The 13 Best Bath Towels Of 2024, Tested By Southern Living

There’s nothing quite like a scratchy, fraying, or musty bath towel to ruin a relaxing shower. When shopping for bath towels, you want to hit the trifecta of soft, absorbent, and durable—an impressive feat, especially if you’re not sure where to begin.

That’s why we put a whopping 152 bath towels to the test, evaluating each over a span of several months. We assessed them on quality, durability, texture, dry time, and value to find the very best. In our testing, we found that the best bath towels can dry the body in one pass and dry off quickly before the next use, and cotton towels tended to perform best.

“Look for towels made from 100% cotton, as it is the most common and reliable choice,” says Klara Nilsson, founder of Knitting Knowledge. “Cotton offers excellent absorbency, softness, and durability.”  

In addition to Nilsoon, we also received expert tips on shopping for the bath towels from textile expert Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and CEO of Steamery, as well as dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Mullans of Uptown Dermatology and Dr. Erum Ilyas of Schweiger Dermatology Group.

Lands’ End

What’s Great About It

Highly absorbent

Stain resistant

Holds up to heavy use

17 color options

If you’re looking for a durable, luxurious bath towel, it’s hard to go wrong with this one from Lands’ End. It stands out for a variety of reasons—it passed our absorbency test with flying colors, and didn’t shrink post-wash as much as other towels we tested. Perhaps most impressively, this towel performed the best during the abrasion test out of all the towels we tested. After swiping it with a scrub brush 50 times, it showed virtually no damage or pilling. Plus, it proved that it’s also great at resisting stains, which further speaks to its durability. 

After this towel was washed, we could not find a single loose thread or pulled loop. It also did not alter in size, which is unusual for a bath towel. Although it had a higher drying time (85 minutes) compared to others, we weren’t surprised because it’s a large and hefty towel. However, we can overlook the longer drying time as this towel far exceeded our expectations during the rest of our tests. It’s available in 17 colors, including both neutral and bold options, and has a decorative border which gives it a more luxurious appearance. 

After three months of regular use, this towel has held up. It’s soft, but not so soft that it doesn’t absorb water, and it doesn’t require you to do a lot of scrubbing to get dry post-shower. We’ve also noticed zero changes in quality—there has been no sign of color fading, staining, or tearing, and we feel confident it’ll hold up to even more long-term use.

Material: Supima cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 56 inches | Weight: 650 GSM

Southern Living / Dera Burreson

Target

Looking for a bath towel that won’t break the bank? Consider the Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel from Threshold. For $12, you’ll receive not one but two bath towels as part of the set. This bath towel arrived soft to the touch and did not come with any loose snags 

We did observe that the fibers appeared flatter and more distanced from each other after the first wash. That said, our stain from the mascara was completely removed post-wash, and the foundation was about 98% removed despite its leakage to the towel’s other side. For $6 per towel, we deemed this medium-weight bath towel set to be a good value for basic use thanks to its ability to absorb water efficiently and dry quickly. 

Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 54 inches  | Weight: 450-550 GSM

Southern Living / Henry Wortock

Frontgate

If you have a larger budget to invest in your next bath towel, look no further than this Egyptian cotton option from Frontgate. We immediately noticed how heavy this towel felt (it’s the heaviest of any towel on our list at 800 grams per square meter, or GSM), in addition to its longer length. 

Even after being washed, its texture remained smooth and soft. If there was a texture difference or any snags or strings, they were difficult for us to spot (if they existed). Although this towel didn’t completely dry after 30 minutes, we could tell that the moisture was dwindling as we only felt some damp spots in a couple of places. 

Aside from the almost unnoticeable difference in the towel’s softness, there weren’t any qualities that made us question its durability. As long as you’re okay with its rough, decorative bands potentially brushing up against your skin while you’re drying off, we’d recommend this towel for its durability, softness, and quick dry time.

Material: Egyptian cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 58 inches | Weight: 800 GSM

Southern Living / Henry Wortock

Pottery Barn

What Could Be Better

Pricey

Smaller than others

When it comes to soft bath towels, this one from Pottery Barn stands out as it’s made from 100% organic long-staple Turkish cotton. Its luxurious look matched its soft feel and medium weight. But despite its plush feel, it was almost completely dry after 30 minutes and fully dry after an hour. And, there were no remnants of either the mascara or foundation stains after washing. 

