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. From measurements to texture, absorbency, and durability, these towels were (literally) put through the wringer for you. Several styles found the most favor with our team, including a bath towel from a brand featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things .
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 cloths for the aesthetic, we have a bath towel for you.
Best Overall
Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel
Frontgate
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Our Ratings
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.
Cons
There was some minor shrinkage after washing it, but only about an inch in each direction.
If you're looking for a plushy 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 the size and material of this extra soft towel — made from 100 percent Turkish cotton. We liked the soft, thick feel and appreciated the weave design, too.
It did well in our durability and absorbency tests and only showed slight shrinkage after washing. It dried our hands after about two passes with the towel, and when faced with a bowl of water, the towel absorbed most of it, too. We appreciated the durability and how well the towel performs for its price. The soft and plush feel also impressed us as well as the absorption abilities. After washing and drying the towel, we did notice a small amount of shrinkage, but it was minimal.
Given the wide range of colors and styles (hand, bath, sheet, and washcloths), there are options for every bathroom, style, and towel user. This towel would make a great housewarming gift. 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.
Price at time of publish: $44 for bath towel
Pre-Wash Measurements: 30 x 57 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 29.5 x 56 inches | Material: 100 percent Turkish cotton | Colors: 27
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Best Waffle
Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Sheets
Cozy Earth
View On Cozy Earth
Our Ratings
Pros
This towel is decorative as well as functional.
These towels were impressively quick-drying, more than most we tested.
The back side of the towel is incredibly soft and comfortable to wrap up in.
Cons
One side of the towel was a bit rough and only softened a little after washing it.
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 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. After washing it three times, we saw no loose threads, faded color, or any sign of wear. There were lots of wrinkles, which was a drawback during our lab testing but wasn't an issue during our home tests. That said, the material gives the towel a good weight, which adds to its overall coziness. We like the unique textured appearance on both sides of the towel, one with looped ribs and the other with a waffle pattern. 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 in a real-world home, it is still performing at the same level it did in the lab. We appreciated the large size, which didn’t shrink at all after washing it — a process that took place once a week on a normal cycle with warm water. We also 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.
Price at time of publish: $140
Pre-Wash Measurements: 41.5 x 65 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 36 x 58.25 inches | Material: Viscose from bamboo | Colors: 5
Best Turkish
Cacala 100% Organic Cotton Pestemal Turkish Bath Towel
Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
This towel dries super quickly (in around 30 minutes).
It's available in a ton of bright colors, departing from traditional bath towel designs.
This is a budget-friendly towel option.
Cons
The tassel fringe ends seem super susceptible to fraying and might not last over time.
It's quite thin, which could be a con for those wanting a thick, plush towel.
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 doesn't wrinkle, making it ideal for throwing in a suitcase for a trip. It also comes in a ton of colors to brighten up any bathroom.
Our only concern is that the tassel fringe ends could fray over time, and a few had some loose threads after washing. The color didn't fade post-wash — it actually looked even more saturated from our perspective. 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). The material hasn’t shown any signs of wear, pilling, or color fading. Despite being a thinner, more delicate towel, it’s effective and absorbent, and the fun pattern and tassels create a cute aesthetic.
Price at time of publish: $25
Pre-Wash Measurements: 38.2 x 71 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 38 x 64 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 38
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Best Budget
West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towels
West Elm
View On West Elm
Our Ratings
Pros
The looped texture is visually appealing and makes this towel stand out from others.
The construction and fabric weren’t affected by washing and showed no signs of wear.
The towel dried in just two hours, thanks to the thinner fabric.
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 bath towels.
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. There were no loose threads, no color fading, no pilling, and the texture remained consistent from corner to corner. 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. After washing and drying regularly, there were no noticeable changes to the towel, and it dried quickly just hanging over the top of a bathroom door — and still maintained its soft feeling and texture.
Price at time of publish: $19
Pre-Wash Measurements: 27.1 x 53.8 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 27 x 50.5 inches | Material: 500 GSM terry cloth | Colors: 10
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The 9 Best Towel Warmers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Quick-Dry
Parachute Soft Rib Towels
Parachute
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Our Ratings
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.
Cons
The price could be too high for some budgets, especially compared to more affordable options on our list.
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.
Price at time of publish: $59
Pre-Wash Measurements: 28.75 x 53.25 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 28.5 x 52.25 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 7
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Best Lightweight
Coyuchi Air Weight Organic Towels
Wayfair
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View On Coyuchi.com
Our Ratings
Pros
These towels have a medium thickness which dries you off well.
When washed, the towel retained its original quality, with no loose threads or color fading.
