Choosing the right bath towel is a deeply personal decision. For every waffle-texture enthusiast, there’s someone loyal to flat-weave Turkish cotton. But no matter the style, all great bath towels should do three things well: absorb moisture quickly, dry fast, and stay soft—even after hundreds of washes.
After testing dozens of towels and consulting with 29 experts—including interior designers, hoteliers, and shop owners—I discovered that even within classic terry styles, there’s a wide range of feel, thickness, and absorbency. Some are extra plush and cozy; others are lightweight and fast-drying—but all of them deliver when it comes to performance.
Plus, with more design-forward towels on the market, you no longer have to sacrifice aesthetics for function. Whether you’re upgrading your winter bath linens or adding a splash of color to your bathroom, these 15 best bath towels of 2025 combine style, softness, and serious drying power.
Updated July 3, 2025: We’ve refreshed this guide with the latest prices, stock, and color availability. Don’t miss the deals—our top overall pick is 40% off at Bloomingdale’s, and the best plush towel is now 25% off at Brooklinen.
Best bath towel overall
$24 Chack Amazon
Chakir Turkish Linens 6-Piece Hand Towel – Soft & Absorbent Premium Turkish Towels
Absorbency: Medium (550 GSM) | Material: 100 percent Long-staple zero-twist cotton | Style: 23 colors
After a year of daily use, the Chakir Turkish Linens towel remains incredibly soft, plush, and highly absorbent—just like the first day. Made from premium long-staple, zero-twist cotton sourced from Portugal, this towel offers exceptional quality and durability. Despite its luxurious thickness, it strikes a perfect balance between plushness and lightweight design, making it easy to handle and quick to dry.
What sets this towel apart is its ability to maintain its fluff and softness wash after wash, never shedding or losing shape. It instantly soaks up water while still drying fast enough to prevent dampness, making it ideal for both everyday use and spa-like indulgence.
Interior designer Ariel Okin and home stager Meridith Baer are fans of this towel for its longevity and vibrant color options. Baer especially praises the wide range of colors, perfect for adding a playful or elegant touch to any bathroom decor. Whether you prefer calming blues, lively greens, or sunny yellows like the canary yellow I own, these towels bring both function and style.
Investing in the Chakir Turkish Linens towel means enjoying a premium, durable, and beautiful bath towel that elevates your daily routine while lasting for years.
Best (less expensive) bath towel overall
Belizzi Home Ultra Oversized Bath Towels
Absorbency: High (700 GSM)| Material: 100 percent fine-combed, long-staple Turkish cotton | Style: 25 colors
These are the towels I’ve owned the longest, and after four and a half years of near-constant use, the Belizzi Home towels are still as soft, absorbent, and lofty as when I first purchased them. With a GSM of 700, they’re plusher than some other luxury towels but remain just as thirsty and quick-drying. They strike a perfect medium-weight balance—not too heavy, not too light.
Made from 100% fine-combed, long-staple Turkish cotton and Oeko-Tex certified, these towels have a soft, plush hand feel that lasts. When I first bought them, I wanted that classic white, hotel-towel look, and the Belizzi Home towels deliver with a five-inch wide “dobby” border.
I chose white, and aside from a few stubborn dark stains, they still look fresh and not dingy at all. If white feels risky, there are 24 other beautiful color options, including obsidian, French blue, dahlia, and aegean.
Best plush bath towels
Utopia Towels Jumbo Bath Sheet-Highly Absorbent & Quick-Dry Extra-Large Towels
Absorbency: Very high (820 GSM) | Material: 100 percent zero-twist Turkish cotton | Style: 14 colors
If you want something extremely thick and sumptuous, consider Utopia Towels’ Super-Plush towels, which have a GSM of 820 — the highest of any towel on this list. These hefty towels are incredibly absorbent and have a luxurious hand-feel thanks to long-staple Turkish cotton woven in a zero-twist loop. This weaving technique keeps the cotton fibers looped rather than twisted, resulting in a softer, more indulgent texture.
They’re among the thickest towels I’ve ever owned but still absorb water quickly and efficiently, making every shower feel like a spa experience. After a year and a half of regular use, they remain just as plush as when I first got them.
Architectural designer Madelynn Ringo describes them as “more robe than towel … incredible at soaking up water, and the threads are really durable, no snagging.” While they do take a bit longer to dry than lighter towels, I haven’t noticed any odors. I had a vibrant pink towel from a now-discontinued color line, but the 14 colors still available — including marled black, eucalyptus, and ocean — are equally beautiful.
Italic Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towels – Set of 2 Bath Towels
Absorbency: Very high (800 GSM) | Material: 100 percent Australian cotton | Style: 7 colors
For a towel that’s just as bouncy but more affordable, I recommend Italic’s Ultraplush towels. With a GSM of 800—just slightly less than the Brooklinen towels—they offer excellent value. I tested the bath sheet size and was immediately struck by how thick and hefty they feel, even more so than the Brooklinen towels when accounting for size differences. These towels are incredibly absorbent—perhaps the most absorbent I’ve ever used—and they dried me off quickly as soon as I wrapped one around me.
Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla agrees, saying, “It soaks up bathwater like the best sponge you’ve ever had.” She also praises how “ridiculously plush” they are, “truly, like how I would imagine a cloud feels.” One thing to note is that their absorbency and thickness make them quite heavy, which could feel a bit cumbersome for some. However, despite their weight and high GSM, they don’t take much longer to dry after use compared to the Brooklinen towels.
Best bath sheets
Hammam Linen Jumbo Bath Sheet Towels 2-Pack
Absorbency: High (650 GSM)| Material: 100 percent Supima cotton | Style: 16 colors
Experience luxury and comfort with the Hammam Linen Jumbo Bath Sheet Towels 2-Pack. Measuring a generous 35 x 70 inches, these premium 100% cotton towels offer exceptional softness and superior absorbency. Perfectly oversized, they provide full-body coverage and a spa-like feel after every bath or shower. Durable and quick to dry, these white bath sheets add a touch of elegance to any bathroom while delivering reliable performance for everyday use.
Madison Park 800 GSM Oversized Bath Sheet Towels 2-Pack
Absorbency: Medium (800 GSM) | Material: 100 percent organic cotton | Style: 8 colors
Elevate your bath experience with the Madison Park 800 GSM Oversized Bath Sheet Towels. Crafted from 100% cotton, these 34″ x 68″ towels offer exceptional absorbency and a plush, hotel spa-quality feel. The generous size provides full coverage and comfort, while the durable, natural-colored fabric ensures long-lasting softness and quick drying. Perfect for daily use, these towels bring luxury and practicality to any bathroom.
Best medium-weight bath towel
American Soft Linen 4-Piece Luxury Turkish Bath Towel
Absorbency: Medium (600 GSM) | Material: 100 percent Turkish cotton | Style: 5 colors
A super-plush towel isn’t for everyone. While they’re luxurious, they can be heavy and take longer to dry. If you’re looking for something more manageable and quick-drying, consider a medium-weight towel with a GSM between 500 and 600. Strategist senior editor Crystal Martin recommends this terry style as the perfect middle ground between thick, cushy towels and thin, lightweight ones.
“It’s ideal for people who don’t like ultra-plush towels, or who are drawn to Turkish towels but know they’re just too thin,” she explains. What impresses Martin most is the towel’s balance. “It’s plush with a beautiful texture and great absorbency,” she says. “But it doesn’t take so long to dry that it starts to smell like mildew.” It also doesn’t feel flimsy. “The ribbed design gives it a lighter feel than standard cotton towels, yet it still feels soft and substantial. It’s the best towel I’ve owned.”
Best fast-drying waffle bath towel
COTTON CRAFT Luxury Waffle Bath Towel-Ring spun Cotton, Quick-Dry
Absorbency: High (370 GSM)| Material: 100 percent cotton waffle weave | Style: 12 colors
Waffle-weave towels, like those from COTTON CRAFT, are woven with a raised honeycomb pattern that feels more like a soft cotton fabric than traditional terry towels. They’re incredibly thin and lightweight yet surprisingly absorbent, thanks to their 3D texture — delivering excellent drying performance without the bulk. These towels are a favorite of two designers. Furniture and lighting designer Lulu LaFortune says, “The more you wash this towel, the softer it gets, like a vintage T-shirt,” and also appreciates how quickly it dries. Decorilla lead interior designer Devin Shaffer adds that the towel is so comfortable he’s even found himself “waking up from a nap wrapped in it after a shower.” Though these towels have a lower GSM of 370, the waffle weave enhances absorbency while keeping them light and breathable.
Best (less-expensive) fast-drying waffle bath towels
$19 Chack Amazon
Lane Linen Waffle Weave 100% Cotton Bath Towels
Absorbency: High | Material: 100 percent extra-long staple Supima cotton | Style: 11 colors
Experience everyday luxury with the Lane Linen 100% Cotton Bath Towels. This set of 4 large towels (28″ x 54″) features a stylish waffle weave design that combines softness, absorbency, and quick-drying performance. Made from premium cotton, these towels remain soft wash after wash, making them a long-lasting addition to any bathroom. Lightweight yet absorbent, they’re perfect for daily showers, guest use, or spa-like relaxation at home. Whether you’re drying off or wrapping up, these towels provide a cozy, breathable feel with a clean, modern look.
GILDEN TREE Waffle Weave Bath Sheet- Quick-Dry, Lightweight Luxury Towel
Absorbency: Medium | Material: 100 percent cotton | Style: Striped
Wrap yourself in spa-like comfort with the GILDEN TREE Waffle Bath Sheet. Crafted in an oversized 40×80-inch design, this towel offers generous coverage and a sleek, modern look in a calming Sage Grey. Made from soft, lightweight cotton with a waffle weave texture, it’s ultra-absorbent yet quick-drying—perfect for daily use without the bulk of traditional plush towels. The airy design helps reduce drying time and stays fresher longer, making it an ideal choice for minimalist bathrooms, travel, or gym bags. Designed for durability, it gets softer with each wash.
