The 12 Best Bath Towels and Hand Towels, According to Customer Reviews
If you’ve spent the last few days frantically googling “best bath towels,” we get it. Nobody likes getting out of the shower, feeling squeaky clean, and then drying off with a tattered towel. Or worse, one that sheds on you like an oversized sheepdog. That said, finding a bath towel that feels jusst right can turn into the adult version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. While some are too small or too thin, others might be too heavy or non-absorbent—it all boils down to your personal preferences. Here are a few things to consider before you hit the “checkout” button.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TOWEL FOR YOU
If you want something super soft, look for towels made from high-quality primo fabric (i.e., Egyptian or Turkish cotton). Not only are these fibers super-absorbent, but they make towels less prone to shedding or fuzzies.
If you want something lightweight and quick-drying, look for towels made with microfiber materials and a GSM of 300 to 400. Just be sure to avoid too much polyester material (which should be a general rule to follow for all things fabric).
If you want something long-lasting, look for towels with one hundred percent cotton. While towels made of Egyptian or Turkish cotton are the plushest you can get, anything that's solely cotton-constructed will be a softer, more durable and absorbent option.
Not sure where to start? Never fear—we’ve done the hours of diligent research for you. Below, find the seven best bath towels for supreme softness, plushness, absorbency and weight, PLUS five of our favorite hand towels to go with it (because you might as well do all of your towel buying in one fell swoop).
BEST BATH TOWELS, AT A GLANCE:
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1. WHITE CLASSIC BATH TOWELS
Best Overall
There’s no denying it: White Classic’s luxurious Egyptian cotton towels are *the* go-to option for premium softness, low-density construction and high absorbency— all wrapped up into one. They’re spun from 700 GSM, long-staple Egyptian cotton to provide all of the plushness you’re looking for (without the shedding or pilling). Plus, they’ve been proven to retain their softness over time, and they’re entirely dryer safe. Each set includes four towels available in multiple colorways, including white, grey, black, navy blue, light blue, brown, burgundy, green, beige or pink.
Pros:
Ultra-plush feel
Gets softer after each wash
Long-lasting
Absorbent and quick-drying
Cons:
Not as lightweight
Pricer than other sets
2. AMERICAN SOFT LINEN TOWEL SET
Best Value
If you’re looking to extend the luxe vibe of the first option to the rest of your bathroom (without spending a fortune), this is your best bet. This set includes two bath towels, two hand towels and two washcloths— all constructed from 100 percent Turkish cotton for the same high-quality softness. Plus, these towels are incredibly absorbent and lightweight, with a GSM of 605 to 615, making them perfect for everyday use.
Pros:
Extremely soft
Absorbent and quick-drying
Less expensive
Durable
Cons:
May fade over time
Not as lightweight
3. HAMMAM LINEN BATH TOWELS
Best Absorbent
While we all love the idea of being wrapped in a super-plush towel, they’re not always great at doing their job (AKA drying us off). However, this set brings the best of both worlds together with four towels that are as soft and fluffy as they are absorbent. While they’re made with 100 percent Turkish cotton, they’re also specially processed to decrease drying time and increase water absorption. Say goodbye to waiting for a three-hour drying cycle to finish.
Pros:
Quick-drying
Plush and soft
Durable
Machine washable
Cons:
Denser than other options
4. BROOKLINEN SUPER-PLUSH BATH TOWEL SET
Best Ultra-Plush
When Brooklinen labeled these towels ‘plush,’ they weren’t messing around. Constructed with 100 percent Turkish cotton, these are the softest, fluffiest and most luxurious towels you can find if you’re looking to transform your bathroom into an at-home spa. However, they’re definitely pricier at $69 a set, but they’ve been proven to hold up in the wash while maintaining softness and color (so you won’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon).
