15 best bath towels in 2024, tried and tested
Investing in the best bath towels will transform your post-shower or bath routine into a spa-like experience, ensuring that each day feels like a five-star indulgence. While a high-GSM towel may carry a more substantial price tag compared to their budget counterparts, their weighty composition ensures durability and will truly stand the test of time. In short, investing in some heavyweight, absorbent towels or bath sheets is never a waste of money.
Lucky for you, here at GLAMOUR we've tried and tested a whole host of the softest bath towels so you know where to head. After multiple cycles in the washing machine and with input from our testers, we've curated a list of the best 15 towels to buy right now. So, if your old microfibre towels are feeling thread-bare and crispy, it might be time to invest in some new towels, be they Egyptian cotton towels or the best bath towels on Amazon. Happy browsing!
SKIP TO: What to look for in a towel | How often should you buy new towels? | Is it normal for new towels to shed? | How often should you wash bath towels? | How do you keep towels soft? | Which material bath towel is best? | What size bath towels should I buy? | How we test bath towels
The best bath towels at a glance:
- Best Overall - Hydrocotton Bath Towel, £30, The White Company
- Runner Up - Monaco Supreme Cotton Bath Towel, £12, Dusk
- Best Waffle - Waffle Towel White, £14, Heal's
- Best Turkish - Turkish Cotton Bath Towel, £33.30, Christy
- Best Thick - Egyptian Cotton Luxury Towel
What to look for in a towel
When choosing a towel, consider its material, absorbency, durability, and softness. Look for towels made from high-quality materials like Egyptian or Turkish cotton, as they are known for their softness and absorbency. Check the towel's GSM, as this indicates the quality and density of the fabric. Additionally, consider the towel's size and colour to ensure it fits your needs and complements your bathroom decor.
- Thread count - When it comes to towels, thread count is measured differently than with bedding. Instead of threads per square inch, it's measured in grams per square meter (GSM). This indicates the density and quality of the towel fabric. You want to be looking at quality towels with a thread count of around 600gsm.
- Fabric - Towels are available in a variety of fabrics, each with its own set of advantages. Some of the most common options include Egyptian cotton towels, Turkish cotton towels, and microfibre towels.
- Design - Your choice of towel style is entirely dependent on your personal preference. When selecting a design, consider factors such as colour to ensure your bathroom towels blend well with your decor. In addition, consider buying bath sheets which have double-turned edges and double stitching to avoid fraying over time.
- Size options - Selecting the appropriate towel size is essential. When browsing for bath towels, you'll encounter various options ranging from face cloths to extra-large bath sheets. A bath towel or sheet is the perfect size for wrapping around yourself after a bath or shower.
How often should you buy new towels?
The frequency of purchasing new towels varies depending on several factors. Look out for signs of fraying or holes, as well as if they don't seem to wash as effectively as before. This could indicate it's time to refresh your collection. The lifespan also depends on the quality of your bath towels. As a general guideline, consider replacing them every 3-5 years. However, having more than one set on rotation can extend their longevity and freshness.
Is it normal for new towels to shed?
Yes, it's quite common for new towels to shed fibres, especially if they are made from natural materials like cotton. This shedding is a result of the manufacturing process and typically decreases after the first few washes. To minimise shedding, wash new towels separately before using them for the first time and avoid using fabric softeners, which can trap loose fibres.
How often should you wash bath towels?
To maintain hygiene and prevent germ buildup, it's important to ensure your bath towel dries completely between uses and is washed regularly. We suggest washing your towels after approximately three uses. For those who shower everyday, this translates to washing them around twice a week. Face cloths used for washing your face should be washed after each use, and the same applies to gym towels, as they are more susceptible to accumulating airborne bacteria.
How do you keep towels soft?
To keep towels soft, use detergent sparingly and avoid fabric softeners. Opt for gentle washing in warm water and tumble dry with dryer balls to fluff towels. Avoid over-drying by removing towels from the dryer while slightly damp, and consider air drying for natural softening. Even if your towels have loops for hanging, we still recommend fully drying them for an even dry.