Additionally, we like that this towel is lightweight but still has a premium feel with lots of density and fluff. We also like the fact that its quality and durability had that “like new” feel even after we washed it and brushed it with a scrub brush the full 50 times. 

With a price tag of $35 per towel, it’s more expensive than some of our other picks, but we think it’s worth it (if you have room in your budget) for its soft feel, ability to dry quickly, and the fact that it’s available in 14 colors to match a variety of bathroom aesthetics.  

Material: Organic long-staple Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 28 x 55 inches | Weight: 550 GSM

Southern Living / Dera Burreson

Boll & Branch

If you’re looking for a towel made of organic materials, it’s hard to beat this luxurious option from Boll & Branch. We loved how plush it was and how it actually grew softer after being washed several times. Plus, the towel did not appear to change in size with the repeated washings and dryings either. When using this towel to dry off, it was able to get the job done quickly and effectively—it didn’t feel as though we were drying off with a damp towel, which was impressive considering its plush, heavy feel. 

Although we noticed a couple of loose threads around the towel’s edges after being washed, they could be easily trimmed, so we didn’t deem this a major issue. In terms of durability, we had a hard time getting foundation and mascara stains out, although the abrasion test left no damage. Despite these small issues and the higher price point, we recommend this towel for its durability, plush feel, and high-quality materials. 

Material: Organic cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 58 inches | Weight: Not listed

Southern Living / Henry Wortock

IKEA

What’s Great About It

Highly absorbent

Quick drying

Dual textures

Durable

This Salviken Bath Towel from IKEA did a solid job absorbing the water we sprayed on top and dried quickly, only leaving a few damp spots behind. Unlike many other bath towels, this one is multi-textured with a terry loop on one side and a waffle weave on the other. Neither side experienced any obvious wear and tear even after they were both scrubbed with a scrub brush. 

Although this towel exceeded our expectations when it came to its absorbency, we were a bit disappointed in its scratchy feel, especially because it did not change much after washing it. We also noticed two loose threads after the first wash. But for less than $10 per towel, these towels are great for outfitting multiple rooms in the home, especially when on a budget.

Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 28 x 55 inches | Weight: 500 GSM

Southern Living / Dera Burreson

Target

What’s Great About It

Dries almost instantly

Good abrasion resistance

Nine color options

Great price point

Having a quick-drying bath towel is essential, especially if you’re someone who showers multiple times per day or only has one bath towel available. Room Essentials understood that when creating the Everyday Bath Towel. After absorbing the 2 ounces of water we sprayed on top, this towel was able to return to its original and completely dry state rapidly–we didn’t have to worry about it developing a musty order or mildew growth. In addition to its quick dry time, we were impressed with this towel’s abrasion resistance despite its thin construction.

We wish that this towel was able to maintain its original durability and texture. Unfortunately, it became rougher as it was washed and we even noticed a couple of loose threads. This towel does maintain its color, though, which is a positive attribute as it is available in nine colors and is a more affordable option at $9 per towel which may make it more accessible to more shoppers. 

Material: Terry cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 60 inches  | Weight: 450-550 GSM

Southern Living / Henry Wortock

Coyuchi

The Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel is ideal for those looking for a very lightweight, quick drying, and versatile towel. Compared to typical bath towels, Turkish towels (also called fouta, peshtemal, or hammam towels) are much lighter and airier thanks to a flat weave. They aren’t plush and typically come with fringe detailing, so they look and feel quite different from terry cloth towels. If you’re willing to try something new though, these towels are incredibly quick drying and absorbent, and can be used on the beach as well as at home.

We were very impressed with this towel. After a month of use, we did not notice a change in the towel’s color or softness—it felt and looked the same as when it was first opened. During testing, the towel was able to quickly absorb water off the body.

With regard to size, this towel is a bit smaller than average, and it doesn’t come in a bath sheet size. However, it does come in a larger beach towel size (39 x 71 inches), and it’s very attractive thanks to the tassels on each end. Plus, it’s lightweight enough that it could be comfortably packed in a suitcase and taken on a trip. 

