How should I store my bath towels?

Find a temperate area in your home to store your towels — whether that's a linen closet or in bins in the bathroom. Ideally in "a nice warm area of your home," says Strong. Avoid excessively cold or hot temperatures, he adds, to best protect the longevity of your towels. When it comes to displaying them, the options are practically endless: think shower racks, wooden ladders and galvanized tubs, where you can roll up or fold your towels for easy access that's also aesthetically appealing.

How should I wash my bath towels?

In order to maximize the lifespan of your towels, the two most important aspects are to wash them in low-temperature water and to avoid bleach. According to Strong, washing them on "high spin and [with] fabric softener" are two primary ways to ensure your towels stay soft and fluffy over time. "Limit the amount of bleach," he adds. "Only use it when needed." If your towels are lightweight, feel free to skip the dryer and allow them to air dry. For thicker towels, they typically need a run through the dryer to achieve their fluffiest potential and to properly dry out.

The 13 Best Luxury Bath Towels of 2023

Luxury hotels have mastered the art of elevating life's daily details: linens are finer, sheets are silkier, and towels are something to write home about. There's no reason your bathroom can't look and feel like your favorite 5-star resort — while turndown service may be harder to come by at home, high-quality towels are available at a variety of price points, weights, absorbency levels, and more.

Whether you're looking for a plusher design or a monogrammed option, we've researched a range of styles that you'd find at the world's best hotels and can order to your own bathroom. Our favorite overall are the Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Towels because of their superb softness, ability to stand up to years of washes, and luxurious quality at a mid-range price. But from quick-drying designs to eco-friendly materials and affordable options, all of the bath towels on this list will turn showering into a more sumptuous and satisfying affair.

Here's our breakdown of the best hotel-worthy bath towels to shop:

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel at Frontgate

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Best Budget:

Wayfair Basics Quick Dry Six-Piece Towel Set at Jossandmain.com

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Best Lightweight:

Brooklinen Ultralight Bath Towels at Brooklinen

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Best Turkish:

Coyuchi Cloud Loom Organic Bath Towel at Amazon

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Best Color Options:

Softolle 100% Cotton Luxury Bath Towels - 600 GSM at Amazon

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Best Quick-drying:

Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Towels at Pottery Barn

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Best With Waffle Weave:

Parachute Waffle Towels at Parachute

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Most Spa-like:

Riley Spa Bath Towel at Rileyhome.com

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Best Bath Towel Set:

American Soft Linen Turkish Cotton Bath Towel Set at Amazon

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Best Ribbed:

Classic Turkish Towels Plush Ribbed Cotton Bath Towels at Amazon

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Frontgate

View On Frontgate

Why We Love It

They're plush without veering into blanket territory, and the long-staple Turkish cotton gets softer with every wash without noticeable shedding.

What to Consider

They shrink ever-so-slightly in the wash.

For the sake of its staying power, softness, and favorable price-quality rapport, Frontgate's resort towel is our top pick. If you like your towels with a bit of heft but prize absorbency and relatively fast drying speed, then you're in luck — these fit the (not-too-expensive) bill and come in 24 vibrant colors to brighten up your bathroom. They're plush and unbelievably soft to begin with, but the real magic comes on laundry day: the "zero twist" process used on their 100 percent long-staple Turkish cotton plumps the fibers up with every wash and keeps the yarn from fraying over time, giving these towels a longevity that makes them a worthwhile investment. Plus, for a small fee, you can add a personalized monogram in your choice from Frontgate's vast thread color and font options. When you wrap yourself into this plush paradise after a leisurely soak, you'll see how a good hotel towel can take the routine of bathing and turn it into ritual.

Price at time of publish: $42 for a bath towel

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 58 inches | 700 grams per square meter

Wayfair

View On Jossandmain.com View On Wayfair

Why We Love It

This set dries lightning fast and has all the essentials at an incredibly affordable price.

What to Consider

The thinner material isn't built to last.

