Purchasing bath towels seems easy until you’re looking at piles of towels in a store (or browsing online), each one boasting that it’s “ultra-soft,” “super-absorbent,” and “luxury quality.” They all feel the same after you touch one, then another, and then a third. Alternatively, none of them feel quite right.
We get it. Towels are deceptively complicated.
However, we have your back, your dripping toes, and your wet hair covered. We will delve into great detail on how to choose the best bath towels in this article.
The Towel Struggle is Real Because Quality Matters
The comfort of a warm blanket after a hard day or the cozy wrap after a bath are all part of your everyday routine. And all can be ruined by subpar towels. They usually don’t dry you well, are too thin, scratchy, or maybe even worse.
On the contrary, the best bath towels are soft to the touch, long-lasting, and absorbent. Thus, towels do matter.
Let’s find the right ones.
- Fabric First
This is the beginning of the luxury or the mess! The softness, absorbency, drying time, and durability of your towel are all influenced by its material.
Here is a brief summary of the most widely used materials using this bath towel thickness guide:
Egyptian Cotton
These towels are thirsty. They are incredibly soft and absorbent because to their long fibers. Ideal for individuals who enjoy wrapping themselves in coziness reminiscent of a cloud.
Turkish Cotton
Still elegant, but with a quick drying time and a smooth finish. The comfort and functionality of Turkish cotton are nicely balanced. Like a good wine or your favorite pair of jeans, it also has the ability to age well.
Bamboo-Cotton Blends
If you want sustainability, Bamboo is the right one. It is eco-friendly, antibacterial, and surprisingly absorbent. Not quite as soft, but quite useful.
Microfiber
Lightweight and incredibly fast drying, but not quite cuddle-worthy. Not your everyday post-shower bliss, but ideal for gym bags or quick-dry beach days.
- Weighty Matters – The GSM
You know how some towels feel like they belong at a motel, while others feel thick? It all boils down to grams per square meter, or GSM.
What do the numbers mean?
300–400 GSM: Thin, quick-drying, and suitable for gyms or travel.
400–600 GSM: Daily sweet spot: soft, absorbent, and not overly heavy
600–900 GSM: Thick and fluffy. It takes longer to dry, but it feels luxurious.
When purchasing after reviewing this bath towel quality guide, opt for a towel with 600 GSM or more if you enjoy wrapping yourself in a towel that feels cozy. A density of around 400–500 GSM would be more beneficial if you live in a humid climate.
The bath towel weight explained here! However, if you are still confused, you can find the best match through our website.
- The Towel Size
The types of bath towels come in various sizes. Here’s what to look for based on your lifestyle (and the amount of towel you want to wrap yourself in):
- Washcloth (for hand or face cleaning), it should be approximately 13 × 13 inches
- About 16 by 30 inches of a hand towel (for cleaning hands or hair)
- Bath towel needs to be approximately 27 by 52 inches (adult standard size)
- Bath sheets are approximately 35 x 60+ inches (very huge, luxurious spa-style)
Use a bath sheet if you’re tall or prefer complete coverage. Although they work well, ordinary bath towels sometimes seem a little skimpy.
- Texture and Weave
You know how some towels feel like they can exfoliate your soul, while others feel like velvet? The weave is that and here are a few bath towel buying tips.
Terry Towels
- These towels have loops on both sides.
- They are super absorbent and fluffy.
- You can consider them for everyday use.
Waffle Weave
- Waffle has a honeycomb pattern.
- These are lightweight, dry fast, and look fancy.
- They are best for minimalist bathrooms and warm climates.
Velour Towels
- These towels have terry loops sheared off one side
- They are silky smooth on one side, absorbent on the other.
- Best for spa vibes.
Ribbed or Twisted Yarns
- Ribbed or twitted yarns are decorative and textured weaves.
- They come with aesthetic and durability.
- Durability Check
It is a waste of money to purchase a towel that appears soft on the first wash but loses its texture or form after several washes.
Check for these signs of durability:
- Hems that are double stitched and lessen fraying
- Cotton that is ring-spun which means more robust fibers
- No synthetic blends (unless performance-specific)
Pro tip: Before using your towels, always wash them. It eliminates any manufacturing residue and helps achieve maximum absorbency.
- Color and Style
Your bathroom can look better with the right color towels, especially if they are constantly on display.
Here are some things to consider:
Neutral tones: Calming, modern, versatile
White towels: Classic, hotel-chic and bleachable
Bold colors or patterns: Add personality, pop against white tiles
Earthy tones: Trendy and spa-inspired
There is nothing worse than a scarlet towel that bleeds all over your white linens, so just make sure they are colorfast.
How Many Towels Do You Really Need?
You can get by with two bath towels if you live alone. However, if you frequently host or share a space, here is a general best bath towels guide:
- 2 to 3 towels for each individual
- Each bathroom has 2 hand towels.
- 4-6 washcloths alternately
Bonus: Have a couple of guest-only towels to keep things fresh and fancy.
Pick What Feels Right!
Choosing the best bath towels are more important than picking the priciest one. Maybe you enjoy feeling swaddled in thick, incredibly absorbent towels. Or perhaps you prefer waffle towels that are light, dry quickly, and maintain freshness even on humid days.
Just keep in mind the basics:
- Look over the fabric (FTW Turkish/Egyptian cotton).
- Recognize your GSM sweet spot.
- Choose a weave based on your drying requirements and comfort level.
- Select a size that fits you properly.
- Match your personal style.
- Give them the respect they deserve.
Your towel comes as your comfort partner. Pick it with consideration, purpose, and perhaps a little irony, just like you would a nice mattress or a comfortable hoodie.
We at Bedding King believe a towel should be able to do more than just dry. It should improve your everyday routine. Shop now!