The 16 Best Bath Towels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

A bathroom is often a sanctuary, carefully curated to provide cleanliness and comfort. The little details like soap scents, shower curtains, and in this case, bath towels, can make all the difference in the atmosphere of your space. Whether you're someone who prefers plush towels to dry off after a soak or thinner materials for the aesthetic, we have a bath towel for you.

We tested 99 bath towels in our lab and at home to see which variations are worth your money, and we continue to test them every month to make sure you have the most up-to-date recommendations. In many cases, the most durable towels weren’t necessarily the softest (though our best overall achieved the best of both worlds), but we've tried to highlight a towel set that would suit every household.

Read on for the best bath towels PEOPLE Tested.

Best Overall

Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel

Frontgate

Our Ratings

• Quality

  5/5

• Absorbency

  4/5

• Texture

  5/5

• Durability

  4/5

• Value

  4/5

Pros

• This towel is so soft you’ll want to wear it around for an hour before getting dressed — it’s a perfect post-shower procrastination towel.

• The thick, plush material was absorbent enough to soak up an entire bowl of water.

• Our hands were completely dry after just two passes with this towel.

If you're looking for a plush towel to completely envelop you after a bath or shower, this pick from Frontgate brings that luxurious feeling together in a towel that's also functional. We were immediately impressed with this extra soft towel that's made from 100 percent Turkish cotton. We liked the soft, thick feel and appreciated the weave design, too.

Given the wide range of colors and styles (hand, bath, sheet, and washcloths), there are options for every bathroom, style, and towel user. If you're looking for a great housewarming gift, this towel is the perfect pick. Grab a bath sheet for a full spa experience post-bath or a standard bath towel for quick showers. This is the towel you accidentally wear around the house for two hours post-shower because it's so comfy.

How it’s held up:

For three months after our lab tests, we continued testing this towel at home. We enjoyed the spa-like nature of the towel, especially its fluffiness. The oversized shape makes the towel an experience to wrap up in, but it did take up a bit of space in our closet. It wasn’t necessarily as absorbent as some other towels we have used, but we appreciated the luxuriousness of this option. Plus, it laundered well and seems like it will last over time.

Pre-Wash Measurements: 30 x 57 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 29.5 x 56 inches | Material: 100 percent Turkish cotton | Colors: 27

Best Budget

West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towels

West Elm

Our Ratings

• Quality

  4/5

• Absorbency

  5/5

• Texture

  4.3/5

• Durability

  4.7/5

• Dry Time

  5/5

Pros

• Its looped texture is visually appealing and makes this towel stand out from others.

• It dried in just two hours thanks to thinner fabric.

• It’s on the budget-friendly end of our list in terms of price.

Cons

• It feels a little rough to the touch, so if you prefer plush towels, this might not be a fit.

• Some folks might find it to be too small, compared to standard-sized towels.

Who would have thought that West Elm would house our favorite budget pick? We are happy to report that we were pleasantly surprised with this towel, especially the price. In terms of design, we noticed right away that this towel is somewhat thinner than others on our list, but it offers a unique and subtle looped texture that is lightweight and dries fairly quickly. While the texture is a little rough and it won’t stack up against more dense, plush towels, it still offers a softer texture than your standard terrycloth option, and at a budget-friendly price. It’s a little on the small side, but while it might not cover you completely post-shower, it will dry you off quickly.

Concerning function, the towel held up well to our tests. We washed it to see how the material changed, yet it didn’t at all. It completely mirrored the unwashed towel. Thanks to the thinner material, the bath towel dried in just two hours. We won’t say this bath towel is in the luxury category, but for being a basic towel, it’s solid, effective, and cheaper than other towels on our list. 

How it’s held up:

We also tested this bath towel at home to determine its effectiveness over time. We appreciated the design and specifically noted the hook loop for hanging the towel up to dry. It proved to be very absorbent and sped up the drying-off process. We didn’t mind the size and thought the towel felt soft when drying off.

