The 13 Best Luxury Bath Towels of 2023 | by Travel + Leisure

Luxury hotels have mastered the art of elevating life’s daily details: linens are finer, sheets are silkier, and towels are something to write home about. There’s no reason your bathroom can’t look and feel like your favorite five-star resort — while turndown service may be harder to come by at home, high-quality towels are available at a variety of price points, weights, absorbency levels, and more.

Whether you’re looking for a plusher design or a monogrammed option, we’ve researched a range of styles that you’d find at the world’s best hotels and can order to your own bathroom. Towels are rated by Grams per Square Meter (GSM) and towels with a GSM of 450+ are going to be far softer and more luxurious than thinner, low GSM towels. Our favorite overall are the Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Towels because of their superb softness, ability to stand up to years of washes, and luxurious quality at a mid-range price. But from quick-drying designs to eco-friendly materials and affordable options, all of the bath towels on this list will turn showering into a more sumptuous and satisfying affair.

Amazon Dished All the Details on Prime Day 2023 — Here are the Dates and the Best Deals You Can Shop EarlyOur Top PicksBest Overall:Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel at FrontgateJump to ReviewBest Color Options:Lytham Turkish 4-Piece Bath Towel Set at WayfairJump to ReviewBest Lightweight:Brooklinen Ultralight Bath Towels at BrooklinenJump to ReviewBest Turkish:Coyuchi Cloud Loom Organic Bath Towel at AmazonJump to ReviewBust Budget:Softolle 100% Cotton Luxury Bath Towels – 600 GSM at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Quick-drying:Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Quick-Dry Bath Towel at Pottery BarnJump to ReviewBest With Waffle Weave:Parachute Waffle Towels at ParachuteJump to ReviewMost Spa-like:Riley Spa Towel Collection Bath Towel at Rileyhome.comJump to ReviewBest Bath Towel Set:American Soft Linen Turkish Cotton Bath Towel Set at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Ribbed:Classic Turkish Towels Plush Ribbed Cotton Bath Towels at AmazonJump to Review

Best Overall

Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel

View On FrontgateWhy We Love It

They’re plush without veering into blanket territory, and the long-staple Turkish cotton gets softer with every wash without noticeable shedding.

What to Consider

They shrink ever-so-slightly in the wash.

For the sake of its staying power, softness, and favorable price-quality rapport, Frontgate’s resort towel is our top pick. If you like your towels with a bit of heft but prize absorbency and relatively fast drying speed, then you’re in luck — these fit the (not-too-expensive) bill and come in 24 vibrant colors to brighten up your bathroom. They’re plush and unbelievably soft to begin with, but the real magic comes on laundry day: the “zero twist” process used on their 100 percent long-staple Turkish cotton plumps the fibers up with every wash and keeps the yarn from fraying over time, giving these towels a longevity that makes them a worthwhile investment. Plus, for a small fee, you can add a personalized monogram in your choice from Frontgate’s vast thread color and font options. When you wrap yourself into this plush paradise after a leisurely soak, you’ll see how a good hotel towel can take the routine of bathing and turn it into ritual.

Price at time of publish: $44 for one towel

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 58 inches | 700 GSM

Best Color Options

Lytham Turkish 4-Piece Bath Towel Set

View On WayfairWhy We Love It

This set is extra absorbant while remaining soft.

What to Consider

They may shed some surplus lint during their first wash.

Wayfair’s four-piece set of cozy Turkish towels is one of the best-priced options on the market. The towels are super absorbant and feature a hanging loop so you don’t warp the towel when you hang dry. These handy towels come in eight colors from classic white to fun, eye-popping yellow, so you can mix and match to fit your family’s needs. They’re also completely non-toxic and completely safe for use on children and babies right out of the package. Because they’re so fluffy, the towels may shed a bit of excess lint during the first wash and dry cycle, but after that, you should enjoy their plush, luxurious feeling for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $44 for four towels

The Details: Turkish cotton | 27 x 54 inches | 500 GSM

Best Lightweight

Brooklinen Ultralight Bath Towels

View On BrooklinenWhy We Love It

They’re super lightweight without sacrificing softness.

What to Consider

They have less of a luxury feel than plusher styles.

