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These ultra-soft, highly absorbent bath towels will turn your bathroom into a hotel spa. Softest Bath Towels
Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she's an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants.
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
When it comes to bath linens, a lot comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer a plush, fluffy towel; others are partial to lightweight towels made of thinner materials that dry quickly. For some, size is a priority, and a roomy bath sheet with ample fabric to wrap yourself in might be the goal. A towel’s weave, origins, and decorative embellishments can also be a matter of preference.
Still, while preference plays a role, there are some features you simply expect in a good bath towel. “Thread count is a good indicator of quality,” explains textile expert Deborah Young. Most importantly, you want it to be well-made and feel good against your skin. Bath towels should also be durable, hold up well after going through the wash, and successfully absorb water so you can dry yourself efficiently.
In addition to Young, we also consulted Saana Baker, a textile expert with 25 years of experience based in San Francisco.
We tested the quality, absorbency, texture, durability, and dry time of each bath towel we tested.
For more information on how we tested bath towels in our lab, check out our testing process below.
This towel maintains its luxurious texture post-wash and abrasion testing and does not hold onto stains like mascara or foundation.
It should be washed on a gentle cycle, not a normal cycle.
The Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Towel is our top pick for the best bath towel because it feels and looks high quality. During our testing, we found that it absorbed water well and dried quickly as its name promises.
Though this towel only has a GSM of 550, it is made with a 100% organic long staple Turkish cotton that feels soft, plush, and luxurious. We also love that these bath towels are available in 14 different colors, which makes it easy to match these classic towels to your existing bathroom decor.
During testing, we found that this towel lived up to its quick-drying name—it dried in less than an hour. We were surprised by its drying efficiency, especially due to its dense and fluffy texture, which usually takes longer to dry completely.
“I’ve tested quite a few different towels from different brands over the past few years, but this one is hands down my favorite. It has the perfect balance of being plush yet lightweight, and it’s always dry by the time I go to use it again. This is my main towel now—I get disappointed when it’s in the wash and I have to use a different bath towel.” -Brandi Fuller, shopping editor, Better Homes & Gardens
We loved that the quality of these towels was virtually the same before and after washing three times—they still felt brand new after laundering. We did note that, after abrading one piece of the towel with a scrub brush, it was slightly matted compared to the rest of the towel, but it was barely noticeable.
The mascara and foundation stains were gone after just one wash, which is impressive and bodes well for a towel that gets a lot of use day-to-day. It does need to be washed in a delicate cycle, so be sure to follow the laundering instructions to help keep it plush over time.
Product Details: Material: Organic Long Staple Turkish Cotton | Dimensions: 28 x 55 inches | Colors: 14 | GSM: 550
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The fluffy, spa-like texture of this towel made it a popular choice among us.
It’s slower drying than most of the towels on this list.
True to its name, the Garnet Hill Cloud-Loft Towel scored rave reviews for its wonderful soft-as-a-cloud texture. We appreciated the towel’s thickness and overall quality and felt that it was the ideal combination of plushness and softness.
It’s made of long-staple Turkish cotton, a material that’s known for being luxurious and soft. We liked that it felt thick and spa-like without being overly bulky. The high-quality details are a selling point, too, especially the detailed border that gives the towel a stylish look and feel.
Even after multiple washes, the Garnet Hill Cloud-Loft Towel retained its high-end texture. There was only the slightest difference in softness post-wash, but overall the towel still felt very plush and cozy.
There were some visible signs of wear after the abrasion test (the brush produced a grape-sized amount of fabric debris, though there were no holes or loose loops). We were impressed that the fabric fully repelled the mascara and foundation stains, too.
Price-wise, this is on the higher end of the bath towels we reviewed, but we felt that the cost was reasonable given the quality. The only thing to keep in mind with this towel is dry time; even after two hours, the thick, plush fabric remained damp, so it’s definitely not the fastest-drying towel on our list.
Product Details: Material: Long-staple Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 28.25 x 51.5 inches | Colors: Six | GSM: 750
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This towel dried efficiently and quickly, making it suitable for frequent use.