Pre-Wash Measurements: 27.1 x 53.8 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 27 x 50.5 inches | Material: 500 GSM terry cloth | Colors: 10

Best Value

White Classic Luxury Cotton Bath Towels

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Quality

  4/5

• Absorbency

  4/5

• Texture

  5/5

• Durability

  4/5

• Value

  5/5

Pros

• It dried our hands with just a few pats and absorbed an entire bowl of water.

• It comes as a set of four for the same price as many of the singular towels on our list.

• This towel is certified with the Climate Pledge Friendly stamp.

Outfitting your bathroom with towels can be quite a feat, but the White Classic Luxury Cotton Bath Towels come in a collection of four, making this purchase a one-stop shop. We think the bundle comes at a great value, at $50 for the whole set, whereas many brands sell one towel for the same price. However, while these towels are very plush and absorbent, the material is not the softest.

If you're looking to refresh your towel collection while adding other necessities to your Amazon cart, the White Classic Luxury Cotton Bath Towels may be the best choice for you. The towels passed the hand washing test with just a few pats on the hands and absorbed a bowl of water with ease, ensuring a drip-free dry. This would be a great addition to both your main and guest bathrooms — or even as a starter set for a first-time home buyer.

How it’s held up:

In almost no time at all, this set of towels became our tester’s absolute favorite. They never once frayed, lost color, or suffered any damage through the six months of use. This was an impressive feat considering our tester lives with three boys who aren’t always gentle with their towels. The towels were used every week and washed regularly: They maintained their ability to absorb water with ease and dry off the user quickly, as well as their soft feel — an overall great value, especially for families.

Price at time of publish: $49.99

Pre-wash measurements: 28 x 54.5 inches | Post-wash measurements: 28 x 51 inches | Material: 700 GSM long staple cotton | Colors: 20

Best Egyptian Cotton

Home Decorators Collection Egyptian Cotton Bath Sheet

Home Depot

Our Ratings

• Quality

  4.8/5

• Absorbency

  5/5

• Texture

  4.3/5

• Durability

  3.7/5

• Dry Time

  3.8/5

Pros

• It's made from high-end material that is extremely soft to the touch.

• At 72 inches, this is large even for a bath sheet, which makes it all the more cozy to wrap up in.

Egyptian cotton is known for its luxurious feel. We can confirm this bath towel (more of a bath sheet, given its large size) is extremely soft. It has a dense, thick feel to it, and completely envelops you when you step out of the shower. Comparing the towel that was washed to the unwashed towel sample, there was a slight loss in softness and some shrinkage, but we experienced this with almost every towel on our list.

The towel took its time drying and was completely dry around the two-hour mark. We believe this is a durable and luxurious towel that, considering the low price, is a great value. Its extensive size adds to the quality, and it has options for multiple colors and sets, for added convenience.

How it’s held up:

We used this towel on and off for six months to continue testing its abilities in a real-world setting. We washed the towel weekly in an industrial apartment building laundry machine with warm water and tumbled dry on a permanent press setting. We noticed the texture flattened a bit over those months, but that can be due in part to the type of detergent used and the intensity of the washing machine. It still absorbs water well and dries quickly. 

Pre-Wash Measurements: 34.1 x 72 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 33 x 70 inches |  Material:  Egyptian cotton | Colors: 7

Best Waffle

Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Sheets

Cozy Earth

Our Ratings

• Quality

  5/5

• Absorbency

  5/5

• Texture

  3.8/5

• Durability

  3.8/5

• Dry Time

  5/5

Pros

• The decorative waffle side adds a visual texture to any bathroom.

• It was impressively quick-drying, more than most we tested.

• The back side of the towel is incredibly soft and comfortable to wrap up in.

Cozy Earth is a popular bedding and loungewear brand with celebrity fans like Oprah, and after testing these Cozy Earth bath towels, we’re fans, too. The waffle bath towel is well-constructed with a honeycomb-like pattern that draws the eye and adds texture to any bathroom. The dual-sided towel offers one decorative side and one functional side: The waffle portion isn’t as soft, so this is the side you should display, and the soft backing is the side you should use. 

