The best bath towels

Our guide to the softest, fluffiest bath towels on the market.

Woman enjoying the smell and feel of a towel

by Marina Avraam |
Updated on

There’s nothing like the feeling of coming out of a hot shower or warm bath: calm, clean and ready to seize the day – or go to sleep – whatever tickles your fancy. But what’s one thing that can kill the mood after your morning or evening shower? That’s right. A rough, scratchy towel that does the bare minimum.

Wrapping up in a thick and cosy bath towel is a luxury we should all afford ourselves because after all, it comes down to self-care. If you aren’t treating your skin with the fluffiest of towels that you could fall asleep in, then you’re just not doing it right. Time to toss your thin, non-absorbent towels and start looking for an upgrade.

Every day feels like a spa day with the right bath set, but what are some things we should be looking for in our bath towels?

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Things to look out for:

Fiber content

Opting for a towel made of 100% cotton will ultimately give you the best feeling and quality. Pure cotton is also the most absorbent and breathable option. Unlike other more luxurious fabrics, cotton is on the affordable side, so you’ll be getting a soft, luxurious towel without worrying about your budget.

Cotton type

When it comes to high-quality bath towels, the two most popular types of cotton are Turkish and Egyptian Cotton.

Towels made of Turkish cotton have great durability and an extra soft feel. The dense loops of thread make them super-absorbent, and the lightweight texture of Turkish cotton means it will dry itself in no time.

Egyptian cotton is found in most hotel and spa towels due to its luxuriously soft texture. This cotton is handpicked and pure, resulting in a super-absorbent and plush material. These towels tend to be heavy-duty, so it may take a little while longer to dry off. Luckily, throwing them in the tumble-drier will have zero impact on their quality or softness.

Weight

Towels are measured in GSM – gram per square per metre. The higher the GSM, the heavier and thicker your towel will be. Towels between 300-400 GSM are lightweight and thin, 400-600 GSM towels are medium, and 600-900 GSM are heavyweight.

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The best bath towels

Amazon Utopia grey towels

Rrp: £39.99

Price: £35.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$10.00View offer

Who said luxury bath towels have to break the bank? These hotel-quality premium bath towels are made of 100% cotton and absorb excellently, meaning youu2019ll be dry in no time. Thick, soft and delicate in texture, your skin will be thanking you. These towels are extra-large, so every part of your body will be covered. The durable material means you can throw these in the washing machine without thinking twice u2013 no fluff, no hassle. GSM: 600 Size: 90 x 180cm

Amazonu2019s premium brand Pinzon has brought us everything we ever needed in its Egyptian Cotton towels. Get ready to cosy up after your long bath because these towels as are warm and fuzzy as ever. The thickness of the material is unlike any other, and the patterned edge will give a touch of elegance to any bathroom. The deep ivory colour wonu2019t fade anytime soon, regardless of how many washes, and the same goes for the softness. GSM: 600 Size: 70 X 140cm

Envelop yourself in John Lewisu2019 best-selling Egyptian Cotton towels. Not only will this towel feel like youu2019re wrapping yourself up in a cloud, but the natural peppermint treatment with antimicrobial protection will also keep your towel fresher for longer. Find your match in a variety of vibrant colours such as a Cherry Red and New York Yellow, or opt for Smoke Grey or Pale Teal for a more understated look. GSM: 700 Size: 135 x 70cm

If anyone was going to bring us plush and luxurious bath towels u2013 itu2019d be The White Company. Its best-selling Egyptian Cotton towels will hug your skin with softness and fluffiness thatu2019s unparalleled. The beautiful earth tones and high-quality texture will also add a luxurious hint to your bathroom, and the fluffy feeling will linger long after youu2019ve washed it. GSM: 700 Size: 20 x 125cm

Bring the spa to your home with M&Su2019 super plush towels. The fabulous softness and thick density will have you feel cosy and content, and the long-lasting mature cotton will ensure the fluffiness is there to stay. Available in a rainbow of colours, choose the towel best suited to your home and taste. GSM: 650 Size: Ranges from face towel to bath sheet.

Christyu2019s Luxe Towels are lavish, thick and high-quality. The super-absorbent material will soak up the water from your skin before you know it, and the dense thickness will have you feeling warm and comfy GSM: 730 Size: 76 x 137cm

If your personal taste or interior du00e9cor allows for a more boho look, then this Anthropologie set is for you. Boasting a soft texture and a unique fringe detailing, these towels have taken inspiration from traditional rugs from all over the world. The large size will have you wrapped up completely, and thereu2019s absolutely no shrinkage after a tumble dry. Size: 76 x 137cm

Get your full set of soft and absorbent towels that dry quickly and feel luxurious against your skin. The high-quality design would make these perfect for a guest room and they're available in multiple colours to suit any style. While these towels are on the lower end of the budget u2013 donu2019t be fooled. The thick and durable material will last you a while and wonu2019t be falling apart after a few washes. GSM: 500 Size: 70 x 138cm

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Marina Avraam is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest, and also works for Mother&Baby. She has a passion for psychology, reading and fashion writing.

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