It’s not as durable as other options we tested, and the foundation stain didn’t completely come out in the wash.
For less than $20 for two towels, the Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towels pleasantly surprised us during testing. Made of 100% cotton with a terry construction, these bath towels have a ribbed design and come in classic colors like white, washed black, light gray, gold, and aqua. They may be affordable, but they look luxurious.
This towel promised to be quick-drying, and we found that it was completely dry after an hour. Combined with the fact that it is absorbent, this would be a great towel for everyday use—it absorbs quickly and effectively, but also dries quickly to prevent any mold or mildew smells.
After washing the bath towels three times, these towels felt less plush and, though there were no visible snags or loose threads, felt slightly more coarse. We found that the abraded area—which we caused while testing durability with 50 swipes of a scrub brush—was very noticeable.
While the mascara stains were completely gone after being put through the wash, the foundation stains were still slightly visible after washing. We found that it may be necessary to treat both sides of the towel with laundry stain remover as the foundation seemed to leak through.
Overall, we were impressed with the absorbency and dry time of the towels since they have a much lower price point that other towels on our list.
Product Details: Material: 100% terry cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 54 inches | Colors: Five | GSM: 450 to 550
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This towel retained its plushness and quality after washing.
We found that the decorative bands on these towels were rough to the touch.
After testing, we found that the Frontgate Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel is well worth the higher price tag thanks to its softness, absorbency, and ability to dry quickly. Made of 100% Egyptian cotton that’s stronger and more absorbent than regular cotton, it’s available in multiple colors: white, ivory, khaki, carbon, pewter, steel blue, midnight blue, and sage green.
This towel weighs in at 800 GSM, making it one of the plushest and densest towels we tested. While some towels shed or lost the plush texture after the first wash, this towel retained its plushness and quality after three washes.
Even after we abraded the towel, we could not see any signs of wear in that area after washing. Additionally, the mascara and foundation stains were completely removed after one wash.
This towel impressed us during the absorption and drying tests, passing with flying colors. Where it really shined was the drying test. Sometimes, plush towels can take longer to dry, but we found that is not the case with this towel. After 60 minutes, the towel was completely dry.
Keep in mind that these towels have a 4-inch decorative jacquard chain-link dobby on both ends (which you can have monogrammed, if you choose) and we found that these were rather rough in comparison to the super soft weave.
Product Details: Material: Egyptian cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 58 inches | Colors: Eight | GSM: 800
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This very large, very thick bath sheet is very well constructed, and a great value for a set of two.
After washing, this towel lost a lot of its softness.
The Italic Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towels weighs in at a whopping 800 grams per square meter, making it a super dense option. It is well-made and high-quality—there were no loose threads, snags, or defects either before or after washing during testing.
Its size is impressive, being large enough to cover a taller person with room to spare. It’s thirsty, too, soaking up ample water in our absorbency test. We found that it released makeup stains with no residue left behind.
For all this heft, one might think it would take a long time to dry, but not so—it was dry within 90 minutes. And it handled our abrading test with ease, with no significant changes to the towel’s surface or appearance. It looks and feels like absolute luxury, which makes its price for a pack of two all the more amazing. Our only complaint is that it’s not as soft as other towels we tested.
Product Details: Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 64.5 x 40 inches | Colors: Four | GSM: 800
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It has a dual texture, with a waffle weave on one side and terry knit on the other.
We found that this towel became less soft after washing.
Towels made with a waffle weave have a texture that is absorbent and fast-drying. Typically, they can be a bit rougher and less plush than their terry counterparts, but the Boll & Branch Waffle Terry Bath Towel impressed us by combining the two. It has a dual-texture design that features a waffle weave on one side, while the other is soft terry loops.
Made of 100% cotton, this bath towel is slightly longer than most standard towels at 58 inches long, with a width of 30 inches. It comes in four neutral colors, and has a hook loop for easy hanging, which we felt helped the towel dry more quickly.