To test durability, we threw the bath towel into the washing machine and dryer to track any changes. We were blown away by the quick drying time of the waffle towel — it was among the fastest of all the towels we tested. It felt softer post-wash on both sides of the towel. We found the towel luxurious in size and aesthetic and enjoyed drying off with both sides of the towel.

How it’s held up:

After three months of testing this towel at home, it is still performing at the same level it did in the lab. We liked that the towel stays wrapped around you without falling (likely due to the waffle texture), dries you off quickly, and dries itself almost just as fast. We wished both sides of the towel were soft, but admitted that the waffle side did soften a little throughout the testing period. We also own this towel in the bath sheet and the bath towel size and love them both. The towel is the perfect thickness to dry you off and it’s also cozy enough to lounge around in post-shower. After months of use, we find these towels both durable and soft. 

Pre-Wash Measurements: 41.5 x 65 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 36 x 58.25 inches | Material: Viscose from bamboo | Colors: 5

Best Oversized

Hammam Linen Jumbo Bath Sheets

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Quality

  4/5

• Absorbency

  4/5

• Texture

  4/5

• Durability

  4/5

• Value

  5/5

Pros

• It scored a perfect five-star rating for absorbency because it absorbed a full bowl of water.

• This towel is comfortable to wrap around you but isn't super dense or heavy.

• It dried our hands after just a few passes.

This is a towel you can completely wrap up in — perfect for post-shower lounging or when your favorite robe is in the wash. We usually prefer a larger towel, and this one is generous. Despite its size, this Turkish towel feels lightweight and is extra comfy. We won't say it's super plush, but it feels good wrapped around our shoulders.

For the absorption part of testing, the towel scored a perfect five-star rating. It also dried our hands after several passes and did not feel saturated or overly wet after these tests. It's machine washable, but we did notice a few inches of shrinkage after washing.

How it’s held up:

The bath towel continued to dazzle when we brought it home to try out for a longer period. It offers excellent absorption, has maintained its fluffy texture, and despite regular use and washing, hasn’t shown any major signs of wear after six months. The large size is easy to wrap up in, and the material dries you off efficiently. 

Pre-Wash Measurements: 34 x 68 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 35 x 65.5 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 15

Best for Guests

Parachute Cotton Bath Towel

Parachute

Our Ratings

• Quality

  5/5

• Absorbency

  4.5/5

• Texture

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Dry Time

  4.5/5

Pros

• It’s a large bath towel that’s cozy to wrap up in — a relaxing experience for guests.

• The towel is quite durable and showed very little wear and tear post-wash.

• The design includes a hanging loop for convenience.

When it comes to guests, you’ll want a bath towel that is both comfortable and durable. We particularly liked the Parachute Organic Cotton Bath Sheet. It’s a plush, thick towel that’s large enough to be a bath sheet rather than just a standard bath towel. It has a classic textured design with a hanging loop to rest the towel on any bathroom hooks you have. The towel was extremely soft to start and did have a slightly rougher texture after we washed it. It has a decently thick pile but isn’t heavy.

How it’s held up:

The towel continued to impress in our real-world tests. It absorbed water quickly and remained durable. If we had to choose a con, it would just be that it lost some of its softness over time with extended use and washes. That’s why this would make a good guest towel because it won’t be used (and therefore washed) as often as one of your towels. 

Pre-wash measurements: 39.5 x 69 inches | Post-wash measurements: 37.75 x 63.75 inches | Material: 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton | Colors: 3

Best Plush

Boll & Branch Plush Bath Towel

Boll & Branch

Our Ratings

• Quality

  5/5

• Absorbency

  4.5/5

• Texture

  5/5

• Durability

  4.5/5

• Dry Time

  5/5

Pros

• It’s made from GOTS-certified organic cotton.

• It dried in under an hour, which is faster than others on our list.

