Bath towels may all look similar but there can be a huge difference in their quality and features.
The best bath towels are determined by the quality of materials and construction along with personal preference.
There are options for everyone from lightweight, quick-dry towels to heavier, super-soft plush towels.
It can be difficult to know which towels live up to their claims so these reviews can help you pick the right towel for you.
Our top pick: Sheridan Luxury Egyptian Bath Towel
These Egyptian Bath Towels from Sheridan are soft and absorbent. They are thick and luxurious making them perfect for any bathroom.
These towels are crafted from combed ringspun, certified Egyptian cotton pile so you can be assured of the quality. This material is not only highly absorbent but is also long-lasting.
The classic style of these towels will suit any bathroom. The colour is rich and is not lost when washed.
What We Like:
- 100% Egyptian Cotton
- Brilliant colours
- High quality
What We Don’t Like:
- No downsides
Mark Tuckey Organic Cotton Towel
If you’re looking for a thick, heavy towel that is soft and luxurious, the organic cotton towel range from Mark Tuckey is a great option.
These towels are made from high-quality organic cotton. They are available in 5 trendy colour options including white, coal deep forest, steel blue and hazel.
With a plush, deluxe feel, they are perfect for keeping warm after a swim, bath or shower. For convenience, these towels can be machine washed and line or tumble dried.
What We Like:
- High quality
- Organic cotton
- Soft feel
What We Don’t Like:
- No downsides
Cotton House Egyptian Luxury Bath Sheet
These Egyptian Cotton towels from Cotton House are high-quality, long-lasting and beautifully finished. They not only look great but are also soft and absorbent.
They are woven from Giza 86 which is highly durable and the highest grade Egyptian cotton for towels.
This long staple cotton is ideal as it offers excellent fibre strength, length and uniformity. Giza 86 produces towels that are soft, luxurious and lint-free.
These towels look great too with a double border and a range of colours to choose from so you can easily find a colour to complement your bathroom.
What We Like:
- Durable
- Soft
- Excellent quality
What We Don’t Like:
- High price
Sheridan Quick Dry Luxury Bath Towel
If you’re looking for a quick-drying towel that is lightweight and has a soft plush feel the Sheridan Quick Dry Luxury Bath Towel is one of the best options.
These towels are crafted using Nanospun technology which creates a higher density weave for faster absorption.
This makes them ideal for people who prefer lightweight bath towels that dry quicky. They complement an active lifestyle perfectly and won’t weigh you down.
This 100% cotton towel is made to last, it has been test washed and dried 100 times (the industry standard is 3 test washes).
There is also a selection of colours to choose from so you can find a colour that you love.
What We Like:
- Quick-drying
- Soft to touch
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like:
- Sometimes sheds excess lint
Ettitude Waffle Bath Towel
If you are in need of a silky smooth, hypoallergenic bath towel the Waffle Bath Towel from Ettitude is one of the best options.
This soft, comfortable and exfoliating towel is high quality. It is plush making it perfect for pampering and its cooling too.
As this towel is made from 100% organic Bamboo Lyocell it is a quality, long-lasting and sustainable choice.
The towel also features a hook loop for seamless hanging without damaging the material.
What We Like:
- 100% organic bamboo lyocell
- Soft and plush
- Has a hook loop
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as absorbent as other materials
Onkaparinga Ultimate Bath Towel
This bath towel set from Onkaparinga is affordable and high quality. They are made with 100% combed cotton and are soft to touch.
These towels are machine washable making them easy to clean and maintain.
Washing them doesn’t cause the quality to deteriorate either so you can continue to enjoy the luxurious feeling wash after wash.
This set comes with 2 towels and Onkaparinga is a well known Australian brand that combines comfort and quality with low prices.
What We Like:
- Low price
- Set of 2 100% cotton bath towels
- Wash well
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as luxurious as other options
Bambury Angove Bath Towel
The Angove Bath Towels from Bambury are soft, absorbent and made in Turkey.
These high-quality towels look sophisticated with a narrow hem and subtle texture. The material feels soft against the skin.
This collection is available in a range of colours so you can find the style that best compliments your bathroom.
What We Like:
- Feels plush
- Narrow hem
- Highly absorbent
What We Don’t Like:
- Needs to be washed separately before use
Target Grandeur Bath Towel
This Target towel is made from combed cotton. It is soft, durable and absorbent.
The style of this towel is classic and there are several colours to choose from so picking one that complements your bathroom is made easy.
The Grandeur bath towel is extra thick (600GSM) and is very soft, making it perfect for keeping warm in colder weather.
