We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding & Bath Product Reviews The 12 Best Bath Towels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Including plush picks, quick-drying towels, and everything in between. By Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer is a commerce writer for Real Simple. She has experience writing content for various digital publications including Parents, and is passionate about home, lifestyle, and beauty products. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 17, 2024 Fact checked by Rich Scherr In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Whether you prefer to wrap yourself up in a plush, spa-like towel or dry off quickly with a lightweight waffle knit, choosing the right bath towel can make all the difference in your daily shower routine. However, predicting which towels are durable enough to make it through the long haul can be easier said than done. That’s where we come in. To date, we have tested 99 towels in our Des Moines lab and 22 in our own homes, assessing them based on their quality, texture, absorbency, durability, and overall value. For expert tips on buying and using bath towels, we tapped Whitney Thornburg, design director at Coyuchi, Sarah Smith, product education and customer experience manager at Serena & Lily, and Elana Frosk, account executive at Hohenstein Institute, the U.S. testing lab for Oeko-Tex. No matter what type of bath towel you're looking for, we have a tested and approved pick for you. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Lands' End Supima Cotton Bath Towel at Amazon $99 Jump to Review Best Budget: Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel Set at Target $12 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Towels at Cozy Earth Jump to Review Most Durable: Boll & Branch Spa Bath Towel at Bollandbranch.com $38 Jump to Review Best Soft: Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Quick-Dry Bath Towel at Pottery Barn $15 Jump to Review Best Dual Sided: Boll & Branch Waffle Terry Bath Towel at Bollandbranch.com $49 Jump to Review Best Cotton Blend: RHH Bath Towel Bamboo Bliss Resort Bamboo Collection at Dillards.com Jump to Review Best Set: Saatva Plush Towels at Saatva $95 Jump to Review Best Waffle: The Citizenry Mara Organic Waffle Bath Towel Set at The-citizenry.com Jump to Review Best Oversized: Matouk Milagro Bath Towel at Nordstrom $11 Jump to Review Best Overall Lands' End Supima Cotton Bath Towel PHOTO: Lands' End $99 at Amazon $77 at Landsend.com What Stands Out It sustained no damage after running a scrub brush over it 50 times. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t come with certifications, and it shrinks a bit after washing. The Lands’ End Premium Supima Cotton Bath Towel impressed us with its coziness, absorbency, and durability, earning it the title of our Best Overall bath towel. Crafted from American-grown Supima cotton, this towel is plush with a medium-heavy weight (650 GSM). We found it to be incredibly soft, striking the perfect balance between practicality and luxuriousness. In our testing, it dried us off quickly, requiring minimal effort on our part. We were especially amazed by the towel’s durability. It retained its soft and fluffy texture after washing, and the color (of which there are 17 to choose from) remained just as saturated. Plus, stains came out easily, making this pick suitable for everyday use. We observed not a single pull or loose thread, either, and after six weeks of consistent use, the towel maintained its soft hand. Even after running a scrub brush over it 50 times in our lab, there was no damage to the towel, indicating that it will stand up to whatever abuse you put it through. However, it did shrink a bit after laundering (about 7% from its initial 30-by-56-inch size). It’s worth noting that this pick doesn’t come with any certifications, which might be an immediate no for some people, but given the size, durability, and quality of the materials, we think the price is more than reasonable. Plus, Lands’ End has frequent sales, so you can likely snag it for less while shopping. Material: Supima cotton | Size: 30 by 56 inches | Weight: 650 GSM | Certifications: None Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Nicole Lund Real Simple / Nicole Lund Best Budget Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel Set PHOTO: Target $12 at Target What Stands Out It dries quickly, making it suitable for frequent use. What Could Be Improved It’s fairly short and became less soft and plush post wash. Given its reasonable price, we were amazed by the Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel’s high quality and functionality. Although this towel doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of other options on our list—no band, towel hook, or much design on the fabric—it’s a soft, basic option that gets the job done. We might not rush to display this towel in a guest bathroom, but it’s perfect for daily use. Measuring 30 by 54 inches, this towel is the ideal size and weight. It dried completely and quickly in our tests, absorbing water with ease. Unsurprisingly, it did fall short in the durability department. It became rougher after washing, and some of the loops seemed to flatten, with the fibers appearing more spread out. For