After our tests, there was one plush towel that stood out from the stack. We loved the Boll & Branch Plush Organic Cotton Bath Towel, which was made softer by its 100 percent organic cotton material. We appreciated the luxurious feel of this thick towel which dried in just around an hour. It absorbed some water, but we noticed it actually repelled it more than anything. We were impressed with the towel’s durability and saw little to no changes after washing. We found that to achieve good results, you should wash the towel with cold water. Given the quality, softness, and price of the towel, we believe this is an excellent plush pick. 

Pre-wash measurements: 29.6 x 59 inches | Post-wash measurements: 28.2 x 57.3 inches | Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Colors: 5

Best Durable

Hay Mono Cotton Bath Towel

Nordstrom

Our Ratings

• Quality

  4.5/5

• Absorbency

  5/5

• Texture

  4.8/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Dry Time

  5/5

Pros

• The sturdy, cotton material didn’t lose any quality after washing it.

• It’s a plush, thick towel that got even softer post-wash.

• It has nice details like a towel loop for hanging.

When it comes to durability, bath towels have a hefty job. They’re expected to dry you, your kids, your pets, soak up spills, and be washed and dried without showing their age. The Hay Mono Cotton Bath Towel actually stands a chance against these high expectations. During testing, the slightly textured material (though soft to wrap up in) felt sturdy and didn’t lose any quality after being washed.

We wished this towel was slightly larger, but we appreciated smaller details like the loop which you can use to hang it on the back of a door or any other hook. Its thick plushness took a bit of time to dry (around an hour and a half), but it retained its soft feel. The Hay logo is also featured on the towels which isn’t a dealbreaker but could be off-putting to some. 

How it’s held up:

While testing this bath towel at home, we appreciated how sturdy it is. We washed it weekly with other towels on a warm cycle, with a tumble dry to finish. While it’s not the softest towel, it offers a good thickness that keeps it from fraying too much. We felt the quality actually improved over time — becoming more durable and drying even faster. It never stained, despite our sometimes dabbling with tanning products, and the loop came in handy to hang it up on the back of our bathroom door. Considering the bathroom has no vent or fan, most of our towels take a while to dry, but this one didn’t. 

Pre-Wash Measurements: 28 x 54.5 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 27 x 52 inches | Material: Terry cloth | Colors: White, cream

Best Turkish

Cacala Turkish Bath Towel

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Quality

  4/5

• Absorbency

  3.3/5

• Texture

  4/5

• Durability

  4.3/5

• Dry Time

  5/5

Pros

• This towel dried super quickly (in around 30 minutes).

• It's available in a ton of bright colors, departing from traditional bath towel designs.

• This is one of our budget-friendly towel options at just $25.

This Turkish cotton bath towel is quite different from other Turkish towels we tested, given its thin material and unique design. Some of our team even questioned why it was included in the bath towel test, but it proved its stripes shortly thereafter. The Turkish towel has a lovely weave pattern and is extremely lightweight. As such, it dries incredibly fast (in about 30 minutes). It also comes in a ton of colors to brighten up any bathroom. The most impressive quality was how soft the towel became after washing. We think this Turkish towel is a great find, especially considering the cost.

How it’s held up:

We preferred using this towel for our hair post-shower rather than as a body towel due to the thin construction. That said, it absorbed the moisture from freshly washed hair quickly. Over several months of use, the bath towel is still in good shape. It retained its soft texture, and the tassels have remained intact. It probably helped that we washed it in a mesh bag (like you might do with delicate intimates like bras). Despite being a thinner, more delicate towel, it’s effective and absorbent, and the fun pattern and tassels create a cute aesthetic. 

Pre-Wash Measurements: 38.2 x 71 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 38 x 64 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 38

Best Quick-Dry

Parachute Soft Rib Towels

Parachute

Our Ratings

• Quality

  3/5

• Absorbency

  4.5/5

• Texture

  3/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  3/5

Pros

• It absorbed 1/4 of a cup of water in just seconds.

• The towel dried our hands completely with one pass.

• It comes in a neutral color palette, a pro for those who prefer a minimalist design.