Material: Organic cotton | Dimensions: 28 x 54 inches | Weight: 320 GSM

Southern Living / Dera Burreson

Boll & Branch

If a waffle weave bath towel is what you seek, consider this Waffle Terry Bath Towel from Boll & Branch. This towel has a waffle knit on one side and a classic terry cloth on the other for the best of both worlds. We also like that it has a loop that can be used to hang it up after you’re done drying yourself off. 

The texture was slightly rougher post-wash, but not dramatically so. With regard to its dry time, the towel appeared to be free from nearly all moisture at the 60-minute mark. However, it is important to note that the waffle side took longer to dry after being sprayed than the side with the traditional terry. Even with its more expensive price tag, this towel is a solid waffle weave pick. 

Material: Organic cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 58 inches | Weight: Midweight (GSM not listed)

Southern Living / Dera Burreson

Saatva

What’s Great About It

Soft, sumptuous feel

Generous size

Lofty and weighty

Quick drying

If a plush bath towel is a must-have for you, you’ll appreciate this Saatva Plush Towel. Made with 100% long-staple cotton, this towel is extremely soft to the touch and made with tight loops that are close together. When first inspecting this towel, one of the first things we noticed (aside from its softness) was its long length which more closely resembled that of a bath sheet as opposed to the typical bath towel. 

We didn’t observe a substantial difference in the bath towel after it was washed. We were also pleasantly surprised by how quickly it dried considering how soft and heavy it is. And, all the stains came out in the wash. At 700 GSM, this is one of the weightier towels we tested, with a substantial loft. Our only complaint is that the towels are only sold as a four pack or as a part of a three-piece bath towel set, and cannot be purchased individually. 

Material: Long-staple cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 58 inches | Weight: 700 GSM

Southern Living / Dera Burreson

Brooklinen

Lightweight bath towels like Brooklinen’s Ultralight Bath Towel are ideal for those seeking a towel that’ll absorb water in a timely fashion and dry quickly. At 320 GSM, this is the lightest towel on our list (tied with the Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Bath Towel). 

As soon as we got our hands on this towel, we noticed that it lived up to its ultralight quality as is defined in its title. However, because this bath towel is so thin, it was rougher and not as plush as some of the other towels we tested. This was particularly apparent after we washed it as it was rough to the touch and felt as though it had been used for an extended period (when it wasn’t) which we found to be disappointing.  

Nevertheless, this towel did not have any visible signs of wear other than some pulled fibers and the frayed area where we brushed. The stains we added to the towel were also no longer visible after being washed. We think the $49 price tag is a decent value for this towel considering you get two. 

Material: Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 58 inches  | Weight: 320 GSM

Southern Living / Henry Wortock

Garnet Hill

What’s Great About It

Extra thick and fluffy

Durable, holds up to regular use

Personalization available

For a high-quality heavyweight bath towel, consider this one from Garnet Hill. This towel is luxuriously thick and fluffy—almost too much so, as we had some difficulties fitting it into drawers for storage. But if hotel-like luxury is what you’re after, this towel definitely delivers. We found that the soft feel was maintained after washing, and there was no wear and tear at all after three months of regular use. We did notice a lot of fluff in the lint trap after drying, but the amount decreases with time.

Since it’s such a thick towel, it’s unsurprising that the absorbency and dry time are not as impressive as lighter towels. Hanging it over a towel bar after use will help speed up the dry time. It’s finished with a nice dobby at both ends, and you can even monogram it for an extra special touch. 

Material: Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 54 inches | Weight: 750 GSM

Southern Living / Dera Burreson

Crane & Canopy

What’s Great About It

Includes two washcloths, hand towels, and bath towels

Does not hold onto makeup stains

Quick drying

Feels just as soft post-wash

This bundle from Crane & Canopy includes two of each of the following: bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths. Considering the towel’s 600 GSM weight, we were impressed that it was just about completely dry after 60 minutes. And after washing one of the bath towels, it felt just as soft and plush as the one we didn’t wash. We did like that the towels came with hang loops, although they didn’t feel as sturdy as we would have liked. 

Considering the makeup stains were able to be completely removed, this towel is a solid choice if you’re someone who routinely wears makeup and occasionally gets some on their towels after bathing. Overall, we thought this towel set was a bit pricey, although we did appreciate its plentiful size, soft texture, and durability. 

