To date, we have tested 99 towels in our Des Moines lab and 22 in our own homes, assessing them based on their quality, texture, absorbency, durability, and overall value. For expert tips on buying and using bath towels, we tapped Whitney Thornburg , design director at Coyuchi , Sarah Smith, product education and customer experience manager at Serena & Lily , and Elana Frosk , account executive at Hohenstein Institute , the U.S. testing lab for Oeko-Tex . No matter what type of bath towel you're looking for, we have a tested and approved pick for you.
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Whether you prefer to wrap yourself up in a plush, spa-like towel or dry off quickly with a lightweight waffle knit, choosing the right bath towel can make all the difference in your daily shower routine. However, predicting which towels are durable enough to make it through the long haul can be easier said than done. That&#;s where we come in.
This towel held up insanely well over time, enduring no shags, loose threads, staining, or flattening. It did experience some of the classic signs of use&#;slight color fading, shrinkage, and a slight loss of softness. However, we were impressed by the lack of warping and cinching. While it did lose a bit of its coziness with use, it still stayed soft throughout several weeks of use. This is everything you want in a bath towel: It&#;s soft, fluffy, warm, and luxurious.
With a GSM of 850, this is the plushest towel on our list. Still, this one seemed to be the Goldilocks of towels&#;not too soft, not too cumbersome, but just right. Due to its thick design, it did require a few extra cycles in the dryer, especially when washed with other towels. However, we were pleased to find that the plush design didn&#;t hold onto much excess water nor did it develop an odor.
If you&#;re seeking a luxurious, spa-like experience at home, you can&#;t go wrong with Buffy&#;s Deluxe Cotton Bath Towel. Measuring 30 by 58 inches, it&#;s big enough for a full-body wraparound. It&#;s pretty simple in appearance&#;there are no hook loops or special weaves&#;but its four-stripe dobby gives it a polished look. The refined appearance, coupled with the luxurious material, make this towel comparable to one that would be found at a resort.
While this towel isn&#;t as luxe as some of the other options on our list, we found it surprisingly well constructed. The lightweight material proved to be durable, and the towel looked mostly good as new after the testing period, retaining its rich color. It did experience some slight pilling and shrinkage, though neither was too noticeable. Thanks to its quick-drying abilities and compact design, this towel is convenient to travel with and would be suitable to bring to the beach or pool.
At 360 GSM, we were initially hesitant about this towel&#;s thin design. However, once we tried it ourselves, we were totally swayed. We were amazed by how quickly its light, waffle texture dried off our body, with the material being soft to the touch yet rough enough to slough away dead skin. This pick dried much faster than our terry towels&#;even in our non-vented bathroom&#;never developing a musty odor .
After washing, this towel shrank by 4% (down to 28 by 57 inches), which is well under what you would expect from a 100% cotton towel, and it maintained its soft feel. In fact, we couldn&#;t believe how soft it remained, with very minimal difference in texture post wash. We award bonus points for the customization&#;this towel is available in 22 colors and comes with the option to add a monogram, too.
The towel absorbed an entire half cup of water from our bowl in one minute, though its dry time was just average at 58 minutes. While using it at home, we found it to be more absorbent than most plush towels, and the water didn&#;t feel like it was just sitting on top of it.
This 550-GSM towel isn&#;t the thickest one we tested, but it more than makes up for its lack of plushness in surface area. Despite not being quite as large as a bath sheet, the 30 by 60-inch Matouk Milagro Bath Towel provides significantly more coverage than a standard bath towel (although it&#;s also available in a bath sheet size). While we expected the large size to be a bit unwieldy, its unexpectedly lightweight design made it far more manageable. Plus, the soft feel gave it an extra luxurious vibe.
Given its thin design, we were initially hesitant about this towel&#;s durability. However, after six weeks of use, it looked just as good as it did when we took it out of the box (aside from some expected shrinkage). Stains similarly came out with ease, leaving behind no visible signs of wear. While we&#;ll admit that the texture does take some getting used to, we grew to love this towel over time. The high-quality materials and soft feel make this towel a worthy purchase, especially for those seeking a lightweight option for wrapping their hair.
Though the waffle weave texture tends to be a bit coarse on the skin, this towel proved to be an exception, maintaining its soft, cushioned feel throughout six weeks of use. Since it&#;s a bit lighter and airier than standard terry cloth, it takes up less space in the linen closet, too.
While we often associate bath towels with terry cloth, waffle weaves are becoming increasingly popular. Crafted from organic Turkish cotton with a honeycomb texture, The Citizenry&#;s Mara Organic Waffle Bath Towel is designed to increase surface area, trap moisture, and reduce drying times.