The neutral, earth-toned Parachute Soft Rib Towel stood out during the PEOPLE Tested process with its high absorbency and resilience. We were in awe that it dried our hands after just one swipe, and the towel completely absorbed one-quarter of a cup of water in seconds. And it seems like this towel will only get better with time, as the long-staple Turkish cotton was unharmed by the washing process — its absorbency only intensifying. However, the price might not be worth it to the average consumer. We feel that this ultra-absorbent option may be a bit too high for some budgets, as there are other cost-effective options available.

Pre-Wash Measurements: 28.75 x 53.25 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 28.5 x 52.25 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 7

Best Lightweight

Coyuchi Air Weight Towels

Wayfair

Our Ratings

• Quality

  5/5

• Absorbency

  5/5

• Texture

  4/5

• Durability

  4.7/5

• Dry Time

  4.9/5

This towel is slightly smaller than other towels on our list, but in its small stature, it's extremely lightweight. And this quality, as well as the subtle ribbed design, makes it quick to dry your skin (as well as itself). Made with organic cotton, this towel feels similar to others we tested, not overly plush, but still soft.

It's not as thin as Turkish towels, it has a medium thickness, but it's still thinner than standard bath towels, which helps it absorb water quickly. The material felt softer after washing it and even took on a slightly more fluffy appearance. So if you're looking for a lightweight towel with good absorption and soft material, this is the towel you should add to your linen closet.

How it’s held up:

For six months, this towel was added to our rotation of linens and it soon became a favorite. It makes for a cozy experience when you wrap up in it after a shower. It has a soft, plush feel and works overtime in the absorption department, drying you off with ease. The quality hasn’t changed at all during this testing period, and if anything, the texture has even softened further. We washed it on regular cycles once a week with warm water and other similar towels. We believe it’s worth the cost as it improves your overall shower routine.

Pre-Wash Measurements: 28.1 x 51.3 inches |  Post-Wash Measurements: 28 x 50 inches | Material: 100% organic cotton | Colors: 6

Best Bath Sheet

Brooklinen Classic Bath Sheets

Brooklinen

Our Ratings

• Quality

  4.8/5

• Absorbency

  5/5

• Texture

  4.3/5

• Durability

  4.5/5

• Dry Time

  4/5

Pros

• This towel is luxuriously large but still lightweight, so it's comfy to wear around while you're getting ready.

• It had no visible damage, and all stains came out after washing.

If you're looking for a blanket you can wrap up in post-shower, this Brooklinen bath sheet is the ticket. We loved the oversized feel of this bath sheet, which, despite its size, isn't too heavy. The Turkish cotton is extremely soft, which adds to the blanket feel. It comes in nine colors (seven standard and two limited edition), so there's a decent amount of variety to choose from when selecting a towel for your bathroom.

After running the towel through the wash, we didn't notice any difference in terms of quality. In fact, the towel continued to soften, which was a bonus. We were also impressed that all the makeup came off the towel during the wash, leaving just a whisper of a stain that was barely noticeable (although a good laundry stain remover should do the trick). We were only slightly disappointed that the dry time was nearly two hours, but since you'll likely hang your towel to dry and move on with your day, we don't think this is a dealbreaker.

Pre-Wash Measurements: 37.3 x 65 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 37.5 x 62 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 9

Best Color Selection

Ralph Lauren Payton Bath Towel

Bloomingdale's

Our Ratings

• Quality

  5/5

• Absorbency

  4.5/5

• Texture

  5/5

• Durability

  4.8/5

• Dry Time

  5/5

Pros

• This towel has a luxurious feel with a thick, plush material that feels like a blanket when you wrap up in it.

• It dried in about 11 minutes, which beats the average drying time by almost an hour and 20 minutes.

If you want to bring five-star hotel luxury into your home, consider adding the Ralph Lauren Payton Towel Collection into your rotation. It comes in 20 different colors, so you're sure to find one that fits in with your style. During our lab tests, this bath towel was a massive hit — both literally, considering its bath sheet size, and figuratively, with good scores across the board. The size is incredible for taller people but might be a little too big if you're petite.

