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We've Tested Over 90 Bath Towels. These Are the Best.
We spent six years evaluating countless styles in the Lab and at home.
Tested by While everyone has their own idea of what the "perfect bath towel" is, one thing I bet we can agree on is that it should be absorbent enough to dry you off, feel comfortable against your skin and stand up to repeated use and laundering. Though, it doesn't hurt to have one that dries quickly after it gets wet.
As a fiber scientist in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I have tested more than 90 different towels with my team during past six years — both in the Lab and at home. Not only do we test for absorbency, drying time, durability (including washability and fabric strength) and more using specialized equipment, but we also work with hundreds of consumer testers across the nation to find out which towels are truly the best of the best.
Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Quick-Dry Towel
Pros
- Plush without feeling heavy
- Highly absorbent
- Fabric held up to repeated laundering
Cons
- Doesn't dry as quickly as other towels we tested
✔️ LAB TEST RESULTS:
- Absorbency: 5/5
- Drying speed: 4/5
- Softness: 4.7/5
- Durability: 4/5
Material: 100% organic Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 28" x 50" | Fabric weight: 550 GSM | Colors: 16 | Matching pieces: Washcloth, hand towel, bath sheet
This towel from Pottery Barn outperformed more than 90 other bath towels in our tests. It's luxurious yet not too heavy, with a soft, fluffy pile and lightweight backing fabric. The towel is made of Turkish cotton and is certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
It stood out in the Lab, earning perfect absorbency ratings for soaking up all fluid without any liquid runoff, and it received high scores for softness. Beyond that, the towel held up well to wash testing — the fabric looked and felt good with just minor shrinkage, even after 20 wash cycles. Although the towel is named "Quick-Dry," it did take longer than some other towels to dry during our evaluations.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: Testers gave it high ratings for softness, absorbency and appearance and especially loved its plush feel, with many describing it as "comfy," "so fluffy" and the "ideal towel." One tester said, "I thought I had pretty soft towels until I tried this one. It is soft, buttery, fluffy, just pure amazingness on skin." Another said, "[It] is ultra-soft, luxurious and truly elevated my showering experience."
I tried it at home and agree: It has stayed soft despite repeated use and feels lighter than other absorbent towels I've tried.
RELATED: The Best Turkish Towels
Amazon Basics Quick-Dry Bath Towels, 2-Pack
Pros
- Low cost for a set of two
- Soft and lightweight
- Users said it looks and feels more expensive than it is
Cons
- Not ideal for those who prefer thick, substantial towels
- Some shrinkage after laundering
✔️ LAB TEST RESULTS:
- Absorbency: 3.5/5
- Drying speed: 3.5/5
- Softness: 4/5
- Durability: 3.8/5
Material: 100% cotton | Dimensions: 30" x 54" | Fabric weight: Not listed | Colors: 4 | Matching pieces: Bath sheet, hand towel, washcloth
If you're looking to save money or prefer to buy towels on Amazon for the free and fast Prime shipping, this set was a surprising standout in our tests and costs under $10 per towel (two bath towels per pack). The towel feels lightweight — it's thinner and less dense than other towels — yet it's still super soft.
During in-Lab tests, the towel was somewhat absorbent, but it didn't soak up fluid as easily as other options and it also shrank a bit after laundering. Still, its performance for the price can't be beat; it even managed to hold up alongside much more expensive towels, maintaining its softness over time in the wash.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: Not all testers loved its lightweight feel, especially those that typically prefer the heftier weight of a luxe towel. Although they agreed that it feels soft and absorbent during real use after showers.
I've been using this one at home to get a sense of how it compares to the others we recommend and have been impressed how it feels more expensive than it actually is. Other analysts agreed: One of them said it felt similar to a towel more than three times the price upon first touch.
