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16 Best Bath Towels That Feel More Luxurious Than They Cost

A small indulgence that makes all the difference.

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Is there anything more jarring than getting out of a warm shower or a soothing bubble bath and stepping into the cold air, with nary a cozy bathrobe in sight? Thankfully, a set of quality towels can help ease the transition and create a luxurious spa-like environment in your own home.

The best bath towels are large enough to comfortably wrap around your body, so soft they don't scratch dry or sensitive skin, quick-drying, and durable enough to take frequent spins in the washing machine. To help you find the ones that meet this criterion, we asked Oprah Daily editors to share their must-have towel picks from retailers like Pottery Barn, Amazon, Brooklinen, and so many more.

What to look for in a bath towel

Material

Bath towels come in a wide range of materials that can affect their feel and absorbency. Some of the most popular include:

  • Cotton towels are a great choice, as the natural material is soft, absorbent, and durable.
  • Microfiber towels, a type of synthetic material, are also very soft, durable, and lightweight, plus they dry quickly. On the downside, they're typically thinner than cotton towels.
  • Linen is another natural option that's both durable and lightweight, plus also happens to be naturally antimicrobial.
  • Plant-based modal bath towels are manufactured from naturally derived cellulose sources such as the macerated wood pulps of birch or beech trees and tend to be slightly more absorbent than cotton.
  • Bamboo is an increasingly popular option, too, since it's a more eco-friendly choice that's soft and absorbent. Unfortunately, bamboo towels typically take a bit longer to dry.

Size

Look for the terms bath towel and bath sheet as your first clue as to the size of the option you're perusing. Though the terms may sound interchangeable, there's a big difference in size. Bath towels, the more standard option, are generally anywhere between 27 x 52 inches and 30 x 56 inches, while bath sheets are closer to 35 x 60 inches and can even be as large as 40 x 70 inches.

Absorbency

GSM, or grams per square meter, measures a towel's density—i.e., how thick and plush it feels. Generally, bath towels have a GSM between 300 to 900. The lower the GSM, the lighter the towel. Towels with a lower GSM may be lighter, but the advantage is they tend to dry quicker. Towels with a higher GSM tend to be more plush and spa-like but will take longer to dry. Ahead, find our list of bath towels we're confident make you feel like you're spending the day at the spa.

1
Best Overall Bath Towels

Buffy Deluxe Cotton Bath Towels

On Sale
Deluxe Cotton Bath Towels
Now 25% Off
Credit: Buffy
Why We Love It
  • High GSM
  • Made from organic cotton
  • Generous in size
What to Consider
  • On the more expensive side

Have you ever felt the towels in a five-star hotel? They feel exactly like this heavyweight option from Buffy, says contributor Brigitt Earley, who recently discovered the brand and has vowed to never look back. Not only are the towels made entirely of 100 percent organic Turkish cotton and are Oeko-Tex-certified, but they also have a truly impressive 850 GSM. It's like being wrapped in a warm hug after your shower, says Earley.

MaterialOrganic cotton
Size30 x 58 inches
Absorbency850 GSM
2
Best Bath Towels on Amazon

Cotton Craft Ultra-Soft Oversize Bath Towels

Ultra-Soft Oversize Bath Towels
Why We Love It
  • Come in a wide range of colors
  • Matching hand towels and wash clothes available
What to Consider
  • Not as fluffy as some other options

More than 11,000 reviewers give this hotel-quality set five stars, thanks to the soft texture, superior absorbency, quality construction, extra-large size, and affordability. At 580 GSM, they're sort of like the Goldilocks option—fluffy enough for comfort, but light enough to dry quickly. Users also love that the brand makes it easy to buy complementary hand towels and wash clothes. Plus, these towels come in 13 different colors to suit your style.

MaterialCotton
Size35 x 70 inches
Absorbency580 GSM
3
Best Monogrammed Bath Towels

Pottery Barn Grand Organic Cotton Embroidered Towels

Grand Organic Cotton Embroidered Towels
Credit: Pottery Barn
Why We Love It
  • Can be personalized
  • High GSM
What to Consider
  • On the more expensive side

These plush bath towels combine soft, silky textures with a premium 700-gram heavyweight GSM. You can also shop matching hand towels—with gray or black contrast piping—to round out your set. Not to mention, Pottery Barn offers a monogramming service (the up-charge is $15 per towel) for an added personal touch of class to your bathroom. It's no wonder these towels are such a go-to for registries and wedding gifts.

