Dry Off in Style With These 8 Spa-Like Bath Towels

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Bath towels are everyday necessities that you're likely to have in your bathroom rotation for years to come, so why skimp on quality?

It’s easy to dismiss bath towels as a boring necessity, but because you use them so frequently, and for so many years, it’s worth investing a little time into finding the perfect one for you. It’s not complicated: you need one that will absorb water quickly and effectively, feel soft on your wet skin, add a dash of style to your bathroom (or at least blend in), and last for years to come.

If you're looking for the softest towels that'll rival the plush feeling of your favorite bathrobe, you've come to the right place. There are plenty of high-quality towels on the market within virtually any budget, and we've personally tested several of the sets you'll find here.

Best Bath Towels

What to Consider

The main thing to consider when shopping for new bath towels is that there will be some change in texture over time. Still, a well-made towel is crafted to withstand daily use and frequent running in the washing machine, maintaining a soft feel and pleasing texture that can last for years.

Following the care instructions on your towel's tag can help prolong its cushy feel, and there are also a few clever tips and tricks out there to help keep them feeling fluffy. But even with a lot of care, no towel stays as silky-soft as its first use forever. When your towels start losing their softness and absorbency, that's when you'll know that it's time to take them off of your bathroom towel rack for good.

Because it can be tough to tell which towels are the most long-lasting from their descriptions alone, we've tested all of the products in this guide to determine which brands do hold up.

How We Tested and Selected

Several of the towels on this list were personally tested by us and evaluated after at least 3 weeks of use (although we've continued to use them for much longer). We’ve also included several other towels that consistently earn top marks from reviewers at Good Housekeeping, Wirecutter, and other top consumer product resources, with support from real-life users who give them glowing reviews on shopping sites. All of the sheets we've personally tested are designated "Best Tested". I've based my evaluations on the below criteria:

• Absorbency: Does the towel soak up water like a sponge, or does it take effort to towel off?

• Softness: How does the towel's plushness or roughness affect its enjoyment of use?

• Weight: How does the towel's lightness or heaviness affect its performance?

• Durability: How does the towel's texture and look change after several washes?

Where applicable, we also noted how a towel's GSM (grams per square meter) impacted its softness, weight, and overall performance. A high GSM of 620 or above denotes a fluffier and denser towel, though it might (but not always) be heavier and take longer to dry. A GSM below 620 might be rougher in texture, but also more lightweight and quick to dry.

After weeks of toweling off, laundering, and toweling off again, we've compiled our list of the best bath towels that have exceptional softness, absorbency, and durability. These bath linens of all budgets will help you clean up nicely.

Pricing Note: Apart where otherwise noted, we've listed the price for a single bath towel throughout this guide. We've also provided links to larger sets that may also include hand towels and washcloths.

Learn more about how we test products, from the questions we ask our testing team, to the types of products we feel are actually worth testing, to the overall time we put into our testing process.

There were, inevitably, many towels that we considered, but ultimately chose not to include. In addition to seeking out towels that meet all of the standards above, we also only opted to include ones that are widely available and priced competitively. A few top contenders that we seriously considered include:

White Classic’s Luxury White Bath Towels. They were absorbent, but not as soft as some of the others; ultimately, the relatively small 27 x 54-inch size nixed them from inclusion.

We loved the lightweight softness of Moonqueen’s Quick Drying Bath Towels, but they shed too much and don’t dry as efficiently as competitors.

The price and aesthetic is right when it comes to Amazon Basic’s Bath Towels, but these towels are scratchy and take time to dry.

Read on for our top final picks, and get ready for a more luxurious shower experience. Still need more bathroom inspiration? If you’re buying gear for a new bathroom, check out our recommendations for the best shower curtains, towel racks, and makeup mirrors.

The Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels are made of OEKO-TEX-certified Turkish cotton, and they clock in at a plush and slightly weighty 820 GSM. They are impressively soft upon the first feel, and even after multiple washes, they maintain their cloud-like coziness. We've named them the best bath towel overall because they strike that perfect balance of absorbent and quick-drying while feeling like a very luxe material.

In our testing, we've found that the airy loops of their Turkish cotton material help them dry much faster than towels of a similar size, so they never feel soggy or smell off. While some color fading has happened over time, there hasn't been much degradation of the softness and texture of these towels in the 3-plus years that we've used them. We confidently recommend getting a few sets if you're looking to invest in your bath towels for the long haul.

Online reviewers can’t get over how “plush” these towels are, and saying they “love” their performance, despite the fact that they are not as “thick” as many other bath towels.

At once both luxe and long-lasting, the Havly Classic Bath Towel is one of those rare types that'll actually make you look forward to toweling off after each shower. What we love about this one is its thoughtful design — Havly is certainly a bath-towel brand that's watched the competition and has iterated intelligently on some of the most common design pitfalls.

The Havly Classic Bath Towel is comprised of Oeko Tex-certified, 100% Aegean cotton. Its twisted loops are roughly 1/4 of an inch long, and these swishable loops make the towel's texture super soft while also giving it heightened absorbancy. Speaking of loops, the towel also comes equipped with a generously sized, bleachproof hanging loop that'll clearly differentiate this towel from the others you have hanging in your bathroom.

At 30x58 inches, the Havly Classic Bath Towel is slightly bigger than the standard size. We measured and found it to be about two inches wider than our Best Overall pick, the Brooklinen Super-Plush Towel! And considering its larger size, we were also pretty surprised by how lightweight and quick-drying these bath towels are, never feeling overbearing and sogged-out after use.

We couldn't find very much to critique about these bath towels after our initial testing period, as they are incredibly well made and a pleasure to use. Their hand towels are made of the same soft and quick-drying material and have the same hanging loop, however, their sizing is a little odd. They're between a hand towel and washcloth size, looking slightly awkward on a towel bar. Reviewers love the “hook,” the high-level of water absorption, and the “soft” texture. Overall, these towels are “more expensive than what I usually pay, but definitely worth it.”

The Turkish-made, GOTS-certified Coyuchi Cloud Loom Organic Towel pleasantly surprised us in a few different ways. It's lightweight, even though it has a pretty plush 685 GSM. Texture-wise, it's one of the shaggiest towels we've tested, but we ended up liking this feel so much more than we initially thought.

Its long, twisted loops feel luxurious to the touch but are incredibly practical for toweling off. They help the towel absorb moisture and dry faster, and they also feel more gentle when rubbing against the skin. Compared to the Brooklinen bath towel, the Coyuchi towel isn't quite as plush, as several weeks of washing and using did lessen its fluff factor, but it still does its job very effectively.

Plus, these towels are produced using organically farmed cotton, which means no chemicals, and less water used in the production of the towels. Reviewers rave that the towels are “light, yet absorbent,” “delightful,” and “incredibly soft.”

If thick towels feel a little too heavy and overbearing for you to use, the Onsen Bath Towel is one of the best alternatives as far as lightweight waffle-weave designs go. This towel is made of long-staple Supima cotton, which gives it superior strength and softness to other types of cotton materials. Plus, its meticulously designed waffle-shaped indents provide a more interesting and varied texture than all-over terry cloth does.

Onsen's towel is a standout from all other types of waffle-weave towels because of its impressive absorbency level. The stretchy, airy, multidimensional structure of the towel's weave looks and feels great, but it also adeptly soaks up moisture while allowing it to dry out quickly. The towel also washes well without losing any of its amazing springiness or shape over time.

This set comes with one sheet, one hand towel, and one face towel. Reviewers say this is the “last towel you’ll ever need,” praising its “thickness,” and “upscale, minimalist” look.