Wayfair's six-piece set of basics is one of the best-priced options on the market. Comprised of two cotton bath towels (57 x 27 inches), two hand towels (26 x 16 inches), and two washcloths (12 x 12 inches), it's ideal for those looking for a streamlined, quick-drying set at low cost. The towels feature a classic dobby weave border and retain their color well as long as you steer clear of bleach or chemical shower products. Note that the price is reflective of the quality — these are an excellent budget option for those who prefer their towels thin and lightweight or are looking for an easy-breezy summertime set that may only stay in pristine condition for a season or two.

Price at time of publish: $29

The Details: 100 percent cotton | 27 x 52 inches | 380 grams per square meter

Brooklinen

View On Brooklinen

Why We Love It

They're super lightweight without sacrificing softness.

What to Consider

They have less of a luxury feel than plusher styles.

For those who prefer a lighter towel, Brooklinen's ultralight model is the top of the line. This well-priced set of two has the lightest towels on our list, weighing just 320 grams per square meter. Made from 100 percent Turkish cotton, these are ideal for those with smaller laundry machines or limited storage space. The quick-drying material is great in humid bathrooms and they're OEKO-TEX certified, meaning they've passed extensive testing to prove they're free of potentially harmful chemicals. Soft yet durable, these are about the thinnest you'd want to get for everyday showering; for those who are in the market for an even more lightweight design, consider a fouta towel instead.

Price at time of publish: $49

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 58 inches | 320 grams per square meter

4.6

COYUCHI

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Jossandmain.com

Why We Love It

These eco-friendly towels are surprisingly quick-drying for how fluffy and absorbent they are, plus they come in a gorgeous color range.

What to Consider

They're a splurge.

The price tag isn't exactly a bargain, but a night in a luxury hotel costs far more — and this is the towel to turn your bathroom into a five-star fantasy suite. Coyuchi's cloud loom towels are the perfect everyday luxury: they've got a lusciously soft pile without being overly plush, and they're thick without being heavy. Their unique cloud loom technology means that in addition to being super absorbent, they dry faster than the average fluffy Turkish towel. Aesthetically, they come in a range of earthy hues, including an undyed cotton and the Coyuchi cotton, which sits at a slightly higher price point as the material is a rare, naturally-colored brown cotton yarn. Notably, they're also Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, which promises that not only has the end-product passed safety standards (like OEKO-TEX certifications), but that the entire production line has been made transparent and is organic from start to finish.

Price at time of publish: $78

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 27 x 54 inches | 685 grams per square meter

Amazon

View On Amazon

Why We Love It

These towels are luxuriously soft and will match any bathroom decor.

What to Consider

They may release some fluff during their first wash.

Eye-catching towels make a thoughtful housewarming gift or fun, practical option to give your bathroom a refresh. These bright plush towels are made from high-quality cotton and are thick and comfortable enough that you'll never want to change back into your clothes. Not only are they warm and cozy, but they're made to be durable enough that you can wash these large towels again and again without losing any of their high-quality.

Price at time of publish: $35

The Details: 100 percent cotton | 30 x 56 inches | 600 grams per square meter

Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn

Why We Love It

For quick-drying towels, these are surprisingly fluffy and absorbent.

What to Consider

Their thickness means they don't dry quite as quickly as an ultrathin or fouta towel.

Loomed with untwisted loops that ensure the towels are up to 10 times more absorbent than traditional cotton terry, these Pottery Barn towels (available in 13 colors and monogrammable!) have a fluffy handfeel that gets even better over time. If you're on the hunt for a bath towel that dries quickly but doesn't just wipe the moisture around or sacrifice softness, these are an excellent choice. In addition to being GOTS certified, these eco-friendly towels are slightly smaller than the average bath towel (at 28 x 55 inches), which helps them to dry out quicker. (If bigger is better for you, they are also available as 40 x 72 inches bath sheets.)

Price at time of publish: $35 for a bath towel

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 28 x 55 inches | 550 grams per square meter

Zola

View On Parachute View On Zola

Why We Love It

The honeycomb weave is soft rather than scratchy and enhances the spa-like aesthetic of any room.