What We Like:
- Long-lasting
- Classic style
- Thick and soft
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as plush or luxurious as other options
Bed Threads 100% Linen Waffle Bath Towel
These Bed Threads towels are made from 100% French Flax Linen. This is perfect for anyone looking for a more environmentally friendly option that is also soft and cosy.
The plush waffle weave towels are soft, pre-washed and quick-drying. They are designed to last and the towel will get softer with washes meaning it just gets better with age.
French linen towels are sturdy, easy to wash and are great for all occasions whether you are going to hang it up in the bathroom or take it with you to the beach.
These towels are breathable and have an intricate waffle weave that increases airflow and exfoliates your skin as you dry.
What We Like:
- Quick-drying
- Long-lasting – gets softer as you wash it
- Environmentally friendly material
What We Don’t Like:
- High price
Bath Towel Buyer’s Guide
This buyer’s guide will help you figure out the differences between towels so you can find exactly what you are looking for, even when you are shopping online.
Not being able to hold the towel in your hand to feel the weight and softness makes it challenging to know which one is the best.
However, the product information gives you a lot more information than it first appears. These tips will help you find the best bath towel for you.
Materials
There are lots of different materials used to make towels, these are the most common options:
- Egyptian Cotton – this is one of the most highly rated materials for premium towels, Egyptian cotton is a combination of softness, durability and absorbency. The cotton tends to produce a long staple which creates fibrous threads. Many of the best towels are made from this cotton.
- Turkish Cotton – Turkish cotton is very similar to Egyptian except it is slightly less absorbent. Turkish cotton bath towels look luxurious thanks to their natural sheen.
- Organic Cotton – although not a specific type of cotton, organic cotton is grown without the use of harsh pesticides and is one of the best options for environmentally conscious buyers.
- Bamboo – some bathing towels are 100% bamboo or are a bamboo blend. Bamboo towels feel soft and silky and they don’t fade as easily as some other materials. If you are looking for colourful bath towels, go for bamboo. They are also a good eco-friendly option.
- Viscose – this is a semi-synthetic material that is made by chemically treating natural material.
- Microfiber – microfiber is a blend of polyamide and polyester. They are quick-drying and lightweight making them great for travel. Microfiber towels are not as soft or luxurious as cotton towels but can be good if you need something that is durable and dries quickly. We wouldn’t recommend towels made from microfiber for day to day use but if you’re travelling they are a great choice.
Construction
When you are choosing a new bath towel you may see the product information says things like “ringspun” or “hollow”, this refers to how the towel was constructed. Some common terms include:
- Combed – combed towels are strong and smooth, any uneven fibres have been removed through the combing process.
- Hollow – hollow cotton towels are super absorbent and boast better airflow. They also feel fluffy after a wash.
- Twist – a low-twist towel is plusher while a higher twist towel is thicker and heavier.
- Ringspun – this is when the fibres are spun together to create a smooth, strong yarn. Ringspun towels tend to be a more refined option.
- Loop – a longer loop produces a quick-drying plush towel while a shorter loop produces a more absorbent, denser towel.
- Two-ply – two-ply towels are thicker and feel more substantial.
- Velour – some towels are made without loops, these are super plush but less absorbent. Towels with printed patterns tend to be velour.
Grams per Square Meter (GSM)
GSM is a good indication of how dense and heavy the towel is. Lightweight towels (lower GSM) tend to dry quicker while heavier towels (higher GSM) are more absorbent and usually feel more luxurious. If you’re looking for a plush bath towel that feels like a spa towel, it is best to go for one with a higher GSM.
As a rough guideline: 300-400 GSM is lightweight and thinner, these towels are great for the gym or travelling as they dry quickly. 400-600 GSM is midweight and most towels fall into this category as it is a good middle ground that creates plush durable bath towels. 600+ GSM are heavier, fluffy and often premium quality towels.
Bath Towel vs Bath Sheet
You may see that towel companies offer a range of size options including bath towels and bath sheets. If you aren’t sure which is best for you, or what the difference is, a bath towel is the more common bath towel and is usually around 27″x52″ (70cm x 125cm).
A bath sheet is simply a larger version and measures around 35″x60″ (90cm x 170cm). If you prefer more coverage and like to wrap yourself up in the towel after a bath or shower then go for a bath sheet.
Caring for New Towels
A towel can lose its softness and absorbency over time but properly caring for new towels will make sure you get the most out of them. Some towels come pre-washed which helps to prevent them from shrinking, others need to be washed before use. Make sure you check out the care guidelines for your new towel before washing.