Notable Test Results
To help us narrow down the best bath towels of 2023, we tested them against several different factors, including absorbency, longevity, dry time, and more. The towels we’ve selected above ranked highly in our tests, and we feel confident that these are the best bath towels on the market today.
Care and Maintenance for Your Towels
The best way to keep your towels soft, fluffy, and absorbent is to follow standard care and maintenance practices.
- Wash towels before first use: Doing this removes any leftover coatings from the manufacturing process and can improve absorbency.
- Wash towels separately: Avoid washing your towels with other fabrics as this can lead to your towels picking up lint and other fibers, reducing their effectiveness and longevity.
- Use the right detergent: Pick a mild, bleach-free detergent that doesn’t include fabric softener, which can coat the fibers of the towels over time and reduce absorbency.
- Use warm water: Avoid using hot water when washing your towels. Hot water damages towel fibers, which makes them rough and scratchy.
- Skip dryer sheets: Dryer sheets can coat the fibers just like fabric softener does, so your towels will become less absorbent if you use dryer sheets.
- Refresh with vinegar: If your towels have a musty smell even after being washed or you notice they aren’t drying you as well as they once did, wash them again with a cup of vinegar added to the load. Vinegar helps eliminate those pesky smells and cuts through any buildup affecting absorbency.
How to Choose Your Bath Towels
When choosing the best bath towels for your home, consider the following factors.
- Construction: What is the towel made of? 100% or cotton blends are the best, most popular options.
- Density and weight: Dense towels are more absorbent and fluffy, while lighter-weight towels dry faster and are typically easier to clean.
- Absorbency and dry time: Towels that are more absorbent will dry your body faster, though they may take longer to dry after you use them.
- Durability: How durable is the towel? Towels with higher GSM (grams per square meter) scores are typically better quality and will last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best bath towels to buy?
The best bath towels depend on your personal preference and how you use them. Cotton towels are durable and absorbent, while microfiber towels are quick-drying and an excellent option for traveling.
Is Turkish or Egyptian Cotton better for towels?
Both Turkish and Egyptian cotton are great options for towels, though they have different characteristics. Egyptian cotton towels are usually thicker, softer, and feel more luxurious, while Turkish cotton is lightweight, absorbent, and quick-drying.
How do you stop towels from shedding?
The best way to avoid shedding is to follow the care and maintenance practices listed above. Additionally, buying higher-quality towels usually means they are more durable and will be more resistant to shedding.