This towel was very absorbent, soaking up 4 ounces of water entirely with no problem. When it came to drying time, the towel showed no moisture at the end of the hour-long dry cycle, during which we left it hanging on a drying rack to air dry.
Per the care instructions, shedding on the first wash and dry cycle is natural, and will eventually dissipate over time. We didn’t notice that the towel shed, but we did notice that it became slightly less soft after the first wash when comparing the washed towel to an unwashed towel. The two stains were completely gone, and we couldn’t tell where the abraded or treated areas were.
Product Details: Material: 100% organic cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 58 inches | Colors: Four | GSM: 450 to 550
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This is a high-quality, attractive towel that’s nice and roomy.
It became slightly less soft after being washed.
If you reserve the best bath towels in your house for guests, you’d be proud to offer them the Quince Turkish Spa Bath Towel. We loved this terry cloth towel’s plush texture and the soft, spongy feel of its 100% long-staple Turkish cotton.
Although the retailer doesn’t list GSM, we found this to be a medium-weight towel that felt very substantial. At 27 x 54 inches, it may not be quite big enough to qualify as a bath sheet, but it’s still roomy enough to feel luxurious. We found the proportions were generous, and easily wrapped around us with extra length to spare.
In tests for durability, the Quince bath towel fared very well. The fabric didn’t develop any loose threads or snags, and the color resisted fading and discoloration. And while we did feel that the fabric became just slightly less soft, overall it remained lovely and plush after multiple washes.
Appearance-wise, this is a well-constructed towel with an attractive banner that you’d be happy to display in a guest bathroom. It’s worth noting, though, that there are no other extra features or decorative embellishments, if that’s something that’s important to you. Color options are more limited, but it’s offered in classic neutrals like ivory, silver, and mineral.
Product Details: Material: Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 27 x 54 inches | Colors: Five | GSM: Not listed
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This organic cotton towel is a good size—somewhere between a typical bath towel and a bath sheet.
The towel deteriorated during our durability test, suffering broken loops and fuzzing.
Made from GOTS-certified Turkish cotton, the Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Bath Towels stands out from the rest with its plush ribbed texture and its hefty size (about 58 x 30 inches). That puts it somewhere between a typical bath towel and the larger bath sheet—plenty of cotton for drying off while still small enough to fold and easily store in a linen closet.
It absorbed lots of water in our testing, and it dried pretty quickly (in less than two hours), which is great considering its larger size. Makeup stains washed out of it easily and left behind no traces, and multiple washes did not compromise the towel’s good looks one bit. The GOTS certification means the cotton is organic and its processing was environmentally and socially responsible.
We did notice some pilling and loop breakage during the durability test, where we abraded the towel with a brush. As for value, its price is in the middle of the pack for two towels, but we weren’t quite sold that this pick is worth that much, especially compared to other options.
Product Details: Material: Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 58x30 inches | Colors: Four | GSM: 560
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This towel wowed us with its soft, thick, plush construction that held up well during washing.
It isn’t as absorbent as other towels we tested and took longer to dry.
Both before and after washing, the Restoration Hardware Turkish Towel Set boasted major loft, super softness, and deep terrycloth loops. It didn’t fade or wear with a turn through the washer and dryer, and maintained its handsome appearance and dense pile. It released makeup stains with ease, and it performed well in our durability test, with no loose fibers or fuzz.
This might be due, at least in part, to the long-staple Turkish cotton, whose fibers are longer and don’t pill as easily as other fabrics. Towels made with long-staple cotton maintain a tighter weave and smoother surface.
This beauty also comes in an array of 15 really lovely colors (several neutrals and a few pretty blues), so you’re likely to find just the one to match your bathroom. It exceeded our expectations in terms of washing, durability, and overall feel, and it’s definitely worth the price.
The only issue we noticed with this Turkish towel: It wasn’t as absorbent as other towels, and it took a bit longer to dry—which might be because it’s so thick and dense.
Product Details: Material: Long-staple Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 56 x 30 inches | Colors: 15 | GSM: 750
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If tantalizing colors are high on your list, look no further than these gorgeous hues, all rendered in textured organic cotton.