Which material bath towel is best?
No one has time to stand dripping in the bathroom for an hour post-shower, so make a beeline for a quick-drying towel that won't feel damp after 30 seconds. Hydrocotton towels - like The White Company's plush bath towels - tend to be very fast drying with thanks to the "low twist" technology they've been crafted using. This makes them perfect for children and busy households. They'll also stay ultra-soft and supple even after washing them.
What size bath towels should I buy?
This one is kind of obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people get caught out when buying bath towels online. Most towels come in a whole range of sizes, from face towels to jumbo bath sheets and washcloths/hand towels. Make sure you've selected a bath towel or something larger if you're going to be using it to dry yourself after a bath or shower. These are your typical bath towel dimensions:
- Bath towel: L130 x W70cm.
- Bath sheet: L150 x W90cm.
- XL bath sheet: L180 x W100cm.
How we test towels
Our testers at GLAMOUR rigorously evaluated each towel featured in this edit, using them at home for a minimum of 30 days. Adhering to our testing criteria, we assessed each towel on quality, absorbency, size options, drying time, and pre- and post-wash softness. We looked out for signs of wear, pilling, and snags to ensure we outlined any drawbacks. For those not yet tested yet, we've consulted experts and gathered customer feedback to get the lowdown. The result? A selection of high-quality bathroom towels to suit everyone's needs from hotel-style towels to towels suitable for children.
After more interiors content? Head this way for beach towels, bath trays and bath mats – and over here for the best duvet and best mattresses for your best night’s kip yet. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.
Ahead, the best bath towels of 2024.
1. Best quick dry bath towels
Specifications:
- Material: 100% cotton.
- GSM: 500 GSM.
- Sizes: Face Cloth W30cm x L30cm, Hand Towel W50cm x L90cm, Bath Towel W70cm x L125cm, Bath Sheet W100cm x L150cm and Super Jumbo W115cm x L180cm.
- Colourways available: Pearl grey, white, soft grey, oatmeal, slate.
- Pros: Absorbent, dries quickly, super soft feel.
- Cons: Nothing to note.
- Tested by: Neamh Randall, GLAMOUR's Commerce Picture Editor.
Why we love it: Often enough, super soft towels go hand in hand with the same ones which won't air dry no matter long you hang them out for. Not these towels. Made in Turkey – where only the best towels are made – The White Company's hydrocotton bath towel set is fast drying and a top pick for buyers aiming to reduce their energy consumption in the way of radiators and/or tumble drying.
Crafted from 100 percent cotton, these bath towels are one of The White Company's all-time bestsellers. Dreamy in a contemporary home, they're made using the brand's v. clever "low twist" technology – which basically makes them insanely fast-drying, while remaining super fluffy.
After a thorough 30-day trial, Neamh Randall, Commerce Picture Editor at GLAMOUR, hails these towels as "absolutely perfect". Describing both the bath towel and bath sheet, she praises them as "an instant hug," featuring a soft texture and luxurious plushness. Highlighting their quick washability and drying, she notes they feel exceptionally fluffy and dry a lot faster compared to her previous microfibre towels.
2. Best rated bath towels
Monaco Supreme Cotton Collection
Specifications:
- Material: 100% cotton.
- GSM: 500 GSM.
- Sizes: Face Cloth 30 x 30cm, Hand Towel 50 x 90cm Bath Towel 70 x 130cm, Bath Sheet 100 x 150cm.
- Colourways available: Light grey, charcoal, white.
- Pros: Affordable, washes well.
- Cons: Not the most absorbent.
- Tested by: Hattie Cotmore, GLAMOUR's Associate Visuals Editor.
Why we love it: Dusk reigns supreme for luxurious bed sheets without the luxury price tag, and their bath towels are just as good. These Monaco Supreme Cotton bath towels start at just £1 (!) for the face cloth – but there's also a hand towel, bath towel and bath sheet in the collection. They have ribbed detailing which helps you dry more quickly, and they're tumble-dry safe at a low temperature.