For those who prefer a lighter towel, Brooklinen’s ultralight model is the top of the line. This well-priced set of two has the lightest towels on our list, weighing just 320 grams per square meter. Made from 100 percent Turkish cotton, these are ideal for those with smaller laundry machines or limited storage space. The quick-drying material is great in humid bathrooms and they’re Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they’ve passed extensive testing to prove they’re free of potentially harmful chemicals. Soft yet durable, these are about the thinnest you’d want to get for everyday showering; for those who are in the market for an even more lightweight design, consider a fouta towel instead.

Price at time of publish: $49 for two towels

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 58 inches | 320 GSM

The Best Luxury Hotel Bedding for Five-star Sleep in 2023

Best Turkish

Coyuchi Cloud Loom Organic Bath Towel

4.6

View On AmazonView On NordstromView On Jossandmain.comWhy We Love It

These eco-friendly towels are surprisingly quick-drying for how fluffy and absorbent they are, plus they come in a gorgeous color range.

What to Consider

They’re a splurge.

The price tag isn’t exactly a bargain, but a night in a luxury hotel costs far more — and this is the towel to turn your bathroom into a five-star fantasy suite. Coyuchi’s cloud loom towels are the perfect everyday luxury: they’ve got a lusciously soft pile without being overly plush, and they’re thick without being heavy. Their unique cloud loom technology means that in addition to being super absorbent, they dry faster than the average fluffy Turkish towel. Aesthetically, they come in a range of earthy hues, including an undyed cotton and the Coyuchi cotton, which sits at a slightly higher price point as the material is a rare, naturally-colored brown cotton yarn. Notably, they’re also Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, which promises that not only has the end-product passed safety standards (like OEKO-TEX certifications), but that the entire production line has been made transparent and is organic from start to finish.

Price at time of publish: $78 for one towel

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 27 x 54 inches | 685 GSM

Bust Budget

Softolle 100% Cotton Luxury Bath Towels – 600 GSM, Set of 4

View On AmazonWhy We Love It

These towels are luxuriously soft and will match any bathroom decor.

What to Consider

They may release some fluff during their first wash.

Eye-catching towels make a thoughtful housewarming gift or fun, practical option to give your bathroom a refresh. These bright plush towels are made from high-quality cotton and are thick and comfortable enough that you’ll never want to change back into your clothes. Not only are they warm and cozy, but they’re made to be durable enough that you can wash these large towels again and again without losing any of their high-quality.

Price at time of publish: $34 for four towels

The Details: 100 percent cotton | 30 x 56 inches | 600 GSM

Best Quick-drying

Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Bath Towel

4.5

View On Pottery BarnWhy We Love It

For quick-drying towels, these are surprisingly fluffy and absorbent.

What to Consider

Their thickness means they don’t dry quite as quickly as an ultrathin or fouta towel.

Loomed with untwisted loops that ensure the towels are up to 10 times more absorbent than traditional cotton terry, these Pottery Barn towels (available in 13 colors and monogrammable!) have a fluffy handfeel that gets even better over time. If you’re on the hunt for a bath towel that dries quickly but doesn’t just wipe the moisture around or sacrifice softness, these are an excellent choice. In addition to being GOTS certified, these eco-friendly towels are slightly smaller than the average bath towel (at 28 x 55 inches), which helps them to dry out quicker. (If bigger is better for you, they are also available as 40 x 72 inches bath sheets.)

Price at time of publish: $35 for one towel

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 28 x 55 inches | 550 GSM

Best With Waffle Weave

Parachute Waffle Towels

View On ParachuteView On ZolaWhy We Love It

The honeycomb weave is soft rather than scratchy and enhances the spa-like aesthetic of any room.

What to Consider

For thinner towels, they’re at the higher end of the price range.

Looking for a textured towel that takes up hardly any space? Parachute’s waffle bath towels are the lightest on our list at just 240 grams per square meter, meaning they dry themselves almost simultaneously as they dry you. The honeycomb weave has top-notch absorbency and a solid amount of stretch. Unlike other super-thin towels, these never start to smell when wet. Whether rolled up or hanging on a hook, their streamlined design adds a dash of opulence to your bathroom without taking up space.

Price at time of publish: $49 for one towel

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 56 inches | 240 GSM

The Best Beach Towels We Tested, From the Ultra-soft to Personalized Picks

Most Spa-like

Riley Spa Towel Collection Bath Towel

4.3

View On Rileyhome.comWhy We Love It

The handy locker loop and rounded corners make for an appealingly modern look.