What to Consider

For thinner towels, they're at the higher end of the price range.

Looking for a textured towel that takes up hardly any space? Parachute's waffle bath towels are the lightest on our list at just 240 grams per square meter, meaning they dry themselves almost simultaneously as they dry you. The honeycomb weave has top-notch absorbency and a solid amount of stretch. Unlike other super-thin towels, these never start to smell when wet. Whether rolled up or hanging on a hook, their streamlined design adds a dash of opulence to your bathroom without taking up space.

Price at time of publish: $49 for a bath towel

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 56 inches | 240 grams per square meter

4.3

Riley

View On Rileyhome.com

Why We Love It

The handy locker loop and rounded corners make for an appealingly modern look.

What to Consider

The loosely-woven terry has a soft but distinct texture.

Riley Home's Egyptian cotton towels are fluffier and more absorbent from the get-go than most Turkish towels. However, while Egyptian cotton provides spa-worthy softness, it takes longer to dry and isn't an ideal option for bathrooms with poor ventilation. But for those with a cool place to hang these beauties, you're in luck: they come with a locker loop and are durable enough to last for years to come, since they're pre-washed in order to retain their shape — plus, their rounded edges are a modern minimalist's dream. The hand-stitched binding along the hem offers both a clean, polished form and a useful function, keeping the towel from fraying.

Price at time of publish: $50 for a bath towel

The Details: 100 percent Egyptian cotton | 30 x 58 inches | 820 grams per square meter

American Soft Linen Turkish Cotton Bath Towel Set

Amazon

View On Amazon

Why We Love It

These best-selling towels are excellently priced for a set of four.

What to Consider

At 27 x 54 inches, they run on the smaller side.

Towel shopping is a whole different ball game if you're looking for one or two for yourself versus a set for an entire household. When it comes to striking the right balance of quality and quantity, this fluffy four-piece bath towel set is a no-brainer. With the entire best-selling set priced at the cost of some individual towels, it's an easy way to fill your bathrooms with a reliable roster. Their four-rib design adds a bit of flair and is available in 16 colors. Be sure to wash these once or twice pre-use, as they can generate a good amount of lint on the first few washes.

Price at time of publish: $80

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 27 x 54 inches | 600 grams per square meter

Classic Turkish Towels Ribbed Bath Towels

Overstock

View On Amazon

Why We Love It

The unique jacquard ribbed design allows for better airflow while they're drying.

What to Consider

They don't stand up well to bleach.

Ribbed towels are great for avoiding shedding, as there's less frayable terry material. Plus, sans all that extra fluffy cotton, they dry out faster. Also notable, the double-stitched edge on this affordable set-of-two makes sure they'll last. These OEKO-TEX certified towels have a decent heft without feeling weighty; they're also soft without any overwhelming plushness. Available in 10 colors, they are highly sensitive to bleach or chemical skincare products, so take care to avoid those for longevity's sake.

Price at time of publish: $33

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 27 x 54 inches | 620 grams per square meter

4.4

Brooklinen

View On Amazon View On Brooklinen View On Zola

Why We Love It

This pair of towels is ultra thick and heavy enough to give you that snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug feeling.

What to Consider

Their weight makes them less absorbent and slower to dry.

Brooklinen wasn't messing around when they dubbed these "super-plush." Extravagantly soft to the touch, these towels offer a noticeable heft, weighing in at 820 grams per square meter. They're available in five essential colors, with neutrals like white, cream, and graphite and vibrant limited-edition shades including ocean and goldenrod. For those who enjoy the ultra-downy, cloud-like feeling of wrapping themselves in a thick and fluffy towel, this is it — and it gets plumper with every wash. For those seeking a quick drying option, keep scrolling — the heft of these towels keeps them from drying out quickly, but they don't retain any mildewy scent once they do finally air out. Of note: Brooklinen has some of the best customer service in the game and a flexible return policy, which takes some of the pressure off trying and buying.

Price at time of publish: $79

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 58 inches | 820 grams per square meter

4.8

Parachute

View On Parachute

Why We Love It

The hemmed edges are more streamlined than typical fringed fouta towels.