The towel felt softer and looked fluffier after washing.
Cons
It shrunk about one inch after washing but only on one side.
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 the Turkish towels, it has a medium thickness, but it's still thinner than standard bath towels, which helps it absorb water quickly.
After our wash test, we couldn't find any loose threads or visible damage, and the color remained intact. The material felt softer after the wash and even took on a slightly more fluffy appearance. So if you're looking for a lightweight towel with good absorption, a lightweight feel, 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.
Price at time of publish: $188
Pre-Wash Measurements: 28.1 x 51.3 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 28 x 50 inches | Material: 100% organic cotton | Colors: 6
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Best Oversized
Hammam Linen Jumbo Large Bath Sheets
Amazon
View On Amazon
Our Ratings
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.
Cons
This towel shrunk by about three inches after we machine-washed it.
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 loose threads and 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. We used the towel daily post-shower, and after six months, there were no loose threads, no color fading, and no change in the texture or feel. The large size is easy to wrap up in, and the material dries you off efficiently.
Price at time of publish: $40
Pre-Wash Measurements: 34 x 68 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 35 x 65.5 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 15
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The 12 Best Beach Towels of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Durable
Hay Mono Cotton Bath Towel
Nordstrom
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View On Design Within Reach
View On Hay.com
Our Ratings
Pros
The sturdy, cotton material didn’t lose any quality, and there was no color fading after washing.
The plush, thick towel became even softer post-wash.
It has nice details like a towel loop for hanging.
Cons
The size could be slightly larger to wrap up in.
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. There was no color fading and only a stray thread or two.
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.
Price at time of publish: $35
Pre-Wash Measurements: 28 x 54.5 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 27 x 52 inches | Material: Terry cloth | Colors: White, cream
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Best Bath Sheet
Brooklinen Classic Bath Sheets
Brooklinen
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Our Ratings
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.
Cons
The towel's dry time was nearly two hours, likely due to the size and thickness.
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. The color didn't fade, and there were no loose threads. 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.
Price at time of publish: $85
Pre-Wash Measurements: 37.3 x 65 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 37.5 x 62 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 9
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Best Egyptian Cotton
Home Decorators Collection Egyptian Cotton Bath Sheet
Home Depot
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Our Ratings
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.
Generally, we found the material durable, with no snagging or loose threads after washing.
Cons
There was some shrinkage after washing, about one to two inches in each direction.
This one also took around two hours to dry, which is longer than average.
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. That said, there was no significant damage to the material or any fading. 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. There was no snagging or loose threads after washing, and the towel maintained its soft feel. It still absorbs water well and dries quickly.
Price at time of publish: $32
Pre-Wash Measurements: 34.1 x 72 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 33 x 70 inches | Material: Egyptian cotton | Colors: 7
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Best Color Selection
Ralph Lauren Payton Bath Towel
Bloomingdale's
View On Bloomingdales
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View On Horchow.com
Our Ratings
Pros
This towel has a luxurious feel with a thick, plush material that feels like a blanket when you wrap up in it.
After washing it three times, all stains came out, and there were no loose threads or snags.
It dried in about 11 minutes, which beats the average drying time by almost an hour and 20 minutes.
Cons
The size could be a bit too large if you're a petite person.
There was shrinkage of about three inches after washing.
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, fluffier, and without any loose threads or pilling. 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. We did notice a few loose threads after washing the towel at home, but other than that, the towel has held up well. It continues to dry fast with no sogginess. Overall, this is a luxurious towel that would be delightful to wrap up in after any bath or shower.
Price at time of publish: $39
Pre-Wash Measurements: 35.5 x 72.5 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 32 x 69 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors: 20
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Best Absorbent
Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Collection Bath Towel
Serena & Lily
View On Serena And Lily
Our Ratings
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
We noticed a few loose threads after machine-washing this towel, but other than that, it held up well.
If you're searching for a Turkish cotton 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. We noticed a few loose threads on the towel's surface, but besides that, we were impressed with the towel's overall appearance.
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 and functional, and easy to maintain — just wash with warm water and tumble dry on a low setting.
Price at time of publish: $48
Pre-Wash Measurements: 31 x 57 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 29 x 54 inches | Material: 420 GSM Turkish Aegean cotton | Colors: 3
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Best Investment
Coyuchi Temescal Organic Bath Towel
Coyuchi
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View On Madetrade.com
Our Ratings
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. We did notice that the towel shrank by about four inches after the first wash. 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.
Price at time of publish: $78
Pre-Wash Measurements: 39.25 x 72.5 inches | Post-Wash Measurements: 38 x 68 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Colors: 6
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