one pass,” while another proclaimed, “It’s the best towel I’ve ever used.”

Another highlight is that it didn’t shed lint in the wash, which is a common concern with plush towels. It did have some shrinkage after laundering and it wasn’t quick-drying, but both of these areas still scored average compared to other towels in our test.

Material	100% Turkish cotton
Weight	820 GSM
Colors	6 options, with additional limited edition colors
Dimensions	30 x 58 inches
Matching pieces	Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet, bath mat

RH Ultra-Soft Turkish Bath Towel

Ultra-Soft Turkish Bath Towel

RH Ultra-Soft Turkish Bath Towel

Pros

Top absorbency scores in Lab tests
Thick and fluffy
Luxurious feel

Cons

This 100% cotton towel was by far the most absorbent in our tests, quickly soaking up all fluid without any runoff. Plus, our panel raved about the fluffiness and gave it the highest rating in a blind comparison. They specifically liked the heavy, blanket-like feel and described it as super plush.

On the flip side, these towels took a while to dry, which is not surprising with such high absorbency. It also shrunk a bit in our wash tests. Still, if you want to wrap yourself in a thick, cozy towel that dries you off quickly, this is the one for you.

Material	100% cotton
Weight	750 GSM
Colors	18 colors
Dimensions	30 x 56 inches
Matching pieces	Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Towels

Resort Cotton Bath Towels

Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Towels

Pros

Many colors and personalization
Soft and absorbent
Testers loved the appearance

Cons

If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your bathroom, this 100% cotton towel is available in 25 shades with the option to personalize it at no added cost. It’s also soft, dense and uses zero-twist construction, helping it to get consistently high ratings — and outperform most other towels — throughout both Lab and consumer tests.

At-home users said it felt fluffy and looked great after repeated use, plus they highlighted the pretty appearance. One even noted it was “a perfect size to wrap around my body.” In our Textiles Lab, analysts found it to be highly absorbent during our evaluations. It had moderate drying time scores plus some shrinkage in the wash, but it had overall good durability ratings.

Material	100% Turkish cotton
Weight	700 GSM
Colors	26 options
Dimensions	30 x 58 inches
Matching pieces	Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet

StyleWell Hygrocotton 6-Piece Towel Set

Hygrocotton 6-Piece Towel Set

StyleWell Hygrocotton 6-Piece Towel Set

Pros

Good value for a set
Soft and absorbent
Fade-resistant colors

Cons

This basic all-in-one set is a total steal for bath towels, hand towels and washcloths, plus you can buy it in 12- and 18-piece configurations. Despite the low cost, the cotton fabric was soft and had excellent absorbency in our evaluations. In fact, the set impressed us enough to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal.

Our textile pros also appreciated this towel’s construction, especially with its hollow core design so it doesn’t feel too heavy. It held up well in our wash tests; there was some shrinkage, but only minimal signs of wear and low lint after repeated laundering. Plus, the set comes in a variety of colors that proved to be fade-resistant.

Material	100% cotton
Weight	525 GSM
Colors	13 options
Dimensions	30 x 54 inches
Included pieces	Bath towels, washcloths, hand towels

Parachute Waffle Bath Towel

Waffle Bath Towel

Parachute Waffle Bath Towel

Pros

Lightweight
Quick-drying
Thin and not bulky; easy to pack

Cons

The waffle-weave construction on this 100% cotton towel is super light and dries quickly. The thinner design is also more compact if you need to pack a towel on the go. Plus, it has a pretty texture that looks more like a spa towel for a decorative touch in your bathroom.

Just note that it won’t dry you off as well as plush towels with loops. In fact, this one had one of the lowest absorbency scores in our test. The trade-off is that it’s not bulky like a traditional towel with loops. If you’re looking for one that’s plusher, the brand’s Classic Towel was highly absorbent and an overall great pick.