We found the towel to be softer, thicker, and more absorbent than others we&#;ve tried. However, despite the plush material, we were surprised to find that it dried very quickly. It took only one hour to dry in our dryer, which isn&#;t too bad considering its density. Other than a loose thread, we noticed minimal differences between the pre- and post-wash conditions, and it held up well throughout two months of use. While we only tested the bath towel, we expect the hand towel and face towel to be similarly well made.
This towel has a high-quality feel to it&#;soft but not too plush. It also boasts impressive craftsmanship; the decorative band adds a nice flair while the loops feel durable and tightly stitched.
If you&#;re seeking a towel bundle that includes various sizes, look no further than Saatva&#;s Plush Towel Set. The three pack comes with one bath towel, one face towel, and one hand towel crafted from long-staple cotton. They come in a drawstring bag, making them suitable for gifting and bringing on the go.
In terms of texture, this towel hits all the bases. While the unwashed towel has a silkier bamboo feel, the used towel feels like a very soft cotton towel, which could appeal to those who want to stick to what they know. We also found it to have a nice weight&#;not too heavy and thick or too lightweight. Overall, we think this towel would please just about anyone.
Crafted from a blend of cotton and bamboo fibers, the RHH Bath Towel is a standout on our list. Similar to lyocell and modal, bamboo fibers are known for their softness, strength, and absorbency. This towel definitely achieved all three&#;after six weeks, it&#;s still delightfully soft and plush, and there are no signs of damage. In fact, we actually think the color of the towel after laundering looks richer than it did of the unwashed version. We also found it to be seriously quick drying. Just note that it did shrink to 28 by 52 inches.
The stains came out of this towel easily, with no abrasions or signs of treatment whatsoever. We noticed that the material became a bit rougher after washing, but it was nothing significant. Other than that textural change, the towel maintained its quality after laundering. Plus, it comes with a convenient loop to hang it up after use.
If you can&#;t decide between a cozy waffle-knit towel or a rougher option, the Boll & Branch Waffle Terry Bath Towel offers the best of both worlds. The waffle side gives the towel a more lightweight feel, while the terry side ensures absorbency. Compared to other towels we&#;ve tried, this one offers a quicker drying time&#;after 60 minutes, we observed no moisture on either side.
After two months, we couldn&#;t believe how soft this towel had become. Aside from one loose string near the decorative band, we noticed no changes in quality&#;no stains, bald spots, tears, or fading. Measuring just 28 by 55 inches, it&#;s worth noting that this bath towel is one of the smaller ones on the list, so it may not have the luxurious, wrap-around effect that larger ones do. Still, we think its plush, cozy feel makes up for it and appreciate that it's light enough to be used as a hair towel, as well.
We were impressed by this towel&#;s absorbency; it effortlessly wiped away all the water droplets from our body with one swipe, proving especially effective when drying our hair. While we expected its fluffy texture to retain water, it surprisingly dried quickly&#;even after daily showers, it always dried completely by the next use.
There&#;s no better feeling than bundling up with a cozy towel after a shower, and this pick from Pottery Barn is the perfect companion. We&#;d even go as far as to say that this is one of the softest towels we&#;ve ever tried.
This durable towel performed well in our abrasion and stain tests. It also excelled at absorbing water and dried very quickly. Apart from a loose thread, it maintained its texture, size, and absorbency throughout two months of use. We give extra points for its sustainability, as it&#;s GOTS certified, Fair Trade Certified, and meets Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex. Despite its higher price tag, this towel is sure to last a while.
If you&#;re looking for a long-lasting towel that can withstand months of use, the Boll & Branch Spa Bath Towel is a great choice. Crafted from 100% cotton, this terry cloth towel had a durable feel from the start. Typical of terry cloth, the material is a bit rough (but not scratchy), especially on the edges. The towel features decorative ridges, along with a sewn-in hook for hanging. In addition to their luxurious appearance, the decorative ridges in the material proved to be functional, making it easier to dry off.
Aside from a few initial snags, the towel has held up well over time, becoming cozier and more absorbent while maintaining its vibrancy. The only noticeable difference has been size&#;starting at 30 by 58 inches, it shrunk to 28.5 by 54 inches by the end of the testing period. Despite this noteworthy shrinkage, we still found the resulting size to be adequate. Although this two-pack is one of the pricier options we tested, we think its high quality justifies the price.
Crafted from cotton and viscose from bamboo, this towel boasts a comfortable medium density (600 GSM). While we found it a bit too heavy to wrap our hair in, it proved perfect for drying off our body, providing a comforting, hug-like feel post shower.
True to its name, the Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Towel screams luxury. In fact, we could tell this towel was high quality just by looking at it; it has an elevated appearance comparable to what you&#;d find at a spa, along with a plush, fluffy texture. Plus, it comes in six neutral hues, offering the flexibility to match any bathroom decor. Given its luxe look and feel, this is the type of towel we&#;d want to display in a guest bathroom.