RELATED: The Best Bath Towels on Amazon
Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel
Pros
- Ultra absorbent
- Holds up well to repeated laundering
- Testers loved the appearance
Cons
- Not quick drying
✔️ LAB TEST RESULTS:
- Absorbency: 5/5
- Drying speed: 3/5
- Softness: 4.3/5
- Durability: 4.2/5
Material: 100% Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 30" x 58" | Fabric weight: 700 GSM | Colors: 25 | Matching pieces: Bath sheet, hand towel, washcloth, bath mat
Frontgate's towel uses long-staple Turkish cotton fibers (smoother and more durable than traditional cotton) for a thick, luxurious texture. These quality towels have a substantial feel with a sturdy base fabric and fluffy pile, and they come in 20+ colors to coordinate with your bathroom decor.
They performed exceptionally well in our absorbency tests, but like most highly absorbent towels we test, these weren't the quickest drying towels we evaluated. They earned moderate scores for drying speed.
While I noticed some shrinkage after 20 washes, the fabric proved strong and durable with no major signs of wear after laundering — impressive for such a thick towel. Many heavyweight towels start to feel stiff after repeated use, but this one notably maintained its plushness.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: At-home users highlighted the towel's softness and said it looked great after repeated use. One described it as having "a classic, plush feel and a substantial hand," while adding, "These have stayed soft after months of use thus far." Users also complimented the appearance and one called it "a perfect size to wrap around my body."
Everplush Diamond Jacquard Quick Dry Bath Towel
Pros
- Lightweight and soft
- Aced absorbency and drying time tests
- Loved by GH Textile pros and testers
Cons
- Showed signs of wear in wash tests
✔️ LAB TEST RESULTS:
- Absorbency: 5/5
- Drying speed: 5/5
- Softness: 4.4/5
- Durability:4.1/5
Material: 60% microfiber, 40% cotton | Dimensions: 30" x 56" | Fabric weight: Not listed | Colors: 10 (some low stock) | Matching pieces: Bath sheet, hand towel, washcloth
My personal favorite towel, this quick-dry towel has a unique construction unlike anything else we've tested. The outside of the towel has cotton fibers for softness, but there's microfiber on the inside for enhanced performance. The result is a towel with an excellent balance of absorbency, strength and shrink-resistance that's also quick drying.
One thing to note is that the surface of the fabric showed fuzzy signs of wear more quickly than other towels in our laundering evaluations. Still, it was a top performer and the only towel to ace both absorbency and drying time tests. Along with bath towels and bath sheets, you can purchase separate packs of wash cloths and hand towels. We're also fans of the brand's Hokime Ribbed Towels, another top performer in our tests that have an even more textured feel.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: One tester highlighted its plush yet lightweight feel saying, "It was like being wrapped in a cloud." Another remarked, "If I could replace all my home towels with this one, I would." Testers also noted that they liked the texture, which looks and feels different than typical cotton loops.
Some testers found this towel fared best when hung on a rack, claiming it didn't stay put as well on a hook. Along with being loved by myself and testers, other GH analysts are also admirers of the towels, including one who dubbed it her "go-to guest towel" and shared that guests are always inquiring about where they're from.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Everplush Diamond Jacquard Towel
Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels, 2-Pack
Pros
- Plush, thick feel
- Didn't shed lint in wash tests
- Super absorbent construction
Cons
- Some shrinkage after laundering
✔️ LAB TEST RESULTS:
- Absorbency: 5/5
- Drying speed: 3/5
- Softness: 4.8/5
- Durability: 3.9/5
Material: 100% Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 30" x 58" | Fabric weight: 820 GSM | Colors: 13 (some limited edition) | Matching pieces: Bath sheet, hand towel, washcloth, bath mat
Ideal for anyone who prefers the comfort of a soft, dense towel, the Super-Plush towel from Brooklinen is made with cotton fabric that has the heaviest weight of all our picks at a whopping 820 GSM. This helped it achieve excellent absorbency in Lab evaluations and superior softness ratings in our consumer tester reviews.