"I was attracted to Dusk’s Monaco towels due to the ribbed cotton finish," remarked Hattie Cotmore, GLAMOUR's Associate Visuals Editor. “Opting for the bath sheet (once you switch from a standard towel size, you'll never go back) and a matching face cloth felt essential,” she says. Although the towels arrived in a beautifully fluffy state, Hattie noted they weren't the most absorbent at first. However, after a single wash, despite losing some of their initial softness, their absorbency significantly improved. “They’re such an affordable option but on sale right now they’re even more of a steal,” she adds.3. Best waffle bath towels
Specifications:
- Material: 100% fine, ring spun Turkish cotton.
- GSM: 275 GSM.
- Size: Hand Towel 50 x 100cm, Bath Towel 70 x 140 cm, Bath Sheet 100 x 160 cm.
- Colourways available: White, charcoal, red clay, putty pink, sea blue, green.
- Pros: Extensive colour range, absorbent, lightweight.
- Cons: You won’t be able to buy these as a three piece towel set, but rather individually.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Why we love it: With a gorgeous dressing gown-esque waffle weave, these textured towels from Heal’s will bring the luxurious feel of the spa into the heart of your home and, what’s more, for such a high-end towel we’re reeling at the retailer’s current 50% reductions. Available in your choice of white, charcoal, red, pink, blue and green towel variations, these lightweight towels will maintain their shape and feel even after washing with detergent, softener etc. and they’re 10x less likely to shed lint and fluff than loop/pile towels.
"I tested Heal's White Waffle bath towels throughout the week," recounts Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor. "As someone who has never used waffle bath towels before, they did take a bit of getting used to," she says. “I loved the spa feel they gave to my bathroom when hung up – and wrapped around me – and loved that the bundle came in three different sizes. The largest of which was *huge* and covered me from head-to-toe when I got out of the shower." she adds. “I'm not sure I'd use them in the winter when I want to cuddle up in something warm post-bathe, but in the summer, they felt lovely and lightweight – and remained just as absorbent as the microfibre towels I had previously tried. They washed really well, too, which was an added bonus.” She added.4. Best Turkish bath towels
Christy Luxe Turkish Cotton Bath Towel
Specifications:
- Material: 100% Turkish cotton
- GSM: 730 GSM.
- Size: Hand towel 50 x 100cm, Bath towel 76 x 137cm and Bath sheet 90 x 165cm.
- Colourways available: French grey, pearl, surf, denim, white.
- Pros: Thick, super absorbent, wash well.
- Cons: Some reviewers reported that they lost their softness slightly over time.
Why we love it: If you're not in the know, Turkish towels reign supreme for their absorbency. They might set you back a bit more, but when it comes to home furnishings I'm definitely team ‘if it'll last longer, I'll pay more up front.' To each their own, of course.
Christy is a true British bath towel brand, and since they've been making towels since 1850 (for the likes of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II), they know a thing or two about quality. They also supply the distinctive towels at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships. Available in five colours, these bath towels are thick, luxurious and super absorbent - soaking up water extremely quickly. They're also renowned for washing very well and not shrinking over time.
Save when you shop for the best bath towels with these John Lewis discount codes.
5. Best thick bath towels
Specifications:
- Material: 100% Egyptian cotton pile.
- GSM: 600 GSM.
- Size: face towel, guest towel, hand towel, bath towel and bath sheet available.
- Colourways available: 43 (!) options.
- Pros: Extensive colour range, long lasting.
- Cons: Nothing of note!
- Tested by: Emily Whitwam, GLAMOUR's Associate Manager, Social Media.