Material: Long-staple cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 56 inches (bath towels) | Weight: 600 GSM

The Bottom Line

Overall, we recommend the Lands’ End Premium Supima Cotton Bath Towel. This bath towel did not experience any loose threads or pulled loops after being washed and was able to soak up 4 ounces of water in a matter of seconds, making it both a durable and absorbent towel. If you want something more budget-friendly, the Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel Set is another great option. Although this pick is more wallet-friendly, it absorbs water quickly and dries promptly.

Our Testing Process

We tested 152 bath towels over a span of several months, putting them through a series of tests in the lab and in our homes. 

To start, we measured the length and width of each towel (pre-wash) when placed flat on a table. During this initial inspection, we also took note of the fiber content of each towel and its initial texture. We looked to see what made each of the towels stand out and investigated any imperfections that they may have had. 

Then, we washed each bath towel twice and inspected the quality to see if there were any changes from our initial inspection with regard to feel, softness, fading, and any other imperfections. We compared this washed towel to an unwashed washcloth of the same style. We took measurements of the towel after it was washed to see if there was any shrinkage of the towel or towel band. 

After that, we conducted an absorbency test to see how much of four ounces of water each bath towel could absorb in 10 seconds. Then, we weighed each of the towels before and after they were submerged in the water. 

To test how well each bath towel took to stains, we rubbed some foundation and mascara on both the band of the bath towel and on one side of the washcloth and allowed the stains to sit for five minutes, and took note of any differences that occurred when attempting to take them out with stain remover after being absorbed into each. 

To test the dry time, we weighed each of the bath towels and then sprayed each with 2 ounces of water. While each towel was flat, we recorded the level of moisture on its left side, right side, and middle areas. Then we hung each towel on a rack to dry and checked its dryness after 30 and 60 minutes To test durability, we rubbed a scrub brush on each towel 50 times, and took note of any changes that occurred to the abraded area. 

Finally, we inspected the area we stained near each towel’s fiber content tag to evaluate how well it was able to be removed after being washed and dried once. We compared these results to the towels that were stained but not washed or treated.

The top-performing towels came home with us for long-term testing, and we provided fresh insights after one, three, and six months of use. We are still in the process of long-term testing many of the towels on this list and will update this review with new learnings as we have them.

Southern Living / Dera Burreson

Tips for Choosing The Best Bath Towels

Absorbency (GSM) 

When shopping for bath towels, it is important to take note of their GSM (grams per square meter). GSM is how a towel’s density or thickness is measured. “Higher GSM indicates a denser and more absorbent towel,” says Nilsson. “For optimal absorbency, look for bath towels with a GSM of 500 to 700 as they strike a balance between absorbency and quick drying. However, if you prefer a lightweight towel or live in a humid environment, a lower GSM of around 300 to 400 might be more suitable.” Lewenhaupt adds that “towels with 600-900 GSM are even thicker and more absorbent but take longer to dry.”

Material 

When it comes to material, it is important to consider how different fabric types may affect the skin. According to Dr. Mullans, towels made from Egyptian and Turkish cotton are the best for the skin. “The cotton fibers are longer and finer than regular cotton, which makes for smoother (softer) and stronger (more durable) fabric,” says Mullans. “Egyptian and Turkish cotton do not require heavy and harmful chemical treatment to obtain softness and absorbency.” 

Mullans recommends those with extra sensitive skin to avoid bath towels made of modal fabric, as they are more likely to cause skin irritation compared to cotton towels.

Furthermore, it is best practice to avoid fabrics that retain moisture for long periods. “This can serve as a source for bacterial overgrowth as well as molds and mildew,” explains Dr. Ilyas. “Any bath towels with rayon, wool, or linen will not serve all of these properties well.”

Dimensions 

When looking for the best bath towels, there is not one optimal dimension that is the best, as it will vary depending on the shopper. “Larger towels offer more coverage, while smaller towels can be easier to handle and dry more quickly,” says Nilsson. The average size of a bath towel is 27 x 52 inches, while bath sheets are typically around 35 x 60 inches. All of the bath towels on our list are larger than the average, but pretty much all cotton bath towels will shrink a bit in the wash.