Another distinction is that it didn't shed lint in the wash — a common concern with plush towels. The towel did have some shrinkage after laundering, and it wasn't quick drying yet it still earned moderate scores for dry time, which is impressive for a towel that's just so plush.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: The Super-Plush towel was a hit for those who liked a substantial feel. One tester noted, "It is a very thick towel that absorbs the water off your body practically in one pass," while another proclaimed, "It's the best towel I've ever used." I've personally tried this one at home and can attest to its thick and absorbent construction, and another GH analyst who has used this towel for years says it has held up well to repeated use.
Pros
- Strong fabric
- Perfect softness rating from all testers
- Highly absorbent in tests
Cons
- Some shrinkage after laundering
✔️ LAB TEST RESULTS:
- Absorbency: 5/5
- Drying speed: 4/5
- Softness: 5/5
- Durability: 4.1/5
Material: 100% cotton | Dimensions: 30" x 58" | Fabric weight: 650 GSM | Colors: 12 (some limited stock) | Matching pieces: Bath sheet, hand towel, washcloth
Riley's bath towel uses a zero-twist combed cotton construction, meaning the fibers are longer and stronger so it's softer, more absorbent and more durable. During our Lab tests, we were amazed by how soft it remained after repeated laundering, though it did shrink a little. It also earned perfect absorbency scores in the Lab and dried fairly quickly, which is impressive for a plush, 100% cotton towel.
We've seen occasional inventory issues with this style with certain colors and sizes sold out online, so don't wait too long if you see a color you like, especially if you're looking for a full set. We also recently tested Riley's Spa Towel Collection, which is more of a low-pile towel (i.e. not as plush or dense) and was well loved by testers for its quick-dry nature.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: At-home users unanimously gave it perfect scores for softness. In fact, one tester shared, "This bath towel is extremely soft and feels buttery smooth against your skin! It's oversized and thick, which makes for a very luxurious experience." Another tester commented, "I expected the softness to disappear with washing, but it stayed soft. And the fluffiness didn't decrease with washing either."
Pros
- Soft, fluffy and lightweight
- Gentle on skin and hair, according to testers
- Nice appearance after laundering
Cons
- Most expensive towel we tested
✔️ LAB TEST RESULTS:
- Absorbency: 5/5
- Drying speed: 4/5
- Softness: 4.9/5
- Durability: 4.6/5
Material: 100% cotton | Dimensions: 30" x 60" | Fabric weight: 550 GSM | Colors: 15 | Matching pieces: Bath sheet, hand towel, washcloth, bath mat, fingertip towel
Though it's certainly not for everyone, this one's a great choice for anyone who's looking for a luxurious towel option that's worth the splurge. The towel is longer than average at 60 inches, and it's soft, fluffy and fairly lightweight for its size. The brand says it uses a long-staple cotton and zero-twist construction, which helps the towel become softer and more absorbent.
In the Lab, our analysts were impressed: The towel was super absorbent, yet didn't take too long to dry compared to other absorbent styles. And while it did have notable shrinkage in laundering tests, it came out looking like new after repeated washing.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: One tester described this towel as feeling like a "soft, fluffy cloud" and added, "I liked drying my hair with it (it felt less harsh)." Others appreciated the generous size, which felt luxe without feeling too large (like a bath sheet), and how gentle it felt on their skin. Comparing this towel to other towels she has at home, one tester said, "This towel is much softer and it feels so cozy."
More bath towel types to consider
Our tests show that the traditional bath towel style made with cotton terry loops performs best in terms of absorbency, softness and overall tester satisfaction. That being said, there are other types of towels that have been gaining popularity for their unique attributes. Here are some that we tested and recommend if you're looking for something new:
- BEST WAFFLE TOWEL: The Parachute Waffle Towel is super lightweight at 220 GSM and dried quickly in our tests. The downside is that it wasn't as absorbent as traditional towels, which is true of every waffle towel we've tested. We also recently tested the popular Onsen Waffle Weave Bath Towel. It stood out for its durability, but didn't earn high scores in our absorbency, drying speed or softness tests.
