By Jasmine Harding | Updated Jan 22, 2024 3:01 PM
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Stepping out of the shower to envelop yourself in a fresh, plush towel is a small daily pleasure. Don’t skimp with a shabby towel. Thin, dingy, or threadbare towels not only feel rough against the skin but also absorb less water. For a post-shower routine that’s both luxurious and efficient, reach for a high-quality absorbent towel.
The best towels are soft, durable, and pleasant to touch but also sturdy enough to withstand daily use and frequent washing. According to Janet Wischnia, textile expert and founder of American Blossom Linens in Thomaston, Georgia, “The main factors to consider when purchasing towels are as follows: weight, size, hems and edges, construction, color, and fiber content.” These are the factors we expand upon ahead. Read on to find the features to look for in a quality bath towel, along with recommendations for the best towels on Amazon.
We researched the most-sought-after towels on Amazon in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their materials, fabric weight in grams per square meter (GSM), types of towels included, colorways, and other special features included in top brands. (For more information on GSM, see the Weight section that appears after our product reviews.)
While searching for the best bath towels on Amazon, the most popular types were standard cotton, Turkish cotton, microfiber, and Egyptian cotton towels with GSM weights ranging from 400 to 1,000. Wischnia is a fan of cotton towels, particularly organic options: “By far the most important factor, in my opinion, is fiber content, which should be cotton, as it is the most absorbent.” She cites Cotton Incorporated research, which found that four out of five people prefer cotton-rich towels. We also saw this in towel reviews; cotton towels were very popular and made up the majority of our picks.
Most of our award winners also conveniently come in sets of bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths, while others come with one or two bath towels for everyday use or other specific needs. Ranging from textured weaves, double-stitched designs, highly absorbent materials, and quick drying times, these top picks come in a variety of neutral and bright colorways to seamlessly integrate with your current bathroom decor.
Towels on Amazon come in a wide array of colors, materials, and textures to integrate with a bathroom’s style. Regardless of personal taste, the best towels on Amazon are soft and absorbent, and they hold up to frequent washes. Bring a touch of luxury to your shower routine with one of the best towels on Amazon.
Made of 100-percent Turkish cotton, these plush bath towels from Qute Home add a touch of luxury to a post-shower routine. The 550 GSM weight feels plush to the touch but isn’t too heavy. Long, dense Turkish cotton fibers absorb well and dry quickly. Double-stitched hems ensure these towels stand up to daily use and many washes.
This four-piece set includes four standard bath towels that each measure 54 inches long by 27 inches wide. The standard size, medium weight, and sturdy design make this towel set a good pick for everyday use. Available in both neutral tones and bright hues, these towels complement various bathroom styles and decors.
Get the Qute Home towels at Amazon.
White Classic’s elegant four-piece set adds the feel of a spa or resort to a home bathroom. Made of 100 percent cotton, these heavier, 700 GSM towels absorb water into their dense, fluffy pile. Reinforced, double-stitched hems prevent fraying and help withstand heavy use.
Each White Classic towel measures the standard 54 inches long by 27 inches wide. Choose classic white to recreate the clean look of a luxury hotel or spa. The other dozen-plus colors can complement a variety of bathroom decors. The line includes matching hand towels and washcloths, which are sold separately.
Get the White Classic towels at Amazon.
This eight-piece set from Utopia Towels is an affordable pick for filling a bathroom linen closet. Utopia’s set includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and four washcloths in a rich plum color. Each 100 percent cotton towel weighs 600 GSM, which gives it a plush feel. Ring-spun cotton loops sop up water to leave skin feeling fresh and dry, while the double-stitched hems prevent warping.
The bath towels come in a standard 54-inch-long by 27-inch-wide size for a comfortable wrap out of the shower. The washcloths measure 12 inches square, and the hand towels are a 28-inch-long by 16-inch-wide size.
Get the Utopia Towels at Amazon.
A thick ribbed pattern gives these towels from Classic Turkish Towels a sumptuous feel. The ribs elevate the look of the towel and improve drying and airflow. Premium Turkish cotton feels plush, absorbs well, and dries in a reasonable amount of time.