What to Consider

The loosely-woven terry has a soft but distinct texture.

Riley Home’s Egyptian cotton towels are fluffier and more absorbent from the get-go than most Turkish towels. However, while Egyptian cotton provides spa-worthy softness, it takes longer to dry and isn’t an ideal option for bathrooms with poor ventilation. But for those with a cool place to hang these beauties, you’re in luck: they come with a locker loop and are durable enough to last for years to come, since they’re pre-washed in order to retain their shape — plus, their rounded edges are a modern minimalist’s dream. The hand-stitched binding along the hem offers both a clean, polished form and a useful function, keeping the towel from fraying.

Price at time of publish: $20 for one towel

The Details: 100 percent Egyptian cotton | 30 x 58 inches | 820 GSM

Best Bath Towel Set

American Soft Linen Turkish Cotton Bath Towel Set

View On AmazonWhy We Love It

These best-selling towels are excellently priced for a set of four.

What to Consider

At 27 x 54 inches, they run on the smaller side.

Towel shopping is a whole different ball game if you’re looking for one or two for yourself versus a set for an entire household. When it comes to striking the right balance of quality and quantity, this fluffy four-piece bath towel set is a no-brainer. With the entire best-selling set priced at the cost of some individual towels, it’s an easy way to fill your bathrooms with a reliable roster. Their four-rib design adds a bit of flair and is available in 16 colors. Be sure to wash these once or twice pre-use, as they can generate a good amount of lint on the first few washes.

Price at time of publish: $47 for four towels

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 27 x 54 inches | 600 GSM

Best Ribbed

Classic Turkish Towels Plush Ribbed Cotton Bath Towels

View On AmazonWhy We Love It

The unique jacquard ribbed design allows for better airflow while they’re drying.

What to Consider

They don’t stand up well to bleach.

Ribbed towels are great for avoiding shedding, as there’s less frayable terry material. Plus, sans all that extra fluffy cotton, they dry out faster. Also notable, the double-stitched edge on this affordable set-of-two makes sure they’ll last. These OEKO-TEX certified towels have a decent heft without feeling weighty; they’re also soft without any overwhelming plushness. Available in 10 colors, they are highly sensitive to bleach or chemical skincare products, so take care to avoid those for longevity’s sake.

Price at time of publish: $33 for two towels

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 27 x 54 inches | 620 GSM

The 8 Best Electric Toothbrushes for Travel of 2023

Most Plush

Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels

4.4

View On AmazonView On BrooklinenView On ZolaWhy We Love It

This pair of towels is ultra thick and heavy enough to give you that snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug feeling.

What to Consider

Their weight makes them less absorbent and slower to dry.

Brooklinen wasn’t messing around when they dubbed these “super-plush.” Extravagantly soft to the touch, these towels offer a noticeable heft, weighing in at 820 grams per square meter. They’re available in five essential colors, with neutrals like white, cream, and graphite and vibrant limited-edition shades including ocean and goldenrod. For those who enjoy the ultra-downy, cloud-like feeling of wrapping themselves in a thick and fluffy towel, this is it — and it gets plumper with every wash. For those seeking a quick drying option, keep scrolling — the heft of these towels keeps them from drying out quickly, but they don’t retain any mildewy scent once they do finally air out. Of note: Brooklinen has some of the best customer service in the game and a flexible return policy, which takes some of the pressure off trying and buying.

Price at time of publish: $79 for one towel

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 58 inches | 820 GSM

Best Fouta

Parachute Fouta Stripe Towels

4.8

View On ParachuteWhy We Love It

The hemmed edges are more streamlined than typical fringed fouta towels.

What to Consider

While it’s ideal for toweling off on-the-go or for use in warmer weather, the lightweight material isn’t ideal for colder months.

Fouta towels (also called Turkish towels, as they have been traditionally used in Turkish bathhouses for centuries) are typically ultra-thin and tasseled. The hemmed edges on these gray-and-white striped ones from Parachute stand up better to multiple washes than fringe, which easily unravels. These are super lightweight yet cozier than most, as there’s a soft terry cloth on the underside of the flat weave that absorbs more than most fouta towels. Their streamlined look is perfect for use at home, the beach, or just about anywhere else you can think to take them — they roll up into next-to-nothing, making them your perfect travel companion.

