Best Bath Towels 2024 | Tested By Home Experts - Forbes Vetted

Oct 26, 2024

Bath towels are a daily necessity—but the best ones can also be a daily luxury. To see which ones fit that bill, I rigorously tested 13 popular styles over the course of a year. Without a doubt, my pick for the best bath towel overall is Frontgate’s Resort Cotton Bath Towel, an incredibly soft and highly absorbent option with a blanket-like feel. Meanwhile, Amazon Basics Quick-Dry Bath Towels is my best value pick, offering impressive absorbency at a wallet-friendly price point. And there are six more bath towels—from ultra-soft to quick-dry to oversized—that also aced my tests.

From terry to waffle weave, the best bath towels I tested are soft, absorbent and hold up over time.

The following is a list of the eight top winners from my testing process:

Because preferences for bath linens are subjective, I focused on a series of straightforward criteria to maintain as much objectivity as possible. First, I made sure to test bath towels of different weaves, sizes and prices. I also evaluated each towel’s plushness, absorbency, thickness and drying abilities. Finally, I tested how well each towel was able to stand up to an aggressive, frequent laundering regimen. Read more about my top selections below.

Frontgate

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The Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Towel feels like the best hotel towel I’ve ever wrapped myself in—upgraded. More like a blanket than a utilitarian linen, it’s far and away the softest and thickest towel I tried and boasts one of the highest GSM (grams per square meter) of all the options I tested.

Based on its weight and fluffiness, it unsurprisingly performed very well in my absorbency test, sucking up a whopping 97.5% of water. (It tied for first in the absorbency category with the Matouk Milagro Bath Towel.) That said, this towel isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a towel whose primary function is just to get you dry (versus one you’d want to, say, lounge in for hours), you might prefer the lighter-weight Onsen waffle option below. But despite its thickness, Frontgate’s Resort Bath Towel was among the best when it came to a quick drying time.

I also found this terry towel durable enough to be used daily, but still high-pile enough for discerning textile enthusiasts. This pick retained maximum softness after the numerous washing and drying cycles I subjected it to, showing no signs of stiffening, shrinking or fading. And because it comes in 27 different hues, you can find a set that matches even the most niche color scheme. Overall, it’s a veritable win for design lovers and everyday users alike. (Read my full review of the Frontgate Bath Towel for more details on my findings.)

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Amazon

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It’s hard to beat the wallet-friendly price of these towels, but that’s certainly not the only draw. I was equally impressed with their overall quality, especially relative to the costlier options I tested. While they’re not my top pick (they only sucked up a middle-of-the-road 78.9% in my water absorbency test), they are an excellent choice for those on a budget and anyone who’s simply interested in the best of the basics. They’re also impressively soft. Though they’re thinner than the other terry towels I tested, that shorter pile isn’t necessarily a strike against them: Fewer fibers mean the towels can dry more quickly (as evidenced by this towel’s 7/10 dryness rating).

However, after multiple trips through the washer and dryer, the softness became less apparent, and the towel appeared to shake off some of the fabric softeners likely used in manufacturing. This is a common issue with towels of all types; the straight-from-the-package feel tends differ from the post-wash experience. But for a towel at this price point, it’s to be expected. At under $20 for a set of two, this product is great for folks in need of a straightforward bath towel, whether for their own bathroom, a guest room or a dorm room. (Check out my full review of Amazon’s Quick-Dry Towels for more testing details.)

Amazon

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I’m typically a stickler for 100% cotton linens—so I was pleasantly surprised to find that these well-priced towels were incredibly soft and fluffy. In fact, I found myself reaching for them just as often as some of the more luxurious products in this lineup.

This towel has higher-than-average absorbency level, taking in around 90% of the spilled water during testing; the blend of natural and synthetic fiber likely repels moisture a bit more than towels made from 100% naturally occurring materials like cotton or linen. But I didn’t mind that I needed to blot myself off just a tiny bit more than with the other options I tested, because the microfiber blend contributed to an impressive softness that didn’t diminish with washing. They were also almost completely dry after 15 hours, so you’d likely never have to reach for a still-wet towel from the day before.

These towels come in nine colors, including Lavender and Khaki, both with contrasting hems. Unlike typical terry cloth towels, these have a diamond-shaped jacquard weave with extra air channels that allow them to dry faster and add a bit of interest; I also suspect the raised pattern will help disguise imperfections like snagged loops over time. As a bonus, these towels come in a reusable zippered bag, making them easy to store for guests and portable for camping trips and sleepovers. (Have Prime membership? Check out more of the best towels on Amazon our home editors recommend.)

