The very best bath towels make you feel instantly warm and luxurious when you wrap yourself up in one. But even though all bath towels (or their larger cousin, bath sheets) do basically the same thing—dry you off after a bath or shower—they’re not one-size-fits-all. “Bath towels are definitely a personal decision,” says Saana Baker, a textile expert with 25 years of experience and the editor-in-chief at The Textile Eye.
Some people prefer heavier towels that feel soft and plush; others prioritize lightweight fabrics like linen that air-dry quickly. There are other factors to consider too, like a towel’s dimensions (bigger towels are easier to wrap around your body), color (white towels hold up better with age, Baker says), and weave (the tighter the twist of yarn, the scratchier the towel will be).
To find the best bath towels on Amazon, we tested several picks at our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab and at home for up to six months. Each towel was evaluated in five categories: absorbency, texture, durability, dry time, and overall quality. We also consulted Baker for additional insight on what to look for in a bath towel.
What We Tested
We evaluated several bath towels on Amazon based on their absorbency, texture, durability, dry time, and overall quality. For more information on how we tested Amazon bath towels, check out our testing process below.
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The White Classic Luxury Cotton Bath Towels check every box and earned top marks in home testing for absorbency, texture, durability, and dry time. And at just under $11 each, we think they represent a great value.
These towels are made from 100% long-staple cotton and have a classic-looking design with stylish-looking embroidered bands. The texture is gloriously soft and fluffy, and the material feels thicker and plusher than your typical towel. They absorbed water beautifully when we wrapped ourselves up in one, and also dried very quickly—notable given how thick the material is.
We didn’t spot any visible changes in these towels after using them regularly and washing them often for six months. The fabric remained fluffy with impressive absorption, and there was no discoloration or noticeable wear and tear. And even after heavy use in a home with multiple people, they continued to look nice and near-new when on display.
We could find very few faults with these bath towels. But like many others on the market, a few small pulls developed after long-term use. Aside from that, though, we deemed these to be pretty much the ideal bath towel. They’re soft, very absorbent, highly durable, making them a great value.
Product Details: Materials: Cotton | Dimensions: 27 x 54 inches | GSM: 700
Key Terms to Know
- GSM: This refers to a towel’s weight; the higher the GSM, the heavier a towel feels.
- Hand feel: The way a piece of fabric feels when you touch it—whether it’s soft or rough, for example—is called its “hand feel.”
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The Tens Towels Bath Sheets may not be the thickest or softest bath towels on our list. But for just $15 each, we think these extra large bath sheets represent an excellent value. They performed well in our testing and proved to be very durable.
These bath sheets are 100% cotton terry, and while the GSM isn’t listed, they’re definitely on the lighter and thinner side. If you’re someone who prefers a super plush bath towel, these may not be the best choice for you.
While not overly soft, the fabric also isn’t rough; it felt nice against our skin and dried us off very efficiently. The bath sheets themselves also air-dry quickly—we noticed that they’d regularly be fully dry within two hours of use.
After going through the wash repeatedly, the quality of the fabric didn’t seem to change at all. We didn’t notice any color fading, and the fabric resisted stains and didn’t seem prone to shedding lint. Overall, we observed that the bath sheets didn’t look “stressed”—it wasn’t very obvious they’d been used a lot, an impressive quality given the lower price.
True, these aren’t the most premium bath sheets; compared to some other towels on this list, the design and materials aren’t the most luxurious. We noticed some small inconsistencies with the stitching and a few loose threads, for example. But these are practical, workhorse bath sheets. You can feel confident that they’ll continue to absorb water well and hold up for many years.
Product Details: Materials: Cotton | Dimensions: 35 x 70 inches | GSM: Not listed
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This set includes two Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Sheets for $140—and at $70 each, these are definitely the most expensive product on our list. But these bath sheets are also undeniably high-quality and held up well during our long-term testing. So if you’re willing to splurge, we think they’re worth it.