that, this may not be the most durable in the long run. H owever, its low price makes it easy to buy in bulk and replace frequently at a lower cost than other picks on our list. Material: Terry cotton | Size: 30 by 54 inches | Weight: 450–550 GSM | Certifications: Made in Green by Oeko-Tex Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Splurge Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Towels PHOTO: Cozy Earth View on Cozy Earth What Stands Out The plush design and color variety makes it especially luxe. What Could Be Improved There were some initial snags. True to its name, the Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Towel screams luxury. In fact, we could tell this towel was high quality just by looking at it; it has an elevated appearance comparable to what you’d find at a spa, along with a plush, fluffy texture. Plus, it comes in six neutral hues, offering the flexibility to match any bathroom decor. Given its luxe look and feel, this is the type of towel we’d want to display in a guest bathroom. Crafted from cotton and viscose from bamboo, this towel boasts a comfortable medium density (600 GSM). While we found it a bit too heavy to wrap our hair in, it proved perfect for drying off our body, providing a comforting, hug-like feel post shower. Aside from a few initial snags, the towel has held up well over time, becoming cozier and more absorbent while maintaining its vibrancy. The only noticeable difference has been size—starting at 30 by 58 inches, it shrunk to 28.5 by 54 inches by the end of the testing period. Despite this noteworthy shrinkage, we still found the resulting size to be adequate. Although this two-pack is one of the pricier options we tested, we think its high quality justifies the price. Material: Cotton and viscose from bamboo | Size: 30 by 58 inches | Weight: 600 GSM | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Real Simple / Taylor Rock Real Simple / Taylor Rock Real Simple / Taylor Rock Real Simple / Taylor Rock Real Simple / Taylor Rock Most Durable Boll & Branch Spa Bath Towel PHOTO: Boll-branch $38 at Bollandbranch.com What Stands Out The decorative ridges are luxurious and speed up the drying process. What Could Be Improved The material may be too rough for some. If you’re looking for a long-lasting towel that can withstand months of use, the Boll & Branch Spa Bath Towel is a great choice. Crafted from 100% cotton, this terry cloth towel had a durable feel from the start. Typical of terry cloth, the material is a bit rough (but not scratchy), especially on the edges. The towel features decorative ridges, along with a sewn-in hook for hanging. In addition to their luxurious appearance, the decorative ridges in the material proved to be functional, making it easier to dry off. This durable towel performed well in our abrasion and stain tests. It also excelled at absorbing water and dried very quickly. Apart from a loose thread, it maintained its texture, size, and absorbency throughout two months of use. We give extra points for its sustainability, as it’s GOTS certified, Fair Trade Certified, and meets Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex. Despite its higher price tag, this towel is sure to last a while. Material: Organic long-staple cotton | Size: 30 by 58 inches | Weight: 450–550 GSM | Certifications: GOTS Certified, Fair Trade Certified, Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Soft Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Quick-Dry Bath Towel PHOTO: Pottery Barn $15 at Pottery Barn What Stands Out The soft, fluffy material dries surprisingly quickly. What Could Be Improved It’s one of the smaller towels on our list. There’s no better feeling than bundling up with a cozy towel after a shower, and this pick from Pottery Barn is the perfect companion. We’d even go as far as to say that this is one of the softest towels we’ve ever tried. We were impressed by this towel’s absorbency; it effortlessly wiped away all the water droplets from our body with one swipe, proving especially effective when drying our hair. While we expected its fluffy texture to retain water, it surprisingly dried quickly—even after daily showers, it always dried completely by the next use. After two months, we couldn’t believe how soft this towel had become. Aside from one loose string near the decorative band, we noticed no changes in quality—no stains, bald spots, tears, or fading. Measuring just 28 by 55 inches, it’s worth noting that this bath towel is one of the smaller ones on the list, so it may not have the luxurious, wrap-around effect that larger ones do. Still, we think its plush, cozy feel makes up for it and appreciate that it's light enough to be used as a hair towel, as well. Material: Organic Turkish cotton | Size: 28 by 55 inches | Weight: 550 GSM | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Dual Sided Boll & Branch Waffle Terry Bath Towel PHOTO: Boll & Branch $49 at Bollandbranch.com What Stands Out It offers the option of a cozy waffle texture or absorbent terry, acting as two towels in one. What Could Be Improved The texture gets rougher with washing. If you can’t decide between a cozy waffle-knit towel or a rougher option, the Boll & Branch Waffle Terry Bath Towel offers the best of both worlds. The waffle side gives the towel a more lightweight feel, while