Price at time of publish: $39 for one towel

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 56 inches | 450 GSM

Best Pattern

Hill House Home Sankaty Stripe Bath Towel

View On Hillhousehome.comWhy We Love It

The striped design is youthful yet sophisticated.

What to Consider

The towels run on the slightly larger side.

Fans of the Nap Dress will recognize Hill House Home as the ultimate cool-girl towel line. Whether you’ve got a beach house on Nantucket or just would like your bathroom to look as trendy as you do, these plush, mid-weight towels are the way to go. Available in three subtle, summery hues (Cotton Candy, Oxford, and Celadon), the simple stripes are playful without feeling childish and are all monogrammable. While there’s limited information available on their absorbency, these are an easy way to add some charm to your shower routine.

Price at time of publish: $55 for one towel

The Details: 100 percent Turkish cotton | 30 x 60 inches | 650 GSM

Tips for Buying Bath Towels

Look for the material that’s right for you

There are many different types of bath towels out there. To find a towel that’s right for you, it’s a good idea to start with the weight. Measured in GSM (grams per square meter), bath towels typically range from 300-900 GSM, with the thinnest and fastest-drying on the lower end of the spectrum and the plushest (and typically least absorbent) on the higher end.

“High thread counts are always a plus,” says Greg Strong, director of housekeeping at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The higher the thread count, the thicker and more absorbent the towel.

When it comes to the type of cotton, it’s best to seek out 100-percent cotton, whether Turkish or Egyptian. While they’re both long-staple fibers, Egyptian tends to be more absorbent while Turkish dries faster. Of note is the length of the cotton: long staple cotton is typically softest. The longer the fiber length, the fewer exposed ends there are, which means silkier towels and less fraying over time.

Buy a variety of sizes

Beyond your daily shower towel, it’s ideal to have a full set, which typically includes bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths — anywhere from one to four of each.

For those who prefer a larger towel, consider bath sheets instead (or in addition). They run bigger than bath towels, measuring between 35 x 60 inches to 40 x 70 inches. Be sure to check the size of the towels you’re ordering — particularly online — to confirm if they are bath towels or bath sheets first. Due to their size, bath sheets tend to take longer to dry.

Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I choose high-quality towels?

Towels are measured in Grams per Square Meter (GSM). If a towel feels heavy and thick, they have a higher GSM than thin towels. A high-quality, luxurious towel generally has a GSM above 450, so look out for that rating to ensure you’re choosing a set of plush and comfortable towels that will last for years to come.

How should I store my bath towels?

Find a temperate area in your home to store your towels — whether that’s a linen closet or in bins in the bathroom. Ideally in “a nice warm area of your home,” says Strong. Avoid excessively cold or hot temperatures, he adds, to best protect the longevity of your towels.

When it comes to displaying them, the options are practically endless: think shower racks, wooden ladders and galvanized tubs, where you can roll up or fold your towels for easy access that’s also aesthetically appealing.

How should I wash my bath towels?

In order to maximize the lifespan of your towels, the two most important aspects are to wash them in low-temperature water and to avoid bleach. According to Strong, washing them on “high spin and [with] fabric softener” are two primary ways to ensure your towels stay soft and fluffy over time. “Limit the amount of bleach,” he adds. “Only use it when needed.”

If your towels are lightweight, feel free to skip the dryer and allow them to air dry. For thicker towels, they typically need a run through the dryer to achieve their fluffiest potential and to properly dry out.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Sophie Dodd researched dozens of bath towels, interviewed experts at five-star hotels and used her expertise as a travel writer to narrow down a list of the most luxurious towels for every style and budget. In compiling our list of luxury bath towels, we also spoke with Greg Strong, director of housekeeping at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.

The 14 Best Lightweight Bathrobes of 2023

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Updated byRebecca Carhart is a senior e-commerce writer and strategist on Dotdash Meredith’s news and deals travel team. Her reviews of products across the fashion, beauty, home, and travel spaces have appeared on TravelandLeisure.com, InStyle.com, People.com, and more.

” tabindex=”0″ data-inline-tooltip=”true”>Rebecca Carhart Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.learn more