Why we love it: If you're struggling to find a towel that complements your bathroom's colour scheme, we highly recommend exploring the Luxury Egyptian Cotton Towel range at M&S. "They are available in a multitude of beautiful shades, making it difficult for me to choose which one to review, but I chose the Pistachio shade, which is a perfect earthy green and looks stunning in my bathroom," says Emily Whitwam, GLAMOUR's Associate Manager, Social Media. “The Luxury Egyptian Cotton Towel feels incredibly soft and cosy, just as you would expect,” she adds.
With M&S' unique StayNew™ technology, these plush towels are designed to look good as new for years to come. Yep, they seldom shrink and feel extremely thick even after multiple uses. “This is something I always struggle with but the absorbency on these towels were excellent,” adds Emily, stating “I intend to purchase more of this range for my towel collection.”
Save when you shop for the best bath towels with these Marks and Spencer discount codes.
6. Best absorbent bath towels
Specifications:
- Material: 100% Supima Combed Cotton.
- GSM: 650 GSM.
- Size: Face Cloth 33 x 33 cm, Guest Towel 40 x 76 cm, Hand Towel 50 x 100 cm, Bath Towel 75 x 137 cm, Bath Sheet 90 x 165 cm.
- Colourways available:
- Pros: Feels super-soft, dries quickly, great range of sizes.
- Cons: Nothing to note.
Why we love it: Christy towels have been on our radar ever since we first set our eyes on the ever-indulgent Harrods bathroom department. They brand is a bit of an English institution and puts long-lasting quality above all else. The Hygro towels are the epitome of what you imagine wrapping up in after a hot shower on a cold day, and they'll maintain their soft, squidgy feel for years to come. Definitely one for the wishlist.
Available in a whole plethora of colours and with sizes ranging from hand towel through to bath sheet, Christy's Hygro® bath towels are crafted using a special process that produces a supima cotton yarn with a hollow core. This means your bath towels are more absorbent, will get you dry in less time and get softer wash after wash. They're also sustainably made and OEKO-TEX® certified against harmful substances.
7. Best Egyptian cotton bath towels
Specifications:
- Material: twisted Egyptian-cotton Terry.
- GSM: 700 GSM.
- Sizes: Face Cloth W30cm x L30cm, Hand Towel W50cm x L90cm, Bath Towel W70cm x L125cm, Bath Sheet W100cm x L150cm and Super Jumbo W115cm x L180cm.
- Colourways available:
- Pros: High GSM, thick feel, super soft.
- Cons: Some reviewers reported that it takes a few washes for them to become as soft as promised.
Why we love it: Neutral tones in the bathroom will forever be in our homeware good books. Gone are the days of seaside themed showers – shells, driftwood and all – as buyers begin to invest in pieces which infuse an air of calm, rather than energy, into their bathrooms. For us, calm is muted, a super high GSM (700, to be precise) and available in an extensive range of sizes for a full and towering aesthetic towel bale.
If it's a thick bath towel you're after, you get what you pay for with The White Company. Their luxury Egyptian cotton bath towels are some of the most popular bath sheets in this edit, and our favourites overall. They're super chunky and made from twisted Egyptian-cotton terry for an extra indulgent softness. They're finished with a simple, single border to prevent fraying – and they last for years.
Some reviewers reported that it takes a few washes for them to become as soft as promised. Plus, there aren't many colours to choose from – but if you have a minimalist style then they give off all the fancy hotel vibes.
8. Best bamboo bath towels
Specifications:
- Material: 65% combed long-staple cotton and 35% bamboo.
- GSM: 600 GSM.
- Sizes: Bath Sheet: 100 x 150 cm, Bath Towel: 70 x 135 cm and Hand Towel: 50 x 90 cm.
- Colourways available: 3.
- Pros: Oeko-Tex Made in Green accreditation.
- Cons: Nothing to note.
Why we love it: We're always looking for ways to inject more eco-friendly wares into our homes, and bamboo fibres are some of the best ways to do that without compromising on feel. For us, the deep chocolate shade of these Panda London towels is reminiscent of a luxe urban spa, while the higher GSM – 600 – makes for an extra cosy, comforting weight.