the terry side ensures absorbency. Compared to other towels we’ve tried, this one offers a quicker drying time—after 60 minutes, we observed no moisture on either side. The stains came out of this towel easily, with no abrasions or signs of treatment whatsoever. We noticed that the material became a bit rougher after washing, but it was nothing significant. Other than that textural change, the towel maintained its quality after laundering. Plus, it comes with a convenient loop to hang it up after use. Material: Organic cotton | Size: 30 by 58 inches | Weight Not listed| Certifications: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, Made in Green by Oeko-Tex Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Cotton Blend RHH Bath Towel Bamboo Bliss Resort Bamboo Collection PHOTO: Dillard's View on Dillards.com What Stands Out It feels just like a typical cotton towel but stays softer for longer. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t have any certifications. Crafted from a blend of cotton and bamboo fibers, the RHH Bath Towel is a standout on our list. Similar to lyocell and modal, bamboo fibers are known for their softness, strength, and absorbency. This towel definitely achieved all three—after six weeks, it’s still delightfully soft and plush, and there are no signs of damage. In fact, we actually think the color of the towel after laundering looks richer than it did of the unwashed version. We also found it to be seriously quick drying. Just note that it did shrink to 28 by 52 inches. In terms of texture, this towel hits all the bases. While the unwashed towel has a silkier bamboo feel, the used towel feels like a very soft cotton towel, which could appeal to those who want to stick to what they know. We also found it to have a nice weight—not too heavy and thick or too lightweight. Overall, we think this towel would please just about anyone. Material: Cotton, rayon from bamboo | Size: 30 by 56 inches | Weight: 550 GSM | Certifications: None Real Simple / Nicole Lund Real Simple / Nicole Lund Real Simple / Nicole Lund Best Set Saatva Plush Towels PHOTO: Saatva $95 at Saatva What Stands Out The towel dries surprisingly quickly given its plushness. What Could Be Improved It’s susceptible to loose threads after washing. If you’re seeking a towel bundle that includes various sizes, look no further than Saatva’s Plush Towel Set. The three pack comes with one bath towel, one face towel, and one hand towel crafted from long-staple cotton. They come in a drawstring bag, making them suitable for gifting and bringing on the go. This towel has a high-quality feel to it—soft but not too plush. It also boasts impressive craftsmanship; the decorative band adds a nice flair while the loops feel durable and tightly stitched. We found the towel to be softer, thicker, and more absorbent than others we’ve tried. However, despite the plush material, we were surprised to find that it dried very quickly. It took only one hour to dry in our dryer, which isn’t too bad considering its density. Other than a loose thread, we noticed minimal differences between the pre- and post-wash conditions, and it held up well throughout two months of use. While we only tested the bath towel, we expect the hand towel and face towel to be similarly well made. Material: Long-staple cotton | Size: 30 by 58 inches | Weight: 700 GSM | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Waffle The Citizenry Mara Organic Waffle Bath Towel Set PHOTO: The Citizenry View on The-citizenry.com What Stands Out The texture speeds up drying time. What Could Be Improved It’s not plush or cozy, and it may be better for warmer weather. While we often associate bath towels with terry cloth, waffle weaves are becoming increasingly popular. Crafted from organic Turkish cotton with a honeycomb texture, The Citizenry’s Mara Organic Waffle Bath Towel is designed to increase surface area, trap moisture, and reduce drying times. Though the waffle weave texture tends to be a bit coarse on the skin, this towel proved to be an exception, maintaining its soft, cushioned feel throughout six weeks of use. Since it’s a bit lighter and airier than standard terry cloth, it takes up less space in the linen closet, too. Given its thin design, we were initially hesitant about this towel’s durability. However, after six weeks of use, it looked just as good as it did when we took it out of the box (aside from some expected shrinkage). Stains similarly came out with ease, leaving behind no visible signs of wear. While we’ll admit that the texture does take some getting used to, we grew to love this towel over time. The high-quality materials and soft feel make this towel a worthy purchase, especially for those seeking a lightweight option for wrapping their hair. Material: Organic Turkish cotton | Size: 30 by 56 inches | Weight: Not listed | Certifications: GOTS, Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Oversized Matouk Milagro Bath Towel PHOTO: Nordstrom $11 at Nordstrom View on Perigold.com $18 at Bloomingdales What Stands Out The towel is luxuriously soft and offers more coverage than a standard bath towel. What Could Be Improved It’s fairly expensive, and the dry time could be faster given its weight. This 550-GSM towel isn’t the thickest one we tested, but it more than makes up for its