Measuring 30 by 54 inches, this towel is the ideal size and weight. It dried completely and quickly in our tests, absorbing water with ease. Unsurprisingly, it did fall short in the durability department. It became rougher after washing, and some of the loops seemed to flatten, with the fibers appearing more spread out. For that, this may not be the most durable in the long run. H owever, its low price makes it easy to buy in bulk and replace frequently at a lower cost than other picks on our list.
Given its reasonable price, we were amazed by the Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel&#;s high quality and functionality. Although this towel doesn&#;t have all of the bells and whistles of other options on our list&#;no band, towel hook, or much design on the fabric&#;it&#;s a soft, basic option that gets the job done. We might not rush to display this towel in a guest bathroom, but it&#;s perfect for daily use.
It&#;s worth noting that this pick doesn&#;t come with any certifications, which might be an immediate no for some people, but given the size, durability, and quality of the materials, we think the price is more than reasonable. Plus, Lands&#; End has frequent sales, so you can likely snag it for less while shopping.
We were especially amazed by the towel&#;s durability. It retained its soft and fluffy texture after washing, and the color (of which there are 17 to choose from) remained just as saturated. Plus, stains came out easily, making this pick suitable for everyday use. We observed not a single pull or loose thread, either, and after six weeks of consistent use, the towel maintained its soft hand. Even after running a scrub brush over it 50 times in our lab, there was no damage to the towel, indicating that it will stand up to whatever abuse you put it through. However, it did shrink a bit after laundering (about 7% from its initial 30-by-56-inch size).
The Lands&#; End Premium Supima Cotton Bath Towel impressed us with its coziness, absorbency, and durability, earning it the title of our Best Overall bath towel. Crafted from American-grown Supima cotton, this towel is plush with a medium-heavy weight (650 GSM). We found it to be incredibly soft, striking the perfect balance between practicality and luxuriousness. In our testing, it dried us off quickly, requiring minimal effort on our part.
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Lands&#; End Cotton Bath Towel for its impressive durability, soft hand, and functionality. Crafted with Supima cotton, it maintains the perfect balance of plushness without feeling too heavy. If you&#;re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can&#;t go wrong with the Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel Set, which offers quick drying abilities at a reasonable price point.
Our Testing Process
To find the best bath towels on the market, we tested 99 bath towels in our lab and 22 at home, evaluating them based on texture, absorbency, effectiveness, and durability.
First: the lab tests. We began by visually inspecting each bath towel to assess the quality, looking at the stitching, color vibrancy (when applicable), softness, and more. Next, we ran our hands over each towel to evaluate its texture, noting whether it felt soft to the touch, how tight the weave was, etc. Then came the real test of each towel: absorbency. To determine how well the towel absorbs water from the skin, we used one end of the towel to dry off our hands. We then placed the dry end of the towel in a shallow bowl of water, leaving the towel to absorb for one minute, and took note of how much water each towel soaked up and how long it took to dry afterward.
The next day, we washed and dried each towel and repeated the tests above, taking note of any change in the towel&#;s ability to absorb water. We also evaluated the durability of each towel based on how well it held up after washing and drying, considering the texture and size of each towel before and after washing, including any shrinking, fading, pilling, or loose threading. To complete our durability testing, we laid each towel flat on a table, scrubbed it with a scrub brush, and took note of how well the abraded area held up. Finally, we received the price of each towel and scored its overall value based on how well it performed and whether we would pay the listed price or wait for it to go on sale.
Next: real-world testing. We inspected the towels upon arrival, noting whether there were any snags or loose threads. Before use, we washed the towels according to the manufacturer's instructions. From that point on, we washed the towels using whichever mechanism we preferred. Throughout three weeks of regular use, we assessed many qualities of the towels, including texture, absorbency, drying time, and coverage. If a stain formed, we considered which products were needed for removal and how successful the process was. During the testing period, we kept track of any changes in size, color, and texture as well as any balding or loose threads. We continued to use these towels at home, evaluating their performance throughout six weeks of use. Long-term testing is still in progress, and we will update this piece with the next round of insights once they become available.
Real Simple / Henry Wortock
How to Shop for Bath Towels Like a Pro
Material
While there are many materials to choose from, experts tend to agree that cotton reigns supreme. &#;Choosing a towel that is made from high-quality materials, such as premium cotton that has extra-long staple fibers to enhance strength, softness, and absorbency, is the way to go,&#; Smith says. Cotton is not a one-size-fits-all category, though. There are several different types to choose from, with varying degrees of absorbency and durability.