Brooklinen

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Several Forbes Vetted editors count these extra-plush towels among their favorite Brooklinen products. If, like them, you’re after “thick” and “really, really fluffy” more than anything else, grab a set of these and don’t look back. While they’re certainly not for everyone—some prefer the thinner, more classic feel of the other towels on our list—they offer a knock-your-socks-off level of quality for those who do like a little extra fluff. They’re surprisingly absorbent for an 820 GSM set, and there are 15 colors to choose from on Brooklinen’s site (although I found the white color to be particularly bright and fresh-looking).

The towel feels luxurious and ultra-thick on first pass, though that initial feel does shrink a small amount after its first run through the washer (it went from “very plush” to “just plain plush”). I didn’t count that as a mark against the product; subsequent washes revealed that it maintained that same post–first-wash feel. It still offers a far thicker texture than other towels on my list. All in all, it’s fairly easy to understand why Brooklinen touts these as its best-selling weave.

Brooklinen

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This towel emerged as the standout during testing in terms of its quick-drying abilities (my colleague, home writer Korin Miller, also deemed it the best quick-dry towel overall in her roundup). For context: My fiancé has a bizarre tendency to get bath towels completely soaked, and I’ve been troubleshooting this issue for months, as towels that get soaking wet tend not to dry quickly enough to avoid a mildew smell. Compared with other towels, Brooklinen’s Classic Turkish Cotton Bath Towels have been consistently quick-drying even in the wettest circumstances.

The higher the pile or GSM of a towel, the more absorbent it will be—but the slower it will be to dry. So if your bathroom has limited airflow or you live with a towel-soaker like I do, a slightly thinner towel like Brooklinen’s Classic (with its GSM of 550) is a great option. It’s not as luxurious as Brooklinen’s super-plush line of towels, but it’s perfect for everyday use and has so far been mildew-proof.

It’s available in 11 different shades, including Brooklinen’s rotating limited-edition colors that come in seasonal drops. I’ve been continually impressed with the durability and colorfastness of these towels as well: I haven’t seen more than one or two snags on the terry loops or any fading after several months of use.

Matouk

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This towel was the priciest of the winners I tested, and while a higher price tag doesn’t always equate to a higher-quality product, the Matouk Milagro towels proved themselves worth every penny. Not only did I look forward to testing them every time the opportunity came up in my rotation, but after several months of long-term testing, I still find myself reaching for the Matouk bath towels despite preferring larger bath sheets—they’re that soft and luxurious. It also doesn’t hurt that there’s a myriad of color options available.

In terms of overall absorbency, this towel was tied for first. Like the Frontgate Bath Towel, my top pick, it sucked up 97.5% of the water I poured. It also dried surprisingly fast for its plushness level: I gave it a 9/10 dryness rating. Its 22.1-ounce weight hits the sweet spot between the thick Frontgate towel (27.1 ounces) and the thinner Onsen one (17 ounces). It also stayed supremely soft and fluffy, even after multiple washes. While I stand by the Frontgate towel as the best overall pick for most people, I personally preferred the midrange pile on the Matouk. If you think you might also enjoy that in-between plushness range, it’s worth checking out.

Onsen

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Waffle towels are an increasingly popular option because of the ultralight weight and breathability of the fabric. They’re woven with raised threads that form small squares or rectangles, as opposed to the tight loops that form a terry weave. I’d easily recommend Onsen’s option to anyone who enjoys using an airy and lightweight towel.

The Onsen towel is exceedingly lightweight with a GSM of only 470: That means it takes up much less space in a linen closet, soaks up moisture rapidly and dries quickly. I found that it also got softer and more absorbent with each wash. It’s definitely the beauty queen of the bunch, too—the waffle-weave texture adds an undeniable je ne sais quoi to any bathroom. The product also comes in 12 chic hues, including Oatmeal, Red Clay and Sage.

One thing to note: Even though this towel is quite absorbent, its low pile and light weight means you can more quickly feel water that’s been absorbed. So if you’re someone who likes to lounge around in a towel while getting ready, I’d recommend a fluffier pick with a higher GSM. (Find out what senior reviews editor Anna Perling thinks about the Onsen Bath Towel’s features in her breakdown.)