If you're familiar with Cozy Earth's buttery-soft, ultra lightweight, and silky bed sheets, you'll definitely want to have the brand's cotton-and-bamboo-blended bath towels on your radar, too. Available as a pair, the Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Towels have one of the most intriguing textures we've ever tried: The top side comprises a mini waffle weave, while the bottom is super soft terrycloth. These towels also happen to be on Oprah's Favorite Things List this year — just saying!

This unique design allows you to decide which side you'd want to dry off with, and depending on how much (or little!) you enjoy the sensation of terrycloth loops against your skin, you may adjust accordingly. We've found the waffle-weave side to feel lighter and better for toweling off when it's warm and humid, when you don't want any big layers weighing you down. The other side is very soft and absorbent, yet sleek — there's nothing shaggy, nubby, or rough around the edges about this material.

Interestingly, this is a towel that we like more as we use it — it initially felt a little stiff on our first use but has softened up nicely over time. Reviewers love giving this towel as a gift, saying it’s “the perfect size,” absorbs water nicely, and feels “great against your skin.”

This set of two 35 x 70-inch bath towels are made from 100% ring cotton, which is both soft and absorbs water like a sponge. The cotton material used in the towels is organic, which is unusual at this price point.

This extra-plush towel is functional and durable, though some users warn that the edges may unravel over time. This towel is large and comfortable enough to lounge it at home, or at the pool. The range of colors also make it easy for anyone to find a set that will blend into their bathroom aesthetic. The towels dry efficiently, and don’t absorb unwanted bathroom odors. Reviewers say they are “thick,” “soft,” and “absorbent”—overall, a “great buy!”

This affordable towel set is ideal for big families. The set of six includes two large bath towels (30 x 54 inches), two hand towels (16 x 27 inches), and two washcloths (12 x 12 inches). The 600 GSM towels feel soft and are quite absorbent, but are built to last. They are OEKO-TEX certified and chemical free. The color options are excellent, and will blend into most bathroom looks.

Reviewers say these towels are “super absorbent,” and well “worth the money for the quality.” It should be noted that these towels can be linty at first, but stop shedding after a few washes. The eight-piece set features two bath mats, a nice option for those who like more match than mix in their bathroom.

Compared to “regular” cotton, Turkish cotton is softer to the touch, and more absorbent. This set of four bath towels is unusually soft and fluffy, giving off definite spa vibes in your bathroom. Each towel is made from Turkish cotton, and crafted there, where artisans have years of experience making towels. These feature double-stitched hems for extra durability and strength.

Big families or those trying to outfit an entire house with towels will appreciate the value-priced set of four. Reviewers love the color options, saying they are “super absorbent” and “plush,” offering a “good value for your money.” Many warn that the first few washings produce a lot of lint, but say things “calm down” after that.

Bath Towels FAQ:

Because there's a lot of towel terminology to take in, allow us to demystify some of the most key textile terms before you start adding-to-cart:

What does the towel's GSM number mean?

The GSM denotes the grams per meter of material. If you're looking for the fluffiest towels possible, then you may want to hone in on picks that have a GSM of 620 or more. The higher the number, the denser the material, so you'll get that nice and soft feel, though the towel itself may be heavier and take longer to dry.

Just like with thread count in bed sheets, not every brand lists its GSM number. This doesn't necessarily mean that the material is of low quality, but it usually indicates that the towel is less fluffy and dense.

What's the difference between a bath towel and a bath sheet?

Bath sheets are simply larger bath towels and are used to towel off post-shower in exactly the same way. Folks who find that an average-sized 56x30-inch bath towel is a little too small may be more comfortable using a larger 70x40-inch bath sheet. Just keep in mind that because they have slightly more material, bath sheets also tend to be a little more expensive than bath towels.

What are those little bleach spots that show up on towels after washing them?

Certain ingredients in skincare products (like benzoyl peroxide) tend to leave spots on colored linens. If you suspect this may be an issue when buying top-of-the-line towels, opt for white to be on the safe side.

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