Egyptian and Turkish cotton are the most highly sought-after types of bath towels. Both are made from long-staple fibers, which enhance smoothness, softness, and durability&#;in fact, these fibers become even softer after washing. Egyptian cotton is typically thicker and more absorbent at the start, with a fluffy, luxurious feel. Turkish cotton, on the other hand, is a bit lighter in weight and quicker to dry, often becoming more absorbent with use. Pima cotton is similar to Egyptian and Turkish cotton but sourced from the U.S.
If you&#;re looking to expand your search beyond just cotton, there are plenty of other materials on the market, as well. Many brands produce towels made from a blend of cotton and either bamboo, modal, and viscose. Bamboo doesn&#;t literally refer to bamboo but rather the material made from the pulp of bamboo wood. Similarly, modal and viscose are semi-synthetic materials made from wood pulp that doesn&#;t come from bamboo. All three materials are known for their silky-smooth feel, although bamboo and modal are stronger and more durable than viscose, which is typically cheaper.
Size
When choosing the right towel for your needs, be sure to consider your body size and intended use. A standard bath towel is designed to wrap around your body without being too heavy or unwieldy, typically measuring around 28 by 54 inches. If you&#;re seeking a towel to wrap your hair in, you may opt for a smaller, lighter option. However, for those who are a bit larger or prefer a more hug-like experience, a bigger towel might be best. Bath sheets&#;often measuring 40 by 70 inches&#;are an extra-cozy, spa-like option, though they are often more expensive.
It&#;s also worth taking into account potential shrinkage, as towels often get smaller after laundering. Most of the towels we tested shrank between 5% and 6% post wash.
Weight
A towel&#;s weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM), with a higher GSM correlating to increased thickness, softness, and absorbency. For example, those seeking a plush, substantial towel will want to look for a higher GSM, while people wanting a lighter, quick-drying towel should search for a lower one.
As a general rule of thumb, a GSM below 400 is considered lightweight, a GSM between 400 and 600 is medium weight, and a GSM above 600 tends to be the most luxurious, plush, and absorbent. Just keep in mind that the tradeoff for this thickness is a slower drying time.
Construction
In addition to a towel&#;s material and weight, the construction of its fibers can also affect its texture and performance. As you shop, there are three main constructions you may come across. Combed cotton refers to cotton that has literally been &#;combed&#; to remove impurities from the yarn, leaving behind only the long-staple fiber. While very durable, these towels are not typically as soft as ringspun cotton options. Ringspun cotton is made by spinning long and short cotton fibers together for a smooth, plush finish. Unlike combed and ringspun cotton, zero-twist cotton fibers are woven without any twisting, creating a fluffy and absorbent towel.
Weave
When you think of a standard bath towel, a terry cloth weave likely comes to mind. The terry cloth weave is known for its uncut loops that extend beyond the woven base, resulting in a plush, soft, ultra-absorbent feel. Alternatively, waffle- or lattice-weave towels are lighter and quicker to dry than terry cloth, with their thinner design being a bit more space-saving in your linen closet. While these towels aren&#;t as plush or luxurious as terry cloth, they&#;re less prone to developing the dreaded musty smell since they dry quickly. If you&#;re torn between the two weaves, Boll & Branch&#;s Waffle Terry Towel features one side with each material.
Product Certifications
There are several independent third-party tests that ensure textiles meet certain standards for product safety. &#;When textiles are made, there are chemicals used to process them, and there can be a residual of a harmful substance on the textile that you can&#;t see by looking at it,&#; Frosk says. &#;The only way to know if a textile has some level of a harmful substance on it is to test it.&#; The most common and widely trusted product labels are the Oeko-Tex certifications, which include both Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex and Made In Green by Oeko-Tex labels.
According to Frosk, the Standard 100 label indicates that a product has been tested for harmful substances, while the Made In Green label ensures that the product is both safe from harmful substances and made in environmentally friendly facilities with safe and socially responsible work practices. All Made In Green-certified products are also Standard 100-certified.
For organic textiles, look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label&#;another independent third-party certification that defines requirements for organic textiles, from harvesting raw materials to manufacturing and labeling.
Style
Bath towels don&#;t have to be boring. Incorporating fun colors, patterns, embroidery, and stitching can customize your towel&#;s look and feel, adding a personal touch to your bathroom. Whether you opt for a classic neutral tone or a more exciting embroidered option, you should be proud to showcase whichever towel you choose on your towel rack.
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
More Bath Towels to Consider
Brooklinen Waffle Bath Towels: These waffle towels proved to be incredibly soft, maintaining a gauzy, lightweight texture perfect for the summer months. However, they became a bit rougher over time and significantly warped in the wash, so we don&#;t recommend them for long-term use.
Frontgate Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel: Considering this towel&#;s plush, substantial texture, we were amazed by how quickly it dried. Unfortunately, the decorative ends, while visually pleasing, were a bit harsh on our skin while drying off.