Boll & Branch

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Bath sheets, on average, are about 860 square inches larger than standard bath towels, so they wrap around many more shapes and bodies and often provide a cuddly, blanket-like experience. These pleasantly spacious Boll & Branch bath sheets are no exception. They’re made of high-quality cotton and are quite weighty at 820 GSM, which aids in absorbency. Still, I was pleased to note that they dried pretty quickly despite the thick weave. I also enjoyed the decorative band around the bottom of the towel, which made it feel more luxurious and expensive. Plus, this towel is available in several neutral tones to match a variety of bathrooms.

The Boll & Branch bath sheets were unbelievably soft out of the package. After a wash, they were a bit less soft, but I don’t consider this a demerit: Most towels are treated with a softener before shipping, and these were still exceedingly soft (and absorbent) than many other towels I tested. Their ultra-plush feeling, combined with the oversized dimensions, brought the Boll & Branch bath sheet up to the top of my personal favorites list (along with Matouk and Frontgate).

I tested five other bath towels that didn’t make the final cut—but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth looking into. Each of the following options offers something helpful to certain types of users. Here are the other options:

Parachute Classic Turkish Towels: Ultimately, I didn’t think the Classic Turkish Towel was worth the price tag. It was soft but landed in the middle of the pack when it came to absorbency and drying abilities. If you’ve got the extra dollars to spare and are already a fan of the brand, though, it might be worth trying out.

Riley Spa Bath Towel: While this is a good option for those who prefer a thinner towel, it isn’t as soft as I expected for the price. It offers some thoughtful details, though, like curved edges and a loop for hanging. But it felt more like a beach towel than the sort you might like to wrap yourself up in and linger for a while.

Coyuchi Cloud Loom Organic Towel: This was by far the most expensive towel I tested, but the quality was not as high as I was expecting. It’s certainly an attractive towel, featuring delicate piping and thick terry loops, but it came in last place in my absorbency tests, and it wasn’t nearly as soft as the Matouk or Frontgate towels.

Utopia Premium Bath Towel Set: Unfortunately, these towels were rather scratchy out of the package. Even though they were only a few inches smaller than other towels I tested, they felt considerably smaller during regular use. I wouldn’t recommend these as bath towels, but they’re a solid option if you’re in the market for dog towels or larger cleaning cloths.

Sand Cloud Terra XL: While these towels were absorbent (sucking up 95% of the water in my tests), they weren’t as quick-drying or soft as I had hoped from this brand. The short-pile terry wasn’t very luxurious, but the small loops certainly snag less than some higher-pile towels I tested.

With so many bath towel options on the market, we gathered some tips for you to keep top of mind.

I’m a writer and editor with more than five years of experience testing products (I’ve tried everything from couches to robot vacuums). I focus on home content, writing about design, cleaning, organizing and the best home products on the market. You can find my work in other publications and digital outlets in addition to Forbes Vetted, such as The Strategist, Domino, Insider Reviews and Real Simple.

For this piece, I spent a year testing 13 of the most popular and highly reviewed bath towels. Before the testing process began, I consulted two experts, each of whom lent excellent insight into the world of towels. We discussed everything from construction to proper laundering and even touched on display considerations. The following individuals gave their time to this story:

To make sure my methodology was as streamlined, straightforward and objective as possible, I kept the following criteria in mind: Each winning towel needed to be plush but absorbent, not too thin but not too thick, able to dry relatively quickly and capable of withstanding a frequent laundering regimen.

Before testing, I noted each towel’s basic specs as listed online or on the label. These consisted of the following: material (if cotton, I noted where it was grown and produced), construction, size (both listed and what I measured myself) and weight (in the standard GSM (grams per square meter). I then started testing for the following criteria:

While the GSM is an important indicator of plushness, the feel of a towel is something you can experience only through touch. I noted how each of the towels stacked up in terms of softness and fluffiness.

I first weighed each contender while dry. I then poured 4 ounces of water onto my countertop, laid each towel on top for one minute and weighed them directly afterward to see how much of the water they had absorbed. To calculate the percentage absorbed, I subtracted the dry ounces from the wet, multiplied this number by 100 and divided by the original 4-ounce measurement.

I began my process by making note of more basic specs like material, construction, size and ... [+] weight—then moved onto more "challenging" tests, including one that measured each towel's drying capabilities.