Pros:
Ultra-Plush
Absorbent
Soft and comfortable
Durable
Fade and pill-resistant
Cons:
Expensive
Takes a while to try
Thicker than most towels
5. UTOPIA TOWELS COTTON TOWELS
Best Lightweight
Need some towels that are equally quick-drying and soft? This set includes six towels made from 100-percent ring-spun cotton and constructed with loops on both sides for maximum soft, lightweight absorbency. However, while these babies are perfect for a quick shower after the gym, you may want to have an extra set of plush towels nearby when you need some extra TLC.
Pros:
Quick drying and absorbent
Lightweight
Soft
Includes 6 towels
Great for travel
Cons:
Not plush
May be too small for some
Not as durable
6. PARACHUTE CLASSIC TURKISH COTTON TOWEL
Best Splurge
You get what you pay for, and if you’re looking for supreme, luxurious softness with a high-quality construction that’ll last for years, these towels are it. They’re made with 100 percent Turkish cotton and are loomed using aerocotton technology, a unique spinning process that gives towels a plush but not overly dense feel. They’re definitely on the pricier side (a single towel costs $29), but if you’re willing to pay for something that’s durable and long-lasting, we’d say it’s worth the investment.
Pros:
Ultra Plush
Extremely absorbent
Short drying time
Durable
Fade and pill-resistant
Cons:
Expensive
Not as lightweight
7. MAURA BATH TOWEL SET
Best Eco-Friendly
These towels are made from the 100 percent Turkish cotton we want, and their materials are ethically farmed to ensure that each one is free of harmful chemicals. The best part? They feel just as soft and luxurious as a hotel bath towel would and they absorb water with ease. Oh, and did we mention that they’re machine washable?
Pros:
Soft and absorbent
Large size (30 x 56 inches)
Double-stitched at the hem for added durability
Cons:
Takes longer to dry
More expensive than other options
BEST HAND TOWELS, AT A GLANCE:
Best Overall: White Classic Hand Towels
Best Design: Smyrna Hand Towels Set
Best Absorbent: Simpli-Magic Hand Towels
Best Lightweight: Utopia Towels Hand Towels
Best Plush: AmazonBasics Hand Towels Set
1. White Classic Hand Towels
Best Overall
Just like their bath towels, White Classic’s hand towels serve up luxury that’ll stand the test of time. Crafted from pure combed cotton, these plush 16- by 30-inch towels offer a spa-like feel that can withstand machine washing and drying without pilling or losing color.
Pros:
Very absorbent
Super soft
Comes in 7 colors
Cons:
May arrive with loose threads
2. Smyrna Hand Towels Set
Best Design
If you’re going for the whole ~boho bathroom vibe~ these hand towels are your finishing touch. Manufactured in Turkey and crafted from Anatolian cotton yarn, these ultra-chic towels are both super absorbent and machine washable (just be sure to let them air dry).
Pros:
Gorgeously designed
Also feels very soft
Absorbent
Cons:
Not dryer-compatible
3. Simpli-Magic Hand Towels
Best Absorbent
Made from pure cotton, these Simpli-Magic hand towels offer a plush, lightweight feel as they soak up residual water with ease. Not only is this a steal, where the set includes 12 towels for $20 bucks, but they’re quick-drying, absorbent and super soft to the touch.
Pros:
Soft to the touch
Very absorbent
Lightweight
Cons:
Produce a lot of lint
Not as durable
4. Utopia Towels Hand Towels
Best Lightweight
Available in seven colors, this set of super-absorbent hand towels from Utopia Towels are specially constructed from 100 percent ring-spun cotton to be equal parts soft and lightweight. They’ve been proven to hold up in the wash, and the set comes with six towels that are each 16 by 20 inches (so you can hang one from the kitchen stove as well).
Pros:
Very soft
Absorbent
Durable
Cons:
May feel too thin
Special care instructions
5. Amazon Basics Hand Towels Set
Best Plush
Last but not least: a set of eight plush towels that are soft, durable and super absorbent. Each towel is made from 100 percent lightweight cotton for a luxurious feel and comes in eight solid color choices.
Pros:
Dries quickly
Feels soft
Thick and plush
Cons:
More soft than absorbent
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