This towel is on the smaller side and it feels a little thin.
Coordinating towels are a budget-savvy way to put the finishing touch on a bathroom, but it can be hard to find well-priced towels in sophisticated colors. That’s why we’re taken with the 10 high-end hues on the West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towels, which range from pale pastels to rich darks, every last one of them stylish and attractive.
In addition to the great color options, these towels feature a loop for hanging them to dry, a lighter weight, and nice softness. The color did not fade with washing, and the towel let go of makeup stains completely, leaving no marks behind. It’s also priced competitively and certified by GOTS and OEKO-TEX.
At first feel, the towel comes across as a bit thin, and its woven texture looks like it could snag with regular use. When we abraded the towel with a bristle brush for a durability test, the towel pilled and degraded somewhat, though the underlying fabric did not appear stressed.
Product Details: Material: Organic cotton | Dimensions: 54 x 28 inches | Colors: 10 | GSM: 500
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It is supremely soft, and still dries quickly despite its thickness.
We found that the loop used for hanging this towel felt weak and prone to tearing.
The soft, fluffy, high quality Crane & Canopy Plush Towel Essentials Bundle9 is our pick for the best bath towel set. This set includes two washcloths, two hand towels, and two bath towels which, considering the quality of these bath towels, is well worth the price tag. We also love that the towel set can be monogrammed, which will add a personalized touch to your bathroom.
During testing, this towel set impressed us with its softness. Made of long staple Turkish cotton, these towels have a GSM of 600, which makes them feel dense and plush.
When it came to absorbency and dry time, this set performed well and absorbed water with ease. The towels were completely dry after one hour, which impressed us, considering how plush they are—we had anticipated them taking longer to dry.
On top of feeling luxurious, the bath towel, hand towel, and washcloths all passed our durability test, barely showing signs of abrasion. They had no visible stains left in the fabric after laundering, and we found that they actually managed to become even softer after washing and drying.
We liked that this towel featured a loop that can be used to hang the towel, we felt that it was flimsy and weak compared to the loop featured on the Boll & Branch Waffle Terry Bath Towel.
Product Details: Material: 100% long staple Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 56 inches | Colors: Four | GSM: 600
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These generously sized and reasonably priced towels dried faster than any other towel we tested.
Several snags in the fabric were noticeable before we even used the towel, and makeup stains did not come out in the wash.
With a handsome band on one end and a loop for hanging, the Nate Home by Nate Berkus Cotton Terry Bath Towel Set is simple, modern, and attractive.
It's absorbent but still very quick-drying—it took just an hour to dry completely, which was the fastest of the towels we tested. It also held up well in our durability test, with almost no pulling or fuzzing after we abraded it with a bristle brush.
Because bath sheets can take up a lot of space in a linen closet when they’re folded, we liked having a loop as an option for hanging the towel on a hook. And the price for two bath sheets is quite affordable.
However, the drawbacks were evident early on. Out of the package, the towels had several snags in the fabric, though these snags did not worsen with multiple washes. And makeup stains did not come out with laundering; traces of both mascara and foundation were clearly visible even after washing.
Product Details: Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 70 x 40 inches | Colors: Two | GSM: 608
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This towel is plush and soft, but still dries very quickly.
We noticed that the towels had a few loose threads after washing.
The Saatva Plush Towels impressed us by being extremely soft and plush, but still scoring incredibly well when it came to absorbency and dry time.
Available in three colors, the Saatva Plush Towels are made of 100% cotton that feels high quality and soft, without being too plush to absorb moisture.
We love that it has a brand tag that doubles as a loop, and is stitched on both sides of the towel, so one side doesn’t snag or stretch out with use. It measures 30 by 53 inches, which is a bit longer than traditional bath towels, though not big enough to be considered a bath sheet.
We found that the Saatva Plush Towels were extremely absorbent, and we were particularly impressed by the towel’s dry time. Though they are thick and heavy, we found that these towels were almost entirely dry after 60 minutes.