These Cozy Earth bath sheets are made from an ultra absorbent and soft cotton and bamboo from viscose blend, and have a dual design with waffle fabric on one side and ribbed terry on the other. You’d likely use the terry side to dry off and show the waffle side when folded (it’s noticeably less soft). And the waffle fabric does, in fact, look really elegant when on display.
After going through the wash, these bath sheets continued to look and feel as expensive as they are. The waffle side, which was originally a little rougher, softened up a bit post-wash. Aside from one small loose thread that was easy to snip, we didn’t notice any changes in size or quality after the bath sheets had been consistently used and washed.
Product Details: Materials: Cotton and viscose from bamboo | Dimensions: 40 x 65 inches | GSM: Not listed
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If you’re looking for a simple but well-made bath towel, Amazon Aware Organic Cotton Ribbed Bath Towels are an excellent choice. These towels, which are made of GOTS-certified organic cotton, are soft but not overly plush with a higher-than-average weight. They have a nice-looking ribbed fabric with double-stitched edges.
The fabric fared nicely in our absorbency test. After soaking in the bowl of water, only one teaspoon of liquid remained, and none dripped when we lifted the towel up. It also easily dried our hands in just two swipes.
Compared to some of the other towels we tested, these aren’t the most luxurious or premium-feeling and have a more basic design. After going through the wash, we noticed that the edges puckered a bit. They also lost a bit of their softness post-wash. But aside from that, they still felt durable and well-made, with an effective weave and solid absorbency.
There are four nice-looking neutral color options and the option to purchase a six-piece set with washcloths and hand towels, too. Plus, we think the six-piece set is a great value—each item is under $8 each.
Product Details: Materials: Organic cotton | Dimensions: 30 x 56 inches | GSM: 700
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True to its name, the Cozy Earth Ribbed Terry Bath Towels have a lovely, cozy feel. As soon as we opened the package, we noted how soft and plush the ribbed terry fabric was. This towel is fairly thick and has no band, but the vertical ridges give it a nice, high-end appearance.
These Cozy Earth bath towels are made from a cotton and bamboo blend, which gives them their ultra-soft texture and excellent absorbency. In testing, the fabric absorbed water nicely and also air-dried relatively quickly. About two hours after use, they were about 80% dry. This is especially impressive given the high GSM—at 800 grams, these are one of the heaviest towels on this list.
Over time, these bath towels mostly held up well. We tested the dark gray color and didn’t see any color fading; the washed fabric feels slightly rougher than it did pre-wash and has more prominent-looking ridges, but was still very soft and plush. The fabric also resisted stains.
The only flaw is that the fabric does seem prone to loose threads and snags. We noticed a handful of snags and one very noticeable, 5-inch loose thread after just a few washes. If you love thick, plush towels, we still think these are a good choice for you, but handle them with care and avoid contact with anything (rings, for example) that might increase the risk of snags.
Product Details: Materials: Cotton and bamboo viscose | Dimensions: 30 x 58 inches | GSM: 800
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At 36 by 70 inches, the Lands’ End Premium Supima Cotton Bath Sheet is the most generously sized towel on our list. In testing, we loved how easy it was to wrap around our body, as well as how luxurious it felt. The Supima cotton fabric felt soft and fluffy, and effortlessly absorbed water, too.
We were enormously impressed by the performance of these bath sheets over the course of long-term testing. The fabric is “thirsty” and soaked up water easily, and also dries quickly—especially impressive given that these bath sheets are extra large and on the heavier side (the GSM is 650, a little above average). In fact, the huge sheet feels almost like a blanket when you wrap yourself in it after a bath or shower.
The quality of the fabric also remained consistent with regular use and after going through the wash many times: It resisted stains, and we didn’t notice any color fading or loose threads. Bath towels often get thinner and rougher with time. But these continued to be noticeably thick and soft after long-term use.
Like many bath towels, we did observe that it’s possible to snag jewelry on the fabric, so you’ll want to be careful when handling these bath sheets. But aside from that, these bath sheets proved to be quite durable and well-made.