Best customizable bath towel
SKL Home Monogrammed Bath Towel
Absorbency: High| Material: 100 percent long-staple organic cotton | Style: 12 colors with border piping; Monogrammable
While several towels on this list — including those from Matouk, Frontgate, and Lands’ End — offer monogramming, Weezie goes a step further with even more customization options. In addition to monogramming, you can choose the color of the border piping. Made in Portugal from organic long-staple cotton, these towels come in 12 different styles — mostly white with contrasting piping in shades like gray, blue, green, and pink. Interior designer Okin, who owns a set in light blue, calls them “really soft with a classic look.” Monogramming can include initials, words, or even numbers for an additional fee starting at $15 per item.
Best patterned bath towels
Modern Threads Organic Vines 6-Piece Towel Set
Absorbency: Very high (700 GSM) | Material: 100 percent cotton terry | Style: Patterned, reversible
Elevate your bathroom with the Modern Threads Organic Vines 6-Piece Towel Set in Aqua. Made from 100% cotton, this luxurious set features a stylish mix of yarn-dyed jacquard and solid designs for a modern, elegant touch. Each set includes 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, and 2 washcloths, offering everything you need for a complete refresh. These towels are not only soft and durable but also highly absorbent and quick-drying—perfect for everyday use. Wrap yourself in comfort and style with towels that bring both beauty and performance to your bath routine.
[Editor’s note: Color availability is currently limited.]
Nautica Bath Towel Set – Soft, Absorbent Cotton
Absorbency: High (600 GSM) | Material: 100 percent cotton | Style: Patterned, reversible
Refresh your bathroom with the timeless style and comfort of the Nautica 6-Piece Bath Towel Set in Signature Grey. Made from soft, absorbent cotton and Oeko-Tex certified for safe, skin-friendly use, these towels deliver both quality and peace of mind. The modern, neutral tone complements any bathroom décor, while the plush texture ensures a luxurious drying experience. This set includes 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, and 2 washcloths—perfect for everyday use or guest bathrooms. Durable, absorbent, and stylish, they’re bathroom essentials you’ll reach for again and again.
Amazon Basics Cabana Stripe Beach Towel 2-Pack – 100% Cotton
Absorbency: High (600 GSM) | Material: 100 percent organic cotton | Style: 5 colors
Bring comfort and style to your beach or pool day with the Amazon Basics Cabana Stripe Beach Towel 2-Pack in refreshing Sky Blue. Made from 100% soft and absorbent cotton, these large towels (30″ x 60″) offer ample coverage and quick-drying convenience. Designed with classic cabana stripes and machine-washable durability, they’re ideal for poolside lounging, beach trips, or travel. Whether drying off after a swim or soaking up the sun, these towels combine functionality with timeless summer style.
JML Microfiber Bath Towel
Absorbency: High (600 GSM) | Material: 100 percent organic cotton | Style: 15 solid colors, 12 striped
Stay dry and comfortable wherever you go with the JML Microfiber Bath Towel 2-Pack. Each oversized towel measures 30″ x 60″, offering full coverage and maximum absorbency. Crafted from premium microfiber, these towels are super soft, thick, and quick-drying, making them ideal for sports, travel, fitness, yoga, or everyday use. Lightweight yet durable, they resist fading and maintain their color and softness wash after wash. Whether you’re at the gym or on the go, these versatile towels deliver top performance with a stylish, modern look in grey.
Absorbency
The most important quality of a towel is its ability to absorb moisture while remaining plush without feeling soggy. This absorbency is measured in GSM (grams per square meter)—a key indicator of towel quality. The higher the GSM, the thicker, softer, and more absorbent the towel. A good medium-to-plush towel typically falls within the 500–600 GSM range, while most traditional terry-style towels on this list are 600 GSM or higher. Not all brands provide GSM details, but we’ve included them whenever available. (Learn more about GSM in my full explainer.)
Material
Most towels are made from cotton, but not all cotton is the same. Egyptian cotton is considered among the best due to its long, durable fibers, which create towels that are ultra-soft, plush, and highly absorbent. (Keep in mind that not everything labeled “Egyptian cotton” is genuinely sourced from Egypt or of premium quality—learn more in my explainer.) Turkish cotton has shorter fibers, making towels lighter and quicker to dry, though slightly less absorbent. Supima cotton, grown in the U.S., also features extra-long fibers like Egyptian cotton but may not feel as plush. My top towel picks use Egyptian, Turkish, or Pima cotton, so no matter which you choose, you’re getting a high-quality option.
Style
Over the past few years, brands like Tekla and Dusen Dusen Home have made swirly, striped, dotted, and otherwise over-the-top printed towels popular. But, of course, it’s still easy to track down ultrasoft whites (and monogrammed towels with tempered trims) if your style skews more classic.
do you also like
24 Best Selling Bed Sheets in the USA 2025 – According to Real Reviews
Best 12 Wavy Mirrors to Elevate Your Home Decor
Top Window Films of 2025: Privacy, Style, and Energy Efficiency