After we washed the towel, we found that it was just as plush and soft as it was before being laundered. Keep in mind that, after washing and drying according to the care instructions, we found a few loose threads on the towel. It passed our stain test with flying colors, though—we couldn’t even find the mascara or foundation stains after washing.
Product Details: Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 53 inches | Colors: Three | GSM: Not listed
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The Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Towel is our pick for the best bath towel over all thanks to its thick, luxurious texture and impressive drying time. It maintained a “like new” texture after testing, staining, abrading, and washing, proving that it would be a great choice for an everyday towel.
Over the past few years, we have continuously tested bath towels to ensure we are recommending the best products for our readers. At the time of publishing, we have tested 152 bath towels. We started our testing process by laying out the towel on the table and measuring it before washing.
This made it possible to determine whether or not each towel shrank after being laundered. We also recorded fiber content, and inspected the quality and feel of the towel, noting any features, like an extra loop for hanging, piping, or edging.
Then, we washed and dried each bath towel two times, drying them once. After laundering, we inspected the quality once again, looking for color fading or change in texture. We compared the washed towels against a towel that has never been washed, and we measured the towel again.
Next, we tested the towel’s absorbency. We folded the towel so that the entire weight could be measured by a scale, first recording its weight while totally dry in ounces.
Then, we put 4 ounces of water into a bowl, submerging the upper half of the towel into the bowl to absorb the water. We did not wring out the towel, but we did allow any excess water to drip off for 10 seconds. Then, we weighed the towel again, recording its new weight.
Because towels are used often, we then tested how each towel handled stains, using mascara and foundation, allowing them to sit for five minutes. We then treated them with a stain remover and washed and dried them.
Next, we tested durability by laying the towel on the table and using a scrub brush 50 times. We took note of the quality of the abraded area after brushing.
Finally, we measured out 2 ounces of water into a spray bottle. We placed the towels flat and sprayed the water all over the surface. We used a moisture meter to determine the moisture level in three spots while laid out flat.
Then, we hung the towel up, ensuring there was no overlap, and set a timer for 30 minutes. We checked on the towels in 30 minute increments until the towel felt dry to the touch, using the moisture meter to record the moisture level again at 30 and 60 minutes.
At this time, we inspected the stains from the mascara and foundation, so see how well they washed out. Finally, we considered the value of the towel to determine if their quality matched their price tag.
The type of materials used to make a bath towel will impact the towel’s absorbency, drying speed, softness, and plushness. Some commonly used towel materials include:
When shopping for the best bath towels, pay attention to the dimensions of the towel listed on the retailer’s website. Bath sheets are always bigger than bath towels, but there can be size variability within each, too. The average bath towel dimensions are around 27 inches wide by 52 inches long; bath sheets are larger and tend to be around 35 by 60 inches.
Size mostly comes down to preference, but keep in mind that if you purchase a bath towel that's too small for you, you may not be able to fully wrap it around your body or dry off thoroughly with it. Bigger bath towels feel especially luxurious, but they may be harder to store when folded.
In addition to the material a bath towel is made of, there are a number of other features you may want to keep in mind as you shop:
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Weight is a major consideration when shopping for bath towels. You’ll notice that retailers list their bath towel’s GSM, which stands for grams per square meter. This measurement indicates how light or heavy the towel’s fabric is: A towel with a GSM between 300 to 400 is lightweight, one between 400 to 620 is moderate weight, and 620 to 900 is the heaviest weight.
GSM can be helpful if you’re looking for a bath towel with a specific weight or density. If you know you prefer a thinner, lightweight towel that will dry quickly, for example, you’ll want to look for a lower GSM when shopping. But if you’re partial to a plush, cozy towel, a product with a higher GSM would be the best bath towel for you.
The Mainstays 10 Piece Bath Towel Set was very lightweight and absorbent, but we found that its texture made it unpleasant to use—it was not soft, smooth, or fluffy. It also did not wash well, turning a completely different hue after washing twice, and it showed signs of wear and tear. Because of its poor performance, we didn’t feel comfortable recommending it.