- BEST ORGANIC TOWEL: Not only is the Coyuchi Temescal Organic Towel certified by GOTS (so you know the entire production process follows strict standards), but it was also one of the top performers in our softness and absorbency tests, proving that you don't need to sacrifice towel quality when shopping for sustainability. The drawback is its high price tag.
- BEST LINEN TOWEL: Linen towels are not common, but they stand out for having a crisp, textured feel. We recently tested the Linoto Linen Spa Bath Towel, which was overall durable and well liked by at-home testers. However, it wasn't rated as soft as cotton bath towels in comparison tests and didn't soak up water easily in our absorbency tests.
- BEST HYBRID TOWEL: Boll & Branch's Waffle Terry Bath Towel has a unique construction with a traditional terry fabric on one side and a waffle fabric on the other. It was fairly absorbent with an average drying speed, and at-home testers unanimously loved using it.
How we test bath towels
My team of product analysts and I have tested more than 90 bath towels in the past six years. Each one is put through the wringer in both Lab tests and consumer evaluations. Here's how the bath towels are scored:
✔️ Absorbency: Using the apparatus pictured here, we set up a towel sample at a 60-degree angle and pour water onto it from a standard distance. Any water that the towel doesn't absorb rolls off the fabric and into the container below, which we weigh to measure how much runs off. This test is performed multiple times on each towel, including after repeated wash cycles because absorbency can change after extended use. A towel with perfect absorbency doesn't have any runoff.
✔️ Drying speed: We apply a standard amount of water to a towel swatch then hang it to dry. We reweigh the swatch every 30 minutes until it reaches its original weight, indicating that the towel has fully dried.
✔️ Washability: Our analysts wash and dry each towel 20 times, measuring shrinkage and appearance throughout this process. We also measure weight loss from laundering to see how much lint each towel sheds.
✔️ Fabric strength: A specialized machine called the Instron pulls swatches of towel fabric apart and measures the force needed to break each one.
✔️ Consumer tests: Dozens of consumer testers use the towels at home and rate them on factors like softness, appearance, whether they were dried off quickly and more. We also set up blind softness tests in our Lab, during which additional consumers feel and rate each one in a side-by-side comparison.
How to choose the right bath towel for you
One thing we've learned from extensive consumer testing is that picking out the best bath towel is largely based on personal preference. Here's what you should consider:
- If you want a super soft, ultra-absorbent towel, look for 100% cotton with dense, plush loops on the surface. You can also look at fabric weight, which is shown in GSM (grams per square meter). Over 600 GSM is considered heavy, so these will typically be the plushest. Lighter towels like waffle or ribbed weaves typically weren't as soft in our test.
- If you want a towel that's quick drying and more durable, consider a cotton-poly blend or a lighter fabric with a low pile (short loops). Fluffy loops help the towel feel soft and absorb water, but they can take longer to dry and may show more wear from laundering.
Which is better: Turkish or Egyptian cotton towels?
It’s not a rule of thumb, but towels labeled as “Turkish cotton” or “Made in Turkey” performed better in our tests than those claiming to be made of “Egyptian” cotton. In theory, they’re very similar: Both are long-staple fibers, helping to make the fabrics softer and more durable.
However, Turkish cotton is more popular in bath towels and is known for drying faster than Egyptian cotton, which is more commonly seen in bed sheets. Plus, there have been instances of bedding fabrics mislabeled as Egyptian cotton, especially because it's difficult to verify this claim.
How do you stop towels from shedding fluff?
My best tip is to wash them before use. Sometimes there are loose fibers left over from the production process, but laundering the towels a few times should help get rid of them. Not to mention, washing also makes the towels more absorbent because it gets rid of leftover finishes from production.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy & operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has been researching, testing and writing about bath towels for over a decade. Sachs has developed proprietary evaluations while also following standardized industry test methods to review dozens of styles both in the Textiles Lab and in the homes of consumer testers.
Testing and evaluations for this article have also been conducted by Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour, Textiles Product Reviews Analyst Grace Wu and Home and Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
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