Questions You Might Ask
How should you wash bath towels?
In terms of frequency of washing, it largely depends on how often you use it. Most bath towels can be used three to four times before they need to be washed in the washing machine. Even if you can&#;t see or smell it, body oils, dirt, and sweat can all build up on your towels&#;and in a steamy bathroom, they&#;ll be even more vulnerable to bacteria growth.
To reduce the growth of bacteria, give your towels ample room to spread out when air drying, and avoid leaving them in a crumpled heap on the floor. We also recommend washing your white towels and colored towels in separate loads, using hot water for whites and warm water for colors. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can reduce the absorbency of your towels, and always make sure your towels are completely dry before putting them away. Smith also suggests using dryer balls to keep your towels feeling soft and fresh.
How many bath towels do you need per person?
Each member of your household should have at least two towels so that they never run out during laundry days. Those with longer hair may want to have four towels on hand: two for the body and two for the hair.
The weather may play a role in your towel selection, too. &#;Some people also change out towels by season&#;choosing a cozy, fluffy one in the winter and a lightweight one in the summer,&#; Thornburg says.
How often should you replace bath towels?
You&#;ll generally want to replace your bath towels every two years, though this can change depending on the quality. Once your bath towels begin drying more slowly, smell funky after washing, or suffer wear and tear, it may be time to replace them. Thornburg suggests switching out towels seasonally to give your bathroom a refreshed feel and extend their lifespan.
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we first tested 99 bath towels in our lab and brought 22 of them home, evaluating them based on their quality, texture, absorbency, durability, and overall value. For expert insight, we consulted Whitney Thornburg, design director at Coyuchi, Sarah Smith, product education and customer experience manager at Serena & Lily, and Elana Frosk, account executive at Hohenstein Institute, the U.S. testing lab for Oeko-Tex.
We tested 99 bath towels in our lab and at home to see which variations are worth your money, and we continue to test them regularly to ensure you have the most up-to-date recommendations. In many cases, the most durable towels weren&#;t necessarily the softest (though our best overall achieved the best of both worlds), but we've tried to highlight a towel set that would suit every household and budget.
A bathroom is often a sanctuary, carefully curated to provide cleanliness and comfort. The little details, like soap scents, shower curtains, and bath towels, can make all the difference in the atmosphere of your space. Whether you prefer plush towels to dry off after a soak or thinner materials for the aesthetic, we have a bath towel for you.
Best Overall
Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel
PHOTO: Frontgate
View on Frontgate
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
So soft you won't want to get dressed
Thick, plush, absorbent material
Completely dried our hands after just two passes
Red Flags
Some shrinkage but nothing major
If you're looking for a plush towel to completely envelop you after a bath or shower, this pick from Frontgate brings that luxurious feeling together in a towel that's also functional. We were immediately impressed with this extra soft towel that's made from 100 percent Turkish cotton. We liked the soft, thick feel and appreciated the weave design, too.
Given the wide range of colors and styles (hand, bath, sheet, and washcloths), there are options for every bathroom, style, and towel user. If you're looking for a great housewarming gift, this towel is the perfect pick. Grab a bath sheet for a full spa experience post-bath or a standard bath towel for quick showers. This is the towel you accidentally wear around the house for two hours post-shower because it's so comfy.
For three months after our lab tests, we continued testing this towel at home. We enjoyed the spa-like nature of the towel, especially its fluffiness. The oversized shape makes the towel an experience to wrap up in, but it did take up a bit of space in our closet. It wasn&#;t necessarily as absorbent as some other towels we have used, but we appreciated the luxuriousness of this option. Plus, it laundered well and seems like it will last over time.
Measurements: 30 x 57 inches | Material: 100% Turkish cotton | Colors: 27
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
The 8 Best Towel Warmers of , Tested by PEOPLE
Best Budget
West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towels
PHOTO: West Elm
$19 at West Elm
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Looped texture is visually appealing
Dried in just two hours thanks to thinner fabric
Red Flags
A little rough to the touch
Who would have thought that West Elm would house our favorite budget pick? In terms of design, we noticed right away that this towel is somewhat thinner than others on our list, but it offers a unique and subtle looped texture that is lightweight and dries fairly quickly. While the texture is a little rough and it won&#;t stack up against more dense, plush towels, it still offers a softer texture than your standard terrycloth option. It&#;s a little on the small side, but while it might not cover you completely post-shower, it will dry you off quickly.
The towel held up well in our tests. We washed it to see how the material changed; it didn&#;t at all. Thanks to the thinner material, the bath towel dried in just two hours. We won&#;t say this bath towel is in the luxury category, but for being a basic towel, it&#;s solid, effective, and cheaper than other towels on our list.