Though we liked how durable and well-made the Nordstrom Hydrocotton Bath Towel was, it ultimately lost points for texture. Unwashed, the bath towel—which is 100% cotton, OEKO-TEX certified, and available in a variety of soothing colors—had a soft, comforting feel. But we noticed a clear difference in fabric texture after the towel had gone through the wash. It lost some of its fluffiness, and we felt that it actually seemed like a different towel.
With a relatively high GSM of 700 and excellent absorbency, the Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Towel feels like a luxury-quality bath towel. But it wasn’t as durable as some of the other towels we tested. It was visibly damaged after the abrasion test and we noted that it looked noticeably duller and used after a few washes. For that reason, it didn’t make the cut as one of our best bath towels.
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The main difference between bath towels and bath sheets is simply size—a bath sheet is always going to be bigger. Bath towels measure between 27 to 30 inches wide by 52 to 56 inches in length, while bath sheets measure between 35 and 40 inches wide by 60 to 70 inches in length.
In addition to size, bath sheets also dry more efficiently and tend to be more expensive. Bath towels are more affordable but slightly less efficient when it comes to drying time.
Because bath towels are smaller, they may also be a tighter fit to wrap around your body; the bigger size of bath sheets can make them feel more luxurious.
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GSM stands for grams per square meter and is a measurement of a bath towel’s weight. Although it’s not necessarily an indicator of quality, GSM can be helpful to determine how heavy or dense a bath towel’s fabric is and how long it would take to dry. The higher the GSM, the heavier the towel, as well as the softer and more absorbent it is.
“[GSM] is a personal preference,” says Baker. Some people like a cozy, heavier towel, while others prefer a lightweight, thinner towel that’s faster drying.
In bath towels, GSM typically ranges from 300 to 900 grams per square meter:
When shopping for bath towels, much comes down to personal preference. Depending on what you like in a towel—plush or thin fabric, terry cloth or waffle weave, standard or superior absorbency—you’ll want to consider the towel’s materials, size, and weight. But generally, bath towel quality is impacted by fiber content, fabric weight, and construction.
If you’re not sure what kinds of towels you like, Baker recommends purchasing a few washcloths from different brands and using them at home for a few weeks. This can help you determine if you like the towel’s fabric, and whether it washes well and holds up over time.
In addition, as with bed sheets, thread count can be a useful measurement to keep in mind when buying bath towels, although retailers don’t list it as frequently as they do GSM. Thread count refers to the number of threads, or plies, woven into the fabric of towels in either direction.
A higher thread count doesn’t always mean a better towel, but it may be something to consider, especially when you think about long-term use. “If they’re a lower thread count, they’ll run and snag easier and they’ll go bald quicker,” says Young.
And again, while GSM is very personal—and high GSM isn’t necessarily an indicator of a better-quality bath towel—this measurement can be helpful to determine the towel’s weight or density.
The towels we tested range from $19 to $89 each, though you could probably spend less and definitely spend more. Many come in sets that can include multiple bath towels, washcloths, hand towels, bath towels, and bath sheets. These often cost more—the best bath towel sets we tested range from $55 to $100—but they can also be a great value.
It depends on the quality and how often you use them. Towels in the guest bathroom will likely last longer than the ones put through the ringer every day. With proper care—following the manufacturer’s recommendations for washing and drying—the best bath towels should last at least a few years. And even after they start to fray (one of the first signs of age in a towel), they’re still perfectly serviceable for use in the garage, pet care, or in the yard.
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Andrea Wurzburger is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To update this article, she spent several hours researching the best bath towels and analyzing and comparing results from our lab testing.
Kathleen Felton is a freelance writer originally from Connecticut, now living in Sydney, Australia, covering home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list of the best bath towels, she analyzed lab insights from our testing site in Des Moines, Iowa.
They also consulted two experts: Deborah Young, a textile expert specializing in textile science, textile design, and textile history with 25 years of experience as an educator based in Los Angeles; and Saana Baker, a textile expert with 25 years of experience and the editor-in-chief at The Textile Eye, a trend and show report on high-end home textiles, surface design, fiber arts, and interior design based in San Francisco.
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
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