Panda's sustainable choice of fabric in their bath towels is what makes them a GLAMOUR favourite. Zero twist and supremely soft and fluffy, they're cut from an eco-friendly, silky-smooth and organic cotton-bamboo blend – which also makes them naturally anti-bacterial, odour-resistant and hypoallergenic. There's a loop that helps when hanging them up in the bathroom.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
9. Best handmade bath towels
Specifications:
- Material: Turkish Cotton.
- GSM: Unspecified.
- Sizes: 180 x 100cm.
- Colourways available: 16.
- Pros: Handmade, lightweight, dries quickly.
- Cons: Limited size options.
Why we love it: Turkish towels, or hammam towels, are a popular pick for travelling and beach towel use, in part because of their quick-drying functionality. Handcrafted in the UK, these towels come in 16 gorgeous colours, are lightweight, machine washable and exceptionally absorbent. Produced using traditional hand weaving techniques dating back to the 2nd century, they're made on hand looms with manual labor to preserve the authentic process. With over 2,000 5-star reviews on Etsy, you can rest assured that you're investing in towels that have been tried and tested for quality.
10. Best luxury bath towels
White & Oatmeal Check Bath Towel Bundle
Specifications:
- Material: 100% French flax linen.
- GSM: 500 GSM.
- Sizes: Bath towel: 100 x 170c, Hand and face towel: 50 x 80cm.
- Colourways available: 10.
- Pros: Gorgeous design, quick-drying, eco-friendly.
- Cons: Expensive!
- Tested by: Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: Bed Threads has been offering high-quality sleek bed linen in muted, and maximalist hues since its initial launch in 2017. And its array of bathroom essentials, including this towel bundle, maintains the same premium quality. Crafted from 100% French flax linen with a 500 GSM, the collection includes two generously sized bath towels, two hand towels, and a bath mat crafted from plush terry weave fabric.
“These towels are a premium option for those seeking comfort, style, and durability in their bath time routine," says Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer. “Their sumptuous texture, chic design, wide size selection, and outstanding quality offer the perfect blend of functionality and fashion to create a spa-like feel in your home," she explains. “I found them super absorbent, even after multiple washes and they are now a must-have in my self-care routine," she adds.
11. Best bath towel bundle
Egyptian Cotton 7 Piece Luxury Bath Towel Set
Specifications:
- Material:
- GSM: 650.
- Sizes: Face Cloths 30 x 30cm, Hand Towels 50 x 85cm, Bath Towels 70 x 125cm, Large Bath Sheet 90 x 165cm.
- Colourways available: Pink, dark grey, white, grey.
- Pros: Super absorbent, machine washable and thick feel.
- Cons: None here!
- Tested by: Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: Investing in some beautiful, high-quality towels is one of the best gifts you can given yourself. A set of classic grey towels will never go out of style, and this option from Hampton & Astley has over 1,000 five-star reviews. Crafted from Egyptian Cotton with a thick 650gsm pile, these absorbent towels are designed to get thicker and fluffier beyond the first three washes.
“Not only do I feel like I’m at a spa every time I use these, but these luxurious towels also hold up perfectly after many spins in my washing machine,” says Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer. “The cotton material is super soft, making these well worth the investment and thanks to the 650GSM pile they feel extra comfortable to wrap up in," she says, adding “I love that they come in a 7-piece set that includes an extra-large bath sheet, two bath towels, two hand towels, and two face cloths, upgrading my entire bath towel collection in one bundle.”
12. Best affordable bath towels
Specifications:
- Material: 100% Egyptian Cotton Pile.
- GSM: Undisclosed.
- Size: Face Cloth: 30cm x 30cm, Wash Mitt: 15cm x 20cm, Guest Towel: 40cm x 60cm, Hand Towel: 50cm x 90cm, Bath Towel: 70cm x 125cm, XL Bath Towel: 80cm x 140cm, Bath Sheet: 90cm x 170cm, Supersized Bath Sheet: 100cm x 200cm.