Upon initial inspection, we loved that it's thick but not overly plush (remember, it's a towel, not a blanket, so it needs to dry quickly). We washed it three times in the lab for good measure, and it came out of the machine stain-free, softer, and fluffier. Considering how thick it is, we were shocked at how quickly it dried (11 minutes!).

How it’s held up:

We continued testing this towel at home and fell more in love with its cozy feel, as you can literally wrap yourself up in it. It absorbs water beautifully and dries your body off in one pass. Overall, the towel has held up well and continues to dry fast with no sogginess.

Pre-Wash Measurements: 35.5 x 72.5 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 32 x 69 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors: 20

Best Absorbent

Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Towel

Serena & Lily

Our Ratings

• Quality

  4/5

• Absorbency

  4.5/5

• Texture

  4/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

Pros

• Both sides of the towel dried our hands quickly with just a pass or two.

• This Turkish cotton absorbed a bowl of water with ease.

• Due to the thin material, this towel is super quick-drying.

Cons

• Nothing major!

If you're searching for a Turkish bath towel that will absorb water as quickly as regular cotton, this lightweight option from Serena & Lily is for you. We loved that the towel has a simple but beautiful design, great color, and feels soft to the touch. During testing, both sides of the towel dried our hands fairly quickly and absorbed water without issue.

After a run through the washing machine, the towel's appearance didn't change, and it seems to have a durable construction that will last for a long time. Sometimes Turkish towels have the reputation of being too thin and not absorbent, but we liked that this one had a loop weave on the inside because it creates a stylish look and still dries really well.

How it’s held up:

Three months after the lab test, we are still singing the Serena & Lily towel’s praises. We love the absorbency, lightweight feel, and quality construction — specifically the double weave and terrycloth back. We have used this towel frequently and it still looks like it did on the first day. The thin material washes and dries well, and it still offers a little fluff for comfort. It’s fashionable, functional, and easy to maintain — just wash with warm water and tumble dry on a low setting.

Pre-Wash Measurements: 31 x 57 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 29 x 54 inches | Material: 420 GSM Turkish Aegean cotton | Colors: 3

Best Investment

Coyuchi Temescal Organic Bath Towel

Coyuchi

Our Ratings

• Quality

  5/5

• Absorbency

  4/5

• Texture

  4/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

Pros

• When we dried our hands, the towel absorbed all the water instantly and barely showed any signs of dampness.

• It has a luxurious ribbed design like you might see in a hotel, with impeccable construction in the tight weaves (which are noticeable up close).

• It's made from GOTS-certified organic cotton (sustainably sourced).

Cons

• It shrank by about four inches after just one wash.

• It's not super plush, though we did notice some softening after washing it.

The Coyuchi Temescal Organic Towel won us over with its luxe ribbed appearance and high absorbency. In a hand-drying test, we were pleasantly surprised by its instant absorption and barely-there wet marks on the used towel. After soaking up the majority of water it was submerged in for the soak test, it easily wrung out with minimal effort. Though this organic towel is expensive, the quality is well worth the investment. With its fluffy material, high absorbency, and luxurious construction, you can rest assured that you are receiving the spa treatment you're paying for.

How it’s held up:

This bath towel continued to perform well over the six months we tested it outside of the lab. It remained cozy and highly absorbent and was the perfect size to completely wrap up in. We used the towel almost daily and washed and dried it frequently with other towels with cold water, on a delicate cycle. Compared to other bath towels we have used, this one dries us off much faster and has a better, softer texture. We had no issues with this towel and appreciated its value given the higher price.

