21 soft and fluffy bath towels to elevate your bathroom
There is nothing better than stepping out of a bath, pulling a warm towel off a towel rack and wrapping yourself in the comfort of its plush fabric. That delightful moment is one of our favourite parts of going to a luxury hotel, but why reserve that moment just for a weekend away? We think that investing in a high-quality set of bath towels is just the indulgence you deserve to get through the winter.
Best bath towels for 2023 are:
- Best overall: Hydrocotton Towels from The White Company
- Best affordable towel: Monaco Supreme Cotton Towel from Dusk
- Best fluffy towel: Striped Bathroom Towels from Cologne & Cotton
- Softest bath towel: Egyptian Cotton 7 Piece Luxury Bath Towel Set from Hampton and Astley
What are the best bath towels to buy?
Our pick of the best towels to buy would be between Dusk’s Monaco Supreme Cotton Towels, Hampton and Astley’s Egyptian Cotton Luxury Bath Towel Set and The White Company’s Hydrocotton Towels.
The first are made from 100 percent cotton and, thanks to their 500 GSM weight, are ultra-soft. They come in a range of neutrals, from dark green to taupe and crisp white, so you’re sure to find the right shade for your bathroom no matter what your style. British home specialists Hampton & Astley’s best-selling Egyptian Cotton bath towels are some of the softest in our selection, and give off a luxurious feel. This seven-piece set also comes complete with hand towels, face towels, extra large bath sheets and washcloths too. The White Company never fails to impress with its selection of luxury towels and their Hydrocotton range is no exception. While quick-drying towels usually leave a lot to be desired, these fast-drying towels certainly don’t scrimp on texture and comfort. The White Company offers a full bath towel set for its Hydrocotton range, so you can invest in the full set.
- GSM: 500
- Size: 70 x 130cm
- Fabric: Cotton
- Care: Machine wash at 30-40º
Why we love it: This best-selling towel from Dusk is one of our top picks thanks to its super soft texture and luxurious feel.
- GSM: 500
- Size: 70 x 125cm
- Fabric: Cotton
- Care: Machine wash
Why we love it: Quick-drying without sacrificing comfort–what’s not to love?
- GSM: 550
- Size: 70 x 140cm
- Fabric: Cotton and Tencel
- Care: Machine wash at 40º
Why we love it: Constructed in a clever wave structure, which is made with yarn without twisting, these plush John Lewis towels are super soft and fluffy too.
- GSM: 720
- Size 70 x 135cm
- Fabric: 100% Egyptian Cotton
- Care: Machine wash at 30º to 40º
Why we love it: These wonderfully fluffy Egyptian Cotton Towels from Scooms are made with zero twist fabric that is super absorbent and delightfully cosy.
- Size: Multi
- Fabric: 100% cotton
- Care: Machine wash cold
Why we love it: The only luxury bath towels to invest in if you want to make a statement
- Size: 70cm x 140cm
- Fabric: 100% organic cotton
- Care: Machine wash mild
Why we love it: We love this bold quick-absorbing bath towel set from Yves Delorme which has a contemporary graphic print. The set is made up of a bath sheet, bath towel, hand towel and guest towel.
- GSM: 650
- Size: Multi
- Fabric: 100% Egyptian Cotton
- Care: Wash on their own in a cool or warm cycle
Why we love it: This super-plush set of bath towels is woven from the finest Egyptian cotton fibres and are some of the softest and fluffiest in our selection. Wonderfully indulgent, incredibly soft and surprisingly lightweight.
- Size: 76 x 152cm
- Fabric: Cotton
- Care: Machine wash at 60º
Why we love it: With these beautiful, minimalist bath towels, you can enjoy the luxury Soho House bathroom experience at home.
- GSM: 730
- Size: 76 x 137cm
- Fabric: Turkish cotton
- Care: Machine wash at 60º
Why we love it: Made with 100% Turkish cotton, these indulgent Luxe towels are pure bathroom bliss.
- GSM: 500
- Size: 70 x 140cm
- Fabric: Cotton
Why we love it: These wonderfully vibrant bath towels will surely add some joy to your bathroom.
Bamboo Towel, £30 from Panda London.
- GSM: 600
- Size: 70 x 135cm
- Fabric: Bamboo Cotton
- Care: Wash low at 30º
Why we love it: Gorgeously fluffy and gentle on your skin, Panda London’s zero twist Bamboo towels are ultra-absorbent and naturally antibacterial. They also meet the Oeko-Tex ‘Made in Green’ standard which means they are as comfortable as they are sustainable. Perfect for soaking up the stress after a long day at work.