We also tested this bath towel at home to determine its effectiveness over time. We appreciated the design and specifically noted the hook loop for hanging the towel up to dry. It proved to be very absorbent and sped up the drying-off process. We didn&#;t mind the size and thought the towel felt soft when drying off.
Measurements: 27.1 x 53.8 inches | Material: 500 GSM terry cloth | Colors: 10
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Henry Wortock
Best Set
White Classic Luxury Cotton Bath Towels
PHOTO: Amazon
$43 at Amazon
$50 at Walmart
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Dried our hands quickly
Comes as a set of four for the same price as many single towels
Certified Climate Pledge Friendly
Red Flags
Texture is not super soft
Outfitting your bathroom with towels can be quite a feat, but the White Classic Luxury Cotton Bath Towels come in a collection of four, making this purchase a one-stop shop. We think the bundle comes at a great value &#; less than $50 for a whole set &#; since many brands sell one towel for the same price. However, while these towels are very plush and absorbent, the material is not the softest.
These towels passed the hand washing test, drying our hands with just a few pats, and absorbed a bowl of water with ease, ensuring a drip-free dry. This would be a great addition to both your main and guest bathrooms &#; or even as a starter set for a first-time home buyer.
In almost no time at all, this set of towels became our tester&#;s absolute favorite. They never once frayed, lost color, or suffered any damage through the six months of use. They maintained their ability to absorb water with ease and dry off the user quickly, as well as their soft feel &#; an overall great value, especially for families.
Measurements: 28 x 54.5 inches | Material: 700 GSM long-staple cotton | Colors: 20
Best Bath Sheet
Brooklinen Classic Bath Sheets
PHOTO: Brooklinen
$95 at Amazon
View on Brooklinen
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Luxuriously large but still lightweight
Held up well after laundering
Nice color variety
Red Flags
Took nearly two hours to air-dry
If you're looking for a blanket you can wrap up in post-shower, this Brooklinen towel is the ticket. We loved the oversized feel of this bath sheet, which, despite its size, isn't too heavy. The Turkish cotton is extremely soft, which adds to the blanket feel. It comes in nine colors, so there's a decent amount of variety to choose from when selecting a towel for your bathroom.
After running the towel through the wash, we didn't notice any difference in terms of quality. In fact, the towel continued to soften, which was a bonus. We were only slightly disappointed that the dry time was nearly two hours, but since you'll likely hang your towel to dry and move on with your day, we don't think this is a dealbreaker.
Measurements: 37.3 x 65 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 9
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
Best Turkish
Cacala Turkish Bath Towel
PHOTO: Amazon
$17 at Amazon
View on Cacala.com
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Dried in just 30 minutes
Available in a ton of bright colors
Budget-friendly
Red Flags
Quite thin
This Turkish cotton bath towel is quite different from other Turkish towels we tested, given its thin material and unique design. Some of our team even questioned why it was included in the bath towel test, but it proved its stripes shortly thereafter. The Turkish towel has a lovely weave pattern and is extremely lightweight. As such, it dries incredibly fast (in about 30 minutes). It also comes in a ton of colors to brighten up any bathroom. The most impressive quality was how soft the towel became after washing. We think this Turkish towel is a great find, especially considering the cost.
We preferred using this towel for our hair post-shower rather than as a body towel due to the thin construction. That said, it absorbed the moisture from freshly washed hair quickly. Over several months of use, the bath towel is still in good shape. It retained its soft texture, and the tassels have remained intact. Despite being a thinner, more delicate towel, it&#;s effective and absorbent, and the fun pattern and tassels create a cute aesthetic.
Measurements: 38.2 x 71 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 38
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
Best Luxury
Coyuchi Temescal Organic Bath Towel
PHOTO: Coyuchi
$78 at Nordstrom
$18 at Coyuchi.com
View on Madetrade.com
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Few signs of dampness after drying our hands
Luxurious ribbed design
Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton
Red Flags
Shrank by about four inches after just one wash
Not super plush
The Coyuchi Temescal Organic Towel won us over with its luxe ribbed appearance and high absorbency. In a hand-drying test, we were pleasantly surprised by its instant absorption and barely-there wet marks on the used towel. After soaking up the majority of water it was submerged in for the soak test, it easily wrung out with minimal effort. Though this organic towel is expensive, the quality is well worth the investment. With its fluffy material, high absorbency, and luxurious construction, you can rest assured that you are receiving the spa treatment you're paying for.
This bath towel continued to perform well over the six months we tested it outside of the lab. It remained cozy and highly absorbent and was the perfect size to completely wrap up in. Compared to other bath towels we have used, this one dries us off much faster and has a better, softer texture.