MaterialCotton
Size28 x 55 inches
Absorbency700 GSM
4
Best Budget Bath Towels

Utopia Towels Premium Jumbo Bath Sheet, Two-Pack

On Sale
Premium Jumbo Bath Sheet, Two-Pack
Now 19% Off
Credit: Utopia Towels
Why We Love It
  • Comes in a wide range of colors
  • Generous in size
What to Consider
  • GSM not listed

An excellent choice for the money, these extra-large bath towels (a generous 35-by-70 inches!) are woven with 100 percent ring spun cotton to ensure they're soft, but still incredibly absorbent and durable. If you prefer a smaller size, the brand also makes a traditional bath towel. Plus, you can buy complementary pieces, like hand towels or wash clothes. Everything is available in a wide range of colors—16 options, to be exact.

MaterialCotton
Size35 x 70 inches
AbsorbencyNot listed
5
Best Thick Bath Towels

Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels

On Sale
Super-Plush Bath Towels
Credit: Brooklinen
Why We Love It
  • High GSM
  • Comes in a wide range of colors
What to Consider
  • On the more expensive side

Made of 100 percent Turkish cotton, these extra-thick towels constructed with a durable z-twist come in a set of two, transforming your bathroom into a spa retreat. Our testers were impressed by the 820 GSM, noting you could definitely tell the difference in how heavy and absorbent the towel felt. Still, they didn't report any trouble with long drying times. We also like that these bath towels come in 11 colors, plus three seasonal selections.

MaterialCotton
Size30 x 58 inches
Absorbency820 GSM
6
Best Organic Cotton Bath Towels

Nordstrom Organic Hydrocotton Bath Towel

Organic Hydrocotton Bath Towel
Now 25% Off
Credit: Nordstrom
Why We Love It
  • Very soft and absorbent
  • Come in six colors
What to Consider
  • GSM not listed

This new version of Nordstrom's highly rated bath towels—they're made of organic cotton instead of regular cotton—is bound to get the same rave reviews as its predecessor. It's big claim to fame? Softness, absorbency, and durability. In fact, one user calls them "the most plush and luxurious towels that I have ever had in my home." And they're reasonably priced, to boot, making them a great gift for couples.

MaterialOrganic cotton
Size30 x 54 inches
AbsorbencyNot listed
7
Best Linen Bath Towels

Linoto Linen Spa Bath Sheet

Linen Spa Bath Sheet
Credit: Linoto
Why We Love It
  • Generous in size
  • Dries quickly
What to Consider
  • On the thinner side

Although it's pricey, this luxury Black-owned brand sources from linen mills in Belgium for its artisanal towels that are made in the USA. Linen towels, like these, are a great alternative to more traditional cotton options since they're just as absorbent but tend to dry quicker, plus are naturally resistant to mold and mildew. They are, however, much lighter, so that's something to be aware of if you like a thick, heavy bath towel.

MaterialLinen
Size27 x 48 inches
Absorbency336 GSM
8
Best Microfiber Bath Towels

JML Microfiber Striped Bath Towels, Two-Pack

Microfiber Striped Bath Towels, Two-Pack
Credit: JML
Why We Love It
  • Very absorbent
  • Dries quickly
What to Consider
  • Lighter than other options

Microfiber bath towels are a great option for toting in your gym bag or carry-on luggage because they are thin and easy to pack but also ultra-absorbent and quick-drying. This highly reviewed set (it has more than 12,500 five-star reviews) is no exception. Users particularly like the large 30-by-60-inch size and, of course, the quick-drying properties. It does have a lower GSM, so it's on the thinner side. On the upside? Because it's microfiber, it's still super soft.

MaterialMicrofiber
Size30 x 60 inches
Absorbency400 GSM
9
Best Plush Bath Towels

Parachute Home Classic Towels

Classic Towels
Credit: Parachute
Why We Love It
  • Comes in a wide range of colors
  • High GSM
What to Consider
  • On the more expensive side

Though best known for comfortable bedding, this home supply company also makes wonderfully luxurious bath towels that are made of 100 percent long-staple Turkish cotton to ensure they're plush, absorbent, and exceptionally quick-drying. Our testers were impressed by the high 700 GSM weight, plus said they effectively dried in a single pass and were relatively quick to dry—especially considering the heft. We also like that these towels come in a range of 10 neutral and earthy hues.

MaterialCotton
Size30 x 56 inches
Absorbency700 GSM
10
Best Waffle Bath Towels

Casaluna Waffle Bath Towel

Waffle Bath Towel
Credit: Casaluna
Why We Love It
  • Soft and lightweight
  • Quick to dry
What to Consider
  • Not as durable as some other options

One hundred percent cotton towels take on new levels of comfort and absorbency with a waffle-textured weave. Waffle towels do have a lower GSM and are more lightweight, but they're very quick to absorb and dry in record time. Both testers and reviewers gravitate toward this Target brand, calling it the perfect marriage of price and function. Though affordable, they're soft and absorbent. Plus, they look beautiful draped from your towel bar.