Product Details: Materials: Supima cotton | Dimensions: 36 x 70 inches | GSM: 650
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Made of 100% cotton, these Hammam Linen Jumbo Large Bath Sheets are very absorbent. Thanks to their large size (they’re 35 x 70 inches) and excellent absorbency, you can dry yourself off in record time with these bath sheets.
Absorbency aside, though, we were also very impressed by the overall texture and quality of these bath sheets. They have a nice hand feel that’s neither super soft nor scratchy, and are luxuriously thick.
After using them consistently for six months and washing them regularly, we noticed absolutely no difference in quality. The bath sheets didn’t experience any color fading (we tested the teal color) and the shape held up nicely. And even after regular use, they remained thick, with no noticeable matting.
These bath sheets are sold in a pack of two and cost about $18 each. While not the most inexpensive product on this list, we found the set to be a great value, especially given the generous size and durability. There are 15 different color options and a number of sizes available (including a bath rug and smaller versions of the towels).
While these are quite roomy and larger than your average bath towel, it’s worth noting that they did shrink a little after going through the wash. There were also a few loose threads when we first opened the package, but we didn’t notice any new ones developing after regular use.
Product Details: Materials: Cotton | Dimensions: 35 x 70 inches | GSM: 580
The Bottom Line
The White Classic Luxury Cotton Bath Towels were the overall best bath towels on Amazon, according to our testing. Made of a cotton and viscose from bamboo blend, this towel four-pack is well priced and impressively high quality. We appreciated the fabric’s softness, high absorbency, and luxury look and feel.
Our Testing Process
To find the best bath towels on Amazon, we put 11 products to the test at home for six months. Every bath towel was washed according to the manufacturer’s care instructions prior to use, then used after every shower or bath over the course of the testing period. We made note of each towel’s quality before use, as well as whether it had any notable features (like an extra loop or piping along the edge).
Next, we used each towel and made note of how it performed. For example, we observed whether it absorbed water quickly or took a lot of effort to soak up moisture; whether the texture was soft or rough, thin or plush; and whether it air-dried in an appropriate amount of time.
During the testing period, we noted whether the towel’s quality remained consistent over time, observing whether any snags or loose threads appeared, if there was color fading, or if it lost any of its softness. Finally, we considered each towel’s overall value—whether we thought the price was justified for the product or if perhaps it was over-priced based on the quality.
We then used a methodology to evaluate each bath towel in six categories: absorbency, texture, durability, dry time, value, and overall quality.
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
What to Know About Bath Towels on Amazon
Material
You can find bath towels in a few different materials, but most options on the market tend to be one of the following, Baker says:
- Cotton: This is “the most basic fiber that towels will be made out of and the most common,” Baker says, but there are different varieties of cotton to look out for. Higher-quality cotton bath towels are often made of 100% organic cotton or a long-staple cotton like Pima or Egyptian cotton. You don’t necessarily need these more expensive fabrics, “but it will help your towels last longer,” she says. Our best overall pick, the White Classic Luxury Cotton Bath Towels, is made of cotton.
- Linen: Linen bath towels are very absorbent, “but the hand feel is not as soft,” Baker notes. Some people find that linen works better as a lightweight beach towel or a hair towel, since it absorbs water well and isn’t heavy when wrapped around your head.
- Terry: This popular kind of towel is often made from cotton but can also be from other materials. Terry towels have a recognizable loop construction on both sides. “We like terry because it’s very absorbent and soft, and that’s why I think it’s become one of the most popular,” says Baker. If you prefer a terry option, we recommend the Cozy Earth Ribbed Terry Bath Towels.
- Bamboo: We’re seeing a lot of these [towels] lately,” Baker says. Like cotton, bamboo can also be soft, and they’re nice and absorbent. The Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Sheets, our best splurge option, is made of a cotton and bamboo blend.
- Polyester: Lower-quality towel fabrics are polyester, or sometimes a blend of polyester and cotton. These are okay, especially if you’re looking for a more affordable towel, but know that polyester isn’t as absorbent.