- GSM: 700
- Size: 70 x 140cm
- Fabric: Egyptian Cotton
- Care: Machine wash at 30º
Why we love it: Made with extra long staple yarns in rich Egyptian cotton, this towel from bed and bath specialist Soak & Sleep is the perfect finish to a nice long bath.
- GSM: 800
- Size: 70 x 125cm
- Fabric: Turkish cotton
- Care: Machine wash at 40º
Why we love it: These classic white towels are wonderfully weighty and have a plush design perfect for the winter months.
Which brand is best for towels?
The UK is rife with online home retailers who offer everything from bedding, linens, duvets to bath towels. We especially like The White Company, Dusk, John Lewis & Partners, Selfridges and M&S who all offer high-quality, long-lasting luxury bath towels at reasonable prices. Mega online retailers like Amazon and Wayfair are also great for choosing more affordable bath towels in terry, supima cotton or long-staple cotton fabrics.
What is GSM?
GSM refers to grams per square metre and is the standard measurement for a bath towel's thread count. The higher the GSM number, the better quality and more luxurious your bath towel will feel. We recommend anything between 500-700GSM for super-plush soft towels.
What is the difference between a bath towel and a bath sheet?
The difference between the two is quite simply the size. A bath sheet is larger (and typically thinner) than a bath towel.
How often should you replace your bath towels?
As a general rule, the advice is to replace your bath towels once every two years. However, there are ways to test if you need new ones, as high-quality towels will last longer than cheap ones. If your once fast-drying, fluffy towels are now raggedy, thin pieces of cotton that no longer dry your body properly, it's probably time to purchase a new plush bath towel. On a surface level, if the hems of your towel are fraying and showing signs of wear and tear, then a new towel will be just the ticket.
How to pick the best bath towels
For really soft, super absorbent towels, the key is the material. 100 percent cotton bath towels will be a lot more effective at absorbing water than hybrid ones. On the flip side, cotton-poly blend towels are more durable and take longer to show wear and tear.
One way to tell the quality of a towel on sight, is to look at whether the surface is covered with loops of yarn. Luxury bath towels will have these, and the denser the loops, the better. Fabric weight is also a key consideration. Measured in GSM, anything over 600 GSM would fall in the category of heavy and plush. Light weight towels like waffle weave and ribbed material ones typically aren't as soft but are lovely in the summer and very quick drying.
Scroll on to see our edit of the best bath towels to buy now, from Egyptian cotton to Turkish cotton and organic cotton, we have all the best below.
The best bath towels to buy 2023
1/6Frette Hotel Classic Bath Towel
Hotel Classic Bath Towel, £90 from Frette.
With beautiful black contrast piping, this bath towel from Frette is the elegant update that your bathroom needs.
- GSM: 700
- Size: 76 x 147cm
- Fabric: Cotton
- Care: Machine wash cold
2/6Yves Delorme Etoile Towels
Etoile Towels, £71.20 from Yves Delorme.
Made with Turkish cotton modal, these towels are super absorbent and elegant too.
- GSM: 700
- Size: 70 x 140cm
- Fabric: Cotton modal
- Care: Machine wash 40º
3/6Baina Green and White Bath Towel
Baina Green and White Bath Towel, £45 from Ssense.
This stylish bath towel from Ssense is just the thing for design lovers.
- GSM: 600
- Size: 70 x 140cm
- Fabric: Organic cotton
- Care: Machine wash at 40º
4/6Marks & Spencer Cotton Rich Plush Quick Dry Towel
Cotton Rich Plush Quick Dry Towel, pink, £8 from Marks & Spencer.
Lightweight and made with super absorbent quick drying fabric, these towels will be a great addition to your collection.
- GSM: 450
- Size: 68 x 130cm
- Fabric: Recycled polyester
- Care: Machine wash at 40º
5/6La Redoute Mayo Striped Towel
Mayo Striped Towel, beige string, £7.20 from La Redoute.
Made in a soft and fluffy jacquard, this chic terry towel from La Redoute is sure to add a stylish twist to your towel rack.
- GSM: 500
- Size: 70 x 1140cm
- Fabric: Cotton
- Care: Machine wash at 60º
6/6Marks and Spencer Egyptian Cotton Heavyweight Towel
Egyptian Cotton Heavyweight Towel, white, £19.50 from Marks & Spencer.
These fluffy Egyptian cotton towels from M&S let you have a spa-like experience in your own bathroom.
- GSM: 800
- Size: 68 x 137cm
- Fabric: Egyptian Cotton
- Care: Machine wash at 40º