Pre-Wash Measurements: 39.25 x 72.5 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 38 x 68 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 6

Other Bath Towels We Tried

• Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Towel: This $35 bath towel is ultra-soft and continues to get softer with each wash. During our lab test, it dried our hands quickly and absorbed all the water after washing our hands. It’s also made with GOTS-certified organic cotton if eco-friendly manufacturing is important to you. We did notice this towel was particularly thin and it shrunk a bit after we washed it.
• Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Towels: These $49 towels are great as a spare set — let’s say for a guest room — because they’re not overly expensive, but still have a decent quality. We particularly liked the size, which is not too large or small. It comfortably wraps around you and can be tucked in for good measure. The Turkish cotton material is quite plush and has a luxurious feel to it, but is a little slower to dry (took an hour and a half). That said, we noticed the color appeared slightly duller after we washed it. 
• American Soft Linen Bath Towel Set: For $47, this set of four soft linen bath towels is a great value for those who need several durable towels on hand. They’re highly absorbent thanks to the long loop pile height and quite soft with a 100 percent Turkish cotton material. They survived the wash test (being washed three times for good measure) and came out the other side with the same softness and without loose threads or other snags, but took about two hours to dry due to their density.
• Italic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towels: For a set of two plush bath towels, $39 is not a bad deal. Their quality was apparent at first glance with a tight weave and no visible flaws. This set wasn’t overly soft but had a plush texture and ample material to wrap up in. During our tests, we appreciated that the towel came out of the wash without any loose threads. It dried in about 90 minutes, which is fairly standard for a large, thicker towel, but it also lost some softness in the process. This towel is also frequently sold out.

Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Towel.

People / Henry Wortock

Things to Consider Before Buying Bath Towels

Design and Feel

“While towels are highly functional, the hallmark of a great towel is sophisticated style,” Frontgate Textile Expert Rachel Killion tells PEOPLE. She suggests looking for towels that complement your bathroom décor — especially ones with added details like a unique border design. In addition, a representative from Four Seasons recognizes “that guests are looking for a comfortable and relaxing environment when staying with us,” so the brand looks for comfort, durability, and softness in their bath towel choices.

And don't forget about the feel — the plushness of your towel can make or break your post-cleansing experience. If you want to take it to the next level, pay attention to fiber count, cotton types, and pattern weaves to find the towel that's right for you. You can also take note of the towel's weight or GSM number (grams per square meter). "A high-quality bath towel will have a higher GSM — meaning it will be more plush and absorbent," says Killion. She suggests a GSM at or over 700 for that hotel-quality feel.

Price

This is a factor that should be considered when buying all things, but the amount you're looking to invest in a fresh set of bath towels will depend on the purpose for which you're buying. If you want to upgrade your bathroom and make the experience more spa-like, then you should be prepared to spend a bit more on a high-quality towel. If you're looking to complete a guest suite or buy your first set of towels in a new apartment, then a more budget-friendly option could be right for you — such as the Everyday Textured Towels from West Elm.

Absorbency

“What makes a bath towel truly exceptional is a soft and plush material with absorbency, along with a timeless design that will seamlessly fit in with your bathroom décor,” a representative for Four Seasons tells PEOPLE.

Nobody likes to towel off several times in a row, so finding a bath towel with high absorbency is key. Absorbency is also important to consider when buying bath towels for children (to avoid the mess of water tracking everywhere after bath time).

"Absorbency and material go hand-in-hand when talking about bath towels," says Killion. "It all comes down to the fiber from which the towel is made and your own preference." She suggests Turkish or Egyptian cotton for an ultra-plush feel and maximum absorbency. Alternatively, you can try a bamboo towel, like the Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Sheet, for a soft and quick drying experience.

Cotton Type

There are many cotton types to choose from, and each will deliver different results. The three most common types of cotton are Turkish, which tends to create thinner towels that are quick-drying, Egyptian, for long-strand fibers that are known for their comfort, and organic, which is the simplest natural fiber cotton. With all cotton, you should look for the Standard 100 Oeko-Tex certification, ensuring that the fibers that make up your towel are made via a safely regulated process.

People / Henry Wortock

How We Tested

Over the course of many hours and showers, we've tested close to 100 bath towels in lab and real-world setups. With bath towels, there are only so many ways to really test them, and the best way is to put them to actual use. Therefore, in the lab, we looked at more specific qualities like fiber content, measurements of the towels before and after washing, and how well they absorbed water and dried afterward.