MaterialCotton
Size30 x 56 inches
Absorbency300-450 GSM (not further specified)
11
Best Oversized Bath Towels

Boll and Branch Plush Bath Sheet

Plush Bath Sheet
Credit: Boll & Branch
Why We Love It
  • 30-day trial period
  • Made from organic cotton
What to Consider
  • On the more expensive side

At 36-by-70 inches, this bath towel is much larger than standard choices. And because it's made of fair-trade organic cotton, it's supremely soft and absorbent, as well as quick-drying. Choose from seven different shades, all of which coordinate with the brand's beloved bedding—great for coordinating a primary bedroom or any other bedroom with an attached bathroom. Also nice: The brand offers a 30-day trial, so you can feel 100 percent confident about your purchase.

MaterialOrganic cotton
Size36 x 70 inches
AbsorbencyNot listed
12
Best Turkish Bath Towels

Kassatex Hammam Turkish Towels

Hammam Turkish Towels
Credit: Kassatex
Why We Love It
  • Soft, but not too plush
  • Quick to dry
What to Consider
  • Some users say the hem is prone to premature wear

A favorite of Oprah Daily creative director Adam Glassman, these bath towels offer the best of all worlds. They're soft but not overwhelmingly plush, so they aren't too heavy to wrangle and dry a bit more quickly than those extra-thick options. They also have a beautiful weave that mimics that of waffle towels yet still have more substance to them. For an extra-special touch, add a monogram for a slight up-charge of $7.

MaterialCotton
Size30 x 54 inches
Absorbency650 GSM
13
Best Splurge Bath Towels

Coyuchi Cloud Loom Organic Towels

Cloud Loom Organic Towels
Credit: Coyuchi
Why We Love It
  • Extra fluffy
  • Generous in size
What to Consider
  • On the more expensive side

Are they pricey? You betcha, but Glassman says these towels are a worthy splurge to make your bathroom feel like the spa you'd really rather be in. And if you're going this luxe, you may as well spring for the generously sized bath sheet, which measures an impressive 39 by 65 inches. The towel, made of long-staple Turkish cotton, is one of the fluffier options we evaluated, and it's designed to stay that way—no matter how many times you send it for a spin in the washing machine.

MaterialCotton
Size39 x 65 inches
Absorbency685 GSM
14
Best White Bath Towels

Weezie Signature Bathing Bundle

On Sale
Signature Bathing Bundle
Now 15% Off
Credit: Weezie
Why We Love It
  • Can be monogrammed
  • Comes with sizes for everyone in the family
What to Consider
  • Only white options available

Oprah Daily market director Rae Ann Herman says you can't go wrong by adding this set of six towels to your cart. The set comes with two bath sheets for the taller people in your home, two bath towels, and two hand towels. All options are pure white but come with your choice of contrast piping—choose from neutrals like white on white or go bolder with something like green. They can all be monogrammed, too.

MaterialCotton
SizeVaries
AbsorbencyNot listed
15
Best Bath Towel Set

Quince Turkish Classic Bath Towel Bundle

On Sale
Turkish Classic Bath Towel Bundle
Now 50% Off
Credit: Quince
Why We Love It
  • Great overall value
  • Free returns for 365 days
What to Consider
  • Lower GSM

Another great set recommended by Herman, Quince's towels bring luxury to the masses. For the price of what you might spend on a single towel through other luxe names, you can get a set of six towels from Quince: two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths. The 100 percent Turkish cotton towels are relatively lightweight yet quick to absorb, fast-drying, and highly durable—essentially everything you could want in a great towel.

MaterialCotton
SizeVaries
Absorbency550 GSM
16
Best Buzzworthy Bath Towels

Onsen Waffle Bath Towel

On Sale
Waffle Bath Towel
Now 25% Off
Credit: Onsen
Why We Love It
  • Portable
  • Antibacterial
What to Consider
  • GSM not listed

When we polled our editors and their networks, we couldn't believe how many people recommended this brand of bath towels. It's all in the details—the towels are Oeko-Tex-certified, highly absorbent, and antibacterial. The brand claims they're also 45 percent stronger than your average cotton towel, as well as 30 percent lighter and 50 percent less bulky. Users told us they're perfect for everyday use and look great hanging in the bathroom, but also said they're a good option for the gym and travel, due to the thinner construction.

MaterialCotton
Size31 x 57 inches
AbsorbencyNot listed

How We Chose the Best Bath Towels

how we chose

After polling our expert editorial team, we gathered more than two dozen options, reading hundreds of reviews and specs like material, size, and weight. We even put the most promising options to the test, using them in real-life scenarios to get a better sense of important attributes like feel, absorbency, and durability.

Headshot of Brigitt Earley
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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