What to Consider

While it's ideal for toweling off on-the-go or for use in warmer weather, the lightweight material isn't ideal for colder months.

Fouta towels (also called Turkish towels, as they have been traditionally used in Turkish bathhouses for centuries) are typically ultra-thin and tasseled. The hemmed edges on these gray-and-white striped ones from Parachute stand up better to multiple washes than fringe, which easily unravels. These are super lightweight yet cozier than most, as there's a soft terry cloth on the underside of the flat weave that absorbs more than most fouta towels. Their streamlined look is perfect for use at home, the beach, or just about anywhere else you can think to take them — they roll up into next-to-nothing, making them your perfect travel companion.

Price at time of publish: $39 for a bath towel

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 56 inches | 450 grams per square meter

Hill House Home Sankaty Stripe Bath Towel

View On Hillhousehome.com

Why We Love It

The striped design is youthful yet sophisticated.

What to Consider

The towels run on the slightly larger side.

Fans of the Nap Dress will recognize Hill House Home as the ultimate cool-girl towel line. Whether you've got a beach house on Nantucket or just would like your bathroom to look as trendy as you do, these plush, mid-weight towels are the way to go. Available in three subtle, summery hues (Cotton Candy, Oxford, and Celadon), the simple stripes are playful without feeling childish and are all monogrammable. While there's limited information available on their absorbency, these are an easy way to add some charm to your shower routine.

Price at time of publish: $55

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 60 inches | 650 grams per square meter

Tips for Buying Bath Towels

Look for the material that's right for you

There are many different types of bath towels out there. To find a towel that's right for you, it's a good idea to start with the weight. Measured in GSM (grams per square meter), bath towels typically range from 300-900 GSM, with the thinnest and fastest-drying on the lower end of the spectrum and the plushest (and typically least absorbent) on the higher end.

"High thread counts are always a plus," says Greg Strong, director of housekeeping at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The higher the thread count, the thicker and more absorbent the towel.

When it comes to the type of cotton, it's best to seek out 100-percent cotton, whether Turkish or Egyptian. While they're both long-staple fibers, Egyptian tends to be more absorbent while Turkish dries faster. Of note is the length of the cotton: long staple cotton is typically softest. The longer the fiber length, the fewer exposed ends there are, which means silkier towels and less fraying over time.

Buy a variety of sizes

Beyond your daily shower towel, it's ideal to have a full set, which typically includes bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths — anywhere from one to four of each.

For those who prefer a larger towel, consider bath sheets instead (or in addition). They run bigger than bath towels, measuring between 35 x 60 inches to 40 x 70 inches. Be sure to check the size of the towels you're ordering — particularly online — to confirm if they are bath towels or bath sheets first. Due to their size, bath sheets tend to take longer to dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store my bath towels?

Find a temperate area in your home to store your towels — whether that's a linen closet or in bins in the bathroom. Ideally in "a nice warm area of your home," says Strong. Avoid excessively cold or hot temperatures, he adds, to best protect the longevity of your towels.

When it comes to displaying them, the options are practically endless: think shower racks, wooden ladders and galvanized tubs, where you can roll up or fold your towels for easy access that's also aesthetically appealing.
How should I wash my bath towels?

In order to maximize the lifespan of your towels, the two most important aspects are to wash them in low-temperature water and to avoid bleach. According to Strong, washing them on "high spin and [with] fabric softener" are two primary ways to ensure your towels stay soft and fluffy over time. "Limit the amount of bleach," he adds. "Only use it when needed."
If your towels are lightweight, feel free to skip the dryer and allow them to air dry. For thicker towels, they typically need a run through the dryer to achieve their fluffiest potential and to properly dry out.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Sophie Dodd researched dozens of bath towels, interviewed experts at five-star hotels and used her expertise as a travel writer to narrow down a list of the most luxurious towels for every style and budget.

In compiling our list of luxury bath towels, we also spoke with Greg Strong, director of housekeeping at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.

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