- Colourways available: 13.
- Pros: Wide range of colours available, great value for money, five-year guarantee.
- Cons: They don't retain their softness as much as some more expensive bath towels.
Why we love it: If your searching for a more affordable option, then Dunelm's Egyptian cotton towels – in a myriad of shades from sage green to your more commonplace grey towels – are not to be overlooked. They're available for next day delivery if you've got guests visiting imminently and, with over 10,000 testimonials, they're quite the trending product.
They're available in an array of colours and surprisingly speedy when it comes to soaking up water, considering how affordable they are. Plus, they include Dunelm's five-year guarantee and promise to retain their colour and shape for up to 50 washes.
Save when you shop for the best bath towels with these Dunelm discount codes.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
13. Best organic cotton bath towels
Sustainable White Organic Cotton Towels
Specifications:
- Material: 100% Global Organic Textile Standard organic cotton.
- GSM: 550 GSM.
- Size: Hand Towel 50 x 100cm, Bath Towel 70 x 140 cm, Bath Sheet 100 x 160 cm.
- Colourways available: 1.
- Pros: Sustainable, quick-drying and absorbent.
- Cons: Only available in white.
Why we love it: GLAMOUR readers love Soak & Sleep. Seriously, from bedding to rival Brooklinen to this, the brand’s high-end bathroom accessories, Soak & Sleep are smashing it out of the homewares park right now. With this organic towel collection we’re big fans of the savings to be had with the multipacks and bales and, what’s more, the absorbency is next to none.
Sustainability is front and centre with these towels. The cotton is sourced from farmers who use specific practices with an aim to reduce greenhouse gasses by 95%. Also, the 550GSM (grams per square meter) weighting strikes a perfect balance between plush snuggliness and quick-drying functionality.
Save money on everything from new-in bedding pieces to bathroom soft furnishings and more with these Soak & Sleep discount codes.
14. Best bath towels for baby
John Lewis & Partners Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel
Specifications:
- Material: 100% Egyptian cotton.
- GSM: 700 GSM.
- Size: Face Cloth, L33 x W33cm, Guest Towel, L65 x W40cm, Hand Towel, L100 x W50cm, Bath Towel, L135 x W70cm, Bath Sheet, L165 x W90cm and Extra Large Bath Sheet, L180 x W100cm (available in selected colours).
- Colourways available: 41.
- Pros: 4.5 star ratings, affordable, luxurious feel.
- Cons: Some reviewers do report a slight amount of shrinkage after washing.
Why we love it: A best seller for John Lewis, its Egyptian cotton towels have over 2,000 reviews and it's no surprise with such a wide choice of colours, a super high 700gsm and matching bath mats for that succinct, ‘put together’ bathroom look.
These bath towels have an accessible price point, while retaining a very luxurious look and feel. Some of the best we've tried, they come in over 40 colours (!) and a whole plethora of sizes, meaning you can pick up a couple of smaller towels for your little one.
Take note, some reviewers do report a small amount of shrinkage after a handful of washes, but they're super soft either way.
Save when you shop for the best bath towels, fabric softener and terry cloth towels with these John Lewis discount codes.
15. Best white bath towels
Specifications:
- Material: 100% cotton.
- GSM: 540GSM.
- Size: Hand towel W83cm x L50cm, hand towel W104cm x L50cm.
- Colourways available: 1.
- Pros: Monogram feature, luxurious feel and
- Cons: Limited stock.
Why we love it: To really up your bathtime routine, opt for these quick drying towels that can be customised with your initials for an extra personalised touch. They're used in Soho House bedrooms across the world, so you can rest assured you're buying from a collection that is hotel-worthy. Plus, the option to personalise these bath towels with three initials add that extra touch of luxurious elegance.
We don't have any complaints about the quality of these bath towels, they're expertly crafted and designed to last, however, this collection is almost always out of stock so you'll have to keep a close eye on the brand's site for availability!