In our real-world tests, we had all staff members try each towel to see how soft they were, how well they dried the tester off after a bath or shower, and how long they kept their original qualities before showing wear and tear. Using all of this data, we determined the best towels of 2024. Let's dive into specifics:

• Setup/Initial Thoughts: Since towels don't require a setup, we think of this stage as more of an initial evaluation at first glance. We analyzed and evaluated the quality and texture of each towel. The same goes for our real-world tests, where our testers considered the original appearance and quality of the towel before using it.
• Quality: In both the lab and real-world tests, our team took stock of the materials, absorbency, and other qualities of each towel. In the lab, we soaked each towel to see how long it took to dry. Our testers at home also gave valuable insights on the softness, comfort, and design of each towel — taking into account the tightness of the weave, the softness of texture, and how thick each towel was.
• Durability: We also tested durability in a few different ways. In our lab, we conducted a stain test using common makeup culprits like foundation and mascara. Each product was also ranked on pre-wash and post-wash performance, as well as shrinkage (based on before-and-after measurements). With our real-world tests, the towels were used and washed regularly and our testers kept track of signs of wear such as fraying, loose threads, color fading, and texture changes.
• Long-Term Insights: To keep our list as up-to-date as possible, we continue testing new bath towels every month, both in our lab and in testers’ homes. We evaluate these insights and add and remove towel selections to give you the best possible results at that time. Each of the products shared in this list is fully endorsed by our team as recommendations we would give to family or friends.

People / Henry Wortock

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often should bath towels be replaced?

  Just like with bed sheets, depending on the quality of the towels and the amount of use they get, bath towels usually last for two to three years. Inspect your bath towels regularly to see if they need to be replaced. If you notice signs of wear, like thinning or fraying edges, or if they are not quite as absorbent as they used to be, it might be time for some new towels.

• Is Egyptian or Turkish cotton better for towels?

  Egyptian cotton towels tend to be soft, thick, and super absorbent. Turkish towels are quick-drying, lightweight, and slightly less absorbent.

  "What makes both Egyptian and Turkish cotton superior is that they have long fibers making the cotton much stronger and smoother than regular cotton," says Killion. She adds that these towels get softer over time, and the only major difference is drying time, as Egyptian cotton typically takes more time to dry.

  Our best overall pick, the Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel, is made from Turkish cotton, and our pick for the best Egyptian cotton towel is from Home Decorators Collection.

• What are the essential types of towels to store in the bathroom?

  In general, the main types of towels are bath towels (or bath sheets for an oversized option), hand towels, and washcloths. "I keep a set of two bath towels and two hand towels in my bathroom — all coordinated to look nice folded on a shelf or layered on a towel bar," says Killion. She adds that she also keeps two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths in her guest room so that visiting friends and family "feel as though they are staying at a five-star resort." Killion also suggests keeping additional towels in your linen closet for quick swaps when you need a refresh.

• How many bath towels do you need per person?

  Ideally, each adult in your household should have four bath towels. Four towels is a sufficient number to allow for rotation in the laundry and for those times when the towel last used hasn't had a chance to dry.

People / Henry Wortock

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she spoke to Frontgate Textile Expert Rachel Killion, heavily researched the market of bath towels, and used insights from our lab and at-home tests to determine the best bath towels of 2024. She also spoke with a representative for Four Seasons to learn more about what qualities make for the most luxurious linens. Our insights are updated with continued testing every month to make sure our recommendations reflect the most accurate results for our readers.

Meet Our Expert

• Rachel Killion is a textile expert at Frontgate, a brand known for high quality bath towels.
• Four Seasons is among the top luxury travel brands and has a vast expertise when it comes to high end linens and elevated guest experiences.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

ncG1vNJzZmiolaS9rbGNnKamZ5ikuqZ7wZ6qrWWSlsGpedOorp6ko2Q%3D

 Share!

• Share on Facebook
   
• Tweet
   
• Share on Google+
   
• Post to Tumblr
   
• Pin it
   
• Submit to Reddit