lack of plushness in surface area. Despite not being quite as large as a bath sheet, the 30 by 60-inch Matouk Milagro Bath Towel provides significantly more coverage than a standard bath towel (although it’s also available in a bath sheet size). While we expected the large size to be a bit unwieldy, its unexpectedly lightweight design made it far more manageable. Plus, the soft feel gave it an extra luxurious vibe. The towel absorbed an entire half cup of water from our bowl in one minute, though its dry time was just average at 58 minutes. While using it at home, we found it to be more absorbent than most plush towels, and the water didn’t feel like it was just sitting on top of it. After washing, this towel shrank by 4% (down to 28 by 57 inches), which is well under what you would expect from a 100% cotton towel, and it maintained its soft feel. In fact, we couldn’t believe how soft it remained, with very minimal difference in texture post wash. We award bonus points for the customization—this towel is available in 22 colors and comes with the option to add a monogram, too. Material: Cotton | Size: 30 by 60 inches | Weight: 550 GSM | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Nicole Lund Real Simple / Nicole Lund Riley Four Layer Bath Towel PHOTO: Riley View on Rileyhome.com What Stands Out The thin design is quick drying and easy to bring on the go. What Could Be Improved It may experience slight pilling and shrinkage. At 360 GSM, we were initially hesitant about this towel’s thin design. However, once we tried it ourselves, we were totally swayed. We were amazed by how quickly its light, waffle texture dried off our body, with the material being soft to the touch yet rough enough to slough away dead skin. This pick dried much faster than our terry towels—even in our non-vented bathroom—never developing a musty odor. While this towel isn’t as luxe as some of the other options on our list, we found it surprisingly well constructed. The lightweight material proved to be durable, and the towel looked mostly good as new after the testing period, retaining its rich color. It did experience some slight pilling and shrinkage, though neither was too noticeable. Thanks to its quick-drying abilities and compact design, this towel is convenient to travel with and would be suitable to bring to the beach or pool. Material: Cotton | Size: 30 by 58 inches | Weight: 360 GSM | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Real Simple / Tara Cox Real Simple / Tara Cox Real Simple / Tara Cox Real Simple / Tara Cox Real Simple / Tara Cox Real Simple / Tara Cox Best Plush Buffy Deluxe Cotton Bath Towels PHOTO: Buffy View on Buffy What Stands Out The towel strikes the balance of being plush yet not unwieldy. What Could Be Improved It requires more drying time than lighter towels. If you’re seeking a luxurious, spa-like experience at home, you can’t go wrong with Buffy’s Deluxe Cotton Bath Towel. Measuring 30 by 58 inches, it’s big enough for a full-body wraparound. It’s pretty simple in appearance—there are no hook loops or special weaves—but its four-stripe dobby gives it a polished look. The refined appearance, coupled with the luxurious material, make this towel comparable to one that would be found at a resort. With a GSM of 850, this is the plushest towel on our list. Still, this one seemed to be the Goldilocks of towels—not too soft, not too cumbersome, but just right. Due to its thick design, it did require a few extra cycles in the dryer, especially when washed with other towels. However, we were pleased to find that the plush design didn’t hold onto much excess water nor did it develop an odor. This towel held up insanely well over time, enduring no shags, loose threads, staining, or flattening. It did experience some of the classic signs of use—slight color fading, shrinkage, and a slight loss of softness. However, we were impressed by the lack of warping and cinching. While it did lose a bit of its coziness with use, it still stayed soft throughout several weeks of use. This is everything you want in a bath towel: It’s soft, fluffy, warm, and luxurious. Material: Organic cotton | Size: 30 by 58 inches | Weight: 850 GSM | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Real Simple / Nicole Lund Real Simple / Nicole Lund Real Simple / Nicole Lund Real Simple / Nicole Lund Final Verdict Our top pick is the Lands’ End Cotton Bath Towel for its impressive durability, soft hand, and functionality. Crafted with Supima cotton, it maintains the perfect balance of plushness without feeling too heavy. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can’t go wrong with the Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel Set, which offers quick drying abilities at a reasonable price point. Our Testing Process To find the best bath towels on the market, we tested 99 bath towels in our lab and 22 at home, evaluating them based on texture, absorbency, effectiveness, and durability. First: the lab tests. We began by visually inspecting each bath towel to assess the quality, looking at the stitching, color vibrancy (when applicable), softness, and more. Next, we ran our hands over each towel to evaluate its texture, noting whether it felt soft to the touch, how tight the weave was, etc. Then came the real test of each towel: absorbency. To determine how well the towel absorbs water from the skin, we used one end of the towel to dry off our hands. We then placed the dry end of the towel in a shallow bowl of water, leaving the towel to absorb for one minute, and took note of how much water each towel soaked up and how long it took to dry afterward. The next day, we washed and dried each towel and repeated the tests above, taking note of any change in the towel’s ability to absorb water. We also evaluated the durability of each towel based on how well it held up after washing and drying, considering the texture and size of each towel before and after washing, including any shrinking, fading, pilling, or loose threading. To complete our durability testing, we laid each towel flat on a table, scrubbed it with a scrub brush, and took note of how well the abraded area held up. Finally, we received the price of each towel and scored its overall value based on how well it performed and whether we would pay the listed price or wait for it to go on sale. Next: real-world testing. We inspected the towels upon arrival, noting whether there were any snags or loose threads. Before use, we washed the towels according to the manufacturer's instructions. From that point on, we washed the towels using whichever mechanism we preferred. Throughout three weeks of regular use, we assessed many qualities of the towels, including texture, absorbency, drying time, and coverage. If a stain formed, we considered which products were needed for removal and how successful the process was. During the testing period, we kept track of any changes in size, color, and texture as well as any balding or loose threads. We continued to use these towels at home, evaluating their performance throughout six weeks of use. Long-term testing is still in progress, and we will update this piece with the next round of insights once they become available. Real Simple / Henry Wortock How to Shop for Bath Towels Like a Pro Material While there are many materials to choose from, experts tend to agree that cotton reigns supreme. “Choosing a towel that is made from high-quality materials, such as premium cotton that has extra-long staple fibers to enhance strength, softness, and absorbency, is the way to go,” Smith says. Cotton is not a one-size-fits-all category, though. There are several different types to choose from, with varying degrees of absorbency and durability. Egyptian and Turkish cotton are the most highly sought-after types of bath towels. Both are made from long-staple fibers, which enhance smoothness, softness, and durability—in fact, these fibers become even softer after washing. Egyptian cotton is typically thicker and more absorbent at the start, with a fluffy, luxurious feel. Turkish cotton, on the other hand, is a bit lighter in weight and quicker to dry, often becoming more absorbent with use. Pima cotton is similar to Egyptian and Turkish cotton but sourced from the U.S. If you’re looking to expand your search beyond just cotton, there are plenty of other materials on the market, as well. Many brands produce towels made from a blend of cotton and either bamboo, modal, and viscose. Bamboo doesn’t literally refer to bamboo but rather the material made from the pulp of bamboo wood. Similarly, modal and viscose are semi-synthetic materials made from wood pulp that doesn’t come from bamboo. All three materials are known for their silky-smooth feel, although bamboo and modal are stronger and more durable than viscose, which is typically cheaper. Size When choosing the right towel for your needs, be sure to consider your body size and intended use. A standard bath towel is designed to wrap around your body without being too heavy or unwieldy, typically measuring around 28 by 54 inches. If you’re seeking a towel to wrap your hair in, you may opt for a smaller, lighter option. However, for those who are a bit larger or prefer a more hug-like experience, a bigger towel might be best. Bath sheets—often measuring 40 by 70 inches—are an extra-cozy, spa-like option, though they are often more expensive. It’s also worth taking into account potential shrinkage, as towels often get smaller after laundering. Most of the towels we tested shrank between 5% and 6% post wash. Weight A towel’s weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM), with a higher GSM correlating to increased thickness, softness, and absorbency. For example, those seeking a plush, substantial towel will want to look for a higher GSM, while people wanting a lighter, quick-drying towel should search for a lower one. As a general rule of thumb, a GSM below 400 is considered lightweight, a GSM between 400 and 600 is medium weight, and a GSM above 600 tends to be the most luxurious, plush, and absorbent. Just keep in mind that the tradeoff for this thickness is a slower drying time. Construction In addition to a towel’s material and weight, the construction of its fibers can also affect its texture and performance. As you shop, there are three main constructions you may come across. Combed cotton refers to cotton that has literally been “combed” to remove impurities from the yarn, leaving behind only the long-staple fiber. While very durable, these towels are not typically as soft as ringspun cotton options. Ringspun cotton is made by spinning long and short cotton fibers