Sets 

Towel sets, typically ranging from three to six pieces, are a great way to equip your home with a variety of cleaning cloths. “It’s best to ensure the set includes various sizes, including bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths,” says Nilsson. “They should all maintain the same level of quality and absorbency, so check that the materials and construction are consistent throughout.” Our pick for the Best Bath Towel Set, the Crane & Canopy Plush Towel Essentials Bundle, includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths.

Color and Style

For whatever colors or styles you purchase, “make sure you use a laundry detergent that is compatible with the colors to keep them vibrant for longer,” says Lewenhaupt. “It’s smart to have bath towels in similar colors because then you can wash them together instead of having to separate them by color when machine washing.” 

Other Bath Towels We Tested 

Boll & Branch Spa Bath Towel: Although the towel is durable, as it is made with terry cloth fabric and can resist stains and abrasions, it is rough and may not feel the most comfortable when rubbed against your skin. 

Brooklinen Waffle Bath Towels: Despite the fact that this towel is incredibly soft and made with a waffle design which is conducive to its quick dry time, we noticed that its fabric does change shape after being washed.

Southern Living / Henry Wortock

Questions and Answers

How much does a good quality bath towel cost?

The cost of a good quality bath towel may vary across brands, but typically ranges between $35 and $150, explains Nilsson. However, “it’s worth noting though that price alone is not always reflective of quality—you can get perfectly good towels for an affordable price,” says Nilsson.

The most expensive bath towel on our list is the Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel, which retails for $68 each, while the least expensive towels on our list are the Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towels, which costs just $12 for a set of two.

What is the best material for absorbency?

If you’re looking for the best material for absorbency, cotton is typically the best. “Specifically, towels made from long-staple cotton fibers, such as Egyptian or Pima cotton, are highly absorbent,” says Nilsson. “These fibers have a greater surface area, allowing them to efficiently absorb moisture.” Our Best Overall towel, the Lands’ End Premium Supima Cotton Bath Towel, is made from high-quality Supima cotton.

According to Nilsson, terry cloth towels are also absorbent because of their loop structure, which allows more water to be absorbed. 

How long do bath towels last?

There is no definitive answer as to how long bath towels last, as it depends upon a variety of factors. However, “a well-maintained bath towel might last anywhere from 2-5 years,” says Nilsson. “Signs of wear and tear include thinning fabric, fraying edges, or diminished absorbency, which can suggest you might want to buy a replacement.” 

How can you make your bath towels last longer?

It is important to properly care for your bath towels if you want them to last for a long time. Lewenhaupt says not to use fabric softeners on your bath towels as they may reduce their absorbency. Additionally, it is necessary to “use a nourishing laundry detergent specially developed for the fabric and color of your towels, avoid the tumble dryer, and hang dry the towels to help maintain their shape and color,” says Lewenhaupt. 

What is the difference between Turkish and Egyptian cotton towels?

There are several differences between Turkish and Egyptian cotton towels. “Turkish cotton towels are made from a specific type of cotton grown in Turkey,” says Nilsson. “They are known for their long, dense fibers, which contribute to their exceptional softness and absorbency and are often lightweight and quick-drying, making them ideal for travel or warmer climates.” 

On the other hand, “Egyptian cotton towels are made from cotton grown in Egypt’s Nile River Valley,” says Nilsson. “Egyptian cotton is renowned for its long-staple fibers, which are finer and more uniform than regular cotton fibers, and create a luxuriously soft and durable towel with excellent absorbency.” These towels are often thicker and may have more of a plush feel.

Why Trust Southern Living

This article was written by Jenna Clark, contributing commerce writer for Southern Living. In addition to Southern Living, Jenna contributes commerce content to several other publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Tripadvisor, Women’s Health, and more. To come up with this list, we’ve tested 152 towels to date in the lab and at home. For additional insight, we spoke with dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Mullans of Uptown Dermatology and Dr. Erum Ilyas of Schweiger Dermatology Group about how different fabric types affect the skin. We also spoke with textile experts Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and CEO of Steamery, and Klara Nilsson, founder of Knitting Knowledge, about what qualities to look for in bath towels.

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