When thinking about bath towel materials, it’s also helpful to consider the weave of the yarn, Baker says. “Very little twist in the yarn gives it a nice soft hand, but it means it might not absorb quite as well or wear quite as long,” she says. On the other hand, a towel with a really hard twist will feel tighter but scratchier—think of a loofah. Something in between will strike that balance between softness and durability.
Dimensions
When it comes to bath towels, there isn’t a standard size, and dimensions can vary quite a bit by brand. Among the options on our selection of the bath towels, for example, the bath towels have a range of widths between 27 and 40 inches and lengths between 54 and 67 inches. Bath sheets tend to be larger; the products on this list that describe themselves as bath sheets are 35 inches by 70 inches.
Dimensions, too, are a matter of preference. But you’ll want to take into account how you wear a towel (around your waist or chest, or on your head as a hair towel) and make sure it’s large enough to comfortably wrap around yourself.
GSM
Short for grams per square meter, GSM refers to how weighted a towel is. A bath towel with a lower GSM is lighter and generally gets saturated more quickly; a heavier towel tends to be more absorbent (although the material can play a role with absorbency too, Baker notes).
“In general, a heavy towel can feel luxurious, but it can also, well, feel heavy, and take longer to dry,” Baker says. “A very thin towel gets saturated faster,” she adds, which can be frustrating if it isn’t sufficiently absorbing water as you’re trying to dry yourself off. Her personal preference is a bath towel with more of an average GSM, around 500.
If you prefer a heavier feel, we recommend the Cozy Earth Ribbed Terry Bath Towels, our softest pick. The towel has a GSM of 800, which is heavier than other options on our list.
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Other Bath Towels We Tested
Cacala Cotton Pestemal Turkish Bath Towel
We found the Cacala Cotton Pestemal Turkish Bath Towel just right for drying hair. It’s lightweight, so you can easily tie it on top of your head without getting heavily weighed down. It would also work very well as a beach towel, since it dries quickly and has a stylish appearance. But as a regular bath towel for your body, we found the fabric to be a little less absorbent than some of the other options we tested.
American Soft Linen Bath Towel Set
True to name, the towels in the American Soft Linen Bath Towel Set are indeed very soft. They also have one of the most affordable price points on this list. But after testing them for six months in a home setting, we observed that the two started to appear a little weathered-looking. There were a number of loose threads, and the material looked a little more matted as well.
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Your Questions, Answered
How much can I expect to spend on a bath towel from Amazon?
The bath towels on our list range in price from around $10 to $70 per towel. Bath towels are almost always sold in a set; sometimes you can buy a pack of two or four, and other times the set will include two towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths.
As with other types of linens like sheets and blankets, you’ll generally pay more for bath towels made from higher-quality fabrics, like 100% cotton, or Pima or Egyptian cotton. For reference, our best overall pick, the White Classic Luxury Cotton Bath Towels, are just under $50 for a set of four towels. However, our best splurge pick, the Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Sheets, are $140 for two towels.
What is the lifespan of a bath towel?
Unless you’re just looking for a change, you shouldn’t have to invest in new bath towels too often. “I’ve had some for 10 years, and they hold up just fine,” Baker says.
Over time, bath towels might fray at the edges, she says. But the biggest sign of age you’re likely to spot is discoloration. As a result, “the lifespan of a colored towel will always be shorter,” she says. “They fade over time, even if you launder them carefully.”
How many bath towels do I need?
This is really a question of personal preference and comes down to how much laundry you want to do, Baker says. But as a general rule, “I think two sets per person plus a couple of sets for guests would be sufficient.” You might have the same towels to use all the time, or maybe choose different colors or fabrics at different times of the year.
Who We Are
Kathleen Felton is a freelance writer originally from Connecticut, now living in Sydney, Australia, covering home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list, Felton analyzed lab insights from our testing site in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as our at-home testing.
She also spoke to Saana Baker, a textile expert with 25 years of experience and the editor-in-chief at The Textile Eye, a trend and show report on high-end home textiles, surface design, fiber arts, and interior design based in San Francisco.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
