Material: 100% long-staple Turkish cotton | Absorbency: 700 GSM | Size: 56″ x 30″ | Colors: 5
Best Value: Utopia Luxurious Jumbo Bath Sheets
Why it’s worth it: This towel is a favorite among Amazon shoppers, with over 35,000 five-star reviews praising their softness and absorbency. The Utopia Luxurious Jumbo Bath Sheet comes in a set of one, two, or eight and is available in 20 colors, so there’s sure to be one that matches your bathroom. Given the price point, we’d grab an extra set to have on hand for guests. Look at you, becoming the host with the mostest (softest towels).
Material: 100% ring-spun cotton | Absorbency: 600 GSM | Size: 35″ x 70″ | Colors: 20
Best Quick-Drying: Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Bath Towel
Why it’s worth it: Pottery Barn’s Turkish towel sounds sophisticated because it is. The special method in which the Turkish cotton is woven makes its fabric 10X more absorbent than regular cotton terry. Still, the towel stays super smooth, pill-resistant, and remarkably strong. The extra-large 40″ x 72″ monogrammable design is available in several tranquil colors. You can count on Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Oeko-Tex certification, too.
Material: 100% organic long-staple Turkish cotton | Absorbency: 550 GSM | Size: 55″ x 28″ | Colors: 15
Best Monogram Options: The Company Store Turkish Cotton Bath Towel
Why it’s worth it: Whether you need a thoughtful holiday gift or you just like a luxurious feel to your morning routine, monogrammed towels are the way to go. The Company Store’s Turkish Cotton Bath Towel comes in a range of gorgeous colors and can be personalized with initials, names, or any other text between one and 11 letters. They’re also soft and plenty absorbent. If you want a complete set, the brand sells washcloths, hand towels, bath towels, and bath sheets, all of which can be personalized, too. Holiday gifting, anyone?
Material: long- and smooth-staple 100% combed Turkish cotton | Absorbency: 620 GSM | Size: 30″ x 54″ | Colors: 30
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of towels are best for my skin?
We’ve written before about how a super-soft microfiber towel is ideal for your hair because the gentle, low-friction material can efficiently wick away moisture without roughing up the cuticle. But when it comes to skin care, Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, says that soft fibers like cotton are great for reducing harmful friction on the skin. A higher GSM (grams per square meter) is ideal, as that amps up the absorbency and softness. And Shereene Idriss, MD, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, agrees. “When it comes to choosing the best towel for your skin, you want to look for soft, gentle towels made from natural fibers like cotton, especially if you have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis,” she says.
How often should I wash my bath towel?
The general rule of thumb is to swap out your bath towel every three to four uses, especially if you’re an avid exerciser or you live in a pollution-heavy city. “Every three to four uses is a safe frequency to avoid a fungus among us,” says Dr. Idriss. “This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew that can thrive in damp towels.” Now, if you lead a low-key life or simply don’t have the time, in-unit washer, or towels to wash them that frequently, once per week is satisfactory.
Can I use a bath towel on my face?
This is an oft-debated question for those who prioritize skin health and convenience, but ultimately, Dr. Idriss suggests a separate face towel. “Using a bath towel on your face is an absolute no in my book,” says Dr. Idriss. “Your face deserves better than that! In fact, I have seven different face towels — one for every night of the week. You don’t want to introduce grime back onto your face and you should treat your face better than your tush.”
