The Best Bath Towels Feel Like Pure Bliss

It is easy to elevate a bathroom’s aesthetic with a striking shower curtain or bath mat, but I would place the best bath towels in that same category. While they are primarily the textiles we use to dry off after a relaxing bath, elements ranging from delicate waffle weaves to design details—such as scalloped edges and vibrant colors—can influence the overall style and atmosphere of the bathroom décor. After all, these accessories are always on display and used daily. To find the best towels on the market, I asked my fellow editors and contributors about their favorites and carefully analyzed material compositions, including GSM (weight per square meter). Top picks included organic fabrics—such as long-staple Turkish cotton designed for exceptional softness—and lightweight, absorbent bamboo blends. Whatever your preference, I have selected some of the most coveted towels from brands that the AD team and I use in our own bathrooms, including high-end options available on Amazon. Read on to transform your shower routine into a spa-worthy moment of relaxation.

In this article:

1. Our favorites
2. More AD-approved bath towels
3. How we test
4. Popular types of bath towels
5. Frequently asked questions

The Best Overall Bath Towels

I admit I’d spend all day at the spa if I could; in fact, that’s exactly why I love these towels so much. They have a wonderfully plush texture (100% Aegean Turkish cotton) that feels incredibly comforting when I wrap myself in them after a body scrub. This was my first time trying Brooklinen’s collection of super-soft, fluffy bath towels; AD contributor Jasmine Desiree recommended them to me after testing the original version last year. "They’re thick, plush, and incredibly soft, yet they still manage to look sophisticated," she told me. The ones I have are an updated version of the classic super-soft towels Desiree owns; they’re designed to dry faster and feel even softer to the touch. You can see the difference in the GSM (grammage) specs: the original is 820 GSM, while my upgraded version is 770 GSM. This means my towel retains a premium, fluffy feel but is lighter and dries more quickly. I usually opt for solid, neutral-colored bath towels that match my sunset-inspired shower curtain, but the striped "Abyss" model was a nice change of pace, adding a distinctive yet subtle touch to my bathroom decor. The pattern has a coastal vibe, though the available soft tones would work just as well in a minimalist bathroom.

The luxury option

Shopping editor Audrey Lee notes that these incredibly soft towels are a real treat after a shower. "Because they are so plush, they have excellent absorbency: you can dry your entire body in a minute or two, even when completely soaked," she states. "So far, they have retained their extreme softness, and the fibers haven't matted or tangled." This product falls into the luxury category thanks to its plush texture, quick-drying capabilities, and personalization options. They are crafted from super-soft, zero-twist, long-staple cotton yarns with a weight of 550 GSM, allowing them to air-dry in just an hour and a half. "They don't shed lint during use, although I did notice that a few loops of the terry weave had come loose after the first wash," Lee points out. She also observed "quite a bit of blue lint in the dryer after the first wash"—a detail to keep in mind during the initial uses. Additionally, to avoid mix-ups among family members, you can add a monogram to give them a personal touch.

A set of fluffy, quick-drying towels

Quince has earned our team's recognition for offering high-quality products at affordable prices, and its bath collection is no exception. "These towels absorb water quickly; a brief pass over my body after a shower leaves me almost completely dry," says Lauren Arzbaecher, a shopping content producer. "I only have small hooks behind the door to hang towels in my bathroom, so they often take a long time to dry. In my experience, the finer ribbed texture of these towels allows for faster drying—which is incredibly useful in a space that lacks room to store a full set of bath linens." However, unlike most quick-drying towels, these are much softer and have a relatively high GSM (grams per square meter) of 600. "Other ribbed towels I’ve tried tend to have thicker textured bands, whereas the narrow stripes on the Quince towel give it a fluffier feel," she adds.

The Best Organic Option

Boll & Branch is an AD favorite for its plush organic bedding, but its bath collection is just as impressive. "This towel is made of 100% organic cotton and is incredibly plush; it feels truly heavenly," says Charlotte Collins, digital features editor. "I don't think it's just because I'm used to my current towels—which I bought in a rush without much thought at Bed Bath & Beyond when I moved—; these Boll & Branch ones are in a league of their own." Plus, they are Oeko-Tex certified, offering the added peace of mind that comes with knowing they are free from harsh chemicals. Collins notes that the softness has held up after the first few washes and that the almost airy texture allows for excellent absorbency and quick air-drying—taking just an hour. Their earth tones can lend a serene aesthetic to the bathroom, whether in the cream shade Collins has or in oak and walnut hues if you're looking for something with more color intensity.

Popular types of bath towels

While the choice of bath towels depends on personal preference—especially regarding color and design to match your bathroom—there are several different types available on the market. Here are some of the most popular options:

Waffle-weave towels: Although not always as soft as traditional terry cloth towels, waffle-weave bath towels stand out for their incredible absorbency. They typically feature a hexagonal weave pattern that traps water within small cells or pockets. Materials vary, but cotton and bamboo are among the most popular choices.

Cotton towels: We recommend looking for organic towels made from Egyptian or long-staple Turkish cotton, as these materials tend to be highly absorbent and soft to the touch thanks to their long fibers.

Hybrid towels: These towels are typically made from a blend of terry cloth and cotton. Cozy Earth towels are an excellent example: they combine a mini-waffle weave on both sides with soft, ribbed terry cloth, offering a soft feel and high absorbency while retaining the lightweight, quick-drying qualities characteristic of traditional waffle-weave towels.