Measurements: 39.25 x 72.5 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 6
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
Best Waffle
Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Sheets
PHOTO: Cozy Earth
$112 at Amazon
View on Cozy Earth
$140 at Macy's
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Waffle side adds visual texture to bathroom
Impressively quick-drying
Back side is incredibly soft and comfortable
Red Flags
Waffle side is a bit rough
Cozy Earth is a popular bedding and loungewear brand with celebrity fans like Oprah, and after testing these bath towels, we&#;re fans, too. The waffle bath towel is well-constructed with a honeycomb-like pattern that draws the eye and adds texture to any bathroom. The dual-sided towel offers one decorative side and one functional side: The waffle portion isn&#;t as soft, so this is the side you should display, and the soft backing is the side you should use.
To test durability, we threw the bath towel into the washing machine and dryer to track any changes. We were blown away by the quick drying time of the waffle towel &#; it was among the fastest of all the towels we tested.
After three months of testing this towel at home, it is still performing at the same level it did in the lab. We liked that the towel stays wrapped around you without falling, dries you off quickly, and dries itself almost just as fast. We wished both sides of the towel were soft, but the waffle side did soften a little throughout the testing period.
Measurements: 41.5 x 65 inches | Material: Viscose from bamboo | Colors: 5
Best Egyptian Cotton
Home Decorators Collection Egyptian Cotton Bath Sheet
PHOTO: Home Depot
$22 at Home Depot
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Extremely soft to the touch
Large and cozy to wrap up in
Red Flags
Lost some softness after washing
Egyptian cotton is known for its luxurious feel. We can confirm this bath towel (more of a bath sheet, given its large size) is extremely soft. It has a dense, thick feel to it, and completely envelops you when you step out of the shower. Comparing the towel that was washed to the unwashed towel sample, there was a slight loss in softness and some shrinkage, but we experienced this with almost every towel on our list.
The towel took its time drying and was completely dry around the two-hour mark. We believe this is a durable and luxurious towel that, considering the low price, is a great value. Its extensive size adds to the quality, and it has options for multiple colors and sets, for added convenience.
We used this towel on and off for six months to continue testing its abilities in a real-world setting. We washed the towel weekly in an industrial apartment building laundry machine with warm water and tumbled it dry on a permanent press setting. We noticed the texture flattened a bit over those months, but that can be due in part to the type of detergent used and the intensity of the washing machine.
Measurements: 34.1 x 72 inches | Material: Egyptian cotton | Colors: 7
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
Best Quick-Dry
Parachute Soft Rib Towels
PHOTO: Parachute
$19 at Nordstrom
$19 at Parachute
View on Zola
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Absorbed a quarter-cup of water in seconds
Dried our hands completely with one pass
Neutral colors are great for those who prefer a minimalist design
Red Flags
Price is high
The neutral, earth-toned Parachute Soft Rib Towel stood out during the PEOPLE Tested process with its high absorbency and resilience. We were in awe that it dried our hands after just one swipe, and the towel completely absorbed one-quarter of a cup of water in seconds. It seems like this towel will only get better with time, as the long-staple Turkish cotton was unharmed by the washing process. We feel that this ultra-absorbent option may be a bit too high for some budgets, as there are other cost-effective options available.
Measurements: 28.75 x 53.25 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 7
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
Softest
Boll & Branch Plush Bath Towel
PHOTO: Boll & Branch
$48 at Bollandbranch.com
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton
Dried in under an hour; faster than others we tried
Red Flags
Didn&#;t absorb as much water because it seems to repel it
After our tests, there was one plush towel that stood out from the stack. We loved the Boll and Branch Plush Organic Cotton Bath Towel, which was made softer by its 100 percent organic cotton material. We appreciated the luxurious feel of this thick towel, which dried in just around an hour. It absorbed some water, but we noticed it actually repelled it more than anything. We were impressed with the towel&#;s durability and saw little to no changes after washing.
Measurements: 29.6 x 59 inches | Material: 100% organic cotton | Colors: 5
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
Best Large
Hammam Linen Jumbo Bath Sheets
PHOTO: Amazon
View on Amazon
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Absorbed a full bowl of water
Comfortable to wrap around you
Dried our hands after just a few passes
Red Flags
Shrunk by about three inches after washing
This is a towel you can completely wrap up in &#; perfect for post-shower lounging or when your favorite robe is in the wash. We usually prefer a larger towel, and this one is generous. Despite its size, this Turkish towel feels lightweight and is extra comfy. We won't say it's super plush, but it feels good wrapped around our shoulders.
For the absorption part of testing, the towel scored a perfect five-star rating. It also dried our hands after several passes and did not feel saturated or overly wet after these tests. It's machine washable, but we did notice a few inches of shrinkage after washing.
The bath towel continued to dazzle when we brought it home to try out for a longer period. It offers excellent absorption, has maintained its fluffy texture, and despite regular use and washing, hasn&#;t shown any major signs of wear after six months. The large size is easy to wrap up in, and the material dries you off efficiently.