Material	100% Turkish cotton
Weight	240 GSM
Colors	4 options
Dimensions	30 x 56 inches
Matching pieces	Hand towel

Coyuchi Temescal Organic Towels

Temescal Organic Towels

Coyuchi Temescal Organic Towels

Pros

Certified organic
Soft and absorbent
Low linting and looks great after washing

Cons

Coyuchi proves you don’t have to sacrifice performance to go green: It had a perfect absorbency score in our Lab tests and was highly rated among testers who unanimously said it felt both soft and absorbent. It also held up to laundering despite some shrinkage. Just note that like some other 100% cotton fabrications, it wasn’t quick-drying in our evaluations.

While many towels claim to be made with organic cotton, this one’s certified by GOTS so you know the entire manufacturing process follows strict standards. In fact, Coyuchi is one of the leading and most trusted organic cotton brands on the market.

Material	100% organic cotton
Weight	600 GSM
Colors	5 options
Dimensions	28 x 54 inches
Matching pieces	Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet, bath mat

How we test bath towels

good housekeeping senior textiles analyst, emma seymour, pouring water through an absorbency tester apparatus with a stack of white towels in the background

Mike Garten

Each bath towel is put through the wringer in both Lab tests and consumer evaluations. In recent years, we’ve tested more than 80 towels and reviewed over 10,000 data points from these tests. Here’s how the bath towels are scored:

✔️ Absorbency: Using the apparatus pictured above, a towel sample is set up at a 60-degree angle and water is poured on from a standard distance. Any water that the towel doesn’t absorb rolls off the fabric and into the bin below, where it then gets weighed. This test is performed multiple times on each towel, including after repeated wash cycles. A towel with perfect absorbency won’t have any runoff.

✔️ Drying speed: A standard amount of water is applied to a towel swatch. Analysts then hang the swatch to dry and reweigh it every 30 minutes until it reaches its original weight, indicating that the towel has fully dried.

✔️ Washability: Each towel is washed and dried 20 times, with analysts measuring shrinkage and appearance throughout this process. They also measure weight loss from laundering to see how much each towel sheds lint.

✔️ Fabric strength: A specialized machine called the Instron pulls swatches of towel fabric apart and measures the force needed to break each one.

✔️ Consumer tests: Dozens of consumer testers use the towels and rate them on factors like softness, appearance, whether users were dried off quickly and more.

How to shop for bath towels

Best bath towels

Towel shopping is largely based on your personal preference:

If you want a super soft, ultra-absorbent towel, look for 100% cotton with dense, plush loops of yarn on the surface. You can also look at fabric weight, which is shown in GSM (grams per square meter). Over 600 GSM is considered heavy, so these will typically be the plushest. Lighter towels like waffle weaves or ribs weren’t typically as soft in our test.
If you want a towel that’s quick-drying and more durable, consider a cotton-poly blend or a lighter fabric with a low pile (short loops). Fluffy loops help the towel feel soft and absorb water, but they can take longer to dry and may show more wear from laundering.

What’s better: Turkish or Egyptian cotton towels?

dog

It’s not a rule of thumb, but towels labeled as “Turkish cotton” or “Made in Turkey” performed better in our tests than those claiming to be made of “Egyptian” cotton. In theory, they’re very similar: Both are long-staple fibers, helping to make the fabrics softer and more durable. However, Turkish cotton is more popular in bath towels and is known for drying faster than Egyptian cotton, which is more commonly seen in bed sheets. Plus, there have been instances of bedding fabrics mislabeled as Egyptian cotton, especially because it’s difficult to verify this claim.

How do you stop towels from shedding fluff?

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Wash them before use! Sometimes there are loose fibers leftover from the production process, but laundering the towels a few times should help get rid of them. Not to mention, washing them also makes the towels more absorbent because it gets rid of leftover finishes from production.

Why trust Good Housekeeping

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Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has been researching, testing and writing about bath towels for nearly 10 years. Lexie has developed proprietary evaluations while also following standardized industry test methods to review dozens of styles both in the Textiles Lab and in the homes of consumer testers.

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing. She also evaluates luggage, rain gear, disposable paper goods and baby products. Lexie has more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Prior to joining GH in 2013, she worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.