together for a smooth, plush finish. Unlike combed and ringspun cotton, zero-twist cotton fibers are woven without any twisting, creating a fluffy and absorbent towel. Weave When you think of a standard bath towel, a terry cloth weave likely comes to mind. The terry cloth weave is known for its uncut loops that extend beyond the woven base, resulting in a plush, soft, ultra-absorbent feel. Alternatively, waffle- or lattice-weave towels are lighter and quicker to dry than terry cloth, with their thinner design being a bit more space-saving in your linen closet. While these towels aren’t as plush or luxurious as terry cloth, they’re less prone to developing the dreaded musty smell since they dry quickly. If you’re torn between the two weaves, Boll & Branch’s Waffle Terry Towel features one side with each material. Product Certifications There are several independent third-party tests that ensure textiles meet certain standards for product safety. “When textiles are made, there are chemicals used to process them, and there can be a residual of a harmful substance on the textile that you can’t see by looking at it,” Frosk says. “The only way to know if a textile has some level of a harmful substance on it is to test it.” The most common and widely trusted product labels are the Oeko-Tex certifications, which include both Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex and Made In Green by Oeko-Tex labels. According to Frosk, the Standard 100 label indicates that a product has been tested for harmful substances, while the Made In Green label ensures that the product is both safe from harmful substances and made in environmentally friendly facilities with safe and socially responsible work practices. All Made In Green-certified products are also Standard 100-certified. For organic textiles, look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label—another independent third-party certification that defines requirements for organic textiles, from harvesting raw materials to manufacturing and labeling. Style Bath towels don’t have to be boring. Incorporating fun colors, patterns, embroidery, and stitching can customize your towel’s look and feel, adding a personal touch to your bathroom. Whether you opt for a classic neutral tone or a more exciting embroidered option, you should be proud to showcase whichever towel you choose on your towel rack. Real Simple / Dera Burreson More Bath Towels to Consider Brooklinen Waffle Bath Towels: These waffle towels proved to be incredibly soft, maintaining a gauzy, lightweight texture perfect for the summer months. However, they became a bit rougher over time and significantly warped in the wash, so we don’t recommend them for long-term use. Frontgate Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel: Considering this towel’s plush, substantial texture, we were amazed by how quickly it dried. Unfortunately, the decorative ends, while visually pleasing, were a bit harsh on our skin while drying off. Questions You Might Ask How should you wash bath towels? In terms of frequency of washing, it largely depends on how often you use it. Most bath towels can be used three to four times before they need to be washed in the washing machine. Even if you can’t see or smell it, body oils, dirt, and sweat can all build up on your towels—and in a steamy bathroom, they’ll be even more vulnerable to bacteria growth. To reduce the growth of bacteria, give your towels ample room to spread out when air drying, and avoid leaving them in a crumpled heap on the floor. We also recommend washing your white towels and colored towels in separate loads, using hot water for whites and warm water for colors. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can reduce the absorbency of your towels, and always make sure your towels are completely dry before putting them away. Smith also suggests using dryer balls to keep your towels feeling soft and fresh. How many bath towels do you need per person? Each member of your household should have at least two towels so that they never run out during laundry days. Those with longer hair may want to have four towels on hand: two for the body and two for the hair. The weather may play a role in your towel selection, too. “Some people also change out towels by season—choosing a cozy, fluffy one in the winter and a lightweight one in the summer,” Thornburg says. How often should you replace bath towels? You’ll generally want to replace your bath towels every two years, though this can change depending on the quality. Once your bath towels begin drying more slowly, smell funky after washing, or suffer wear and tear, it may be time to replace them. Thornburg suggests switching out towels seasonally to give your bathroom a refreshed feel and extend their lifespan. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Take Our Word for It This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we first tested 99 bath towels in our lab and brought 22 of them home, evaluating them based on their quality, texture, absorbency, durability, and overall value. For expert insight, we consulted Whitney Thornburg, design director at Coyuchi, Sarah Smith, product education and customer experience manager at Serena & Lily, and Elana Frosk, account executive at Hohenstein Institute, the U.S. testing lab for Oeko-Tex.