This set includes two 100 percent Turkish cotton standard bath towels that each weigh 620 GSM and measure 54 inches long by 27 inches wide. Double-stitched hems ensure that these towels stand up to regular washing. Each towel is Oeko-Tex certified, which means it’s manufactured without the use of some potentially harmful chemicals. Choose from clean white or other neutral and cool tones.
Get the Classic Turkish Towels at Amazon.
Those looking for a luxurious texture will want to consider a 100 percent Egyptian cotton oversize towel from Calla Angel. Its long, soft fibers, which are the distinguishing characteristic of Egyptian cotton, feel sumptuous to the touch.
Dense, tightly woven loops create a smooth finish that absorbs water quickly and stands up to heavy use. Keep in mind that this thick towel may take longer to dry. Measuring 63 inches long by 31 inches wide, the oversize towel comes in classic white with a simple embroidered chain design.
Get the Calla Angel towels at Amazon.
Microfiber towels may feel less plush than their cotton counterparts, but that synthetic material can soak up an impressive amount of water and still dry quickly. Made of 100 percent microfiber, these JML Home towels absorb up to seven times their weight in water. These features contribute to their appeal for everyday use, plus the 400 GSM towels also are a lightweight option for travel, camping, or going to the gym, pool, or beach.
The set includes two towels, each measuring 60 inches long by 30 inches wide, and is available in a wide variety of colors.
Get the JML Home Fashion towels at Amazon.
Luxurious and stylish jacquard detailing sets these Texere towels apart from other organic cotton towels. This set includes four bath towels (in white, though a few other colors are available), each with a double-faced diamond jacquard pattern, along with a small diamond pattern. Diagonal twill hem edges add to the towel’s durability and aesthetics.
Of course, a nice pattern isn’t the only feature that makes this towel feel spa worthy. It’s made from 700 GSM cotton and measures slightly larger than the standard 56 inches long by 30 inches wide. The cotton is 100 percent organic and Oeko-Tex certified as well, which means it’s tested and shown not to contain substances deemed harmful by the certifying body.
Get the Texere towels at Amazon.
With a pretty lattice waffle weave, Great Bay Home’s textured bath towels deliver on both form and function. Made of 100 percent cotton, the detailed pattern with a classic pique border brings a clean and modern look to the master or guest bath. The waffle-weave texture and looped cotton material absorb well and dry quickly after each use. The towels are manufactured to Oeko-Tex certification standards, lessening the chance of harmful chemicals.
This affordable six-piece set includes two standard bath towels that measure 54 inches long by 30 inches wide, two hand towels that measure 28 inches long by 16 inches wide, and two washcloths that measure 13 inches square, all of which come in a choice of several subdued neutral tones.
Get the Great Bay Home towels at Amazon.
Measuring 80 inches long by 40 inches wide, this towel from Cotton Paradise looks more like a blanket than a bath towel. The extra-large bath sheet provides cozy and cushy comfort after a quick shower or a long bath.
Made of 100 percent cotton, the towel isn’t only large, but it’s also fluffy and thick with a weight of 600 GSM. It may take longer to dry than lighter options. Choose from several colors, including white, navy, gray, and sage.
Get the Cotton Paradise towels at Amazon.
Buying a towel set is often more affordable than buying separate pieces, and it’s the best way to ensure that towels match. This set from American Soft Linen is highly rated for good reason. Each towel is made using soft 100 percent Turkish cotton. The towel set comes at a reasonable price and includes two bath towels measuring 54 inches long by 27 inches wide, two hand towels measuring 28 inches long by 16 inches wide, and two 13-inch square washcloths.
This set is available in a wide array of colors, many of which will appeal to shoppers who love vivid hues. Some examples include aqua blue, violet purple, Malibu peach, and lemon yellow. Though not organic, these towels are Oeko-Tex certified.
Get the American Soft Linen towels at Amazon.
Made of a blend of soft cotton and microfiber, this towel from Everplush brings together the best of both worlds in a soft diamond jacquard texture. For optimal drying, the towel features a looped cotton-blend fabric, which consists of an inner microfiber loop and an outer cotton loop. The smart design provides the soft feel of cotton and the fast drying time of microfiber. Everplush’s towel or bath sheet can soak up eight times its weight in water and still dry fairly quickly.