Measurements: 34 x 68 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 15
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
The 12 Best Beach Towels of , Tested by Real People
Best Monogrammed
Ralph Lauren Payton Bath Towel
PHOTO: Bloomingdale's
View on Nordstrom
View on Bloomingdales
$29 at Dillards.com
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Luxurious feel
Dried lightning-fast
Red Flags
Could be overwhelming for petite frames
If you want to bring five-star hotel luxury into your home, consider adding the Ralph Lauren Payton Towel Collection into your rotation. It comes in 20 different colors, so you're sure to find one that fits in with your style. You can even add a monogrammed touch during checkout.
Upon initial inspection, we loved that it's thick but not overly plush (remember, it's a towel, not a blanket, so it needs to dry quickly). We washed it three times in the lab for good measure, and it came out of the machine stain-free, softer, and fluffier. Considering how thick it is, we were shocked at how quickly it dried (11 minutes!).
We continued testing this towel at home and fell more in love with its cozy feel, as you can literally wrap yourself up in it. It absorbs water beautifully and dries your body off in one pass. Overall, the towel has held up well and continues to dry fast with no sogginess.
Measurements: 35.5 x 72.5 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors: 20
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
Most Absorbent
Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Towel
PHOTO: Serena & Lily
View on Serena And Lily
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Both sides dried our hands quickly
Absorbed a bowl of water with ease
Super quick-drying
Red Flags
Couldn't find any
If you're searching for a Turkish bath towel that will absorb water as quickly as regular cotton, this lightweight option from Serena and Lily is for you. We loved that the towel has a simple but beautiful design, great color, and feels soft to the touch. During testing, both sides of the towel dried our hands fairly quickly and absorbed water without issue.
After a run through the washing machine, the towel's appearance didn't change, and it seems to have a durable construction that will last for a long time. Sometimes Turkish towels have the reputation of being too thin and not absorbent, but we liked that this one had a loop weave on the inside because it creates a stylish look and still dries really well.
We love the absorbency, lightweight feel, and quality construction &#; specifically the double weave and terrycloth back. We have used this towel frequently and it still looks like it did on the first day. The thin material washes and dries well, and it still offers a little fluff for comfort. It&#;s fashionable, functional, and easy to maintain &#; just wash with warm water and tumble dry on a low setting.
Measurements: 31 x 57 inches | Material: 420 GSM Turkish Aegean cotton | Colors: 3
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
Best for Guests
Parachute Cotton Bath Towel
PHOTO: Parachute
$14 at Parachute
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Showed very little wear and tear post-wash
Hanging loop for convenience
Thick but not too heavy
Red Flags
Lost softness with extensive use and washing
When it comes to guests, you&#;ll want a bath towel that is both comfortable and durable. We particularly liked the Parachute Organic Cotton Bath Sheet. It&#;s a plush, thick towel that&#;s large enough to be a bath sheet rather than just a standard bath towel. It has a classic textured design with a hanging loop to rest the towel on any bathroom hooks you have. The towel was extremely soft to start and did have a slightly rougher texture after we washed it. It has a decently thick pile but isn&#;t heavy.
The towel continued to impress in our real-world tests. It absorbed water quickly and remained durable. If we had to choose a con, it would just be that it lost some of its softness over time with extended use and washes. That&#;s why this would make a good guest towel because it won&#;t be used (and therefore washed) as often.
Measurements: 39.5 x 69 inches | Material: 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton | Colors: 3
Best Lightweight
Coyuchi Air Weight Towels
PHOTO: Wayfair
$48 at Wayfair
$8 at Coyuchi.com
View on Luluandgeorgia.com
Our Ratings
Star Qualities
Medium thickness dries you off well
Felt even softer and looked fluffier after washing
Red Flags
Smaller than other towels on the list
This towel is slightly smaller than other towels on our list, but in its small stature, it's extremely lightweight. And this quality, as well as the subtle ribbed design, makes it quick to dry your skin (as well as itself). Made with organic cotton, this towel feels similar to others we tested, not overly plush, but still soft.
It's not as thin as Turkish towels; it has a medium thickness, but it's still thinner than standard bath towels, which helps it absorb water quickly. The material felt softer after washing and even took on a slightly more fluffy appearance. So if you're looking for a lightweight towel with good absorption and soft material, this is the one to add to your linen closet.
For six months, this towel was added to our rotation of linens and it soon became a favorite. It has a soft, plush feel and works overtime in the absorption department, drying you off with ease. The quality hasn&#;t changed at all during this testing period, and if anything, the texture has even softened further. We washed it on a regular cycle once a week with warm water and other similar towels.
Measurements: 28.1 x 51.3 inches | Material: 100% organic cotton | Colors: 6
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
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