I hung each towel on separate hooks in my bathroom and left them for 15 hours. Then, I measured (by feel) how much moisture had evaporated from each, giving them a score of 1 through 10, with 10 being the driest and 1 the least dry.

I washed each towel three times, separately, on a hot, heavy-duty cycle. After each wash cycle, I ran the towel through the hottest dryer cycle before repeating my process. I noted which of the towel’s fibers had come loose, if any. I also recorded if any seemed stiffer or softer after washing and if any had lost their dye or vibrancy along the way.

Throughout the testing process, I came across several words that are specific to the textile industry, but are worth knowing about when searching for the right bath towels for you. Sean Cormier, textiles professor at the New York Fashion Institute of Technology, helped break down the below terms:

Based on my testing criteria, I recommend considering the following qualifications while shopping for a new set of towels:

Almost all of the towels I tested were made of 100% cotton. There are three types of cotton: short staple, long staple and extra-long staple. When it comes to towels, long-staple cotton (such as Turkish cotton) or extra-long–staple cotton (such as Pima, Supima or Egyptian cotton) are preferable.

Construction in this case refers to the type of weave showcased by each towel. In my tests, I dealt exclusively with waffle weave and terry options. In terms of size, bath towels are usually about 30 inches by 56 inches.

Bath towels typically fall somewhere between 300 GSM and 900 GSM. If you want a towel that’s exceptionally plush, look for one with a higher GSM. When it comes to sourcing towels for clients, Laura Pankonien of Austin-based interior design firm The Pankonien Group says that coziness is of paramount importance: “We source high-quality Turkish and Egyptian cotton in a 500- to 600-gram weight for that ultra-cozy hotel spa feel that our clients love,” she says. Alternatively, if you’d rather get dry and move along with your day, a less-plush (lower-gram) waffle weave towel might be the right choice for you.

Sean Cormier says to keep in mind that some manufacturers will wash towels with a silicone fabric softener that makes the towel super soft on the shelf; on first use, it might even repel water. This is usually a sign that the towel is not made with quality fibers, and the product might become scratchier with each wash, as opposed to softer.

Three of the towels I tested—the Brooklinen, Matouk and Frontgate options—absorbed 97.5% of the water in my absorbency tests, a very impressive figure that relates back to their higher GSM. Typically, the thicker the towel (and the higher the GSM), the more absorbent it’s likely to be.

All of the towels I tested were able to dry almost completely in 15 hours. This is a qualification that doesn’t necessarily correlate with other important towel criteria, so it’s important to look out for it on its own. For instance, the Onsen towel I tested picked up 86.3% of the water in the absorbency test (not as much as some of my top picks); but when it came to the quick-dry test, it dried soaking water completely in half the time of the others.

It’s important to determine whether your purchase will last years or if it’ll disappoint within a few months—and that’s especially true when you’re buying a daily-use home product like a bath towel. Towels should be washed and dried regularly, and these cycles can be tough on fabric, which makes looking for a durable option particularly important. (Luckily, none of my top picks showed any real signs of wear and tear, like frayed threads, shrinkage or color loss.)

The question of which brand makes the best bath towel depends on personal preference. But based on my in-depth testing, I found that the Frontgate Resort Collection scored the highest across the board. It’s made of long-staple Turkish cotton, offering just the right blend of absorbency, thickness and softness. If however, you’re looking for an option that’s airy and lightweight, the best bath towel for you might very well be one that has a waffle weave, such as the Onsen Bath Towel, another one of my top picks.

There are several ways to tell if a bath towel is high-quality. First and foremost, look at its absorbency. In the case of terry cotton towels, the higher the GSM, the thicker and more absorbent the towel will be. Waffle weave towels may not have as high of a GSM, but can still be just as high quality—my pick from Onsen does a great job of soaking up water and drying quickly. Bath towel brands renowned for their quality include Frontgate, Brooklinen, Matouk and Boll & Branch, which is why I included styles from each on this list. These can be on the pricier side—especially if you’re buying a full set or two—but they’ll last you a long time and won’t need to be replaced as often.

The best-quality towels fit for hotels are ones that are equal parts cozy and plush. According to Laura Pankonien of Austin-based interior design firm The Pankonien Group, you’ll get that plush, comfy, spa-like texture by looking at the towel’s material and GSM. For Pankonien’s clients, she says, “We source high-quality Turkish and Egyptian cotton in a 500- to 600-gram weight for that ultra-cozy hotel spa feel that our clients love.”

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