This large bath towel measures 56 inches long by 30 inches wide and also comes in a 66-inch-long by 35-inch-wide bath sheet size. Choose from nine bright and neutral colors.
Get the Everplush towels at Amazon.
Towels are listed on Amazon in a wide variety of materials, sizes, thicknesses, and colors. Choosing the best towels for the home may feel like an overwhelming task, but keep the following factors in mind to make a smart choice. Consider the material, texture, size, weight, absorbency, and quality when choosing a new set of towels.
A towel’s material and texture affect its absorbency and feel. Common materials include cotton, Egyptian cotton, Turkish cotton, cotton blends, bamboo, and microfiber.
Standard bath towels measure between 52 to 56 inches long by 27 to 30 inches wide. Oversize towels, also known as bath sheets, are larger and measure 60 to 70 inches long by 35 to 40 inches wide.
Standard bath towels are probably the most versatile. However, towels on the smaller side (52 inches long by 27 inches wide) may be better suited to children or smaller adults, while larger bath towels provide more coverage.
Those looking for a larger towel and a luxurious feel may want to opt for an oversize bath sheet, which has a large surface area and offers an extra-cozy wrap. But large towels can take longer to dry and take up more storage space.
Fabric weight is measured in grams per square meter. A lower GSM means a thinner and lighter fabric, while towels made with a higher GSM comprise a denser, heavier fabric. Towels generally range between 300 and 900 GSM. The best towel weight is a matter of personal preference.
Lighter towels, such as those with a GSM of about 300 to 400, are less dense but dry more quickly, especially in humid climates where denser towels may take some time to dry. They may feel a bit coarse to the touch, like a thin beach or gym towel. Most towels average about 400 to 600 GSM. Towels weighing over 600 GSM have a luxurious, weighty feel and a denser pile. These towels often take longer to dry on a towel bar, hook, or a bathroom’s towel warmer.
It’s tough to measure absorbency by looking at a towel online. Both material and texture play a part.
A towel’s thickness isn’t a perfect measure of its absorbency. For example, some waffle weave or microfiber towels absorb water extremely well despite their low pile. However, in many cases, thicker towels with a higher GSM are more absorbent. One downside to thicker towels is that they can take longer to dry, which can pose a challenge in humid climates or cramped bathrooms. Very absorbent towels also can soak up more than just water, mopping up sweat, body oils, and soap, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Thinner, lighter towels may absorb less moisture, but they usually dry more quickly. A faster-drying towel may be more hygienic because a towel that stays damp too long can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
Towels are made in a variety of colors and patterns. Opt for classic white or choose bright colors or funky designs. Regardless of color or pattern, fade-resistant towels stay looking fresh and new even after regular washing. Although it’s difficult to gauge a towel’s colorfastness, choosing a towel from a reputable brand with favorable reviews should yield longer-lasting colors.
To maintain color, avoid contact with benzoyl peroxide, a common skin-care ingredient in acne products. This ingredient can bleach colored towels and leave splotches long before they start to fade. White towels are the best choice for those who use benzoyl peroxide frequently.
Once you’ve chosen the best bath towels for your needs, proper cleaning and care help keep your towels soft and absorbent for years. Keep reading for some frequently asked questions and answers about choosing and maintaining towels.
The best type of towel for your needs depends on your personal preferences and budget. Consider such factors as the towel material, texture, size, weight, and design when making a choice.
Follow the manufacturer’s washing directions. In general, microfiber towels should be washed in cold or warm water (not hot) using a gentle detergent to avoid odors or unwanted smells. Wash microfiber towels only with other microfiber towels—other fabric types can make the microfiber fibers less effective. Also avoid using fabric softeners, which can gunk up a towel’s fibers.
First, they start with high-quality, fluffy towels with a higher GSM measurement (higher than 600 GSM is ideal). Hotels wash towels only with other towels to prevent lint transfer and use softer water, which usually makes the fabric feel softer. They avoid ultra-high temperatures, which can damage fibers. Also, although it sounds counterintuitive, they usually avoid fabric softener, which can cause buildup on towels.
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